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Volume 18 Issue 5

Inside: Soho Sushi Now Open In New Tampa! See Magazine Section!

February 27, 2010

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

Workshop Provides Information About Proposed Sales Tax By Michael Smith Would you be willing to pay an extra penny per dollar every time you shop in order to spend less time idling in traffic here in New Tampa and elsewhere around the county? That’s what Hillsborough County transportation officials were hoping to learn when they came to Freedom High on February 18 for a public information workshop on a proposed onepercent sales tax increase that may be put to county voters on a referendum ballot this fall. About two dozen area residents turned out for the meeting, about as many as the county experts who came to answer their questions. If it passes, the tax is expected to generate approximately $178 million per year over its proposed life of 30 years (although that, like many other specifics regarding the proposal, has not yet been determined; as this issue went to press, the members of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners [BOCC] were still deliberating over the exact language of the referendum). Seventy-five percent of

that revenue would be used for transportation projects, including improved bus service and light rail, while the other 25 percent would be used for non-transit projects, from roadway improvements to construction of more bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. Bob Gordon, director of the county’s Public Works Department, said that both the tax referendum and the laundry list of proposed projects that are needed countywide were culled from recommendations made by the county’s Transportation Task Force (TTF), which was created by the BOCC in 2006 to study ways to improve transportation in the county. Gordon said that the 23-member TTF, made up of elected officials, business and industry leaders and citizens, originally recommended more than $500 million in short- and long-term projects, which were to be paid for by revenue from the Community Investment Tax (CIT) and gas taxes. However, Gordon said that the list of proposed projects had to be pared back after both property tax and sales tax revenues declined dramatically over the past couple of years.

Hillsborough County Public Works Department director Bob Gordon discusses the list of transportation improvements that could be made if voters approve of a proposed one-cent sales tax hike. That’s why, Gordon said, in the second phase of their study, the members of the TTF proposed the transportation sales tax as the best way to both pay for the projects that are already needed, as well as for new projects to improve mobility in the future. He added that in order for it to pass, the new tax needs to be approved by a simple 50-percent+1 majority of voters, and if it does pass, the first priority will be to make “significant” improvements to the existing Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus service. That means more bus

routes, additional trips on existing routes (including more service in the evenings and on weekends) and new types of service, such as rapid transit service and "flex" service. HART planning manager Steve Feigenbaum explained that “flex service” uses smaller vans, operating within specific areas so that people who need a ride can call and be picked up at their homes, then taken either to the nearest transfer center or to their ultimate destination, if it’s within the flex area. See “Referendum” on page 6.

Lawsuit Challenges The City’s New Tampa Boulevard Bridge Project

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

We Talk With A Local Toyota Dealership, Visit With State House District 61 Candidate Elena McCullough & Offer A High School Winter Sports Wrap-Up!

A Preview Of The 2010 Night Of 5000 Gala, Visits To St. Joseph’s John Knox Village & Soho Sushi, Our 2010 Fantasy Baseball Contest & Much More!

See pages 3-32!

See pages 33-52!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

2009, on behalf of West Meadows resident Evelyn Romano and Tampa Palms resident Andrea Braboy, with fellow Tampa Palms resident Warren Dixon acting as their attorney in the hearings that followed. Dixon says that the agreement, which calls for the city to set aside property offsite to mitigate for the wetlands that are going to be destroyed, should not have been issued for a number of reasons, including the fact that the EPC, in his opinion, did not follow its own rules, as outlined in both Hillsborough County ordinances and in the See “Lawsuit” on page 4.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

officials, on the other hand, have said that they are required to build the bridge because it is part of the overall planned road network for the area, and because they have already collected money from developers who were required to pay impact fees that are applied towards the construction of that road network. Now, however, the project is on hold, at least for the time being, and may even be quashed altogether, thanks to a challenge of the wetlands mitigation agreement between the Hillsborough Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) and the City of Tampa, allowing the destruction of a little more than two acres of wetlands in order to build the bridge. The challenge was filed in April

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

In the last issue of the New Tampa Neighborhood News, we told you about the results of a traffic study commissioned by the City of Tampa as part of its plan to move forward with the construction of a bridge over I-75 that would connect New Tampa Blvd. in

West Meadows to Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms. The bridge has long been a controversial project, opposed by many residents of both communities, mostly on the grounds that it would bring high volumes of traffic into their neighborhoods, posing a threat to pedestrians, bikers and residents in general. City

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A Couple Of Fund-Raising Notes & A Shout Out To The 2 Jakes Even though our track record as fund raisers isn’t great, that’s never stopped me from trying to help those who try to help those in need. In fact, my “new” pic above isn’t new at all. It’s from a karaoke night we hosted last year to help a New Tampa resident and Marine Reservist raise money to help disabled vets learn how to kayak. Its been several weeks since the major earthquake and aftershocks devastated much of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, but the real aftershocks are still shaking up the lives of everyone who remains in that already impoverished country. To that end, although many of us of any means at all probably already gave some amount of money to Haitian relief, there are still folks in and around New Tampa still trying to do their part.

Deacon Blues To Play A 2nd Benefit Concert At St. Andy

Earlier this month, the Deacon Blues Band (yes, the group that used to have me as a member) staged a successful concert at The Palms Lounge at Peabody’s that was attended by more than 100 people and raised more than $1,000 for Haiti. Well, the Deacon Blues are at it again, putting on a special benefit concert at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5338 Primrose Lake Circle, off Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa Palms) on Friday, March 12. The concert is open to adults 21 and older only, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be

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Karen Glenn Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 18, Issue 7, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, March 5, 2010. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager provided. Tickets cost $15 per person, but are limited to 100 tickets on a firstcome, first-served basis. Deacon Bluesers Dr. Tracy Sanson and her husband, Dr. Kelly O’Keefe, are both emergency room doctors who plan to use the money raised from both shows to purchase medical supplies and make sure they get into the proper hands in Haiti. For more information, call 9073057 or visit SaintAndy.com.

Photographer Trading Studio Time For Crutches

crutches for $35 to anyone who wants to participate in Dana’s “Crutches for Clicks” campaign. She will then trade a 45-minute mini photo session (regularly valued at $75) to people who bring those crutches to her studio. In addition, she also has pledged to donate 10 percent of her total sales during the campaign to the Haitian relief effort. “I just thought this was a good way for me to contribute, and also a way for people who wanted to do something to get something in return for it,” Dana says. See “Haiti & Jakes” on page 47.

Corrections

In our last issue of the New Tampa Neighborhood News, we said that Oliver’s Cycle Sports, formerly located in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms, had closed. In fact, although the store did move from City Plaza some time ago, it is still open at 18407-A Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza. And, in our story about the new Panda Buffet restaurant in Tampa Palms, we incorrectly said the cost for dinner was $10.99 per person on Sat. and Sun. only, when that actually should have said the price was $10.99 on Fri. through Sun. Sorry for the errors.- MS & GN

The tragedy in Haiti really hit close to home for Lutz photographer Jessica Dana, whose husband and other family members are from there. While Dana says that none of her family members were injured in the ‘quake, she still wants to contribute to the relief efforts, so she is now offering free studio time to anyone who donates a pair of crutches. Dana says that she knows a doctor who recently visited Haiti and he told her that there is a great need for crutches, because so many people were injured and had to have limbs amputated after being crushed by falling buildings and other debris. “Haiti is already such a suffering country, and this just makes it ten times worse,” Dana says. Dana says she has worked out an arrangement with a local medical supply company, My Supply Depot, located at 16122 N. Florida Ave. in Lutz, which has agreed to sell pairs of

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-31 Bridge Lawsuit (cont. from page 1)............................4 Referendum Workshop (cont. from page 1)................6 Local Dealership Responds To Toyota Recalls.............8 Meet Dist. 61 Candidate Elena McCullough............10 New Tampa Community Calendar..................12-13

New Tampa Business News.....................14-24 Coulter, Aviles & Jackson..........................................14 New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce News..........16 Dr. Lou Cerillo, DDS & Skin Solutions.....................18 Fl. Hospital Zephyrhills Orthopaedic Inst. Opens......20 Good News About Roth IRAs..................................22 Insight Family Eyecare..............................................24

New Tampa Education News........................28 Freedom High Invites Parents Into The Classroom Donations Needed At Local Schools

New Tampa Sports Updates...................30-31 Winter High School Sports Wrap-Up

Neighborhood Magazine

Junior Woman’s Club’s Night Of 5000.............33, 41 John Knox Village Offers Long-Term Care.........36-37 Makeovers Help Women Overcome Abuse.................42 Soho Sushi Comes To New Tampa..............................46 Enter Our 2010 Fantasy Baseball Contest...........48

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSFIEDS..............50

15 Fresh Vegetables 6 Tortilla Shells 38 Hot Sa ces $1 Kids Menu

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Lawsuit”

Continued from page 1 Florida statute which created the EPC. He points out that the statute calls for the EPC to “insure the purity of all waters and soils consistent with public health and public enjoyment thereof, the propagation and protection of wildlife…atmospheric purity and freedom of the air from contaminants…and freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property…” Dixon says the EPC has not fulfilled its duties, since by entering into the mitigation agreement, it is allowing the wetlands to be destroyed, rather than protecting them, and fostering noise and air pollution in the two communities by way of the increased traffic that the bridge would bring. “From an activity on a land (such as building a bridge), there can be effects that are negative and negatively affect public health and safety,” Dixon says. “It is our contention that the traffic that is going to be generated from this bridge is one such effect.” Dixon says that the rules governing the EPC also call for the agency to consider the public interest, including health, safety and welfare, when it is examining the impacts of a project,

whether or not there is a mitigation agreement in place. That, however, is when the interpretation of the statutes and the EPC regulations comes into play. Lawyers for the EPC and the city contend that the mere fact that there is a mitigation plan in place allows them to move forward with the project. They also say that the other issues raised within the residents’ challenge, such as the amount of traffic that will be generated within the two neighborhoods, the safety hazard that traffic represents, and the need for the bridge to meet concurrency requirements, for traffic calming and more efficient travel between the two communities, are outside the scope of the EPC’s review when it comes to mitigation of wetlands. Neither attorneys for the city nor the EPC would comment on the case, but in several instances, the hearing officer who is assigned to the case (who also is appointed by the EPC, seems to agree, since he has refused to allow much of the documentation collected by Dixon and his fellow plaintiffs, and testimony by one of their key witnesses, Braboy herself, to be entered into evidence. He also has sided with the city and the EPC on another contention made by Dixon, which is that since notices of the appeals hearings were not posted in a timely manner, the mitigation agreement, which has an expiration date of

Pedestrian Killed By A Car On Cross Creek Blvd.

lived at 10232 Devonshire Lake Dr., was crossing the street or walking in the roadway when he was hit by a westbound 2000 Mazda driven by Ernest Holcomb, 50, of New Tampa shortly after 7:30 p.m. Lamina died at the scene as a result of his injuries, but an HCSO spokesperson said that the agency did not expect any charges to be filed in the case.

Thursday, March 4, should be allowed to expire, which would mean that the city would have to start the approval process all over again. As it stands, however, the officer has granted an extension of the agreement until a final order is issued in the appeal. According to an EPC spokesperson, once the hearing officer has registered an opinion, the attorneys for each side then have 10 days to file exceptions to that opinion, after which the matter goes to the EPC board (which is made up of the seven members of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners), which will then render a final verdict on the case. It is at that final hearing that members of the public can register their comments on the case, as well. The EPC Board meets monthly, and agendas for their upcoming meetings are posted on the agency website, EPCHC.org, so that any

member of the public who would like to attend and comment on the issue can find out when this case will be on the agenda.

A resident of the Arbor Greene subdivision died February 2 after being struck by a car near the intersection of Cross Creek Blvd. and Arbor Greene Dr. According to a report issued by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), it isn’t clear whether 33-year-old Thomas Lamina, who

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Referendum”

Continued from page 1 “The main purpose of flex service is as a feeder to connect you to the overall system, which makes it even more convenient,” Feigenbaum said. Feigenbaum said that HART will begin offering flex service in Brandon and in the Sun City Center area starting in April, but the company also is looking at bringing the service to New Tampa, since this area currently is only served by morning and evening express bus routes.

Rail On The Horizon?

New Tampa also may be one of the first areas to be serviced by rapid bus service and light rail, according to HART’s director of strategic planning and program development Mary Shavalier. She says that the TTF recommendations call for those services to be implemented initially between downtown Tampa and the Westshore area and between USF and downtown, but HART has received additional funding to study expanding the service beyond USF to I-75 in New Tampa. The question remains, however, if county citizens will be willing to pay for those and the other projects recommended by the TTF (which also include the widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and Cross Creek Blvd.

among its priorities). During a question-and-answer session at the workshop, most people seemed to agree that transportation improvements are needed, but they also had many questions — about how the tax money would be used, how the projects would be prioritized and whether it was necessary to implement a new tax in the first place. One woman said that she had heard that the tax would cost the average family 46 cents per day. “Why should we have to pay that when we have no interest in using mass transit?” she asked. Gordon explained that even people who don't plan to use the new mass transit options would see benefits anyway, primarily because of the number of cars that would be taken off the road by people who utilize the new services. “Also, studies have shown that the value of economic development associated with having better mass transit services far exceeds the cost of implementing it,” Gordon said. Gordon also said that if the tax were approved, the money it generated could not be used for any other purpose than transportation improvements. “It can't be used for parks, fire stations or anything else,” he said. And, if the tax is not approved, Gordon said that the county would be short about $25 million for projects that have already been planned for over

the next six years alone. “Transportation would decline very rapidly over the next few years,” he predicted. After the workshop, there was a slight edge for approval of the tax among the attendees we polled. Tampa Palms residents Bob Van Sickler and Charles Hight both indicated that they favored the tax, although with some reservations. “Right now, the transportation situation in Tampa is totally unsatisfactory, and conditions will only make it more critical,” Van Sickler said. “I think we need to get started, and it’s good to hear them say this area is a priority.” Hight agreed, although he said that if the county moved forward with plans to widen Bruce B. Downs Blvd. to eight lanes in Tampa Palms, that could lead him to change his mind. On the other hand, Arbor Greene resident Wesley Marlor said that he is definitely opposed to the tax. “It’s not worth it, and it’s not fair to the taxpayers,” he said. “It looks like they’re just trying to jump on the bandwagon to get some of the federal stimulus money, and if it does pass and they start all these things they're talking about, they're going to have to have a lot more money to keep it going.” The division among voters is reflected in the BOCC, where the commissioners are still divided about the new tax as well. District 2 commissioner

Ken Hagan, who is not only the county representative for the New Tampa area but also the chairman of the TTF, describes himself as a “fiscal conservative” who has historically opposed new taxes, but says the voters should have the option to make the final decision. Hagan was one of five commissioners who voted to draft a referendum, along with Mark Sharpe, Rose Ferlita, Kevin White and Kevin Beckner, while commissioners Jim Norman and Al Higginbothan voted against doing so, but Hagan says that the final language of the referendum will ultimately help him decide whether to approve it or not. “As long as I have no problems with the language of the ordinance, I will support placing it on the ballot,” Hagan says. “Then, it's up to the voters to decide if they want to improve the county's transportation system. But, when you're talking about something of this magnitude, then I believe the people ought to have a choice.” The BOCC is scheduled to vote whether or not to place the referendum on the ballot on Wednesday, March 17. Meanwhile, complete details about the TTF recommendations are on the county's website, at HillsboroughCounty.org/transtaskforce, where you can also register your opinion about the proposals.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Toyota Working Overtime On Recall Repairs By Michael Smith For years, Toyota has been among the top-selling, highest-rated brands of vehicles in the U.S., but now, as news of potential dangerous safety hazards on a number of different models continue to surface, the local Toyota dealership has its hands full with calls from worried customers. “Our phones have been on fire,” says Danny Geist, who is the service manager for Wesley Chapel Toyota at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., adjacent to the intersection of S.R. 54 and I-75. The headaches for the Japanese automaker started last November, when some Toyota owners began reporting cases where the gas pedals in certain models were getting caught under the vehicles’ floor mats, causing them to accelerate out of control. “Part of the problem was that when the gas pedal was trapped under the floor mat, by pressing down on the brake pedal, (drivers) were also still pressing down on the gas,” Geist says. That issue prompted a massive recall by Toyota that included more than 4 million of the company’s most popular models, including: the 20072010 model year Camry, 2005-10 Avalon, 2004-09 Prius, 2005-10 Taco-

ma and the 2007-10 Tundra pick-up trucks. At the time, Toyota officials advised drivers to remove the floor mats from the affected models and announced plans to fix the problem by installing new, shorter gas pedals less likely to be trapped under the mats. In January, however, the automaker announced a second recall of vehicles whose gas pedals were prone to sticking part way down, which resulted in a number of reports of accidents caused by “runaway” vehicles. That recall affected another 2.3 million cars and trucks, including approximately 1.7 million that were already under recall for the floor mat issue. The list of affected vehicles provided by Toyota includes: certain 2007-10 Camrys, certain 2010 Highlanders, certain 2009-10 Rav4 models, certain 2009-10 Corollas, 2009-10 Matrixes, 2005-10 Avalons, 2007-10 Tundras and 2008-10 Sequoias. Geist says that the problem has been traced back to pedals that were made by two specific manufacturers, according to the Toyota factory representatives who visited the dealership last week. He also noted that letters have been mailed out to the owners of the vehicles that include those pedals. Geist suggests that if you own one

of the suspected models, you can either wait to receive a letter in the mail, or you can call or visit the dealership, and they can check your car’s VIN number to see if your vehicle is on the recall list. If it is, he says that the dealership does have the parts to make the The expansive service department at Wesley Chapel Toyota repairs in stock, has been extra busy tin light of the recent recalls. and it only takes about 30 minutes advise that you should put the car in to correct the problem, depending, of neutral and steer to the side of the course, upon demand. road, then shut the vehicle off and have But, Geist says that Wesley Chapel it towed to the dealership. Toyota has one of the largest service For more information about the departments around, with 44 service recall, visit Toyota.com. The service bays and two dozen mechanics, and department at Wesley Chapel Toyota they have been staying open for extend- is regularly open Monday-Friday, 7 ed hours to handle recall repairs for a.m.-7 p.m., and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. both customers and for the vehicles that on Saturdays, but Geist says that they have on the lot. during the recall period, they will be In the meantime, if you own a open until 11 p.m. six days a week, Toyota and experience any problems and also on Sundays, if necessary. with sudden acceleration before you For more info, call 407-5799 or visit can have it serviced, safety experts WesleyChapelToyota.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Elena McCullough To Challenge Weatherford For Dist. 61 Seat By Gary Nager The first time I met Wesley Chapel resident Elena McCullough, she was neither a community activist nor a candidate for a seat on the State legislature. She was a fairly typical youth football mom who drove her son Carlos to and from (and actually watched) his practices with the New Tampa Wildcats. I was providing a similar chauffeur service for my son Jared, who became close with Carlos while both were running backs for the then-fledgling Wildcats program. Flash forward about a decade. The activist who created the Wesley Chapel Community for Change organization to try to garner support for the election of U.S. President Barack Obama in Republican-dominated Pasco County kept hearing that she could and perhaps should be doing even more to help the people in her own community. Although she says some of her closest friends think she’s “just maybe a little crazy” for not just living her comfortable life with her husband Ray and their children Carlos and Corina, Elena says she was just “so inspired” by Obama’s triumph that she decided to challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Wesley Chapel resident Will

Weatherford for the District 61 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. It doesn’t appear that either McCullough nor Weatherford will face a primary election opponent in September, so unless something changes between now and then, the two will vie for Weatherford’s seat, which includes all of Wesley Chapel as well as most of “Northeast” New Tampa (Live Oak Preserve, Pebble Creek, Cross Creek, Hunter’s Green, etc.) in November’s “midterm” elections. Weatherford, himself a former Land O’Lakes High football star and the brother of former Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford, definitely has the better-known name in the area. He also is a personable rising star among Florida’s Republicans who already has $200,000+ in his campaign coffers and who is in line, if he wins in November, to possibly become Speaker of the Florida House in 2012. But, none of that matters to McCullough, who was born in the Dominican Republic at age 16, but didn’t learn to read and write English fluently until two years later. She became a U.S. Citizen at 18 and right away joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where she spent 24 years total, the last ten as an officer.

“The thing I liked about the Coast Guard,” she says, “was that you advanced and succeeded based on your effort and merit. It didn’t matter that I was a woman or originally from another country. All that mattered was that I strived to be my very best and my [commanding officers] Alison Berke Morano (left), the president of the Pasco took notice of me.” She says she believes Democratic Executive Committee, came to the party that the State Legislature officially announcing the candidacy of Wesley Chapel resident Elena McCullough for the Dist. 61 State has “continually moved House seat currently occupied by Will Weatherford. in the wrong direction” and vows to make people and help improve graduation rates. her top priority. “My Number One She also says she hopes to work to focus will be on trying to bring jobs repeal the recent increases in taxes on back to our community,” she says. “I middle class families that have been have no ties to any special interest “disguised as fees,” including hunting, groups because the people of my Disfishing and driver’s licenses and vehicle trict and this state in general are my registration fees, something Weatherspecial interest.” ford voted for because, she says, “It She adds that, “Education is the seems to me he always votes with his key to success,” she says. “If we proper- party leadership, whereas I will always ly educate our children, we CAN move vote with my heart and my head.” mountains.” For more information about She says she understands that she’s Elena McCullough, call 516-6619 not running for an education position, or visit ElenaMcCullough.com. We but she promises to work hard to hope to interview Will Weatherford secure more resources for our schools in a future issue before the election.

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N EW T AMPA ‘Play It Again, Sam’

Community Calendar

Sunday, February 28 & March 5-7 – The New Tampa Players Community Theatre group will kick off its 2010 Broadway season with the Woody Allen comedy classic, “Play It Again, Sam.” The play will be presented at the University Area Community Center (14013 N. 22 St.), with showtimes at 2 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 7 and 8 p.m. on March 5-6. Tickets cost $14 for adults and $12 for children and $10 per person for groups of 10 or more. For more information, or to reserve seats, call 386-6687 or visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

Family Purim Celebration

Sunday, February 28 – Chabad at County Line will host a Family Purim Celebration, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites (8310 Galbraith Rd., off Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.). The celebration will include a light buffet-style Purim feast, a reading of the scroll of Esther accompanied by a slide show, a variety show and games and other activities for kids. There is no charge to attend, and members of the public are invited. For more information, call 642-3244 or email Rabbi@ChabadatCountyLine.com.

New Tampa Noon Rotary

Wednesday, March 3 – The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Circles New Tampa Bistro (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection shopping plaza).

New Tampa Kiwanis Club

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

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, March 3 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at Heritage Isles Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, March 3 – A new Civil Air Patrol squadron now meets

every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd.). Membership in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the volunteer civilian auxiliary arm of the U.S. Air Force, is open to youths ages 12-18 and their parents. Adult members perform search-and-rescue, disaster relief and other emergency services, while teen members, or cadets, learn through leadership and characterbuilding activities, including flight training and more. For more information, visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

New Tampa Evening Rotary

Thursday, March 4– The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:15 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

Computer Workshops

Thursday, March 4 – Every Thursday, the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.) offers computer workshops for adults, beginning at 12:15 p.m. In March, the workshops will focus on a variety of software programs, including Publisher, Powerpoint and Excel. Registration is required in per-

son, no earlier than one hour before the beginning of the workshop. Call 273-3652 for more information, or, for a complete list of activities offered at the library, visit HCPLC.org.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, March 5 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). On March 5, the group’s guest speaker will be club member Munya Chiura, who will discuss topics related to Zimbabwe and its president, Robert Mugabe. All club members and their guests are invited to attend. For more information, visit NewTampaRotary.org or contact Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

Knights Of Columbus Fish Fry At St. Mark

Friday, March 5 – Once again, the Knights of Columbus Council 12956 is hosting its weekly fish fry dinners, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except for Good Friday, April 2) at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (9724 Cross Creek Blvd.). The cost for a combo fish/shrimp dinner is $9 for adults and $7 for children, or you can get fish or shrimp or macaroni and cheese for $7 for adults and $5 for children (all dinners include

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fries, cole slaw, hush puppies and iced tea or coffee). Clam chowder and sodas also will be available at a small additional charge. For more information, call the St. Mark church office at 907-7746.

Women-N-Charge

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

Dan McMillion Jazz Concert

Thursday, March 11 – The Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel (30651 Wells Rd., on the campus of Wesley Chapel High) will present a special one-night-only concert featuring Grammy-nominated recording artist Dan McMillion and his Jazz Orchestra. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and admission costs $10 per person. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, call 794-8772.

Red Hat Society

Thursday, March 11 – A new chapter of the Red Hat Society for ladies over 50 meets the second Thursday of the month at different locations. For more information, send an

e-mail to livingood326@verizon.net.

The Deacon Blues To Raise More Green For Haiti

Friday, March 12 – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5338 Primrose Lake Circle) will host a special benefit concert featuring the Deacon Blues Band, fresh off a recent smash performance at Peabody’s Grill & Bar (see page 3), and all proceeds will again aid earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. The concert is open to adults 21 and older only, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Tickets cost $15 per person, but are limited to 100 tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 9073057 or visit SaintAndy.com.

Compton Park Dr. in Tampa Palms). As always, the sale will feature plenty of delicious homemade baked goods, as well as all kinds of yard sale items. All proceeds will benefit the charities that the club supports. The event is open to the public, and there also is still some room available for those who would like to participate. For more information, visit TampaPalmsWomensClub.com.

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

Sunday, March 21 — New Tampa’s noon, evening and breakfast Rotary Clubs (which meet Wednesdays at noon at Circles New Tampa

Bistro, Thursday evenings at Hunter’s Green Country Club and Friday mornings at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, respectively) will all team up for the first time to present the New Tampa Rotary Pig Roast at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd. You can expect even more teams roasting delicious pigs (with all of the trimmings, with lots of cash prizes (totalling $5,000), free beer, wine and soft drinks, live music and as always, a fun family atmosphere. To sponsor or volunteer at this year’s Pig Roast, or for tickets, which cost $25 each, visit any of our area’s three Rotary Clubs.

Operation Medicine Cabinet

Friday, March 12 – The City of Temple Terrace and Home Instead Senior Care are offering you a chance to properly dispose of your old or unused prescription medications during the Temple Terrace Senior Expo, which will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Temple Terrace Recreational Center (6610 Whiteway Dr.). Call 684-1972 for more info.

Community Yard/Bake Sale

Saturday, March 27 – The Tampa Palms Women’s Club will host its annual Community Yard & Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Compton Park (16101

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Maximize Your Financial Potential With Coulter, Aviles & Jackson By Michael Smith Spring is just around the corner, and as the old saying goes, “In spring, a man’s fancy turns to thoughts of…money.” Well, that may not be the exact words of the old saying, but spring, and tax time, is now nearly upon us, and especially now, in these days of financial uncertainty, everyone wants to be sure that they are doing all they can to protect themselves and their family and/or business assets. And, one of the best ways to do that is by getting sound advice and assistance from experienced financial professionals, like those at the accounting firm of Coulter, Aviles & Jackson (in the Arbor Ridge Professional Park (at the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and Bearss Ave.), which offers tax planning and preparation services for both individuals and small or large businesses. But, they also can do much more than that. “We’re not just a tax shop,” says Jon Aviles, CPA. “We also offer any type of accounting, as well as financial planning and a variety of other specialty financial services. Basically, we’re a onestop shop.” Aviles, a 20-year Tampa resident and University of South Florida graduate, says he first started doing account-

ing as a teenager, working in his father’s commercial cleaning business in his native Puerto Rico. After coming to the U.S. and earning his CPA degree at USF, he worked for a number of small and large companies before deciding to branch out on his own in 2006. Then, in 2009, he merged his firm with that of CPAs Eric Coulter, left, and Jon Aviles head up Eric Coulter and David the firm’s Tampa office, while their partner, David Jackson, who had been working together (along Jackson, works out of an office in Gate City, VA. with a third partner) since small business owner needs on a day-to2004. Now, Aviles and Coulter lead the day basis.” firm’s Tampa office while Jackson is staBusiness accounting services tioned at the firm’s other office in Gate offered by Coulter, Aviles & Jackson City, VA. include: audit and assurance services, “We merged two very good combookkeeping and payroll services and panies to make one better company,” litigation support, as well as consulting Aviles says. and advisory services in the areas of And, while Coulter, Aviles & Jackbusiness planning, mergers and acquisison may not be as big as some of the tions, budgeting, business feasibility and accounting firms that advertise their operations assessments. The firm has a services on TV, Aviles says that is defibroad spectrum of experience working nitely not a bad thing. with businesses and professionals in a “At those big companies, small variety of industries, both here in the businesses may feel like just a number,” U.S. and Canada, as well as in South he says. “However, we are able to offer America and Europe, and that experithe same level of service and skills as ence gives Coulter, Aviles & Jackson those very large accounting firms, but the expertise to help your business, too. with the attention to detail that the

“Our job is to sit at the right hand of the business owner, to help them understand their financial situation and to provide guidance with the things that are working, as well as what’s not working for them,” Aviles says. That basic philosophy also is the foundation of the financial planning services provided by Coulter, Aviles & Jackson, which include money management, tax reduction strategies, estate and retirement planning and more, all designed to help their clients achieve their financial objectives, whatever those objectives may be. “We evaluate a client’s situation, so we can tell them, ‘Here’s what you have, and here’s what you can do to improve it,” says Coulter, who is not only a CPA, but also a Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Financial Planner. “We put knowledge into the numbers and help people understand them so they can make informed financial decisions.” Coulter, Aviles & Jackson is located at 14452 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Arbor Ridge Professional Park. Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours available by appointment. For more information, call 514-1729 or visit CAJCPA.com.

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New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

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

Board Members:

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

Rachel Haviland, VP

Connie Bladon

Matt Palmer, Treas.

Seema Jain

Kristen KippPalinsky, Secy.

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

Regina Ramalheira Lesley Zajac

Administrative Assistant: Karen Frashier

Check Out NewTampaChamber.Org For The Latest Chamber Info! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for spring — or at least some warmer weather. As I write this, the recent low temperatures have been in the 30s. Spring is when everything turns green and begins growing again. But, at least the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce is growing as we kick off our membership drive at the end of this month. By the time you read this article, our Chamber website, NewTampa Chamber.org should be up and running. It will improve as time goes on and more content is added. Check out the website to keep up all of our upcoming events. Our website will feature event reminders, such as our last Thursday of the month happy hour Connections event at Stonewood Grill and Tavern, right here in Tampa Palms, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.. Or, maybe you are into golf. If so, then you will not want to miss out on our “Networking on the 9s” at Pebble Creek Country Club. Check our website for details. The Taste of New Tampa ™ & Business & Health Expo will be here before you know it. The date is SunTodd J. Wiener, DMD, PA General Dentistry 14201 Professional Plaza • 14201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd

day, April 18. You will find details on our new website, including sponsorship opportunities and pricing as well as vendor and artist booth pricing. We are only offering one Premier Sponsorship level of $10,000. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add your company’s name to this trademarked New Tampa event. Sponsoring the Taste of New Tampa is a surefire way to get your company out in front of the entire community. Send inquires to info@newtampachamber.org. During our breakfast and lunch meeting for March and April, you will not want to miss out on your opportunity to meet the candidates running for Tampa City Council and State Legislature seats. You’ll get to hear their platforms and why they want to be your candidate of choice. Hope to see you there. Sadly, Jerry Miller and Matt Urbanovsky have decided to step down from their Board of Directors positions. They have given a lot of themselves to our community and the New Tampa Chamber and they will be missed. Our loss could possibly be your gain. If you want to become a director, get involved now.

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

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

James R. Kist, CPA, P.A. Accounting & Tax Services

James R. Kist Certified Public Accountant

(North Thirtieth Street) • Tampa, Florida 33613

Telephone (813) 977-6962

Commerce Park Professional Center Office: (813) 972-3033 5301 Technology Drive Fax: (813) 972-9033 Tampa, FL 33647

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Serving New Tampa Since 1993 To View My Services and Available Rentals, please visit:

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BAY AREA REAL ESTATE & RENTALS 813-417-2164 Mary Ann Diorio Email: maryann@maryannrents.com

Temple Ohev Shalom of New Tampa

6460 Tampa Palms Blvd. Tampa, Fl. 33647 813-632-9900 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 46155 Tampa, Fl. 33647

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Skin Solutions & General Dentist Lou Cerillo — A Natural Combo! By Gary Nager I have known local general dentist Lou Cerillo, DDS, for about as long as I’ve had this publication. In fact, Lou was one of the first dentists of any specialty to be based in New Tampa when he opened his original office in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center in 1993 and was already one of our original advertisers when I purchased Neighborhood News in early 1994. Dr. Lou, as I like to call him, has more than two decades of experience, as well as years of training, in every aspect of general dentistry, including “drilling and filling” (including tooth-colored fillings), permanent bridges, implant dentistry, porcelain crowns and veneers, tooth whitening and even periodontal (gum) therapy. “The office has evolved over the years,” he says. “When we first opened here, we saw mostly young families, so even though I’m not a pediatric dentist, I did see a lot of parents and their kids. Then, as New Tampa’s population continued to age, we saw mainly adult patients and let the local pediatric dentists handle the younger patients. Today, we’re still mainly an adult office, but we have seen a lot of new young families moving into the area again.”

Dr. Lou, who earned both his Bachelor’s degree and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Nebraska, has been a dentist since 1986, but you’d never know it. Lou looks a lot younger than his age, but he promises he keeps his youthful look by using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses every day and has had no “work” done and had never used any injectable fillers on his face. However, if he really wanted to help improve on what Mother Nature has given him, Lou now has licensed aesthetician Lori Strickland’s Skin Solutions right in his office in the Somerset Professional Park at the corner of Amberly Dr. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. And, although he, of course, would likely never give himself Botox or other injectable treatments, over the course of the last couple of years, Lou has received many hours of training from the most prestigious injectable dermal filler facial treatment companies and has already performed thousands of these treatments to help his patients look and feel younger. “Dentists have been injecting patients’ mouths for decades,” he says. “So, it seemed to me to be a natural addition to our business to begin providing injections in other parts of the

face, too. We’ve had a tremendous response from our patients and have already made so many of them look and feel better about themselves.” Cerillo explains that Strickland previously was an “expanded functions” dental assistant when she first came to the office, but had previously worked in the cosmetics industry – with top names such as Lancome, Clinique and Mary Kay (L. to r.) Dr. Lou Cerillo, Dr. Zein Obagi — for more than a decade. and Lori Strickland. “Lori told me she missed the Speaking of Obagi, Lori says the cosmetic side of the business, so she company doesn’t let most dentists sell decided to become an aesthetician,” he their world-renowned skin care prodsays. “Skin Solutions has been the peructs, “but we became a member of fect addition to our office.” Obagi’s prestigious ‘Diamond Club’ in Skin Solutions offers new clients a complimentary skin analysis and consul- only eight months! We even got to meet and chat with Dr. (Zein) Obagi tation. In addition, if you purchase a himself at a recent conference (see skin care system, you’ll receive a free photo).” Hydra Facial (until March 31). Cerillo says that although most of “We offer Obagi’s complete medical skin care line,” Lori says. “And, my the patients originally interested in dermal fillers and other cosmetic treatclients also can confer with Lou about injectable dermal fillers when facials and ments were women, he recently has seen a number of male patients, too. creams aren’t enough. And, we even “Everyone wants to look younger refer quite a few patients to plastic surthese days,” he says. “A lot of men see geons when their needs are more than the results we’ve been able to provide Lou or I can handle. No matter what for their wives or girlfriends and have you need to look and feel younger, we said, ‘Do that for me, too.’ It’s definitecan take care of you!”

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ly a bit of a trend we’re seeing.”

The Best Staff, Too!

Cerillo says that, in addition to Strickland, his entire staff has the experience and training to make your visit to the office as comfortable as possible. “This is still a dental office,” he says, “and I think my staff is the best and most experienced you’ll find. “My dental assistant Margaret has 17 years of experience. Mary, my hygienist, was my first dental assistant back in 1990 and she’s been with me as my hygienist the last two years. And, Adele at the front desk has worked for both a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon in the past.”

New Office In San Antonio!

“We’ve always had patients coming from the Dade City/San Antonio (FL) area all the way here to Tampa Palms (the current office in Somerset opened in 2003),” Dr. Lou adds. “So, it was another natural addition for us to open an office in that area.” Towards that end, Cerillo opened on S.R. 52, just west of Curley Rd., bringing in another dentist, Dr. Leslie Hernandez, DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry), as an associate. Dr. Hernandez earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and her DMD degree from the University of

Florida in Gainesville “Dr. Hernandez had 15 years of experience in Lutz before she joined us,” he says. “She’s been a great addition.” The San Antonio office is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Cerillo sees patients at that office on Wednesdays.

A Personal Testimonial

Although Dr. Lou has never actually been my dentist, I have not only known him as an advertiser, but also as one of my younger son Jake’s recreational and competitive soccer coaches more than a decade ago. He was a fixture, as both a boys and girls competitive coach and/or Board member, of the old New Tampa Soccer Association (NTSA) and is still the vice president of field operations for the new Fusion Football Club, which merged with the old Black Watch club and took over operations of the rec and competitive programs for the NTSA. The general dentistry office of Dr. Lou Cerillo and Skin Solutions of Tampa Palms is located at 15277 Amberly Dr., in the Somerset Professional Park. Dr. Cerillo’s office hours are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 971-1688 or visit DrCerillo. com. Skin Solutions is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call Lori Strickland at 846-9999.

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Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Responds To Your Orthopaedic Needs By Melissa O’Brien As Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City and other bedroom communities in eastern Pasco County continue to grow, so does the need to expand the scope and availability of quality health care services for those areas, as well as in the northern parts of New Tampa. Florida Hospital Zephyrhills (FHZ) has answered this need and continues to do so, with the opening last October of the FHZ Orthopaedic and Spine Institute (OSI). This new, state-of-the-art office specializes in orthopaedic and spine care, pain management and podiatry for adults and children. “We opened this new facility in order to respond to the needs of the community,” says Alicia Geib, FHZ’s assistant vice president overseeing practice operations. “We have an older population in our community, but our community also is growing. As the community grows, we are able to accommodate a wider spectrum of people of all different ages.” The OSI is located in a separate building about a quarter-mile away from FHZ’s 28-acre campus on Gall Blvd. This Christian-based, not-for-

time. If you live in Wesley Chapel – or anywhere in eastern Pasco County, you have access to high-quality care literally right in your back yard.” The physician team at the OSI is led by The Orthopaedic & Spine Institute of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills combines the experience medical director and talents of (l. to r.) medical director Dr. Samuel Agnew, Dr. Mazen Abboud, Dr. Joseph Samuel Agnew, M.D., Condon, Dr. Randolph Knight and Dr. Paul Murphy. a Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. profit hospital is a member of the hip and knee replacements, sports Dr. Randolph Knight, M.D., is an OSI Adventist Health System, which owns medicine, arthritis treatment, spine orthopaedic surgeon with more than 38 hospitals in ten states and is the fractures and kyphoplasty (a procedure 25 years of experience practicing in largest not-for-profit, Protestant designed to treat the pain caused by eastern Pasco County. Paul Murphy, healthcare system in the U.S. Estabspinal fractures sometimes associated M.D., also is a Board-certified lished in 1985, FHZ (formerly East with osteoporosis). In addition, the orthopaedic surgeon and Mazen Pasco Medical Center) has experienced OSI also offers foot and ankle care, more than 35 additions or renovations, podiatry, hand care, pain management, Abboud, D.M.P. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine), is Board-certified in Podigrowing to its present-day capacity of physical and occupational rehabilitaatric Medicine; while Joseph Condon, 154 beds in a 407,000-sq.-ft., fulltion and imaging services. service healthcare facility. “What is important is that we are M.D., is Board-certified in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain The OSI can care for patients with easily accessible in the community,” Management. a range of orthopaedic, spine, pain says Geib. “You don’t have to travel Geib says the OSI physicians can management and podiatric conditions. outside of the area or drive into the perform fracture care, evaluations, take At approximately 5,000 sq. ft., the city (of Tampa) to get highly qualified X-rays and offer pain management in facility is a one-stop-shop, staffed by a care. It is that way with all of the servthe office as well as more complex team of highly-trained physicians, ices at our hospital. We also specialize orthopaedic services and surgeries at nurses, therapists and radiology techin cardiac care, radiology, and the hospital. In addition, the OSI nologists. Services at the new facility women’s services and emergency offers a high-tech radiology departinclude general orthopaedic surgery, patients [experience] little to no wait

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ment where films can be viewed instantly by a radiologist on-site. “We also are fortunate to be able to offer the kyphoplasty procedure because there are not many practices that specialize in it.” Eventually, the office plans to expand its imaging department with ultrasound and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. For Dr. Knight, working at OSI means being a part of a great team. “When I was in solo practice here, I was busier than I wanted to be,” says Dr. Knight, who grew up in St. Petersburg and has practiced in Florida – and Zephyrhills – for most of his career. “For many years, I was the only orthopaedic physician in town. As the area grew and the hospital was built, it made sense to create the Institute. By being together we can cross-cover each other and make sure we are taking care of everyone who needs to be taken care of in the community.” Dr. Knight is a general orthopaedist who says, “About a third of my practice is replacing hips and knees. Zephyrhills is a large retirement community. In fact, we have the largest number of adult tricycle injuries in the U.S.” For patient Donna St. Cyr, the new facility hasn’t changed the quality of care she has been receiving for the

past 11 years, it just changes the location. “Dr. Knight has performed all of my orthopaedic surgeries,” says St. Cyr. “I broke my wrist at Lakeland Mall and before that I had a knee problem that he helped me with. He has taken good care of me. He is a very caring person and he takes the time to listen to you. I have told many people about him.” The Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, an outpatient office of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, is located at 6748 Gall Blvd., about 8 miles east of Wesley Chapel. The office is open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info, call 782-1200.

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Roth IRA Conversions—2010’s Gift To High-Income Individuals By Charles J. Lewandowski CFP Since 1997, high income wage earners were denied access to a very valuable financial planning tool granted by the U.S. Congress and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service — the Roth IRA. However, beginning in the year 2010, access to the Roth has been opened to wage earners who were previously denied access to this type of retirement account. Are you taking advantage of this opportunity? Now is the time to consult with your tax advisor to see if a Roth IRA might make sense for you. The Roth IRA allows taxpayers with earned (not passive) income to set aside after-tax dollars for retirement. Although no tax deduction is received in the year of the contribution, contributions and earnings may grow taxfree. Additionally, if the account is held for 5 years, distributions taken after age 59 also are free from taxation. The Roth IRA also has the benefit of not being subject to Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules at age 70 and has flexible withdrawal options not available with traditional IRAs. Taxpayers also have the ability to

convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The process involves re-classifying a traditional IRA as a Roth IRA and paying taxes at ordinary income rates on any gains in the account for the year that the conversion occurred. Through 2009, however, there was an Adjusted Gross Income limit of $100,000 that prevented high wage earners from undertaking a Roth Conversions. But, in 2010, the rules are now changed. In 2005, Congress enacted the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act, which modified the income limitations associated with Roth conversions. As a result of the 2005 Act, the adjusted gross income limitation for Roth conversions is dropped in 2010. Also, tax liabilities incurred as a result of the conversion may be spread over two years. So, if you and your tax advisor determine that the conversion now makes financial sense for you, how is it accomplished? Typically, there are two conversion scenarios that may apply to a high wage earner. Let’s explore each of these. Ms. Pimona, a sole proprietor, has no traditional IRA assets. Her husband has a 401k retirement account which was established by his employer. Ms. Pimona can open a “non-deductible” IRA for herself and her spouse in the

As of 2010, high wage earners now have the right to save on their taxes with a Roth IRA. tax years of 2009 and 2010. If they are both over 50 years old, a total of $24,000 may be set aside in these accounts. After January 1 of this year, they can convert the non-deductible IRAs to Roth IRAs and spread any tax liability over two years. Dr. Newsome has a rollover IRA that he funded with a 403(b) account from his previous employer’s retirement plan. He can contribute to nondeductible IRAs for himself and his spouse and convert them. He can also convert some or all of his Traditional IRA. However, his tax liability is governed by the “pro-rata” rule, which bases the tax liability on the balances of both the Traditional and Nondeductible IRAs. The liability can be spread over two years. Once again, your

tax advisor should be consulted to determine the extent of this liability. There are several other factors that should be considered before undertaking the Roth IRA conversion. But, with the proper guidance from your tax and financial advisors, you will gain a very flexible tool in your financial planning tool box. New Tampa resident Charles J. Lewandowski specializes in Retirement Planning for Small Business Professionals. His website is CJLCFP.com. Lewandowski is with West Coast Financial Group, Inc., which is located at 16241 N. Florida Ave., Lutz. Call 269-7100 for an appointment or more info. The Supervising Office for West Coast Financial Group is located at 218 Glenside Avenue, Wyncote PA 19095. Call (800) 242-1421. Financial Representative offering Advisory Services and Securities through Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc., Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc., and West Coast Financial Group, Inc., are independently owned and each is responsible for its own business.

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Let The Insight Family Handle Your Family’s Eyecare Needs By Michael Smith Let’s face it, there are a lot of places you can go nowadays that promise to have your new eyeglasses ready in an hour or less, but do you really want to trust your vision to just anyone? If not, then you need to make your next eye appointment at Insight Family Eyecare, at 27607 S.R. 56, Suite 101, in the Seven Oaks retail plaza in Wesley Chapel, where Dr. James Robinson, O.D., and Dr. Leslie Church, O.D., offer a full line of professional services that those one-hour places just can’t match. The husband-and-wife team (he’s a midwesterner from a small town in Kansas and she’s a south Florida native) met while studying at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, where they both earned their Doctor of Optometry degrees, and have been practicing eyecare in the north Tampa area for 10 years. They both continue to work in private offices, but decided to open Insight Family Eyecare three months ago after noticing that many of their patients were coming from the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

“There’s just been [next to] nothing up here for the longest time,” Church says. Now, in addition to carrying a wide selection of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses for children and adults from designer labels like Coach, Prada, Versace and Nike, as well as other high-quality yet affordable lines, Robinson and Church also offer complete diagnostic exams, specialized testing and fittings to make sure that your family’s vision is the best that it can be. “From the minute you walk in the door, the entire experience here is unique,” Robinson says. “We like to think we’re more thorough in our exams, we can do extra testing, if necessary, we offer better quality products and are more precise with fittings and adjustments than most other places.” “We think it’s like buying a Kia versus a BMW,” Church adds. “It may cost a little more, but the quality is incomparable, and you definitely get your money’s worth.” Being as theirs is a family-oriented practice, Drs. Church and Robinson also emphasize the importance of eyecare for children. That’s why their practice includes machines and testing

methods especially designed for patients as young as six months of age, which you won’t find at most of the chain outlets or in-store optical centers. In fact, Robinson and Church recommend routine eye testing for children beginning at six months, then again at two years of age, and then again when they are ready to start school, just to be sure there are no problems with their vision. “It’s just like any medical condition,” he says. “The earlier (problems) are detected, the better the outcome is likely to be.” “There are a surprising number of children who are labeled as learning disabled, when they actually have a vision problem,” Church adds. Insight also offers specialized testing for wheelchair-bound and disabled patients, as well as those who are unable to communicate verbally. The office can accept a large number of insurance plans and can file insurance claims directly for most patients, even though, as Church says, many people aren’t even aware that their medical insurance includes eyecare coverage. “A lot of people will go to WalMart or other places like that and pay

The husband-and-wife team of Dr. James Robinson and Dr. Leslie Church offer quality eyecare for every member of your family. out of pocket when they could have used their vision benefits,” she says. Regular store hours at Insight Family Eyecare are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted. The website is currently under construction, but for more information, call 406-4993 or visit the Insight Family Eyecare page on Facebook.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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West Meadows - Four bedroom, three and a half bath pool home with study and bonus room. Three car garage. Nearly half acre conservation homesite. Gated community. $294,900

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South Tampa - Some of the best views Tampa Bay has to offer! Very spacious 4 bd, 4 ba, home w/ spilt bedroom plan. Updated kitchen w/ SS appliances, eating area & walk in pantry. Pool, jacuzzi, boat dock w/ lift & lrg. patio area. Available Furnished $6,000 a mo. and Unfurnished $5,500 a month.

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Are you a first time Homebuyer? Now, is a great time to buy your first home! If you have not owned a home in the past 3 years, you are eligible for an $8,000 federal tax credit. But, time is running short, you must have a binding sales contract in force by April 30, 2010. Call Dina Hunter today to start your new home search.

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Seffner - Quick access to I-4 & I-75. 3 bedroom, 2 bath corner lot home updated w/ metal roof, newer A/C, double pane windows, hurricane protection, newer appliances & more. $140,000

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Hunter’s Green Osprey Pointe - Stunning waterfront home w/ spacious floorplan & many extras. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, office & bonus room w/ magnificent water & conservation view. 3497 square feet. Professional decor, gas fireplace, outdoor kitchen, heated pool and spa. $435,000

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT IRENE OCASIO AT (813) 632-9452 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

FHS PTSA Shows Parents What It’s Like To Be A Student Today N EW T AMPA

By Michael Smith About 100 local parents got a glimpse at what it’s like to be a high school student nowadays, when they attended a special “Take Your Family To School” event at Freedom High in Tampa Palms on February 18. The event, called “Experience the Difference,” was the brainchild of Freedom PTSA president Donna Moffatt, who submitted the idea for parents to attend a mock school day in the National PTA’s annual contest, which promotes family involvement in education. Her idea was one of only 32 out of more than 400 that were submitted nationwide to be selected for recognition by the National PTA. As part of the honor, the Freedom PTSA received a check for $1,897, symbolizing the year that the National PTA was founded, which was presented to Moffatt by National PTA secretary Teresa Williams and Steven Smitten, divisional vice president of the AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co., which sponsors the award. During their “school day,” the parents were given schedules and had to attend four classes: geometry, language arts, world history and Spanish, and

Freedom High PTSA president Donna Moffatt, right, receives a check for $1,897 from AXA Equitable division vice president Steven Smitten and National PTA secreatary Teresa Williams. they were given the same amount of time as Freedom students are given to get from class to class. They also had to pay attention, too, because all of the classes were headed up by real teachers and assistant principals from the school, and they quizzed the parents on what they had learned. “The one thing we heard most of them say was, ‘It’s sure not like it used to be,’” Moffatt said. That was certainly the experience for Julie Cortese, who graduated from

Education Updates

Donations Needed

The PTA at Harold H. Clark Elementary School is looking for donations for its annual Spring Fest, which will be held on Friday, March 26. All proceeds from the event go directly for PTA programs at the school, and although it is not open to the public, donations of goods or services for the popular basket raffle are appreciated. If you or your business would like to make a donation, call Suzanne Sloss at 972-0552. In addition, the students at Freedom High are collecting new and gently used books of all genres as part of the “I Feel The Need To Read” literacy project. Books that are appropriate for second-graders will be presented to them during the “I Feel the Need to

Read” Festival at Freedom on Friday, March 19, and those that aren’t will be sold during a second-hand book sale (as a fund raiser) on Friday, March 2, during the the School District’s Community and Family Awareness Night, which also will be held at Freedom. For more information, call the school office at 558-1185. And finally, students in the Freedom High Parenting Skills and Child Development program need baby carriers and carseats. The school recently received seven new “Real Care Baby Simulators,” which the students care for as if they were real babies, in order to better understand the responsibilities associated with being a parent. To help, please send an email to: jessica.clark@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

high school in 1975 and whose son currently is a junior at Freedom “It made me feel like it was the first day of school all over again,” she said. “It was humbling. I never realized they learned at such a fast rate.” Cortese also said, however, that she wasn’t completely surprised by how

difficult some of the classes were, because she says that some of the homework that her son brings home is even baffling to her husband, who works as a research physician. “I think the caliber of what they’re learning these days is a lot more difficult than what I did.”

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It’s Been A Busy Month For Our Local High School Teams By Michael Smith The months of January and February are an exciting time to be a high school athlete, because that’s when the district, regional and state competitions for all of the winter sports — boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, and wrestling and cheerleading — are held, and all the hard work that you’ve put in over the course of the season begins to really pay off. It’s even more exciting if you’re doing as well as some of the studentathletes from the schools in our area, because the deeper you go into into the postseason, the higher the stakes are and so, too, the greater the rewards. Topping the list is the Paul R. Wharton High boys basketball team, which, as this issue was going to press, was in the midst of a 25-game winning streak, including an exciting 45-31 victory over Brandon in the Class 6A, District 8 championship game on February 13 and a 68-50 win over Sarasota Riverview in the Quarterfinal round of the Regional playoffs. The two victories brought the Wildcats’ season record to an astonishing 27-1 on the season, with

The Wharton High boys basketball team celebrates a near-perfect season and a Class 6A, District 8 championship. the team’s only loss coming in the third week of the season against Sickles, and they were scheduled to take on St. Pete High in the regional semis on February 23. “We’re not counting the wins,” Wharton head coach Tommy Tonelli said after taking the District championship. “We just take them one at a

time and whatever it adds up to, that’s fine. I’m just happy for the players.” Tonelli, you’ll remember, came back to Wharton this season after spending two years as director of basketball operations at the University of South Florida, his alma mater. Prior to his departure for the college ranks, Tonelli led the Wharton program to a

record of 213-73 over 10 years, which included three District titles and six Regional playoff appearances. It looks like this year, the ‘Cats may be ready to make it all the way to the State championship for the first time. The Wharton girls, meanwhile, also enjoyed a pretty successful season, making it all the way to the Regional Quarterfinals before losing to a tough Sarasota team, 40-28, on February 11. The ‘Cats finished the season with a record of 21-5. The Freedom High girls varsity team also did well under new head coach Laurie Pacholke, going 17-4 before losing to Hillsborough High, 63-39, in the Class 5A, District 9 semifinals. It was a tough year, however, for Travis Priddy, the first-year coach of the Freedom boys basketball team, which entered the season with high hopes and expectations but finished with a disappointing record of 7-8. The Wildcats hoopsters weren’t the only team to celebrate a District championship this season, however, as the Freedom girls soccer team accomplished the same feat with a 5-0 shutout of Hillsborough High on January 22. The Lady Patriots then went on to

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Above, Freedom High’s Chandler Nipper (in red) became the first Pats wrestler to reach 100 career victories. Below: Wharton’s Keon Jordan (in blue) was one of two Wildcats to advance to the State finals.

defeat Manatee by the same margin in the regional quarterfinals, but they fell to a tough Venice team, 4-1, in the semifinal round on February 2. The Lady Patriots finished the season at 13-4-4, and a large part of their success was the play of senior midfielder and team captain Olivia Bloemke, who accepted a scholarship offer to play at Rollins College next year. “Players like Olivia are why we coach,” said Freedom head coach Chris Hinkle, who will be leaving the school after this year to pursue other interests. “She has a great work ethic, never complains, and is a great team leader on the field. I think she’ll fit in well at Rollins, which is a great Division 2 school.” Meanwhile, after making it to the Class 5A state finals a year ago, the Freedom boys soccer team saw a disappointing season end in the District semifinals, where they lost 5-0 to Gaither. The Wharton High boys also made it to the District semis, where they lost to Bloomingdale by a margin of 2-1. The Wharton girls also lost in the District semifinals, 6-0 to Bloomingdale.

In wrestling, both Freedom and Wharton sent multiple competitors to the regional tournament at Brandon High on February 1213. A week earlier, the Wildcats finished second to Brandon in the 3A, District 6 championships, while Freedom finished eighth in the team standings. At Districts, Freedom senior Chandler Nipper became the first wrestler in school history to earn 100 career victories. At the Regional meet, Wharton After helping to lead the Freedom girls socwrestlers and seniors Basim Saed cer team (top) to a district championship, and Keon Jordan qualified for the FHS senior Olivia Bloemke accepted a State tourney which was under way scholarship offer from Rollins Colllege. as this issue went to press.

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NTJWC Night Of 5000 Will Benefit Camp For Burned Children By Melissa O’Brien The Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs’ New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC) has named Camp Hopetake, a camp for children who have suffered from severe burns, this year’s primary beneficiary of the club’s upcoming Night of 5000 charity gala. The 13th annual black-tie-optional event — the signature fund raiser for the NTJWC — will take place on Saturday, March 20, at The Ritz Ybor in Ybor City. Being a kid can be hard enough, but imagine if you are a child who has suffered from severe burns. For many children, undergoing the medical procedures as a result of burns is very traumatic, but coping afterwards with the social and emotional scars associated with these kinds of injuries can be equally as overwhelming. That is why the Tampa Firefighters Local 754 union, in conjunction with Tampa General Hospital’s Burn Unit, sponsors Camp Hopetake. According to Tampa Fire Department Capt. Jace Kohan, the secretarytreasurer of the union, the camp is a place where kids of all ages who have been seriously burned but are now recovered can kick back and have fun. “Camp Hopetake was started twenty years ago by our firefighters union,” says Kohan. “It is a one-week

camp for kids ages 5-17 who are all going through the same experience. It gives them a chance to talk to each other and it’s very therapeutic for them.” Located in Ellenton, Camp Hopetake, which is pronounced “ho-pee-tock-ee” (from the Florida Seminole word for children), the kids’ week includes a wide variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, crafts, games, movies, horseback riding and a trip to a Florida amusement This year’s Night of 5000, to be held Saturday, March 20, at The Ritz in Ybor City, park. They also see demonwill again sponsored and hosted by the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club, will benefit strations by skydivers, Tampa the young burn vistims from Camp Hopetake in Ellenton. Fire Rescue search dogs, maractivities. One hundred percent of this affinity for children and we tend to lean tial arts experts and others. donation will go to the cost of putting toward those types of charities in terms The camp provides a safe and supon the camp. Most of these kids don’t of who we support.” portive environment for the kids to have the money to go to places like The Night of 5000 has become a share their feelings and interact with Busch Gardens or Disney World, and New Tampa signature annual event – one another in a non-threatening we give them an opportunity to have a where thousands of charity dollars are atmosphere. They spend the week with great time and a chance to talk to othraised and one lucky guest wins a other seriously burned children in airers who are experiencing the same $5,000 cash prize. Keen says this year’s conditioned quarters and are under full things they are.” event is planned to be better than ever medical supervision by nurses from the For the members of the NTJWC, with an Ybor-inspired dinner-station burn unit at Tampa General Hospital sponsoring Camp Hopetake is in keepmenu, added entertainment by New and Tampa Fire-Rescue Paramedics. ing with their mission. Tampa’s Troy Jansen (owner of the “We are ecstatic that the New “We wanted to help a charity that Jansen Dance Project and the “CollecTampa Junior Woman’s Club has chowas located in our ‘backyard’ and, as a tive Soles Arts Group”) and a cigar bar. sen our charity as their beneficiary,” smaller charity, the impact of our donaAs in past years, the Night will says Kohan. “Right now, when donation will go a long way,” says NTJWC include a cocktail hour, cash bar and tions are down, we are extremely excitpresident Heather Keen. “We have an See “Night of 5000” on page 41. ed at what this will do to help fund our

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Think About Long-Term Care At St. Joseph’s John Knox Village! St. Joseph’s John Knox Village Offers Residents Options When It Comes To Continuous Care By Melissa O’Brien For many people, retirement planning means saving in a 401K or some other kind of monetary fund, eliminating debt and eventually enjoying the fruits of your lifelong labors. Rarely, when we are healthy, do we ever think, of what would happen if we were to get sick or become infirmed in our “golden years.” Nor do we think about the care that we would then require and its cost. Many people simply assume that Medicare will cover their medical needs as they age, but what most people do not know is that Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living or long-term “permanent” nursing care. With assisted living rates starting, at most communities, at around $3,000 per month and long-term nursing care starting at more than $72,000 per year – and with no reimbursement from Medicare – seniors and their families often need to foot the entire bill themselves. In some cases, people are completely unprepared financially should they or a family member need this type of comprehensive care.

“There are options,” says Caroline North, who is director of marketing for St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, an upscale continuous care retirement community located on E. Fletcher Ave, across from the USF Tampa campus. “One option would be to purchase long-term care insurance and another would be for seniors to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) such as University Village or St. Joseph’s John Knox Village,” North says. “But, it’s important to note that seniors need to move into these CCRCs before they need any comprehensive care, because they must qualify both medically and financially. Once they are accepted, however, they receive discounts on any long-term care they might need in the future.” North says that each CCRC community features different benefits, discounts and savings, so seniors and their families should do some comparative shopping before they decide where to go. Some facilities are for-profit, and some, like St. Joseph’s John Knox, operate as not-for-profit facilities. Most communities use an entrance

fee to keep monthly fees lower. Therefore, those residents who choose a monthly rental option rather than paying an entrance or endowment fee will pay a higher monthly rent. The upfront fees do, however, help provide the funds for many of the amenities and the range of services a person will need as they age in place. North also says there are substantial income tax benefits to living in a CCRC because the IRS allows a portion of the entrance fee and portions of the monthly fees to be taken as income tax deductions for medical expenses. Some facilities, like St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, even offer a “Life Care Guarantee,” which ensures that a resident will never lose their home, even if they no longer have the ability to pay. “With the built-in protection, it can really make a big difference for a lot of seniors and their families,” says North. “We will never ask a resident to move out. The whole idea is that it’s like having a long-term care policy. You buy it before you need the services and if you do need the assisted living or nursing care services, you have already planned for it and you’re prepared.” Living at John Knox is like living in a small town community. Residents

Residents at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village receive ongoing medical care. enjoy a fitness center, several pools, Sunday brunches, Wii sports teams, painting classes, happy hours, Bible studies and more. Residents can opt for two-bedroom or one-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 700-1,500sq. ft., all with full kitchens. There is a full dining room if residents do not want to cook and/or want to eat with friends. Buses are available for those who do not like to drive, but residents can remain as independent as they are able to be in a very enjoyable community atmosphere. North says that St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, which is part of Baycare Health System, is the first CCRC to have won the Governor’s Seal.

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“It is the first in the state of Florida granted that distinction.” says North. “Only two nursing homes in the state have received it. We also have five-star accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) – a distinction that few facilities in the state share.”

Resident Testimonials

Resident Werner “Mac” McIver and his wife Jean say that St. Joseph’s John Knox Village has been a wonderful place to call home and offers the couple great piece of mind. “It is the best decision we ever made,” says Mac, who is 76. “We looked around and liked the fact that John Knox was not-for-profit. I have an in-law at a for-profit facility and they are always getting ‘nickeled and dimed’ for everything. Here, because the facility is not-for-profit, they can only keep a certain amount of money to keep their tax advantage. They use their funds to maintain the place very well. They just re-carpeted everything and painted the ceilings and hallways in every building.” He adds, “We have 24-hour security and the food is outstanding. There are activities directors who constantly have interesting things going on here.” Mark Hoenemeyer, who works for BayLinen, Inc., a division of Baycare Health Systems, says he did a lot of

research to find where the best place for his mother would be. “My decision was not just based upon what is owned where,” says Mark. “John Knox seemed to have a great environment. They offered a great continuum of care. If she needs assisted living someday, it is very comprehensive in that respect. I also like the motivation in not-for-profit facilities. It seems more humanist to me. The excess of revenue goes back into to John Knox which is a factor in the quality of its operation.” Other factors Hoenemeyer says he looked at were the clean grounds and the dining room meals. “Everything was kept up and the food looked and tasted good,” he says. “They had comprehensive meals. They also had good access for patients to St. Joseph’s buses so residents can go out and get off campus for activities. I would say the best analogy for my mother, who is 82, is that this was like starting school all over again. [When she first moved in], a member of the John Knox Village marketing team brought her down to meet other people — to find compatibility with others — and while it was an adjustment for her [at first], she loves it now.” Hoenemeyer says that continuing care is something that everyone with aging parents, or who is aging them-

selves, needs to think about. “It is something you have to save for and need to be aware of,” he says. “It is one of those questions that need to be asked early on: ‘What are you going to do when you hit that age?’ If your parents or you are not of that age yet, you still need to start thinking about it because if you’re lucky, someday you’re going to get there.” For more information about long term care, visit Medicare.gov/ longtermcare, and Living-Options. org. For information about St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, visit StJosephsJohnKnox.com or call (800) 272-5669.

Did You Know?

• This year, about nine million men and women over the age of 65 will need long-term care • A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that people who reach age 65 will likely have a 40 percent chance of entering a nursing home • About 10 percent of the people who enter a nursing home will stay there five years or more

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

SEVEN OAKS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

• Access to Discount Dental Plans • Most insurance plans accepted/In-network • Nitrous Oxide Available • Tooth Colored Fillings

• Crowns, Bridges, & Veneers

• Whitening, Zoom! 2 & Take Home Kits • Implant Dentistry

• Extractions, Root Canal Treatment • Digital X-Rays

Welcoming new patients of all ages

Over 14 years experience Seven Oaks Professional Park (Next to Samʼs Club)

2112 Ashley Oaks Circle Dr. Lee Daniels

(813) 907-7313

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Night of 5000”

Continued from page 33 live and silent auctions. Two of the live auction items include a trip to the California wine country and a “Stock Your Bar” liquor selection. Two of the silent auction items include tickets to a New York Yankees home game in New York City with waiter service and a deep sea fishing excursion. The evening also will include music provided by Synchronicity and a DJ playing tunes throughout the night. Guests may also enjoy the Fotos-R-Fun photo booth for unique photos and a Cafe Ala Carte espresso cart providing an assortment of gourmet coffee beverages. The night will culminate with the $5,000 drawing, which will be sponsored this year by Dr. Thomas Frankfurth’s Gentle Care Dentistry. In addition to Gentle Care Dentistry as the event’s Gold Sponsor, the Silver Sponsors are the Law Offices of

Pratico and Smith, and Silver Media Partner Tampa Bay Parenting magazine, and Bronze Sponsors include Dr. and Mrs. John Small, Firefighters Local #754, Mason Title, Salon Athena, RE/MAX Premier Group, Tampa General Hospital, Land & Sea Market, Independent Living Pediatrics, Thompson Studios, Iberia Bank Mortgage, Southeast Diabetics and Orthotics, Sypris Electronics and Rodriguez & Menendez Cigar Factory. For the first time this year, tickets are available for purchase online at NTJWC.org. Tickets cost $100 per person and include dinner, live entertainment, complimentary valet parking and one entry into the Grand Prize drawing. A limited number of VIP tickets also are available for $175 per person, which includes a plated dinner and an open bar from 8 p.m. to midnight. The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club is a 501 (C)(3) organization that currently has 90 members. NTJWC is one of the largest GFWC

clubs in the state of Florida, and the club has won numerous club and individual state awards over the years. Last year, the group donated more than $27,000 to a variety of local charities, as well as 10,000 volunteer hours in more than 50 projects. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the Night of 5000 – to be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 East 7th Ave., Tampa – were still available at our press time. For more information, or to attend, sponsor or donate, visit ntjwc.org or contact no5000_sponsorship@ntjwc.org. For more information about Camp Hopetake, visit TampaFirefighters.com.

Camp Hopetake lets kids who have suffered severe burns have a week of fun.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Valentine’s Day Makeovers Help Women Overcome Abuse By Michael Smith This past Valentine's Day, when many women were receiving gifts of flowers, candy, or jewelry from their loved ones, some others received an even greater gift — that of improved self-esteem and a new outlook on life — courtesy of free beauty makeovers from the owners and stylists of the New Identities salons. According to Kelly Rockquemore, who owns and operates the two New Identities locations (in Tampa Palms and Apollo Beach) with her husband Mark, this year more than two dozen women benefitted from what has become an annual tradition for the Rockquemores and their employees. The women who visited the Tampa Palms salon were residents of The Spring shelter for battered and abused women and their children, while those who came to New Identities’ South Shore location were from Alpha House, which is a program for pregnant teens. This is the fifth year that the Rockquemores have been providing makeovers for troubled women, and Kelly says that the idea came from a desire to give something back to the community. “We were thinking about what we

New Identities stylist Katie Abbott gives a Valentine’s Day makeover to one of the residents of The Spring. could do with our talents,” she says, “and we realized that all women feel better when they get their hair done, so we started looking at local charities, because we really wanted to do something to benefit our own community. Someone we knew had been involved with The Spring, so we thought it would be a wonderful way to help raise their clients' self esteem, to give them a day of beauty to help them feel a little bit better. And they do. It really lifts their spirits and gives them a new hope — they say things like, ‘I’m feeling better about myself, and I can go out there and tackle whatever I need to tackle to get my life back on track.’” The boost in self esteem and selfempowerment can be critically impor-

tant, Kelly says, because the women who come to programs like The Spring and Alpha House typically face a variety of challenges, such as overcoming abuse, dealing with the pressures of an unplanned pregnancy, or often, having to start a whole new life on their own. In order to help them meet those challenges, not only do all of the New Identities stylists willingly donate their time on the day of the makeovers, they also collect money and other necessities, such as clothing, toiletries and baby supplies, throughout the year. At The Spring, women often arrive at the shelter with little more than the clothing on their backs. According to Miralee Berrios, who is the shelter & program services manager at The Spring, the shelter works with a many as 200 women, and twice that many children, in a typical month, all of whom are victims of abuse, be it physical, sexual, verbal or mental. The women usually stay at the shelter for six weeks, and longer in some cases, while The Spring employees try to help them with whatever needs they may have, such as housing, education, employment and more. Berrios adds that when women arrive at the shelter, their self-esteem is often very low, and that low self-esteem

is often one of the contributing factors that lead up to abuse, so anything that helps to raise the spirits of these women is invaluable. “This is a way for them to get refreshed, and to start over, and to realize that the world hasn’t ended,” Berrios says. “It also helps them to look at themselves in the mirror and see themselves as a different woman, not just as a victim. It really is a blessing.” New Identities Salon is located at 15307 Amberly Dr., in the Shoppes of Amberly, Tampa Palms. Call 979-0760 or visit NewIdentitiesSalon.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Teena Hughes, M.D., P.A. Pediatrics Board Certified

Solo Practice! Practicing 14 years in Tampa Graduate of UF & USF Residency All Children’s Hospital

• Same Day Appointments 4444 E. Fletcher Ave., Suite B

813-903-0060

Most Medical Insurance Plans Accepted!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Soho Sushi—A Delicious Addition To New Tampa’s Dining Scene By Gary Nager By the time my friend Brian Leaghty of OrthoTechnology first told me that the newest location of Soho Sushi was getting ready to open in the Palms Connection plaza (next to Cody’s Roadhouse), I already had spoken with owner Jeff Hall about how his sushi and contemporary Japanese cuisine restaurant would be different than any other in our area. Hall, who literally grew up in the sushi business, worked for his mother at Yoko’s Japanese Restaurant on S. Macdill Ave. in South Tampa for ten years (from age 17 or 18) before opening his first Soho Sushi on S. Howard Ave. in South Tampa five years ago. Two years ago, Jeff moved that location to Kennedy Blvd., where it is still open today, and he has brought the same concept — great sushi and Japanese cuisine in an upscale (with a real wine list, as well hot and cold sakes and those great Japanese beers, including Kirin on tap), contemporary setting. Jeff, who often works the sushi bar at the New Tampa location, says he’s still refining the menu and promises to someday add my favorite white meat fish sushi to his already great selection. My favorites so far have been the yellowatil and tuna sashimi and the tuna

tataki, although I’ve also enjoyed the Tampa Roll (with fried white fish and onions) and the Spider Roll (with soft shell crab, avocado, scallions and roe). I also love the boxed lunch combos at Soho Sushi, where you can get a nice portion of chicken teriyaki or chicken katsu, salmon or beef teriyaki and even tofu choices with delicious veggie tempura, a great house salad (with a slightly peanutty ginger dressing) and white rice. The dinner portion of the lightly fried katsu, with its thick, sweet-and-sour katsu sauce, has been my favorite entrée so far, and Jeff says the katsu is “Delicious in its simplicity.” I’d have to agree. There also is a great variety of sushi/sashimi combo meals on both the lunch and dinner menus. I’ve yet to sample Soho Sushi’s Japanese-style fried rice, with beef, shrimp, chicken, veggies or combos, but it’s definitely on my not-too-short roster of items to try on my next visit. I also have to check out the great

Although the tuna sashimi at Soho Sushi is pretty great, too, our editor’s current favorite is the yellowtail sashimi.

list of appetizers, like asparamaki, which is grilled steak with a teriyaki glaze wrapped around asparagus spears, geso (lightly fried calamari with ponzu sauce), gyoza (panfried beef and veggie dumplings) and more. Soho Sushi has Happy Hour every day, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., with appetizers for just $5-$7 and two-for-one on house wine, beer and sake. Call Soho Sushi (2826 E. Bearss Ave.) Owner Jeff Hall has brought a modern décor and deliat 97-SUSHI (9778744) or visit Sohocious Japanese cuisine to New Tampa with his new locaSushiNorth.com. tion in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave.

The chicken teriyaki boxed lunch comes with a great house salad, veggie tempura and white rice.

The chicken katsu is one of our editor’s favorite dishes at Soho Sushi.

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 46

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Haiti & Jakes”

Continued from page 3 The “Clicks for Crutches” campaign ends Wednesday, March 31. For more info, or to schedule a photo session, call 949-8652 or visit JessicaDanaStudios.com.

Congrats, Jakes!

I also wouldn’t be much of a father if I didn’t congratulate my son Jake, now completing his senior year at Wharton High, for making it onto “Team Florida” for the upcoming Pittsburgh (previously Chicago) Ice Hockey Showcase. Jake and his team-

mate from Wharton, fellow senior Jake Kools, were two of only seven players from the Tampa Bay area to make it onto the 20-man squad. They were chosen from about 35 coach-selected players statewide who tried out for the team, which travels to Pittsburgh for a week in April to be scouted by college, junior and professional coaches. The two Jakes and the rest of the high-flying Wharton High ice hockey team have upcoming rink (at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon) and State championship tournaments in March to get them ready for the Pittsburgh Showcase. Great job, guys, and go ‘Cats! We’ll keep you posted.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Enter Our Fantasy Baseball Contest! It’s been a while, but...it’s baaaaaack! After a year or two hiatus, we are proud to bring back the Neighborhood News Fantasy Baseball Contest and we are looking for stat-crazed baseball fans to fill a 20-team league! My cousin from New York and sales rep/office manager David Zacharia has been kicking my butt regularly in his own fantasy football, baseball and basketball leagues and Dave says it’s long overdue for us to offer YOU the chance to win some great prizes in our season-long 2010 Fantasy Baseball contest! Thanks to Cousin D, who will serve as our commissioner (and as the new man to beat in the league to win prizes; more on that below!), this will

be the first time our league will offer weekly head-to-head matchups, instead of “Rotisserie-style” cumulative stats throughout the 2010 Major League Baseball season. Everyone who beats Dave headto-head any week of the season will win a gift certificate worth at least $20 and anyone who beats him in the playoffs — or finishes ahead of him in the final standings — will win a prize worth at least $40. If anyone other than Dave, yours truly or art director Tony Sica wins the whole thing, he or she wins a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant of their choice in the Tampa Bay area! Enter by fax, mail or e-mail, but be one of the first 17 people to enter and you could be a big winner! — GN

Your Name ____________________________________________________________ Your Address (with zip code) _______________________________________________ Your Community (Lexington Oaks, Pebble Creek, etc.) ___________________________ Your Daytime Phone Number ___________________________________________ Your Valid E-Mail Address ______________________________________________

Be one of the first 17 people to Mail, Fax or E-Mail your entry to:

Neighborhood News 2010 Fantasy Baseball Contest

15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Fax: 910-2483 • E-mail: NTNNedit@yahoo.com (Please provide ALL requested information on e-mailed entries!)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following full-time positions: Distribution Associate: High energy individual needed to receive, restock, pull & pack customer orders. Fast paced environment. Basic math & computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required. QC Inspector: Entry level position responsible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrs exp w/QC responsibilities. Ability to stand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basic color differentiation and basic math req’d. Small parts/med device experience a plus. We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com. P/T Massage therapist. Please send résumé to PO Box 47254 Tampa, FL 33647 or fax to 994-3080. P/T Medical Asst. for doctor’s office in New Tampa. With experience. Good salary & benefits. Fax resume to 632-7114 or call 632-7111. HR Manager Tampa, FL based Dental Office Plan, direct & coordinate HR activities to maximize the strategic use of human resources & related personnel policies & regulatory compliance. Apply in duplicate. BK PARASHER DDS. P. A 11017, N. Dale Mabry, St # A, Tampa, FL 33618. Home Health Worker. New Tampa-Wesley ChapelZephyrhills. Reliable People W/Experience. Needed for Various Hours. Call Mary M-F 9am to 4pm only. 813.788.1717. Lic HHA 299992388 RN’s in Pasco for HHA - PT/Per Diem, Medicare - Assessment Experience a Plus - Call: 727.259.2337 Medical Asst. for Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine private practice. Responsibilities include triage, asst doctor during office visits, obtain patient test results, chart preparation, telephone call backs, file management and medication refills. Assist front office to inc answer phones & schedule appts. Fax resume to 975-4301. House Keeper wanted 5- 6 Hrs. per week, laundry and ironing. Call 813-632-2710.

COMPUTER SERVICES Professional Tech Support in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 15 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Need home maintenance? Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing, screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582. Quality Handyman, specializing in Home Improvements, repairs & installations of all types from A to Z, including telephone & computer cabling. 18 years of exp. No job too small. E-mail eddieperdomo@yahoo.com or call 451-6541 for questions or Free Estimates. RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior, pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124.

Classifıeds

Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate. Dan Turner Decorating Wallcovering Installation. The most important thing about the wallcovering you select is...the installer. Don’t sacrifice the beauty of wallcovering, turn to the experts. Call today for a free consultation. Licensed & insured. Call 928-2160.

CLEANING SERVICES HERE I COME! I specialize in all types of cleaning: houses, apartments, townhouses, garages, etc. Best prices in the Bay area. References available. Call for a free estimate. Call 735-7979. WINDOW WASHING most windows $6.00 incl. inside, outside & sills. “Make Your Whole House Shine” 10+ yrs. experience. Convenient appointments. A POINT OF VIEW WINDOW WASHING. Wesley Chapel. 813-973-1451. D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710. Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662. A+ Cleaning Service. FSU grad, honest & dependable. Moving very successful business to Tampa Palms area to be near first grandchild. My Tallahassee clients included FSU coaches & professors. For FREE estimate & references call Randi at (cell) 850-509-6615. Yes, I do Gators, too! Sparkling Clean! Commercial, residential & rentals. Professional service @ affordable prices! Please call 1-630-561-3173

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

Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not There!” In-your-home pet-sitting svcs, including dog walks, multiple & overnight visits, administering meds, plus love & attention. Licensed, bonded & insured. Call 765-5515 for a free consultation. Or, visit www.animalsbestfriend.net. Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye - we say hello. Cats are happiest when in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com. New Tampa Pet Sitting Service. Lots of love & care for your pets. Great experience & references. Recommended by Angie’s List. Licensed, Insured & Red Cross Certified. Call Marina @ 416-5301.

B A B Y

S I T T I N G

Nanny/Babysitter is looking for fulltime position starting August 2010. Many years experience. Excellent references. I also do some evenings & weekends. Please call 813-973-1216.

L A N D S C A P I N G

S E R V I C E S AVA I L A B L E

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

THE GAS DOCTOR. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. Residential * Commercial * Industrial. * New Construction & Remodels * Natural & LP Gas Piping Systems. Gas Appliance Installation, Service & Repair. Providing connections for: Gas Lights, Ranges, Dryers, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Generators, Grills, Space Heaters, Water Heaters, Pool Heaters, Firepits & Tankless Water Heaters. TECO Rebates on Natural Gas Appliances. 5162927 or thegasdoctor.com. License # MG 24668

LAWN MAINTENANCE Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825. Lawn Maintenance *Commercial*Residential *Rentals*HOA Cleanups*Investment Properties *Complete Lawn Care at Prices you can AFFORD! Service that you can depend on Ken 334-3460.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! Mention this ad & receive one month FREE! Aquatec Pool Service **Special offer! New customers get 1 Month FREE!** We offer QUALITY weekly full service at an affordable price & follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards. Licensed & insured. Call today 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us!

Clean-outs—abandoned homes, garage cleaning. Pressure washing; odd jobs—painting, tile work, etc. Contact Sure Window Cleaning 926-9943. Trash removal. Trash clean-up, garage clean-outs. Will haul furniture, appliances, yard debris, lowest rates guaranteed; starting at $40. Call 285-4674. Custom Painting! *Artist* “20 yrs. Exp.” Faux, Murals & designer finishes at bargain prices. Call 630-561-3173. SKFinancial is a full service CPA firm located in Seven Oaks. Contact us for free QuickBooks training. Tel 813-322-3936 or www.skfinancial.com.

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

S I T T I N G

O F F I C E

S P A C E

2 office + Reception and Cabinet Area. Location: 33647 zip in Commerce Park Professional Center. Estimated Cost $900/1000 per Month 3yr/1yr. 10X15 =150 11x11 =121 14x16 =224...Estimate Sq ft: 550 Sq Ft. Also Include 1 closet and Unisex Bathroom. Available Jan 1 2010. Address: 5307 Technology Dr Tampa, Fl. 33647. Contact: Bob Lamb 813.340.3000.

M U S I C

L E S S O N S

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

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

B U Y I N G

G O L D

NEED EXTRA MONEY…We can turn your unwanted, old or broken gold jewelry into CASH! Take advantage of high gold prices which may not last long. Don’t sell to the fly by night companies. Take it to Tampa Palms Hometown Jeweler. Jeweler on staff w/ 35 yrs. exp. Charles Jewelers, 9724653 (next to Stein Mart on Bruce B. Downs).

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus. On going classes Tues. 2:303:30 pm, Wed. 8-9 pm. Cost-$10/class. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo, Fitness training and more. With more then 28 years of teaching and training exp. Call Peter today to find out more #787-7560.

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

R E A L

E S T A T E

OWN A CATTLE FARM IN COSTA RICA for just $600,000. One hour from San Jose City. Ten acres with 2 homes, one for owner w/cable TV and phone, and one for foreman. 30 heads of Brahman Cattle, 3 pure breed "paso fino" horses with new stables. For information and pictures contact Gerardo Acosta at acosta.gerardo@hotmail.com or ph.813-504-3240.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 5 • Februar y 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com