New Tampa Neighborhood News Issue 03-13 by Neighborhood News

Volume 21 Issue 3

Inside: Our Editor’s 2012 Local Dining Favorites!

February 2, 2013

See Neighborhood Magazine!

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

City Council Approves Assisted Living Facility In West Meadows! By Matt Wiley Just a little more than a year after plans for a charter school on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa were shot down by the Tampa City Council, another development concept has gotten the go-ahead. At a meeting on January 17, the City Council members unanimously approved the rezoning and development of the land between Brinegar Cir. and New Tampa Blvd. on the west side of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in the West Meadows PUD (Planned Unit Development). The land has been rezoned from PDA (Planned Development Alternative) to PD (planned development) for a congregate living facility and office buildings. The 17.24-acre site will be the future home of the 64,240-sq.-ft. Legacy at Highwoods Preserve, an 88-bed assisted living facility that, much like the

new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), will combine cutting-edge technology with top-notch patient care. The facility will specialize in assisted living, but also will have a 44-bed wing dedicated to Alzheimer’s care. The site also will house 7,500 sq. ft. of office space in three buildings, 2,500 of which could be used for medical space. The Legacy, a collaboration between Houston-based PinPoint Commercial, LP, and Thrive Senior Living, LLC, is one of nine assisted care facilities currently planned, or already in development, across the southeastern U.S. for the partnership, including locations in Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. Jeramy Ragsdale, a principal for Thrive, says that the company is working closely with the neighbors of the approved site and with the West Meadows Home Owners Association (HOA) to design a plan that addresses any and all concerns.

(To new Gateway Bridge) NEW TAMPA BLVD To BBD Brad van Rooyen, president of the West Meadows HOA, spoke at the meeting in favor of the development. He previously appeared at a City Council meeting in January 2012 to speak in opposition to a proposed charStoneView ter school being built on Office Condos Buildings the same site. The Legacy “We think (the assistat ed living facility) is going Highwoods Preserve to be a great asset, not only for West Meadows, but the surrounding communities as well,” he said to the The two buildings of the planned Legacy at Highwoods Preserve Council. “I’m here assisted living facility will have their entrance opposite the tonight to ask you to sup- StoneView condos on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. New Tampa Blvd. wasn’t shown on the site plan, so we added it. When it is port this development.” Ragsdale says that built, Tampa Palms residents will be able to access The Legacy from the not-yet-completed Gateway Bridge. construction is currently planned for early in the second quarter the Council currently is planned for of 2013. A second reading in front of Thursday, February 7.

Nearly 70 ‘Nuisance’ Hogs Taken In Three-Day Flatwoods Hunt!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Pebble Creek’s Big Water Bill, Sweetbay To Close BBD Location, Freedom Girls & Wharton Boys Hoops Draws Title Buzz, Lots Of Local Business Features & More!

Check Out Charles Jewelers For V-Day, Lightning Strikes Again At The Forum, Our Editor’s Favorite Local Restaurants From 2012 & Much More!

Pages 1-34

Pages 35-52

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

control. We cover expenses through registration fees, which takes the burden off the taxpayer.” The New Tampa-area hunt was one of 13 across the state. There were 280 total hunting permits available District-wide, although only 22 were available for the New Tampa hunt, which sold out the first day. There were no restrictions on size or the number of hogs that could be taken. Local hunter Kelly Davis and her party pulled out four hogs the first night, each weighing 60-100 pounds. Kelly Davis with her dogs and hogs after Davis used two dogs, both blue-tick the Jan. 22 hunt. Photo: HouseofBlueticks.com. For more information, please coonhounds, which she breeds and sells with her business House of Blueticks call the Land Management Section at the SWFWMD’s Brooksville Head(HouseofBlueticks.com). According to the Florida Fish and quarters at 1-800-423-1476 or Wildlife Conservation Commission, (352) 796-7211, ext. 4467. hogs are not native to the state, have been known to reach five to six feet in length and weigh an average of 100150 pounds with some specimens reaching more than 600 pounds! PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

After three nights in the New Tampa woods, local hunters have helped put a dent in the wild hog population in the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, located east of I75 and north of U.S. 301. The hunt, which was put on by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (aka Swiftmud), began at dusk on January 22-24, and produced 68 hogs, whose population was becoming a problem, as the omnivorous wild pigs

uproot vegetation to find food. A Swiftmud release says that the District only uses hog hunts when the damage that the hogs cause reaches an “unacceptable level,” which, in some cases, can leave swamps and pine flatwoods looking like plowed fields. The District says that the damage has become severe and frequent enough to warrant such a hunt. “It’s been a very successful year,” says Will VanGelder, District senior land management specialist. “This is a fiscally responsible approach to hog

Dated Material Please Rush!

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Gearing Up For The 20th Annual ‘Taste’ On March 24! As I write this editorial, I am excited to say that there are only eight weeks until the 20th annual Taste of New TampaTM will be held in Primrose Park, located behind the Primrose School and across Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms from Freedom High and Liberty Middle School. The 2013 Taste will be held on Sunday, March 24, noon-6 p.m., and it truly promises to be the biggest and best year ever of New Tampa’s signature one-day event, especially if everyone who reads this editorial participates — whether as a sponsor, business exhibitor, food or beverage provider, volunteer or attendee. More than 700 local businesses already have received emails from us about the Taste and the Board members of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce — which puts on this event every year — are busy contacting as many businesses as possible as well. As I have so many times in years past, especially before the now-defunct New Tampa Community Council (which was replaced by the Chamber six years ago) hosted the Taste, I have been keeping myself busy visiting as many restaurant owners in person as I can to ensure that we make my goal of between 40-50 restaurants who will provide samples of their respective cuisines to this year’s Taste attendees. In order to entice more restaurant participation, I convinced the Chamber

New Tampa Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Camille Gillies • Bonnie Mason Advertising Customer Service Manager Nikki Bennett Marketing Director Ashley Knoblach Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lamos Advertising Sales Rep Taylor Gardner 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 21, Issue 5, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, February 18, 2013. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2012 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager Board to provide reimbursement for the food the restaurants provide by reducing the cost of admission to the 2013 Taste to only $5 per adult (and children older than age 12) if you buy your tickets in advance (we will announce all of the presale locations in our next issue) because we’re going to, for the first time ever, also charge attendees $1 per Taste (although some restaurants may charge more than $1 per Taste for providing larger samples). The restaurants will get to keep 50 cents of each $1 ticket they redeem at the end of the event. The cost of admission goes up to $10 per adult the day of the Taste, so you’ll definitely want to get your admission tickets in advance. Children ages 12 and younger will still get in for free, but will still be charged per taste. I’m not going to announce any of the participating restaurants until next issue, but rest assured, there will be significantly more and some more upscale restaurants this year than last, as many restaurateurs and beverage providers are pretty pumped up to be part of the 20th annual Taste.

been thinking about attending or participating as a sponsor or exhibitor for this year’s Taste of New TampaTM. Taste business booths start at just $200 for New Tampa Chamber members and you can join the Chamber anytime between now and March 10 and still be eligible to have a booth at the Taste. You also can be a Taste sponsor for as little as $500, which allows you to bring an advertising vehicle to the event. All sponsors and participating restaurants will get to park their advertising vehicles in designated areas around the perimeter of the Taste, so that as attendees walk up to the entrance, they will be able to see

your advertising message. We also are offering many other sponsorship levels, each with more goodies and freebies to help promote your business at New Tampa’s best-attended one-day event. For more information about Taste sponsorships and business and restaurant exhibitor booths, visit TasteofNewTampa.org or NewTampaChamber.org, or call the Chamber’s executive assistant Jayne Baker at 293-2464. Our office manager Nikki Bennett also will be happy to send you Taste applications if you call our office at 910-2575. But hurry! You definitely won’t want to miss it!

Big-Time Entertainment, Too! And, don’t forget that also for sale for $1 per taste this year will be beer and wine samples from some of your favorite beverage providers. The 2013 Taste also will feature a “Battle of the Bands” and the day’s headline act will be the band Big Brother, whose Facebook.com page says “has been rockin’ since 1982.” The group apparently has a great following throughout the Tampa Bay area and also tours out of state.

First-Come, Best-Served!

So, now is the time to act if you’ve

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES....................Pages 1-42 Pebble Creek Residents Upset Over Water Rate Hike.................6 BBD Lanes Update.......................................................................6

New Tampa News Briefs......................................8 Sweetbay To Close New Tampa Location More Homes Coming To K-Bar Ranch New Tampa Pilot Bank Robbed SPH To Build First Subdivisions In Wiregrass..........................10 FHWC Wellness Center Opening Draws Thousands..............12 New Tampa Community Calendar......................16-17

Local Business Updates...........................20-31 New Tampa Chamber Newsletter.............................20 Lose That Weight With Tampa Rejuvenation................. 22 Budget Blinds Covers Your Windows.............................24 Panda Hugs: Childcare With Flair...................................26 Chem-Dry Cleans Keeps Your Carpets Clean............................28

Local Education Updates.........................31 Hillsborough School District Rejects New Security Plan Wharton & Freedom Both Get ‘B’ Grades From State

Local Sports Updates....................................32 Wharton & Freedom Split Hoops Contests & More!

Neighborhood Magazine Charles Jewelers Will Make Your Valentine Smile......35, 41 Suncoast Arts Fest Invades Wiregrass Mall......................36 Wade Boggs-Led Group Buys ‘Field Of Dreams’............38 Joyer Brothers Face Off In Sugar Bowl...........................39 Hot Lightning Strikes Again At The Forum!..................40 Our Editor’s 2012 Local Dining Favorites......................44 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’........................48

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS..............50

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Pebble Creek Residents Upset About Proposed Water Rate Hike and upset residents. “The main issue is that Pebble Creek residents were sent a notice that A new year is expected to bring their water rates would go up,” Logan changes, but most Pebble Creek resiexplains. “Rate hikes are not unusual, dents didn’t expect a water rate hike to but some residents’ rates have doubled be among them. and even tripled.” Since January 8, Pebble Creek resiPluris, a Dallas-based utility compadents have been paying more for their water than in years past. However, while ny, is Pebble Creek’s water provider, small rate hikes are not uncommon with even though the other communities surrounding Pebble Creek receive their private utility companies, such as Pebble water directly from the City of Tampa. Creek’s Pluris Utilities (see below), The water actually is pumped to Pebble depending upon usage, some residents Creek through city pipes, but is manare experiencing rates that are signifiaged by Pluris once it enters the cantly higher than in previous years. pipelines underneath the community. During a Pebble Creek Home “The residents feel like there are no Owners Association (HOA) meeting in options,” says Logan. “With cable, there the Pebble Creek clubhouse on January are plenty of choices, but this feels like a 14, HOA president Dan Logan fielded questions from a full room of concerned monopoly because we can’t turn anywhere else for water service.” Pluris will have to show the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners that its hikes are “reasonable and HOA president Dan Logan (right) listens to questions from Pebble Creek res- acceptable,” says District 2 idents concerned about their rising water bills.

By Matt Wiley

County Commissioner Victor Crist. “I’m looking to Pluris to prove to me that these rates are really necessary,” Crist says. “What’s the reason here, aside from profits? I agree with Pebble Creek. I’m very skeptical.” Although not yet scheduled at our press time, Commissioner Crist says a public hearing will be scheduled for Pebble Creek residents to voice their opinions on the rate hike once the county finishes an audit review and can analyze the numbers. During the HOA meeting, Logan showed a presentation to residents demonstrating the difference in water rates, based upon the interim rate hike from Pluris. The interim rate isn’t necessarily the final hike that Pluris is requesting from the County. However, regardless of whether or not commissioners approve the requested hike, residents have been paying an increased rate since January 8. If the final rate that is

approved by the county is less than the interim rate, residents will be issued a refund for the difference. Prior to the interim rate going into effect, Logan says, Pebble Creek residents were paying a base charge of $16.54, which, since the interim rate hike, has been raised to $18.98, a 15percent increase. Residents also used to pay $2.55 per 1,000 gallons of water used. They now pay $4.51, a 77-percent increase. And, if any utility customer uses more than 9,000 gallons, the rate used to go up to $3.56; but that rate is now $6.69 per gallon, an 88-percent increase. Pluris had not returned calls for comment at our press time. The Pebble Creek HOA urges residents to make sure that all waterrelated complaints and issues go to the Florida Public Service Commission at FloridaPSC.com or 1-800342-3552.

BBD Should Be Open As You’re Reading This, But... If you’ve been wondering why you were still stuck in traffic and surrounded by orange cones on BBD long after January 1 (the date we first told you they’d be open last issue), Hillsborough County officials said, at our press time (on Jan. 25) that the new lanes of BBD between I-75 and Pebble Creek Dr. should have been fully open by Jan. 31. You won’t receive this issue until at least Feb. 1, so if the lanes aren’t open by then...well, it’s at least not our fault! The new lanes between I-75 and Palms Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms are expected to be open by mid-February. - GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Sweetbay To Close One Of Two New Tampa Stores

News Briefs

ciates, customers and communities, these actions will continue to enhance the performance of our overall store New Tampa residents soon will portfolio and further enable us to delivhave one less option for buying groer profitable growth and accelerate ceries, as the Sweetbay Supermarket on shareholder value,” the release says. Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. near ISweetbay — which replaced the 75 is closing its doors. now-defunct Kash-N-Karry grocery According to a press release on store chain beginning in 2004 — had January 16 from Sweetbay Supermar105 different locations at the end of kets, the company will be closing 33 stores in Florida, 22 of which are locat- 2011 across the western coast of Florida. Once the announced closings are ed in the Tampa Bay area, including the BBD location. The under-perform- complete, the chain will retain only 72 locations, leaving more than 2,000 ing stores are set to close by mid-February, the release says. Not on the clos- employees without jobs. Sweetbay spokesperson Nicole ing list, however, are the BBD/County LeBeau says that there are between 50 Line Rd. and S.R. 54 locations in Wesand 60 employees at each store. ley Chapel. “Full- and part-time associates at “While these decisions are difficult, especially given the impact on our asso- the stores are all being offered severance packages,” she says. “We have (Human Resources) reps who will sit down and meet with each associate at each affected store.” LeBeau says that the terms of the packages will depend mostly upon tenure with the company. She says positions will be available at other area stores; however, The New Tampa Sweetbay will be closing its due to the number of workdoors the second week of February. ers displaced, any positions

available could be filled quickly. No comment was available from the BBD location’s store manager at our press time, although the sale to clear the inventory from the BBD store is under way, with a 25-percent discount on everything in the store. A Sweetbay Liquor Store employee says the discounts will increase every few days and that the store is expected to close by February 13.

Pratico Closes $7M Deal In K-Bar

New Tampa residents can expect to see more development in K-Bar ranch, as two large land parcels on the property have recently been sold to developers. According to Leonard H. Johnson, a partner with the law firm of Johnson, Auvil & Pratico, P.A., which handled the deal, the two pieces of land were purchased for a total of more than $7 million from Krusen-Douglas, LLC., which owns the 2,280-acre KBar Ranch. Johnson says that M/I Homes and Lennar Homes, two national builders, each took a piece of the K-Bar property. Columbus, OH-based M/I Homes, which already has purchased and begun to develop 600 units in the Bassett Creek community of K-Bar, purchased 100 single-family home sites, while Miami-based Lennar Homes purchased

121 single-family home sites. Both builders have plenty of experience building and selling homes throughout the New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Tampa Bay areas. “It took about five months to get the deal done,” Johnson says. “That shows how much interest there was in this site. (The builders) are excited to be there.” Johnson says several other builders also were interested in the property and even submitted proposals, but M/I and Lennar’s offers were the ones that ultimately sealed the deal.

Pilot Bank Robbed

At our press time, a bank robber was still at large in the New Tampa area. According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), just after 3 p.m. on January 24, a 5’3”-5’4” black male in his early 20s, wearing a black ski mask, walked into the Pilot Bank (located at 17635 BBD), and demanded money at gunpoint. TPD says the teller gave the robber an undisclosed amount of money, which was believed to contain a red dye pack. Police officials say that local businesses should be on the lookout for money with red dye on it. No further information was available at out press time. Anyone with info is urged to call TPD at 931-6500. — MW

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Standard Pacific To Build First Subdivisions In Wiregrass Ranch! Wiregrass Ranch DRI By Matt Wiley (BBD Blvd. is to the far left) Growth in the ever-expanding WesThe arrow points to Area ‘S1,’ ley Chapel area continues, as a major where development will begin first. home-builder is planning to begin conSource: PascoCountyFL.gov struction on the first housing community in the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI). Construction is set to begin in less than six months. Standard Pacific Homes (SPH), an Orange County, CA-based builder, has purchased 675 acres of land at the intersection of Chancey Rd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., south of S.R. 54 and just north of the new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC). According to published reports, during a Pasco County Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting on January 10, representatives for the The SPH development will be consructed in the ‘S1’ Porter family, which owns Wiregrass area in the above siteplan of Wiregrass Ranch, Ranch, negotiated with the county although an SPH spokesperson says the west side of that section also will be zoned for commercial use. about being required to fund the widening of both S.R. 54 and Meadow Rd. extension where SPH will build. Pointe Blvd., an issue that has been holdSPH just closed on the land in ing up development inside Wiregrass. December, but currently is planning to Family Trust spokesperson J.D. Porter begin the yet-to-be-named development says that, during a January 24 DRC — which will consist of 1,181 single-fammeeting, a revised version of the Wireily homes — as early as June, pending any grass Ranch DRI Development Order permit delays, says Frank Messina, Tampa was approved and settled who would Bay division manager for SPH. build which roads inside and around the “We’ve done well in the Wesley Wiregrass DRI, including the Chancey Chapel market in the past, so we knew

we wanted to continue to build in the area,” Messina says, noting that SPH has been building in Wesley Chapel for more than 10 years, with subdivisions in Seven Oaks, Watergrass and Meadow Pointe. However, he adds that the new development will be like nothing else that has yet been built in the area. “The homes in this development will target ‘move-up buyers’ (buyers who already have owned homes), but are looking to move into something new,” Messina says. “We’re not building typical ‘Florida-style’ homes.” Instead, Messina describes the homes as having a more Tuscan-style, “Euro cottage” or Mediterranean look

in front, which, he says, is much different than most other homes in the area. The homes will be divided into four communities, each built around a firstclass clubhouse, which will feature similar architecture to that of the homes in the community. The clubhouses will feature pools, tennis and basketball courts, fitness rooms and other amenities. Messina says that with so much to offer nearby on the BBD corridor for shopping and entertainment, it was not necessary to include a “town center” feature, which has been a common amenity in several of the newer communities that are either planned or currently under construction.

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Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel’s State-Of-The-Art Wellness Plaza Opens! By Matt Wiley A line of traffic forms on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of the Shops at Wiregrass mall. The hundreds of vehicles are turning right into the entrance of the new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC). Contrary to what many might assume driving past the long line of slow-moving traffic, there is not some sort of pandemic sweeping the area. In fact, the reality of the situation is quite the opposite. On January 6, an estimated crowd of more than 5,000 people flocked to the Community Grand Opening of FHWC’s Health & Wellness Plaza on the hospital’s Wiregrass campus. So many, in fact, that the enormous parking lot for the hospital quickly filled, spilling traffic onto BBD as it was funneled into the Shops at Wiregrass parking lot via the recently opened interior connecting road. Despite rain in the forecast, the sun shone and more than 5,000 people came out to see the state-of-the-art 50,000-sq.-ft. Health & Wellness Plaza, which, much like the 83-bed hospital, itself, features technology (more on that below) that can’t be found anywhere else in the Tampa Bay area. “(The turnout) is amazing,” said Tracy Clouser, FHWC’s marketing

director. “It shows that people in the community really are excited (about the Plaza) and curious about achieving long-term wellness.” Although the Grand Opening didn’t officially begin until 1 p.m., Clouser says there already was a line forming for tours at 12:30. The Grand Opening also featured the area’s first “Healthy Food Truck Rally,” featuring Two Asians & A Grill, Curbside Chef of Orlando (which won “Fan Favorite” for the day), The Cuppin’ Cake Truck, Maggie on the Move and the Honey Dripper. As for the day’s entertainment, presentations were given by U.S. Olympic diver Chris Colwill, and there also were performances by the girls of To the Pointe Dance Studio, the Wesley Chapel High (WCH) cheerleaders and band, the Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) cheerleaders, Zumbatomic (Zumba Exercise for Kids), a Health & Wellness Center group fitness demo and prize drawings throughout the day.

The ‘Key’ To Wellness

FHWC’s Health & Wellness Plaza, which is now open to the public, boasts that it provides a “comprehensive approach to fitness that goes far beyond your exercise routine.” And it all begins with a key. When

Thousands of local residents took tours of Florida Hospital’s new Health & Wellness Plaza during the plaza’s Community Grand Opening on Jan. 6. members sign up, they are given a “Wellness Key,” which fits on a keychain and serves as a sign-in card when members arrive at the Health & Wellness Plaza. However, unlike other gyms that hand out flimsy, laminated keychain cards to sign in with, following a personal fitness assessment for those who choose it, the key also stores medical information for each member. The Wellness Key plugs into the center’s TechnoGym fitness equipment — the same equipment used by

Olympic athletes — and keeps track of the member’s progress towards his or her goals on certain machines, such as the stationary bikes and elliptical machines. If a member is recovering from an illness or injury, his or her doctor(s) can even keep track of the patient’s progress on the equipment. With the key plugged in, the machines also know when to slow down to keep users from overworking themselves if it is dangerous to their health. Clouser says that the Health &

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utilize a pulley system, much of the equipment in the FHWC Wellness Plaza is hydraulic-based, meaning that depending upon how much pressure or resistance is put on the machine by the user, the harder the machine pushes back. Kids between the ages of 13-15 are allowed to use only these machines, to avoid the risk of injury. In addition, the Wellness Plaza also has typical weight-loaded circuit machines, as well as a large free weight area. The facility also is all about being as “green” as possible. For example, in the 24-bike cycling studio, the bikes are attached to small generators that actually help power the building. Users can even keep track of how The Wellness Plaza’s Grand Opening attendees were able much power they are generto check out the Olympic-sized lap pool (right). ating during their cycling Wellness Plaza is now the largest Techn- class. The studio also features “cinema oGym facility in North America. rides,” in which a movie or documenThe key also works for just keeping tary will play on the large projection track of each member’s ongoing workscreen in the front of the room for ridout progress. ers to watch as they work out. Much of the workout equipment is More than 50 different groupvery different from what you’d find in a exercise classes are now being offered typical gym. Whereas most gyms use per week in the building’s four exercise machines that are weight-loaded and studios, including variations of Zumba,

yoga, Pilates and more. Also in the Wellness Plaza are two large conference rooms for seminars, guest speakers and healthy cooking demonstrations, as well as two pools: a four-lane, Olympic-sized (50-meter) pool and a smaller, warm-water therapy pool. Clouser says that the temperature in the therapy pool always will be kept between 92-95 degrees to loosen and reduce friction in arthritic joints. The Olympic pool always will have at least two lanes open for lap swimmers, even if there is a class going on at one end of the pool. For that post-workout meal, members (and anyone for that matter) can

get a healthy bite at the “Fit Fresh Café” in the Wellness Plaza’s lobby, which offers some of the same food that is offered in the cafeteria in the hospital, including light meals, snacks and smoothies. The FHWC Health & Wellness Center offers three different levels of membership. For more information, please call 929-5252 or visit FHWC Wellness.org. The membership office is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. 7:30 p.m., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There also is a membership information kiosk available in The Shops at Wiregrass mall.

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WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi • Cleanings (Ages 4 and up) • Crowns, Bridges and Implant Crowns • Veneers • Zoom & Take Home Whitening • Root Canals & Extractions

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY 20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (across the street from Wharton H.S., in front of Live Oak)

“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

866-9913

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

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N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

MOMS Club New Tampa

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

‘WeWork’ At LifePoint

Monday, February 4, 7 p.m. “WeWork,” which meets Mondays at LifePoint Church (on BBD, in front of Hunter’s Green), is designed to help you search for jobs, improve interview skills, write a resume, negotiate a job offer, improve your attitude, develop networking skills or discover your gifts. For more info, call 907-9818, or visit LifePoint.tv/WeWork.

New Tampa Tri Club

Tuesday, February 5, 7:30 a.m. A new local club has formed for the fitness-minded. Membership is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. All members receive club benefits, including a training schedule, group support, seminars and socials. The club hosts group bike rides/runs at the Morris Bridge Rd. entrance to Flatwoods Wilderness Park every Tuesday, Thursday and

Saturday at 7:30 a.m., and a group run from Kona Multisport (previously, the “Ironman Store,” in the same plaza as Sweetbay & LA Fitness at BBD/County Line Rd.), at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. For more information, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampa TriClub@gmail.com.

BNI Millionaire Makers

Wednesday, February 6, 7:15 a.m. - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday morning at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B. Downs [BBD] Blvd.). The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Contact Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for details.

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, February 6, 7:30 a.m. - BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

New Tampa Noon Rotary

Wednesday, February 6, noon The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wed. for lunch at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are always welcome.

New Tampa Eve. Rotary

Wednesday, February 6, 6:15 p.m. - The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at Hunter’s Green Country Club. New members are always welcome. For info, call Liz DeAmbrose at 956-6487 or email homenet@gte.net.

Tampa Toastmasters

Wednesday, February 6, 7 p.m. Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.) New guests always welcome. For more info, call 428-6356.

Free ESL Classes

Thursday, February 7, 10:30 a.m. - A FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) class is meeting at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) on Thursday mornings. There is no charge to attend. The classes also discuss American culture and English idioms and slang. Come practice your conversational English and make new friends in a fun and relaxed environment! For more information, call the church office at 973-2484.

Food Addicts In Recovery

Thursday, February 7, 7 p.m. Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Are you underweight or overweight or obsessed with weight or dieting? You are not alone. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a support group without any dues, fees or

weigh-ins and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experiences and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. FA meets at Florida Hospital Tampa (on BBD) in the Camelot A room. For more info, visit FoodAddicts. org or call Roz at 355-4197.

CBC Networking

Thursday, February 7, 7:45 p.m. Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group, which meets every Thursday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (located at 5338 Primrose Lake Cir., near Freedom High/Liberty M.S. in Tampa Palms). Call Annete Faurote at 407-9225 for more info.

Women N Charge

Friday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-

Join the Women N Charge at Pebble Creek Country Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., Tampa, 33647) for their monthly meeting. The cost is $15 online by February 5. Wednesday and after is $18. Please RSVP. For more information, please contact Judy at 600-9848 or email info@women-n-charge.com.

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting

Thursday, February 14, 6 p.m. The Northeast Tampa Women in Business group meets the second Thursday of each month at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). This

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month’s speaker is Michelle Phillips, author of “The Beauty Blueprint.” For more information, visit NETWIB.org or call 843-2354.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, February 15, 7 a.m. - The New Tampa Rotary club meets at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor will be the guest speaker. For more info, call Eric Longphee at 202-1105.

Knights Of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry

Saturday, February 15, 5 p.m. Every Friday for the Christian month of Lent, excluding Good Friday (March 29), the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a “fish fry” at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (9724 Cross Creek Blvd.). Dinners cost start at $8 for adults and $5 for children and include fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies. Clam chowder also will be available at an additional charge. All are welcome to attend. For more info, call 907-7746.

I WILL Inspire 5K

Saturday, February 16 - The GFWC New Tampa Junior Women’s Club will host the 2nd annual I WILL Inspire 5K/One Mile Fun Run to benefit the I WILL Foundation and local military families. Once again, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is going to be the race headquarters as the course taking place through beautiful Telecom park.

For more info or to register, visit IWillInspire.com or Active.com!

‘Slice For Life’ Golf Tournament At TPGCC

Monday, February 25 - The Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to present the “Slice for Life” golf tournament to benefit FHWC’s Center for Women’s Health. Registration for the tournament opens at 10:30 a.m. and there will be a noon shotgun start. The cost for individuals to play is $150 per golfer (although a foursome costs just $500) and that price includes your greens fees, cart, a boxed lunch, dinner and great prizes. There also will be hole-in-one and “Beat the Pro” contests. For sponsorships, registration and other info, email exec. director Connie Bladon at Connie.Bladon@ ahss.org or call 929-5497.

Tampa Bay Rebels Tryouts

Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m. The Rebels are gearing up to defend their 2012 FBA title in the upcoming Florida Basketball Association season and will be holding tryouts at Freedom High School. The cost is $20 and players must be 18 years or older to tryout. For more information, visit TampaBayRebels.com. Community Calendar items are printed free of charge. Submit information & photos (in any digital format) to EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, Attn: Matt Wiley.

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New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 250 Tampa, FL 33647 Information: (813) 293-2464 Fax: (813) 388-4408

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

2012-13 Board of Directors President-Regina Ramalheira Board Members: VP-Neil Heird Treas-Karen Hilton Secy-John Lore

‘Working To Improve The Quality Of Life In New Tampa!’

Non-Officers: Dr. Rachel Haviland Mark Lange Dr. Earl Meyer

Executive Assistant: Jayne Baker

Join Us To Hear ‘Consumer Lawyer’ Eric Seidel Feb 12 & For The Taste! Seidel To Speak Feb. 12!

Join the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, February 12, 11:30 a.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, when our guest speaker will be Attorney Eric Seidel, the former “Consumer Advocate” lawyer for WTVT-TV (Channel 13). We are looking for a $50 sponsor for this event. It is a chance to get a few minutes to feature your business, sell merchandise and pass out info prior to Seidel’s discussion. We also welcome our members to have drawings and “giveaways” during our luncheons.

Get Your Taste Sponsor/ Exhibitor Booths Now!

Don’t forget that the 20th annual “Taste of New TampaTM” will be held Sunday, March 24, noon -6 p.m., at Primrose Park, behind the Primrose School of Tampa Palms (5307 Primrose Lake Cir.). Current New Tampa Chamber members may obtain a booth at the discounted rate of $200 and we have many sponsorship levels available as well. Restaurant members of the Chamber receive their booths for free and also will receive 50% of the $1 tickets they collect back to offset their food and labor costs. Admission for attendees will cost only $5 per adult in advance (we are still looking to add presale locations) and $10 per adult at the gate, plus $1 per “Taste” ticket for everyone. We also are seeking sponsors, from our major Title Sponsor of $10,000,

which will give you the primary position on all Taste marketing materials, including everything we print (for example, the goodie bags, the wristbands, etc.). Sponsorships start as low as $500, which includes your Chamber membership, botth space, attendance wristbands and the ability to park an advertising vehicle around the perimeter of the Taste. We also have the opportunity for two $3,000 sponsors for the stage for the “Battle of the Bands” with banners along side ofour impressive, professional stage. The chamber has booked the band called “Big Brother” to be our headline act. Google the group, as they have a huge Tampa Bay following. Thanks to our current Taste Sponsors - Primrose School of Tampa Palms- Daycare; The Law Offices of Mathew J. Jowanna P.A.; New Tampa Neighborhood News; BB&T Banks; Sign A Rama & We Love Logos For all questions and registrations for any Chamber event, please call our Executive assistant Jayne Baker at 293-2464 or Regina Ramalheira 2012-13 President, at 2458893. You may also inquire on line at NewTampaChamber.org.

would be in Florida when I was old, so I figured I would move when I was young so I’d have something to do down here when I was old.” Mark graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice from Stockton State College in Pomona, NJ, in 1985 and he first started selling insurance with Mutual of Omaha the Mark Lange same year. Mark is licensed in Florida and other states to sell life insurance and health insurance. He also is a licensed “Series 7” and is able to offer securities, mutual funds and variable annuities through Mutual of Omaha’s investor services. Mark has been a resident of New Tampa since he arrived in Florida in 2004. He lives with his girlfriend Dana and his 12-year-old black Lab Bismarck. Rachel Haviland, Ph.D. - Rachel is the co-founder & COO of Marketing Tecs, Inc., a locally based full-service digital marketing, social media and online reputation management agency serving

national and international clients. Dr. Haviland graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Medical Biology from Brunel University in the United Dr. Rachel Kingdom and holds a Haviland Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute here in Tampa. Her unique background blends 17 years in scientific research with cuttingedge marketing techniques to bring a rare perspective to online marketing, particularly for clients within the healthcare industry. An experienced writer, trainer and speaker with an entrepreneurial mindset, she combines innovative marketing solutions with extensive healthcare & business acumen to create online and offline marketing campaigns that produce results. For more info, contact Dr. Haviland at 767-9290, email her at rachel@marketingtecs.com or visit Marketingtecs. com.

Our Last Two Board Member Bios!

Mark Lange - The Chamber’s newest Board member arrived in Tampa in September 2004 from New Jersey. He says he moved here because, “I knew I

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Tampa Rejuvenation Can Help You Keep That New Year’s Resolution! By Matt Wiley No two people are exactly alike. Whether it’s their personalities, a facial feature or two or body types, even identical twins are usually slightly different. The same goes for each person’s body’s response to weight-loss techniques. Exercise and a healthy diet work wonders for some people in a matter of weeks or months, while others work just as hard and see little or no results. For the latter, consider a visit to Tampa Rejuvenation. With one of its three locations at Bearss Ave. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Tampa Rejuvenation specializes in medical weight-loss through the use of bio-identical hormone therapy, combined with nutrition and fitness. According to its website, with a little help from doctor-prescribed and FDA (Food & Drug Administration)approved medications to reduce hunger, enhance energy levels, improve ability for physical activity, increase stamina for exercise and increase an individual’s resting metabolic rate (or the amount of calories burned while the body is at rest) Tampa Rejuvenation can help you get on track to a healthy lifestyle. For the past five years, Brett Markowitz — the Tampa Palms resi-

dent who started Tampa Rejuvenation — and his team of medical doctors and staffers, have been helping treat those with weight issues at three locations, one here in New Tampa, with a second location in South Tampa and another now open in Brandon. “(Tampa Rejuvenation) works with individuals who have various issues, such as hormone or thyroid imbalances, food-sensitivity or weightgain issues, vitamin-deficiency or a mineral imbalance,” Markowitz says. “A lot of patients are put on medication for blood pressure or hypertension by their primary care physicians. We agree that these patients may need those medications, but many times, these doctors aren’t trying to help patients in a preventive manner. People have to take some of these medications for the rest of their lives.” Markowitz says that, for him, helping people lose weight comes from personal experience. After learning about his own body and losing weight himself, he says he realized that most people don’t know that in order to accomplish their weight-loss goals, it’s important to first understand how their own bodies work. A former personal trainer, Markowitz also holds a nutrition degree from Huntington College of Health Science in Knoxville, TN.

“The goal is to teach people to incorporate a different lifestyle that they can maintain,” he says. And that’s where the work of Dr. Johanna deVrye can help. “When patients come in, I first try to figure out exactly what issues they’re having and look at each patient’s medical history,” says Dr. deVrye, who earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from prestigious Northwestern University in Chicago. “Then, I take a look at their physical exam, blood work and saliva test and use that to come up with a diagnosis and plan of treatment.” Dr. deVrye says that her practice is split between hormone therapy and Brett Markowitz (left) and Dr. Johanweight-loss treatment. Some of the na deVrye of Tampa Rejuvenation, most common issues she encounters which has a New Tampa location. are low testosterone, lack of energy and libido issues in men, and low decides to begin treatment, they underenergy and lack of focus in women. go lab tests, a physical and a consulta“It’s a combination of things,” she tion with Dr. deVrye to figure out the explains. “People come in for all kinds right plan of action based upon the of reasons.” patient’s test results. However, Markowitz says that the It is still a good idea to consult main reason people come to Tampa your primary care physician before Rejuvenation is to feel better, lose beginning any exercise or weight-loss weight and be able to become active. program. When a patient visits Tampa Reju“A lot of people come in for venation, he or she is given a free meet- weight loss and then end up getting ing with a staff member who goes over hormone therapy, as well, because they the patient’s goals. If the patient realize that it will help them reach their

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better approach. We’re more holistic in that we look at things that traditional medicine does not. Hormone therapy makes a tremendous difference for a lot of people in how they feel and their energy.” In many cases, she says, Tampa RejuvenaTampa Rejuvenation client Catherine Snell has seen impressive results from her personal weight-loss program. tion is able to help patients with weight-loss goals more successfully, and Type-2 diabetes or high blood pressure also just feel better,” Dr. deVrye says. significantly cut back on, or completely Dr. deVrye met Markowitz after come off of, their medication. taking a break from practicing Internal “It’s incredibly rewarding when Medicine in Pittsburgh and moving to that happens,” she says. Florida. He was looking for physicians and she was looking for a new way to Hormone Therapy Explained practice medicine. Both agree that it According to the Tampa Rejuvewas a perfect match. nation website, hormone therapy helps When she was working in Internal to replace the body’s natural hormones Medicine, Dr. deVrye says she often that have been lost over time with age. became frustrated because patients By replacing those hormones and would come in not feeling well, so they bringing them back up to a normal, would run tests, but all the usual test balanced level, Tampa Rejuvenation is results would come back normal. able to help patients prevent themselves “I felt like we were missing the from getting many age- and weightproblem and we weren’t helping related illnesses. patients the way that I would like to,” However, instead of using synthetshe explains. “I feel like this is a way ic hormones, which Dr. deVrye says

can have negative side effects when introduced to the body, Tampa Rejuvenation uses “bio-identical” hormones, which are produced by plants and converted into chemical molecules in a laboratory to match the same chemical molecules found in the human body. Whether it’s for weight loss, or just to feel better, Tampa Rejuvenation really can help rejuvenate your lifestyle, but don’t just take the staff’s word for it, check out the numerous customer testimonials on the company’s website at TampaRejuvenation.com. “I had reached my limit, weighing 207 pounds,” says New Tampa resident Patricia Still. “I was miserable. I

didn't want to see any of my friends I had not seen for a long time. That's when I found Tampa Rejuvenation. It saved me. Now, I’m 51 pounds lighter. I feel great about myself and don't mind running into old friends.” Feel like losing those holiday pounds and finally keeping them off? Visit Tampa Rejuvenation, located at 14448 BBD, in the Arbor Ridge Professional Park (near E. Bearss Ave.). It is open on Monday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., on Wednesday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and noon-8 p.m. on Thursday. Or, call 558-9500, or visit TampaRejuvenation.com for more information.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Budget Blinds Will Provide Your Home With A Fantastic New View! By Bonnie Mason Are you ready for a new look in your home or office this year? Custom window coverings from Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa, now located on W. Fletcher Ave., will transform your space into a room you will be excited to show off to family and friends. From blinds, shutters and sliding panels to solar shades and a full line of custom draperies, Budget Blinds’ in-home and showroom design consultants are happy to work with you to bring new life to your space. From its new showroom, located near I-275, Budget Blinds serves homes and businesses in the Tampa Bay area, including all of Pasco and Hernando counties, as well as eastern Hillsborough (including all of New Tampa), Brandon and even into Manatee County. Owners Jim and Elaine Trotter have been married for 28 years and Jim spent 20 years in the corporate world while Elaine stayed home to raise their two boys, James (now 26) and Tanner (24). After several moves, Jim’s work brought the family to the Tampa area, where the couple began dreaming of settling down and running a business together. In October 2008, despite the fact the U.S. economy was in the midst of a

downward spiral, the Trotters took a leap of faith and purchased Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa, then located on U.S. 41 in Land O’Lakes, from its previous owner. And, according to Elaine, it has taken faith, hard work and determination to help the couple grow their business. Jim and Elaine complement each other’s strengths. His sales skills, in particular in commercial sales, are strong, while she has more of the financial and bookkeeping skills needed to successfully run a business. Elaine also manages much of the marketing for the company. And, less than five years into their ownership of the business, Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa today boasts a staff of two full-time designers who bring the products to your home or business, as well as two full-time design consultants to assist customers in the showroom design center on Fletcher Ave. that opened in November 2012. “We're excited about our move from Land O’Lakes to the Fletcher Ave. location,” says Elaine. “The new showroom gives us a larger space to display more of the window covering choices our customers desire.” The good news for Budget Blinds customers is that the business literally has your windows and walls covered — whether you prefer to visit the compa-

ny’s showroom (where you can chat with in-store design consultants Tracey and Derenda) and see the products on display before you make a decision to purchase — or you prefer to be visited by one of Budget Blinds’ traveling consultants, where you can see all of the available styles, colors and textures in the rooms where the treatments actually will be installed.

Many Treatment Options

Customers can choose from indusWhen you visit the new Budget Blinds of try favorites such as Hunter Douglas, Greater Tampa showroom on W. Fletcher Signature Series, Enlightenment and Ave., you’ll meet in-store design consultants more. Budget Blinds’ large selection Tracey and Derenda. includes blinds made from sheer, woven and room-darkening fabrics, as will offer a line of area rugs to accentuwell as from vinyl, faux wood, premium ate any décor. Whether you want an hardwoods and aluminum. And, if enriching, sleek new design for your livenergy efficiency is one of your goals, ing space, more privacy in your bedBudget Blinds has window coverings to room, safety and security for a baby's insulate the home and provide solar room, or creativity for your office, heat control as well as enhance lighting Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa will in a room, which reduces the need for provide you with the highest quality electrical lighting. Jim says honeycomb window covering products, as well as shades are a good choice for the enerthe personalized service you need. gy-conscious consumer, as their conBecause Budget Blinds is the numstruction traps air near the window, ber one window covering franchise adding a layer of insulation. business in North America and Canada, Blinds and shades are not the only with more than 850 stores, Jim and products available at Budget Blinds. Elaine are able to secure the best fabrics Jim and Elaine offer a full line of cusand manufacturers, as well as offering tom draperies and cornices, and soon many exclusive products available only

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‘Butterflying’ In Soon! Elaine and Jim recently returned from a Budget Blinds franchise convention and vendor showcase in Las Vegas, where the couple learned of an exciting new product — butterfly blinds. This versatile innovation, exclusive to Budget Blind franchises, is a horizontal fabric blind that transforms Your home can look more palatial, too, with any num- to a privacy blind when it’s ber of window treatments available at Budget Blinds. closed. Also new to the company is a roller shade excluto Budget Blinds customers. A large sively designed in Europe for Budget percentage of the business is residential, Blinds customers in North America. however, Budge Blinds also works with February is customer appreciation any number of commercial building month and Budget Blinds’ Grand clients, medical facilities and apartment Opening celebration. Various promocomplexes. Commercial space often requires heavier tracking systems due to tions will occur throughout the month. Customers can visit Budget building codes and other requirements, Blinds’ Facebook page to get up-tobut Budget Blinds has the experience and product that the commercial indus- date promotions at Facebook.com/ BudgetBlindsGreaterTampa for the try has trusted for nearly 20 years. latest updates. Budget Blinds backs its products Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa with a five-year manufacturer’s warranis located at 1208 W. Fletcher Ave., ty. The company also provides a onebetween North Blvd. and Rome time, no-questions-asked free replaceAve., and is open Monday-Friday, 10 ment. So, whether your dog eats your a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays by blinds or your child decides to take his appointment only. For more info, scissors to your shades, Budget Blinds please call 968-5050, or visit Budwill replace the product at no cost and getBlinds.com/GreaterTampa. without question.

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Chem-Dry Cleans Carpets Across Much Of The Bay Area! By Camille Gillies The ornaments have been boxed, the Christmas tree dragged down to the curb and the wreath has been taken off the front door. There’s hardly any evidence that a holiday celebration ever occurred – except for those pesky stains you’re now noticing on your carpet. Anyone at your house knock over a glass of red wine, upend the gravy boat or sneak the dog some disagreeable ‘people’ food? There’s no need to stress over spilled eggnog! Help is only a phone call or email away at Chem-Dry of New Port Richey. Although the name indicates a western Pasco service area, the company also serves Wesley Chapel and all of Pasco and Pinellas counties (The Pinellas operations are under the name Chem-Dry of Clearwater/Largo). The carpet cleaning franchise is owned by brothers Rob, Joe and Mike McLemore. Rob and Joe live in Dunedin and Mike lives in Spring Hill, where he heads up the “northern” territory, which includes Wesley Chapel. The siblings formed the partnership about a year ago, according to Rob, 36, who has more than 15 years of experience with Chem-Dry. He bought the company from the previous owner and brought his brothers into the business.

“We’ve always wanted to run a business together,” Rob says. “We’re a close family.” After spending seven years as a carpet cleaning technician and eight years as general manager of the former business, Rob is the most experienced of the three partners in the carpet cleaning business. Joe, 41, had a military career, and Mike, 43, was a mechanic, but they have caught on quickly to the Chem-Dry operation. “Mike is now close to completing all of the courses required to become a Master Technician, which is the highest level you can achieve in the industry,” says Rob, who happens to be a Master Technician, himself, although he says rarely cleans carpets anymore. “Becoming a Master Technician involves five courses and takes about five years to complete. If you have a serious carpet problem, then you should request a Master Technician for the job. We are fortunate to have six of those technicians on staff, including three Master Technicians and two senior technicians, one being Mike. And everyone in our business is an employee. We do not use subcontractors.” Driving around Pasco or Pinellas County, you’re likely to spot one of the six company-owned vans, but you won’t see the technicians making any service calls in Hillsborough County –

a territory that belongs to other Chem-Dry franchisees. Chem-Dry is an extremely successful franchise that started in the 1970s and now operates in 42 countries, with more than 4,000 locations worldwide, according to the company’s website. Besides getting your car(L. to r.) Joe, Mike and Rob McLemore specialize in keeping carpets clean pet to look like with their ChemDry franchise serving all of Pasco and Pinellas Counties. new, one of the ing that steam cleaning often oversatubiggest selling points of Chem-Dry is rates the carpet fibers, prompting the the reduced amount of time it takes glue to come loose and the fibers to for carpets to dry. come off the carpet backing. “When you have your carpet steam-cleaned, it may take two to Industry Kudos three days for it to dry completely,” Rob contends Chem-Dry is the Rob explains. “Because we use a fracsafest cleaning method for carpet, and tion of the moisture that steam cleanhe says major carpet manufacturers, ing uses, carpets cleaned using Chemsuch as Mohawk, agree. Another comDry dry in one to three hours!” pany that promotes the company’s This quick-dry benefit appeals to method is The Home Depot, which homeowners and businesses alike, especially those concerned about mold has added Chem-Dry to its nationwide network of hand-picked independent growth in Florida’s humid climate. “The less moisture you put in the home maintenance professionals. If you buy carpet from Home Depot carpet, the better,” Rob explains, not-

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and purchase a warranty, during which time your carpet starts looking dirty, Home Depot will dispatch Chem-Dry technicians to clean it. In other words, Home Depot certifies that Chem-Dry is the chosen cleaning method for the carpets they sell. Rob says the Chem-Dry process also is eco-friendly, using a base cleaning product called The Natural, which he says is derived from ‘Mother Earth.’ A hot carbonated extraction process that employs the green cleaning solution prompts millions of microscopic cleansing bubbles to lift dirt and stains from carpet. “We were green before green was popular,” Rob says, laughing. “We don’t use any harsh chemicals, solvents, soaps or detergents. It’s the carbonation process that lifts the dirt and stains off the carpet.” Have you ever had stains weirdly reappear not long after your carpets have been cleaned? That’s due to soap residue, according to Rob, who adds, “After we clean a carpet, we put down a product that will keep the stains from coming back.” In addition to carpet cleaning services, Chem-Dry also cleans tile, grout and upholstery, and tackles water restoration projects. As president of Chateau Belleair Condominium Association in Clearwater, Philip Schultz called Chem-Dry to rejuvenate the flooring in two foreclosed condos in his complex.

“After Chem-Dry worked their magic, the carpet, tile and even the laminate flooring all looked brand new,” Philip says. “We had tenants in those units after the first showing the next day.” Tom Gulik, the head of maintenance for Emeritus retirement communities, says he has used Chem-Dry of Clearwater/Largo for carpet and tile cleaning for at least 10 years. Gulik says that a typical job at Emeritus usually totals 12,000 to 18,000 square feet and includes residence rooms as well as common areas. “They do a great job getting everything cleaned, and you don’t need to babysit them,” he says. “When they’re finished, they do a walkthrough with you to be sure you are satisfied.” Gulik also likes the fact that the technicians are longtime employees and he describes them as “very polite.” If you’d like to enlist the expertise of the brothers McLemore and their Better Business Bureau APlus-rated Chem-Dry business, call (727) 410-2710 or e-mail NprChemDry@gmail.com. Chem-Dry of New Port Richey currently is offering an $89.95 carpet cleaning special that includes up to three rooms of carpet (up to 350 square feet); or $125.95 for five rooms (up to 500 square feet). Visit CDClearwater.com for additional information.

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More Than Childcare, Panda Hugs Makes Learning Fun For Young Ones By Camille Gillies If you’ve lived in Tampa for a while, you may remember the gonebut-not-forgotten children’s attraction that once was adjacent to Lowry Park Zoo. Aptly named Safety Village, it was a nifty miniature suburb where kids explored and pretended they were the big shots in town. In addition to role playing and imagining, kids learned important lessons about traffic rules and safety. Memories of taking my child to that local attraction 20 years ago came flooding back when the nice folks at the Panda Hugs Child Care Learning Center on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. gave me a tour of their popular New Tampa preschool and introduced me to another pint-sized town, one they call Rainbow World. Located within the Panda Hugs facility on BBD, just south of Tampa Palms (next to the Quest Martial Arts Center), Rainbow World is a room that is staged to resemble a small town, complete with a Publix and other stores and businesses that are familiar to young children. The kids can dress in costumes and create all sorts of scenarios. There are even steps leading to a passage over the storefronts, culminating with a slide into a pit full of balls. Panda Hugs’ Rainbow World combines

a colorful world of amusement with a thought-provoking world of discovery. For Sue Anne Allbaugh, founder and owner of Panda Hugs, this form of play integrates her own teaching philosophy into her innovative, kid-friendly curriculum. “I believe that young children learn best when they learn through play,” explains Sue Anne, a veteran educator (see below). “At Panda Hugs, we provide many opportunities for children to explore and learn, and we do it in a way that is fun for them.” Sue Anne speaks from experience – lots of it. She spent 35 years teaching kindergarten, first and second grade in New Jersey, New York, Texas and Ohio. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. Moving to Florida in the 1990s and intending to retire, Sue Anne felt compelled to continue enlightening young minds. In 1997, she decided to open a child-care center with her daughter, Andrea Driscoll. Demographic studies led to their New Tampa location south of Amberly Drive on BBD, and their subsequent success prompted the opening of another cen-

ter in the Citrus Park area the following year.

VPK & More

The family-run business treasures its status as a Gold Seal and Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE) and Panda Hugs also is a state-approved provider of Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). Established by the State of Florida to encourage kindergarten readiness and educational success, VPK is offered free to all Florida residents who turn four years old on, or before, September 1. Since the program is subsidized by the ‘Rainbow World’ is a fun kid-sized village at the state, participating centers, such Panda Hugs Child Care Learning Center on BBD as Panda Hugs, must pass strict Blvd., just south of Tampa Palms. accreditation standards. Proud of her experienced and dedPanda Hugs also participates in the icated staff of teachers and teachers’ Childcare Food Program (CCFP), aides, Sue Anne says the school has which aims to incorporate nutritious very little teacher turnover and several breakfasts, lunches and snacks into teachers at Panda Hugs have been on childcare menus. Prepared in the school’s on-site kitchen, meals focus on the center’s staff for a decade or more. “Grace, in the infant room, has fruits and vegetables that accompany a protein and milk. The USDA-approved been here for 17 years, and Elsa Espinosa, our director, has been here program is sponsored locally by Cormore than 10,” says Sue Anne. nerstone Family Ministries, a nonprofit Lead teachers at Panda Hugs all organization that monitors the menus have earned their Child Development to ensure all nutritional requirements Associate (CDA) certificates, and most are met. All meals are included for stuaides are certified as well. All teachers dents enrolled in full-time care.

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Khye Jennings plays with his teacher in the Panda Hugs infant room. receive ongoing professional training. When choosing teachers, Sue Anne says she looks for those who exhibit loving, happy personalities. They teach children ages six weeks through 12 years, stimulating each child’s intellectual curiosity and monitoring their progress at every stage. Teachers of every age group follow a weekly lesson plan that is tailored to their students’ level of development. For example, teachers in the infant room may concentrate on fine and gross motor skills while preschool teachers work with children in interactive learning centers. Lesson plans are posted outside each teacher’s classroom. All teachers maintain profiles and portfolios of their students and hold parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, as well as by parent request. For older children, Panda Hugs

provides before- and after-school care, which includes picking up school-age children from seven nearby elementary schools. This program, known as the Cool Kids Club, includes homework assistance, arts and crafts, cooking, games, outings and computers. Winter, spring and summer camps are available and feature trips to such attractions as MOSI (the Museum of Science and Industry), which is located nearby on E. Fowler Ave — as well as to Tampa International Airport (TIA), Lowry Park Zoo and Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde. Whether they are toddlers, preschool or school age, all children are allowed plenty of time outside on the playground. While the walkers are burning off energy outside, babies inside the infant room are snuggled in for a nap in their own cribs, where they are cuddled, sung to and read Mother Goose nursery rhymes. Natausha Jennings has been bringing her son, Khye, 10 months, to Panda Hugs since he was seven weeks old. While peeking at him from outside the infant room, Natausha sees Khye smiling and interacting with his playful teacher. She says Khye loves coming to Panda Hugs and she is pleased with the care he’s receiving.“I love his teacher and he is learning a lot,” she says. “He knows the meaning of words and he’s learned to wave.”

Since safety and security are of the utmost importance at Panda Hugs, the center installed an electronic entry system and issues key cards only to parents or caregivers. They also require computer sign-in once inside. Teachers are fully background-checked and trained in CPR and First Aid. Panda Hugs is open MondayFriday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and is offering a Winter Enrollment Special that includes free registration and a free week of tuition. No coupon is required and the offer is good through March 31, 2013. For more info, call 977-8195, visit PandaHugs.com, or stop by at 15051 BBD.

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N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

School Board Shoots Down Security Plan

Just a month after the elementary school shooting in Connecticut that resulted in the deaths of 20 children, the Hillsborough County School Board has rejected a security proposal that would have placed armed guards at all District elementary schools, including the seven in the New Tampa area. During a Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) School Board meeting on January 15, Superintendent MaryEllen Elia brought her security plan before the Board. According to a news release from the District, Elia’s proposal called for the hiring of 130 additional security personnel — in addition to the 78 School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Resource Deputies (SRDs) that already are in place through partnerships with the Tampa Police Department (TPD) and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). This measure would cost the District about $700,000 to finish the 2012-13 school year and more than $4 million for the following year. Elia’s proposal also featured measures that would bring in Michael Dorn, a school safety expert, who would “review district safety and security protocols and school access control.” Despite voting against most of the Superintendent’s proposal, the Board voted 4-3 in favor of hir-

ing Dorn as a consultant, which will cost about $8,500. Dorn’s hiring was the only part of Elia’s plan approved by the Board. Elia also proposed securing the remaining 10 percent of Hillsborough County schools that are not already access-controlled, which means that visitors must receive permission to enter or exit the campus. Securing the remaining schools would carry a one-time cost of $1.2-million.

Freedom & Wharton Both Get ‘B’s From The State

High school grades for the 2011-12 school year have been released and New Tampa’s high schools have once again scored well. For the second straight year, both Freedom and Wharton High both received ‘B’s from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Although elementary and middle school grades were released last July, high school grades are delayed so that factors such as graduation rates can be evaluated and worked into each school’s individual score. Both Freedom and Wharton’s graduation rates improved from their 2011 rates, from 74 and 71 percent, respectively, to 75 percent for both schools for 2012. “A ‘B’ is pretty good,” says Wharton principal Bradley Woods. “But, it’s a little disappointing any time we’re not at the top of the scale.” Woods says that Wharton will be

working even harder this school year in as many categories as possible to try to improve last year’s B, especially in the area of “at-risk graduation rate,” or the graduation rate of students that are classified as “at-risk” when they enter the ninth grade, based on their eighth grade FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) scores in reading and math. “We have to get them doing better in ninth grade,” Woods says. “We have to track their progress and make sure that they’re being successful.” To do so, Woods says that Wharton already has implemented mentoring programs, identifying students on the state’s “at-risk” list and making sure they’re getting more support. The sessions are held during the day, so transportation is not

an issue, so the at-risk students can get more help in subjects with which they may be struggling. But, that’s not the only area that Woods thinks affected Wharton’s score. He says his graduation rate was affected by students who withdrew from Wharton and never enrolled at another school, so the “dropout” falls on the last school that student attended. Even so, Woods says he is optimistic about this school year. “(Getting a ‘B’) is frustrating when you feel like you, your staff and students have been working so hard,” he explains. “We have to do a better job across the board. We want to be the best.” Unfortunately, calls to Freedom principal David Sheppard were not returned by our press time. — MW

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Wharton Boys, Freedom Girls Seeking State Hoops Titles By Gary Nager The annual basketball “Battle for New Tampa” between Paul R. Wharton High on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Freedom High in Tampa Palms has seen its share of close matchups, but the Freedom girls (now 20-2 and 8-0 in Class 7A-District 9) and Wharton boys (20-3, 10-0 in District 8A-7) teams both proved their dominance in this year’s respective battles, both of which took place at Wharton’s gym on January 23, where a packed house saw the Freedom girls and Wharton boys continue their respective marches towards State titles. Coach Laurie Pacholke’s Patriots more than doubled up the Wildcats (912, 4-6), coached by Chad Reed, by a 63-31 score. Pacholke’s combination of senior Faith Woodard (21.5 ppg), who has accepted an athletic scholarship from prestigious Georgetown University after receiving more than 30 letters from Division 1A schools, and sophomore sensation Taylor Emery (21.4), who also is being bombarded with scholarship offers, was too much for Wharton, which was led by senior Allison Mitchell’s 14 points. Pacholke, whose Freedom teams have won at least 19 games all four

years she has been the coach, says this year’s squad “is definitely my best group yet. We haven’t lost to a Hillsborough County school all year.” And, although she said she wouldn’t look too far ahead at a possible State title, the coach of the 44th-ranked overall team in any class in Florida said she did expect to be playing in the District title game at home as this issue reaches you (on Friday, Feb. 1). “Steinbrenner (High) is our toughest competition in the District,” she says, although Freedom already has beaten the Warriors twice during the regular season (but by a combined total of only 11 points, a far cry from the average margin of victory for the Pats, which is outscoring opponents by nearly 30 points per game). “The one thing we can’t afford to do is look past anyone. We have to come to play and I know we will.”

Tonelli Keeping ‘Cats Hot

Meanwhile, the Wharton boys throttled the visiting Patriots, 71-47, despite Freedom senior Brandon Patchan’s 27 points and double-digit rebounds. The Pats couldn’t match the ‘Cats (who also are ranked in the top 50 teams overall in the state) speed for speed, as most of the game was played

at a frenetic pace and Wharton’s pressing defense forced plenty of turnovers. Of course, the Wildcats have had tremendous success every year that coach Tommy Tonelli has led the team — which is every year since 1997, except for two seasons (2007-09), when he returned as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of South Florida. Tonelli had been a three-year starter at USF and is one of the school’s all-time leaders in assists and steals. The Chicago native posted a record of 213-73 (for a .750 winning percentage) his first ten years at Wharton, and his ‘Cats have done even better (94-15, .862, and the school’s only State hoops title, in 2011) since he returned from his stint at USF. And, this year is no exception, as Tonelli’s ‘Cats, who start four seniors and experienced junior Chase Litton, have decimated local competition by an average of 20 points per game, with the team’s only losses by 6 to Largo, by 10 to 21-1 Tampa Prep and by 11 to Orlando’s Lake Highland Prep. Although Tonelli also won’t allow his ‘Cats to look past anyone, only Plant and Alonso (both 6-4) have winning records in Wharton’s district and the Wildcats already have beaten both schools handily twice this season.

Patriot Boys No Slouches

Although coach Cedric Smith’s Patriots (now 13-4, 6-2 in District 7A9) couldn’t run with Wharton, the Pats already handed District leader Chamberlain (16-5, 7-1) it’s only league loss this season and split a pair of one-point contests with the Chiefs. The Pats also split two close games with third place Wiregrass Ranch High (17-5, 5-3) this year, so there’s no doubt Freedom has a great chance to make some noise in the District tournament this weekend.

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Wharton Athletes Rack Up Honors We wanted to congratulate several talented Wharton Athletes for winning honors at the Fall Sports Award ceremony at the Hillsborough County School District’s Raymond O. Shelton Administrative Center on Jan. 23. First of all, football defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III was named the 74th winner of the Guy Toph Award as Hillsborough County’s top senior football player. Already committed to the University of Florida, Hargreaves, who had 100 tackles and 5 interceptions, scored 5 TDs on the year and is the first Wildcat to win the award.

Fellow Wharton senior outside hitter Caci Andreychuk, the daughter of former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk, took home the Kirkwood Volleyball Award as the county’s top senior player. She led the ‘Cats in kills in three of her four seasons. Wharton MVP Shannon Clark also was named the female recipient of the Casey Most Valuable Golfer Award. Clark, a Wharton ROTC XO (executive officer), averaged about 82 shots for 18 holes this year, or about a 10 handicap. We congratulate all three of these talented athletes. - GN

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Charles Jewelers Is New Tampa’s Valentine’s Day Headquarters! By Gary Nager OK, so as you’re looking at this issue, which arrived in your mailbox on or about February 1, you’ve probably been wondering what to get for that certain someone for St. Valentine’s Day (Thursday, February 14). Well, stop wondering, because owner Jackie Tuozzo of Charles Jewelers — which has been located in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center (next to Stein Mart) for 15 years — and her sister Jennifer Boscan and their entire staff have what you need to make this the best V-Day ever for your someone special. “When it’s from your heart” is the store’s motto and there’s no doubt Charles Jewelers lives up to that slogan every day. Of course, women love jewelry, so it’s hard for a guy to make a mistake giving the type of quality gold, silver, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones you’ll find at Charles Jewelers, because Jackie and Jennifer together have hand-picked every piece of jewelry in the store. Charles Jewelers is the type of neighborhood shop men have always trusted to put smiles on their significant others’ faces and Jackie, Jennifer & Co. do everything they can to make sure no one is left disappointed. Of course, even though Valentine’s Day is still primarily about guys buying gifts for their special girls, there’s no doubt that women also can find some great gift ideas for the men in their lives

in the store’s many display cases, too. First, of course, you have to decide what you’re looking for, but there’s no doubt that while you’re browsing and trying to figure everything out, Jackie, Jennifer and their staff can (Above) This is just a sampling of the collection of help you find the Michele watches at Charles Jewelers in Tampa Palms. right ring, neckelry stores, has gained recoglace, bracelet or fine watch you need to put a lasting smile on someone special’s nition as a leading brand in happy face. designing and producing bridal jewelry, including diaWhat A Selection! mond engagement rings, On this page alone, you’ll find wedding bands and other examples of many of the top-quality fashion jewelry. Jennifer says jewelry and watch collections at Charles that unlike most other top Jewelers. In our Neighborhood Magajewelry brands, Simon G zine header above, for example, you’ll hand-mounts each piece, so find the beautiful “Be My Valentine” you can be sure your gift will earring and necklace gift set by Pandora be top-quality. (top left), which usually sells for $165, Other beautiful lines but is available for only $125 in the available at Charles Jewelers store while supplies last. include a large selection of On the right of the header above truly unique Elma * Gil are just some of the amazing diamond engagement rings and fashengagement rings and necklaces availion jewelry, Michele watch(Top) Owner Jackie Tuozzo and her sister Jennifer able from Simon G, a family-ownedes, Belle Étoile hand-painted Boscan invite you to check out their amazing selection and-operated, luxury jewelry manufacenamel jewelry and more. of Pandora silver jewelry and (above) Elma * Gil diaturer in its 31st year of business. Simon mond engagement rings and fashion jewelry. See “Charles” on page 41. G. Jewelry, found only in the finest jew-

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Suncoast Arts Festival Showcases Local & National Artists At Wiregrass By Matt Wiley Onlookers examine thousands of pieces of art, from sculptures and handmade jewelry to oil paintings and photography. Live music pierces the air, but no one seems upset. That’s probably because this is not an art gallery, but the eighth annual Suncoast Arts Fest at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. On January 19-20, under partly cloudy skies and comfortable temperatures, more than 115 artists set up booths and displayed their works of art along Paseo Dr., an interior road in the Shops at Wiregrass mall. “This year has been much more optimistic,” said Suncoast Art Fest publicist Laura Knox. “The artists say sales were much better this year.” In its eighth year, the festival is put on by Fine Arts of the Suncoast, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to, “develop a community culture that embraces the arts.” Proceeds raised go toward the funding of visual and performing arts programs in Pasco County schools. Knox said that last year’s event raised more than $11,000. Although a final attendance count and funds raised at this year’s festival were not yet available at our press time, Knox said that she estimated that it was

about the same as last year’s impressive attendance of more than 100,000 visitors during the two-day event. Among the artists displaying their work was Maitland, FL, resident Rolly Ray Reel, who, for the fourth straight year, was awarded “Best In Show” for his collection of “mixed media” sculpture work. “I’m just thrilled,” Reel said. “I’m definitely coming back next year to push my luck.” Reel specializes in obscure, but unique sculpture pieces made from a wide variety of materials, from items he finds at flea markets, to objects he randomly finds while walking along railroad tracks. Many of the pieces he displayed incorporated framework, which he did himself, with miscellaneous objects mounted under a pane of glass. The larger sculptures, he explained, all took him several months to construct. Also displaying sculptures at the festival was Rollin Karg, of Kechi, KS, except instead of sculptures made of numerous materials, Karg’s work was made up entirely of glass pieces, which he blew himself. This was Karg’s first year at Suncoast. “(The show) has been very worthwhile,” he said. “The people have been very welcoming. We’ll be back next year.” Karg’s work included numerous

pieces, from small, elaborately colorful glass the size of paperweights, to larger, dishshaped table centerpieces. He said he didn’t realize that he was an artist until he was 33 years old. Now 68, Karg said that a tour of a glass museum (Left) Bill Sargent with his phtography. (Right) One of Rolly Ray Reel’s and a class in unique sculptures again captured “Best in Show” honors at this year’s Sunglass blowing coast Arts Festival, which was held Jan. 19-20 at the Wiregrass mall. at a craft show changed his life, and he has been doing really well,” he said. “That’s why I keep coming back every year.” what he loves ever since, although he For Todd Hammer, of Land O’ “had to learn the hard way, with (blowLakes, the Suncoast Arts Fest was ing) the larger sculptures.” something completely new, his first ever Displaying a wide range of photographic work, from antique barbershop art show. Hammer displayed several large scenes to famous storefronts (including “fine art fusion, sculptured oil paintKey West’s iconic Sloppy Joe’s on ings,” that incorporate both sculpture Duval St.), was Lakeland resident Bill and painting on diverse surfaces, Sargent. With this being his third year at Suncoast, Sargent said that he usually including masonite wood and the type of foam used in surfboards, resulting in attends between 25-30 shows per year, three dimensional works of art. One some as far west as Colorado. particularly large piece displayed an “This show is always put together

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“I got the idea from a dive I did in California,” Hammer, an avid scuba diver, said. “I get a lot of my ideas from photos I take while diving.” Other booths included everything from hand-made jewelry, handbags and clothing to oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and many other diverse works of art, as well as fine craft works. Todd Hammer with one of his scuba-inspired ‘fine art For a list of all of the fusion’ pieces on display at the Suncoast Arts Festival. artists who participated in this year’s event and more underwater scene, in which a sea otter info, visit SuncoastArtsFest.com. was swimming through a kelp forest.

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Wade Boggs’ Investor Group Purchases ‘Field Of Dreams’ op the site into what will be called “AllStar Ballpark Heaven,” a youth baseball They’re going to build it, so hope- and softball sports complex that will fully they will come. Fans of the classic one day be home to 24 fields, 60 team 1989 baseball movie probably rememclubhouses and an indoor baseball and ber the most famous line from “Field of softball training facility. Dreams.” The farm that was featured in Of the investors involved, the only the movie has recently been sold to a name that has surfaced is Boggs, the group of investors for development and Hall of Fame third baseman who finamong them is longtime Tampa Palms ished his career with the Tampa Bay resident Wade Boggs. Devil Rays (now just the Rays), who According to numerous published could not be reached for a comment. reports, the iconic 193-acre farm in “All-Star Ballpark Heaven’s misDyersville, IA, which features a baseball sion is to be America’s premier venue diamond surrounded by cornfields, has for fun, family memories surrounding been sold for $3.4 million to Chicagoseasonal baseball and softball tournabased Go the Distance Baseball, LLC, a ments,” said Denise Stillman, the CEO group of investors that hopes to develof All-Star Ballpark Heaven, in a press release. According to reports, the famous diamond and farmhouse from the movie will remain as they appeared in the film, although the surroundings will be sure to change quite a bit. The deal closed on December 28 and the first Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs hopes that if his investment phase of construcgroup builds it, you will come to the new “Field of Dreams,” aka tion of 12 fields and “All-Star Ballpark Heaven.” From FieldofDreamsMovieSite.com. all 60 clubhouses is By Matt Wiley

expected to be completed by 2014. Boggs, now 54, who played for both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, finished his amazing 18year MLB career with Tampa Bay in 1999. Although not known for his power, he hit the first-ever home run for the Rays during the team’s inaugural game and his 3000th hit, a major career milestone, also was a home run, making him the first of the 28 3,000hit-club members who went long for his 3,000th hit (New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is now the second player to accomplish that feat).

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Wesley Chapel Brothers Square Off In 2013 Sugar Bowl! By Matt Wiley The teams are set, and two brothers, Jim and John Harbaugh, the head coaches of the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, will face off against each other in Super Bowl XLVII. A similar story played out recently, a story which began in nearby Wesley Chapel. Young football players dream of playing in college and of, hopefully, one day making it to the professional ranks and perhaps making it into the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) National Championship college game and/or the Super Bowl. But, for two former Wesley Chapel High (WCH) Wildcats football players, this dream has become a reality. However, neither Hunter nor Kamran Joyer ever dreamed that they would be playing against his brother in the 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Hunter Joyer, 19, is a 5’10,” 249-lb. sophomore fullback at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville. His older brother Kamran, 22, is a 6’3,” 270-pound offensive lineman in his junior year at the University of Louisville (Kentucky). On January 2, those two teams squared off at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans to see which team would taste sweet victory in the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately for Hunter, Kamran and the No. 21 (at that time) Louisville Cardinals walked away the victors, defeating the then-No. 3 Gators, 33-23.

Wesley Chapel residents Hunter (left) and Kamran Joyer. Hunter says that the only feeling that went through his mind when he found out that he and the Gators would be playing Kamran and the Cardinals was absolute shock. “It didn’t really sink in until the day before the game,” he explains. “I thought, ‘Is this real? Is this really happening?’” Kamran says that his reaction was very similar.“I was really excited,” Kamran explains. “We always knew that it could happen, but what were the chances?” Although Kamran started the game at right guard, the brothers didn’t actually get to share any time on the field together, since both play offensive positions. But, in the spirit of brotherly competition, Hunter jokes that it “definitely” would have gone in his favor if they had actually faced one another. “I saw him across the field on the other sideline a couple of times during the

game,” Kamran says. “It was definitely different.” Playing against each other would have been a first for the brothers, who previously played two seasons together for the Wildcats. Kamran graduated from WCH in 2009, after which Hunter transferred to Tampa Catholic and played his last two seasons of high school football before returning to WCH, the school he graduated from in 2011. Both went to their respective universities on full football scholarships and were among the top recruits in the country in their respective recruiting classes. “Never in a million years would I

have predicted this would happen,” says Kirsten Joyer, the boys’ mother. “Having one son play in a BCS Bowl game is a dream come true. Having two sons play in the same bowl, especially against one another, truly is a miracle.” The Joyers, Watergrass residents, have been living in the Wesley Chapel area since 1995. Growing up, Hunter and Kamran both played numerous sports in the Pasco Athletic League (PAL). Their father, Jack, was a football and basketball coach at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, the same school at which Kirsten was an assistant principal in 2001.

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Tampa Bay Lightning Start The Season Hot At The New Forum! It’s hard to believe that both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Taste of New TampaTM (see pages 3 and 20) are celebrating their respective 20th anniversaries this season, but even harder for some of us to fathom how we survived until January without Lightning hockey. I attended this year’s opening night on Jan. 19, a thrilling 6-3 thrashing of Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, and I have to say that I hadn’t seen the crowd at the newly revamped Tampa Bay Times Forum this amped up since the Stanley Cup FINALS in 2004. The huge, new scoreboard at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Owner Jeff Vinick pumped about is the centerpiece of the arena’s $40 million renovation. $40 million in renovations to the Forum, including adding the biggest Jumbotron scoreboard I’ve ever seen, but it would’ve all been for naught had the National Hockey League owners and players not come to an agreement in time to end the owners lockout of the players in time to salvage the 2012-13 season. But, better late than never for our Bolts, who have always had a huge following here in New Tampa, and have started the season 3-1 and in first place in the NHL’s Southeast Division, even though last-year’s 60-goal scorer Steven Stamkos had only two of (Top left, l. to r.) Marty St. Louis, Matt Carle and Steven Stamkos. (Above, l. to r.) Captain Vinny Lecavalier has been hitting more than ever & new goalie Anders Lindback and fast new winger Cory the team’s 19 goals so far. Conacher also have helped lead the Lightning to a 3-1 start to the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. Go Bolts! — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Charles”

Continued from page 37 Here’s a little more info about some of the featured jewelry lines you’ll find now at Charles Jewelers: Pandora Unforgettable Moments - Pandora is an exciting and interchangeable collection of jewelry. Pandora celebrates the unforgettable moments and relationships in a woman’s life. You’ll find beads to commemorate a friendship, a love, weddings, babies, holidays, milestones, hobbies and so much more. An unforgettable moment is something different to every woman, but it’s always special. Ask about the deals on both the “Be My Valentine” and “Love of My Life” bracelet gift sets for Valentine’s Day. Michele Watches - Showcasing bold, brilliant, hand-set diamond cases and mother-of-pearl dials, Michele pays homage to the art deco-influenced designs of South Beach. The Michele design philosophy blends timeless elegance with contemporary fashion for a

combination of classic and feminine style (although Michele also offers fine watches for men, too). Famous for interchangeable made of premium calfskin, as well as alligator and other exotic skins sourced from around the world. Elma * Gil - Since its inception as a jewelry company 21 years ago, Elma * Gil has been in the forefront of bridal and fashion jewelry crafting. Always adhering to the highest standards of diamond and gem grading, metalsmithing and precision workmanship, always creating stunning collections that have placed us above the rest. Featuring technically challenging designs, and the development of advanced and proprietary shapes of diamonds in its jewelry, Elma * Gil has been setting fashion trends, winning design awards and producing innovative and alluring jewelry recognized the world over. Belle Étoile - “Shine like the star you are” with Belle Étoile, which offers a jewel box full of looks, styles, colors, and icons. Whether you’re a rock star, fashion maven, or power executive, Belle Étoile has what you need to express

yourself. In French, Belle Étoile means “beautiful star.” That’s why a delightful radiance permeates throughout all of the company’s creations. In addition to these collections, Charles Jewelers also offers Lladro figurines, shimmering jewelry from Lafonn and watches by Bulova, Fendi, Elle, the ever-popular Ice Watches and so many more items you’ll never find in a “mall store.” Plus, you can bring in your own jewelry to have it appraised at the store’s once-each-month appraisal opportunities. Charles Jewelers also offers jewelry repairs in-store, performed by a master jeweler, and free watch repair estimates from a certified watch specialist. For more information, stop by Charles Jewelers at 16053 Tampa

“Shine like the star you are” with Belle Étoile hand-painted Italian enamel earrings and more at Charles Jewelers. Palms Blvd.W., or call 972-4653. Or, visit CharlesJewelersTampa.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

As you long-time readers know, we’ve run our annual “Reader Dining Survey & Contest all 19 years we’ve been in business. And, although I don’t know for sure if I’ve done it every year, I also have submitted a list of my favorite eateries in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel pretty much annually, because my selections and yours so seldom are the same....and this year is no exception. One reason for the differences between my “survey” and yours each year is that I get all of that calendar year to look back on, while we start asking you to submit your favorites in October, and there are always newcomers that catch my eye that either weren’t open long enough to register with you or didn’t open until after your votes were already submitted. One of my favorites this year that didn’t open until December, for example, is Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge in the Oak Ramble Plaza. — GN

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa

1. Ciccio’s Lodge - Always at or near the top of my list and our readers’ list, one of the saddest days I can remember in recent memory in our area (that didn’t involve anyone dying or being injured, of course) was the recent closing of my 2012 favorite restaurant in New Tampa, Ciccio’s Lodge. Managing partner Robert Garofano and his landlord at the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center unfortunately couldn’t come to an agreement on a new lease, so Garofano & Co. have been looking for another New Tampa location. I have my hopes about a possible spot even closer to my office, but until Ciccio’s opens somewhere in

New Tampa, which Garofano says is his goal, I won’t get to have any more of Ciccio’s delicious sesame tuna Water Bowls pictured left (sigh). One thing I can tell you is that the day we had the most-ever hits on our website and Facebook pages was the day we posted a photo of the sign Garofano used to announce Ciccio’s closing, so we hope it’ll be an even bigger day when he announces where and when it will reopen. 2. Café Olé - No matter how many times I eat at Café Olé on Cross Creek Blvd., I am always surprised that so many people tell me they never heard of it or never ate there. Their loss. For my money, Café Olé features the best fresh fish and some of the best sauces (photo below) in New Tampa. Period.

10. Fushia Asian Bistro 11. Thai Ruby 12. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) 13. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 14. Full Circle Pizza & Grill 15. Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge 16. Sushi Café 17. Las Palmas 3. Acropolis Greek Taverna - For those still looking for great food at a great price (and who isn’t these days?), you can’t beat Acropolis. From my favorite dish, the Athenian fish, to the outstanding lamb chops, grilled octopus, hummus and Greek salads (photo above), plus those great Greek beers and wines, Acropolis is a winner. 4. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi 5. Sukhothai

6. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill Speaking of value for your money, Koizi, located behind Olive Garden in Tampa Palms, is still New Tampa’s only “Endless Hibachi Grill” and well worth a visit, whether you like fresh sushi or fresh seafood and great NY strip steak on the hibachi (above). 7. Liang’s Bistro 8. La Cubanita Café 9. Oakley’s Grille

18. Peabody’s Billiards & Games Now with no smoking and a revamped menu that includes pressed panini sandwiches and even a great steak, I’ve yet to take anyone to Peabody’s in Tampa Palms who didn’t think the wings (above) were among the best they’ve ever tasted. 19. Five Guys Burgers & Fries 20. Sushi Ko 21. Kobé Steakhouse 22. Taste of New York Pizza 23. Joe’s Pizza Kitchen 24. Soho Sushi 25. Saffron Indian Cuisine 26. Season’s Fresh Café 27. Toast Fine Wine Bar & Café 28. Jersey Mike’s Subs 29. Ploy Thai 30. Biagio’s II Pizza & Pasta

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

5. Ciao! Italian Bistro 6. Sushi Café 7. Baja Fresh 8. Burger 21 9. Joe’s Pizza Kitchen 10. Burger Monger

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Asian Restaurants In NT/WC Gary’s 2012 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel 1. Dempsey’s Steakhouse - Although I know Dempsey’s is a little pricey for some, I still contend that it is up there with Charley’s and a handful of others for best steak in the Tampa Bay area. And, I believe the bone-in cowboy ribeye (shown above) is the best in the entire Tampa Bay area! 2. Bonefish Grill 3. Cantina Laredo 4. Vallarta’s 5. Texas Roadhouse 6. Outback Steakhouse 7. The Hungry Greek 8. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 9. La Prima Pizza 10. 900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass) 11. Taste of Boston 12. Quail Hollow Country Club 13. GrillSmith 14. Ciao! Italian Bistro 15. Wolf's Den 16. Baja Fresh 17. Bonsai Sushi 18. Winners Grill 19. Burger Monger 20. PizzaMania 21. Café Fresco 22. Latin Twist Café 23. PDQ 24. China Taste 25. Sonny’s BBQ

Gary’s 2012 Favorite New Restaurants In NT/WC 1. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill 2. Quail Hollow Country Club 3. Full Circle Pizza & Grill 4. Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge

1. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi 2. Sukhothai 3. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill 4. Liang's Bistro 5. Yamato 6. Thai Ruby 7. Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge 8. Sushi Café 9. Bonsai Sushi 10. Sushi Ko

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Pizza Places In NT/WC 1. La Prima Pizza 2. 900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass) 3. Peabody`s 4. Full Circle Pizza & Grill 5. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) 6. Taste of New York Pizza 7. Joe’s Pizza Kitchen 8. Biagio’s II 9. Ciccio’s Lodge 10. (tie) Marco’s Pizza & Pizzazzone

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Steak Restaurants In NT/WC 1. Dempsey`s Steakhouse 2. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi 3. Texas Roadhouse 4. Outback Steakhouse 5. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 6. Quail Hollow CC 7. GrillSmith 8. Bonefish Grill 9. Ciccio’s Lodge 10. Café Olé 11. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill 12. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 13. Kobé Steakhouse 14. Winners Grill 15. Sukhothai

Sandwich Shops In NT/WC

1. Oakley’s Grille 2. Jersey Mike’s Subs 3. Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop 4. Mr. Dunderbak’s 5. Burger 21 6. Café 365 7. La Prima Pizza 8. Taste of Boston 9. Season’s Fresh Café 10. Firehouse Subs

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Bars/Taverns In NT/WC 1. Peabody’s 2. Ciccio’s Lodge 3. Acropolis Greek Taverna 4. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 5. GrillSmith 6. Cantina Laredo 7. Café Olé 8. Toast Fine Wine Bar & Café 9. The Brass Tap 10. World of Beer 11. PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub 12. Skinny’s Sports Bar 13. PrimeBar 14. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi 15. Mulligans at Pebble Creek GC

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Dessert Places In NT/WC 1. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 2. You Say When Yogurt 3. Cold Stone Creamery 4. Baskin-Robbins 5. Café 365 6. Frogury 7. iCream 8. DQ (Dairy Queen) 9. CherryBerry Yogurt 10. (tie) Starbucks & Baker’s Gallery

Gary’s 2012 Favorite

Seared Tuna In NT/WC 1. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi 2. Ciccio’s Lodge 3. Bonefish Grill 4. Sukhothai 5. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 6. Sushi Café 7. Dempsey’s Steakhouse 8. Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge 9. Bonsai Sushi 10. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 10. (tie) Soho Sushi

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Hamburgers In NT/WC 1. Oakley’s Grille 2. Five Guys Burgers & Fries 3. Burger 21 4. Burger Monger 5. Hunter’s Green Country Club 6. Peabody’s 7. Winners Grill 8. Ciccio’s Lodge 9. Ruby Tuesday 10. Beef O’Brady’s

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Places For Coffee In NT/WC 1. Coffee Beanery Café 2. Season’s Fresh Café 3. Starbucks 4. Barnie’s Coffee 5. Toast Fine Wine Bar & Café

Gary’s 2012 Favorite Places For Fried Rice In NT/WC 1. Fushia Asian Bistro 2. Sukhothai 3. Thai Ruby 4. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi 5. Liang’s Bistro

Gary’s 2012 Favorite

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! By Gary Nager

Full Circle Pizza’s Great New Lunch Special!

Congratulations to owner Ron Chase of Full Circle Pizza & Grill in New Tampa’s Pebble Creek Collection plaza on BBD for being named our readers’ 2012 Favorite Pizza Place, Favorite New Restaurant, Favorite Sub Shop and #2 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa. Full Circle also did pretty well on my 2012 favorites list (see pages 44-45 for the complete list). Ron is celebrating with an outstanding lunch special that will continue until at least the end of February. Every weekday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ONLY, you can get unlimited soup, salad and garlic knots that blow doors on anything you can get at a certain Italian chain that offers free salad and breadsticks — all for just $6.99 per person. Ron also offers other fast, affordable daily lunch specials and his thincrust Chicago pizza and Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches are all given big thumbs up from our local former Windy City residents. Stop in for lunch or dinner at Full Circle Pizza (19651 BBD Blvd., behind Kobe Steakhouse) or call 994-3700 and please tell Ron & his crew we sent you!

Cornerstone Air & Heat Earns Angie’s List Award

Cornerstone Air Conditioning & Heating has earned the service indus-

try-coveted 2012 Angie’s List “Super Service Award,” an honor awarded annually to only about 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews about local service companies throughout the U.S. "We are honored to have won this award and to be affiliated with such a well-respected site," says Dana Deckard Spears, owner of Cornerstone Air Conditioning & Heating. “It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Cornerstone Air Conditioning & Heating earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.” Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com. With an A Rating from the Better Business Bureau, Cornerstone is an Air Conditioning & Heating Company with 24-hour emergency service, free estimates for new system installation, repair and maintenance of "any brand, any problem, any time." Serving all of

Pasco, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties, the company prides itself on being able to provide all of its customers with reasonable pricing, quality workmanship and the professional service they deserve. For more information about Cornerstone, call 949-4445 and ask about the company’s free annual heating safety inspection (which comes with a “No Breakdown” guarantee) for just $49.95 or $20 off any emergency service repair. Or, visit CornerstoneAirFla.com

Kwan Ming Bistro Opens On S.R. 56!

Wesley Chapel now has its first Chinese restaurant that isn’t either primarily a takeout place or a buffet, as Kwan Ming Bistro-Hong Kong Cuisine just opened in the same plaza on S.R. 56 that also is home to the everpopular Wolf’s Den Restaurant (in front of Sam’s Club). The Bistro isn’t a big place, but it does have a sizable menu and I did have an opportunity to sample some of my usual Chinese favorites — BBQ spare ribs, beef with broccoli, house special fried rice (photo), etc. — the day the eatery opened. And, so far, so pretty good. Look for a full update soon. Kwan Ming Bistro (27607 S.R. 56) is open every day at 11 a.m. For more info, call 994-2228 or visit KwanMingRestaurant.com.

Photo by GalleriesbyJayne.com

Custom Windows & Doors

One way people are still staying in their homes, despite the economy and still-below-par housing market is by upgrading their homes. But, whether you’d like to add to your home’s value, or just make it look better while you’re still living there, you should put in a call to our friends at Custom Windows & Doors of Pasco, Inc., which serves New Tampa and Wesley Chapel from its Port Richey showroom. “Where Custom is the Standard” is the motto at Custom Windows & Doors, which offers impact-resistant windows and doors, which you can design yourself, or customize from an existing design. The business founded by Robert Leggiere has been at the same location on U.S. 19 for more than 20 years is still run by Robert’s daughter Carol and her stepson Gary. The family-run window and door operation offers everything from hurricane protection products to customized decorative door glass, glass rooms and screened lanais, crown molding & trim and designer

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

door lock sets and hardware, service, repairs and much more.Visit Custom Windows & Doors at 7940 U.S. 19 or at Custom-WindowsandDoors. com. Or, call (727) 841-9490 .

Greek Villa Restaurant Sold After 2 Weeks In Business In our last issue, we told you about the new Greek Villa Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant that opened next to the also-new Taste of New York Pizza and You Say When Yogurt (behind Boston Market) in the Highwoods Preserve area. Well, somehow, only two weeks or so after the restaurant opened, it abruptly closed. Two other tenants in

the same plaza say they were told that Greek Villa was sold and the new owners wanted to make some changes. Obviously, we’ll keep you posted.

Machismo Closed, Too

Meanwhile, in the Palms Connection Plaza on E. Bearss Ave. just west of BBD, the Machismo Burrito Bar has closed. Machismo originally opened the Oak Ramble Plaza on BBD (next to Acropolis), but moved to the plaza on Bearss a year or so ago. Speaking of restaurant closings, in case you missed it, my update on the closing of Ciccio’s Lodge appears on page 44. Look for updates at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 HELP WANTED - Medical Billing Personnel, part-time, flexible hours, Local PT Clinic. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Join our mission to create greater awareness for our clients. By using cutting edge promotional marketing methods, we bring the products to the local market. We strive to create strong presence in our community for the products and services we represent, we go above and beyond for a level of success that far exceeds our competition. Contact Us Today (813) 501-4915. 29140 Chapel Park Dr. Wesley Chapel www.centurionconcepts.co

EDUCATION / BABYSITTING PROFESSIONAL TENNIS LESSONS Recently relocated USPTA/PTR teaching professional available for private/group/team tennis lessons. Former Head Tennis Professional at the #2 and #3 Tennis Resorts in the U.S. Past coach of former #1 singles player at the University of Florida. Call Steve Brady at (843) 422-3993 or email sbrady@hargray.com CC ACADEMIC INTERVENTION & ENRICHMENT SERVICES - Individualized and data driven tutoring services provided by certified and highly trained reading teachers. Serving grades K12. Specializing in FCAT and SAT/ACT Prep Call or email to inquire about our services and our specials! ccteaching@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ CandCtutoring 813-728-0202 OR 813-6795262 PIANO LESSONS - 25+ years experience. Reasonable rates. Teaching children, teens and adults. Two locations. Call 813-994-7857

TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 9949449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com. JUST ASK JULIE PET SITTING - Cat sitting and midday doggie walks * Serving you since 2002 * Bonded, Licensed and insured * Pet First Aid Certified Instructor * Certified Dob Obedience Trainer/Instructor * Ask about my kitty express visits * julie@justaskjulie.com or 813-892-9543 NEW TAMPA PET SITTING SERVICES Under New Ownership! Please call Larisa at (813) 546-3887. Thank-you for your business over ALL these years! Please call Marina at (813) 416-5301 for references!

COMPUTER SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT – in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate. DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residential and businesses, with over 25 years experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

Classifıeds

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate (813) 784-5999 NEED HOME MAINTENANCE – Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582. GREG’S PAPERHANGING – For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING – Interior & Exterior pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. Your Neighborhoond Arbor Greene Resident. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. (813) 215-1177

FITNESS &WELLBEING TAI CHI CLASSES - open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few months. Adults Course: Thursday evening’s 7-8 pm. Seniors Course: Tuesday afternoons 12-1 pm. Space is limited! Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 30 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org. Peter #787-7560 or E-mail peter@chuan-fa.org LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $55 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL (727) 372-6389 Lic #MA47546. JAZZERCISE CLASSES - Classes available MonFri 8:30am & 9:30am located at Jansen Dance Project. Jazzercise is a combination of dance, hip hop, kickboxing, yoga, and Pilates. Enjoy 30 minutes of rockin’ cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. All Monday’s in September are FREE! For more information call Julie (813) 505-5258, or www.jazzercise.com jwagonerjazz@verizon.net. GROUP THERAPY CLASSES – 4 groups starting: 1) Adult Stress Management, 2) Children’s Social Skills, 3) Parenting Skills, and 4) Mind-Body Wellbeing. Cost: $20-$30 per week. Conducted by licensed therapists with over 10 years of experience. Limited Space, Call Today. We also provide individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Call Dr. Brad Palermo, Licensed Psychologist – (813) 666-5885. Website: www.Tampa-Therapy.com

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING - Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements?Ask about our HOA SPECIAL! FREE ESTIMATE! (813) 420-4465 LAWN CARE - We Specialize in Residential Lawn & Landscape Maintenance! Landscaping, Mulching, Clean-ups, Palm/Tree Trimming & Sprinkler Repair also available. Owner Operated over 17 years. Call us today for Reliable Service for everything that grows @ your property (813) 973-3825 or visit: ntlcpropertymaintenance.com

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa’s #1 Choice!! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today @ (813) 857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call (813) 312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

SPRINGER STORAGE: RV & Boat Storage Port Richey, FL Starting at $35.00 mo. Pay first two months, 3rd month free. 24 hour access & 24 hour monitoring. Call to reserve your spot. (813) 833-1191.

CLEANING, LAUNDRY, YOU NAME IT!$68.00 introductory special, Mon-Wed. Make your list, put us to work! Anna's Housekeeping A BBB Accredited Business Servicing Florida since 1991. We have private housekeeper rates with agency Backup coverage! Licensed and all housekeepers are background checked. Call 813.985.1150.

CAR SERVICES – Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at (813) 966-1530. FOR SALE - Solid wood Drexel Heritage, Italian Traditional style, Dining Room Set: Dining room table w/ leaf 86 in. long, 42 in wide, 6 chairs w/ burgundy and gold accent cushions, and matching lighted china cabinet. For pricing or more information please call (813) 690-1062.

LOOKING TO PLACE A LISTING? Call The Neighborhood News 813-910-2575

REALTOR - Let me Find your Dream Home for you,... I WILL DO THE WORK! - You will get my full attention to your Real Estate needs. Call me directly at 813-679-9595 or email me: vangalder1@aol.com. MARIA CHERREZ VANGALDER, Realtor, Ceritfied Short Sale Expert; Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

E S T A T E

F U N

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more information, Call 758-9710. M.Y. CLEANING SERVICE - Offering Residential cleaning. We offer complete bath & kitchen cleaning, as well as dusting and polishing furniture. We provide our own supplies. Free estimates! Your satisfaction is our priority! With 5 years of experience, we guarantee meticulous cleaning! Call Mila: (813) 516-3554.

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME FROM YOUR CELL PHONE! - Wish you could see home details while you are driving around looking at homes? NOW YOU CAN! With Team Bohannon's Mobile MLS Search application, you can search for any home in the area on your cell phone. Check out price, beds/baths, details, maps, even photos – all from the convenience of your cell phone. SEARCH PROPERTIES WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WANT! GET IT NOW - Text: MLS4YOU to: 87778 Compliments of Doug, Annette and Dale Bohannon Coldwell Banker (813) 979-4963

CLEANING SERVICES

WEST COAST FLOORING INC - Hardwood, Laminate, and Carpet; Over 25 years experience in sales and installations; Repairs: Large and small jobs; We even do exterior pavers; Free estimates - Call Doug at (813) 215-4817

R E A L

G A M E S

BRIDGE PLAYERS WANTED - Daytime. Weekdays. Once, twice, or more per month for three hour sessions in selected homes of members in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. Actual schedule depends on availability of players. One-two tables maximum. Party bridge, not Duplicate. Intermediate level. Enjoyable, warm, casual people. Free. No frills. For details call Harry at 907-2541 or Jane at 355-3665.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 3 • Februar y 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com