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Volume 18 Issue 7

Inside: Publix Closed? Try Land & Sea Market! See Magazine Section!

March 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

Interstate Construction Keeping Drivers On Their Toes By Michael Smith We’ve been getting quite a few inquiries from local residents and business owners asking about all the highway construction work that’s been going on between the junction of I-75 and I-275 and the S.R. 56 interchange. Well, here’s the scoop: Most of the work that people are seeing in that area is related to the construction of new ramps for northbound drivers on both highways who are exiting the interstate at S.R. 56. According to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesman John McShaffrey, the new ramps, which will be almost a mile long, will allow drivers who plan to exit the interstate at S.R. 56 to do so well before they reach the busy interchange. The new northbound I-275 exit ramp crossesz over I-75, while I-75 will be widened and resurfaced, and will include a new bridge over Cypress Creek that will accommodate traffic exiting onto S.R. 56. The $29.9 million project also includes the construction of huge new

drainage ponds in the area where the two interstates pass underneath County Line Rd., which are required not only for this project, but also for the eventual widening of I-75 itself. In fact, McShaffrey says that the ramp project actually was originally a component of the widening project, but, since the widening of I-75 from Fowler Ave. all the way up to S.R. 52 is now on hold (at least for the immediate future), because of a lack of funding, FDOT planners last October decided to move forward with the ramp project, which is expected to be finished by the summer of 2012. “It was pulled out of the widening project for two reasons,” McShaffrey says. “One, because we can afford it now, and two, because it will provide a tremendous benefit to motorists.” As anyone who regularly uses the S.R. 56 interchange knows, that area has been difficult to traverse ever since it opened in 2002, but even more so recently, with the influx of new residential communities and businesses all along the S.R. 56 corridor. Motorists

By summer 2012, drivers reaching the apex of I-75 and I-275 will no longer have to cross over multiple lanes of traffic to get to or around the S.R. 56 exit ramp. coming north on I-75 have had to plete, every motorist exiting to S.R. 56 attempt to cross two or three lanes of will be taken out of the mix of ongoing traffic coming north from I-275 in traffic,” he says. order to get [all the way to the right] to According to the most recent trafthe S.R 56 exit on the east side of the fic studies, which were conducted in highway, all while northbound 2008, there were 119,000 vehicles per motorists coming on I-275 had to fight day on the stretch of I-75 between the through those same lanes of traffic to I-275 exit and the S.R. 56 exit (both the left in order to continue on their northbound and southbound), with way past the exit. The new ramps will about 22,500 of those accessing the eliminate all that merging and confuofframp at S.R. 56 from northbound sion, McShaffrey says. See “Construction” on page 6. “Once the (ramp) project is com-

Taste Of New Tampa Returns To Freedom High April 18!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

A Tribute To The Late Frank Margarella, City Council Candidates Stump In New Tampa & We Recognize Our Middle & High School Science Fair Winners!

A Preview Of The 2010 Wesley Chapel Celebration Of The Arts, Our April Entertainment Calendar, An Exciting New Contest & Much More!

See pages 3-30!

See pages 31-56!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

I definitely suggest visiting TheTasteof NewTampa.com and getting your booth today. And remember, since the Chamber is hosting the Taste for the first time, participating businesses WILL be allowed to sell their goods and services at the event for the first time (see the website for details)! I certainly also suggest checking out this year’s pre-sale locations to purchase wristbands for the event (see page 14 for a complete list of pre-sale locations), so you won’t have to waste any time on line the day of the event in See “Taste” on page 15. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

Also Inside This Issue!

into a single-day, three-hour event. Unofortunately, due to the timing of our issues, this Taste preview actually was written almost exactly a month before the event, so all of the details of the participating restaurants, entertainers, sponsors and exhibitors have not yet been finalized — and we will not have another New Tampa issue out before the event to update you on the progress. Needless to say, the NTCC will still gladly accept additional restaurants, sponsors and exhibitors until a few days before the event. And, with last year’s attendance estimated at more than 5,000 people — and with very few logistical problems (e.g., no long lines) — if you’ve been thinking about having your business participate in Taste 2010,

Dated Material Please Rush!

The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) is proud to announce that the 17th annual Taste of New Tampa & Business & Health Expo will again be held at its most successful site ever — at Freedom High in Tampa Palms — on Sunday, April 18,

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Although this is actually the first time the Chamber will host the Taste (it previously was hosted by the now-defunct New Tampa Community Council), attendees can again expect at least two dozen restaurants serving samples of their cuisine, as well as great entertainment and a variety of business and health expo exhibitors, all crammed

Postal Customer

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Remembering ‘The Father Of New Tampa’ — Frank Margarella To me, the recent sudden passing of former New Tampa Community Council president Frank Margarella at age 59 was more than just a sad, shocking day in the history of New Tampa, it’s the end of an era. When I purchased the Neighborhood News in early 1994, Frank already was the general manager of Hunter’s Green Country Club (HGCC) and he became the president of what was at first called the Northeast Tampa Community Council in 1993. We first met during the first Taste of New Tampa, which Frank made sure was held at HGCC, in 1994. By that time, Frank and former SunTrust Bank manager Melba Williams were already co-credited for coming up with the name “New Tampa,” when the Northeast Tampa Community Council became the New Tampa Community Council (NTCC) and, even though not everyone on the Board was enamored with the name (fearing it would alientate people from “Old Tampa”), Frank and Melba have often since been called the “Father and Mother (respectively) of New Tampa.” Later in 2004, I ran for and was elected to the Board of the NTCC and served with Frank (some said we basically seemed to trade the presidency of that organization back and forth between us in the late 1990s) on that board for more than a decade, attending not only NTCC meetings and events together, but virtually every transportation meeting held by the City

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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 of Tampa and Hillsborough County during that time. Although there were plenty of other people who also attended a lot of those meetings, there were several (too many) governmental meetings where Frank and I were the only two people representing New Tampa in attendance. Like me, Frank was a “city guy” (he’s from Chicago, I’m from New York) who wanted to see New Tampa developed; we just both wanted to see it developed responsibly. His ex-wife, Dr. Diane Rollings, says that Frank so loved this community that it often seemed as if he volunteered more hours for the NTCC and the New North Transportation Initiative (a private-public partnership transportation management organization which he helped found and served for years as its chairman and/or Board member) than he devoted to his jobs, which included (after leaving HGCC) careers in restaurant management and real estate. Although he had been involved in local politics from the beginning, Frank lost his one foray into the world of elected politics when he was beaten by fellow New Tampa resident Joseph Caetano in a 2007 runoff election for the District 7 Tampa City Council seat. Caetano has called Frank’s passing, “a tremendous loss for our community.” Frank also loved music and was an accomplished guitarist and singer who performed at Mulligan’s Irish Pub in the Pebble Creek Golf Club and other local venues and events, including the Taste. A few years ago, he played guitar and he and I sang together at the first

“Taste of St. Mark” event at his church (St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd., where his funeral services were set to be held the day after we went to press with this issue). I was unfortunately unable to attend the service (or this editorial would mention some of the things said about him during that memorial), as I had to drive to Coral Springs (where my son Jake was playing in a state championship tournament with the Wharton High ice hockey team), but I certainly was going to be there in spirit. See “Frank” on page 51.

“The Father of New Tampa,” Frank Margarella, passed away at age 59.

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-31 Construction (cont. from page 1)...............................6 New Tampa News Briefs........................................8 Skeleton Found On I-75, Spa Salesman Sentenced In Fraud Scheme, Girl Survives Near Drowning New Tampa Chamber Hosts Candidate Forum.........10 New Tampa Community Calendar..................12-13 New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce News..........14 Taste (cont. from page 1)..........................................15

New Tampa Business News.....................18-21 Behavioral Consulting Of Tampa Bay...................18-19 Springhill Suites By Marriott......................................21

New Tampa Education News..................22-24

Wharton Family Pulls Together For Haitian Student’s Mom...............................................................22-23 New Tampa Show Their Smarts At Science Fair........24

New Tampa Sports Updates.........................26 Tchecoy Blount Named FHS Head Football Coach

Neighborhood Magazine

Wesley Chapel Celebration Of The Arts..................31, 34 A Look Back At St. Patty’s Day.................................35 Our April Entertainment Calendar...........................38-39 Land & Sea Market Offers Gourmet Goodies..........44-45 Neighborhood Nibbles..............................................48 Win ‘Broadway Comes To Tampa’ Tickets..........50 Margarella (cont. from page 3)...................................51

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

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Construction”

Continued from page 1 I-75. The congestion at the interchange is especially bad, however, during the morning and evening rush hours.

Bridge Project At SR 54 Ahead Of Schedule

Meanwhile, just one exit north of all that construction, work continues on the project to build new bridges for I-75 over S.R. 54. That $33 million project, which is needed to accommodate the future widening of both the interstate and of S.R. 54, is ahead of schedule, McShaffrey says, and should be completed by the fall. That should be good news for motorists, who have had to get used to nightly lane closures on S.R. 54 and lane changes on the interstate throughout the construction process. The bad news is, those closures will continue, but notices of upcoming detours and closures are posted on electronic signs around the construction area and on the internet at MyTBI.com. “It has been a process of shifting traffic back and forth (on the interstate),” McShaffrey says. “Vehicles were switched to the inside, originally,

Looking south from County Line Rd., the new I-75 ramp is taking shape. but we’re getting ready to switch them onto the new bridges within the next month.” He adds that FDOT has been getting some complaints from drivers who say that the entrance ramps from S.R. 54 onto the interstate are now too short, but he says that they had to be shortened in order to accommodate the improvements to the interchange. “People just have to realize that they aren’t going to get a free flow onto the interstate all the time,” he says. “But, that’s why there are ‘Yield’ signs there, because drivers entering the freeway have to yield to the through traffic, and they may even have to come to a complete stop.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Skeleton Found On I-75

A short stretch of I-75 just north of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit became a crime scene earlier this month, after a pair of motorists discovered the skeletal remains of a woman in the underbrush alongside the highway. The two men, described in reports as a pair of farmers from Hernando County, were forced to pull over about a mile north of the BBD exit when they began having car trouble on the afternoon of March 16, and that’s when one of the men noticed what appeared to be a human leg bone protruding from a patch of vegetation. The two men notified the Florida Highway Patrol, which then turned the case over to the Tampa Police Department (TPD) for investigation. For the better part of the next day, TPD detectives and members of the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office scoured an area roughly the size of a football field, from which they were able to recover a complete skeleton, even though preliminary reports indicated that the head of the skeleton was missing. Further investigation revealed that the skeleton was that of a female, but a TPD spokesperson said that no other clues were discovered about who the woman was, and for the time being, it was impossible to say how and when she died, or how long her body had been lying alongside the highway. At our press time, the Hills-

News Briefs borough medical examiner and a member of the Anthropology Department at the University of South Florida were working to reassemble the skeleton. If you have information about the case, you can report it anonymously to Tampa Bay Crime Stoppers at (800) 873-TIPS (8477).

Spa Salesman Sentenced In Fraud Scheme

A former New Tampa resident was sentenced to 15 years in prison on March 18 for bilking more than two dozen elderly victims out of more than $163,000 through orders for hot tubs or spas they paid for but never received. William J. Becker, 47, who used some of the money that he received from his customers to rent a home in the Cory Lake Isles subdivision, pled guilty to organized fraud on February 16. In addition to the 15-year prison term, he was also sentenced by Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Denise Pomponio to 15 years of probation following his prison term and to repay $163,290 in restitution to his victims and their family members. Pomponio also ordered that Becker be barred from ever operating a business that serves elderly customers. According to Kevin Jackson, an investigator with the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency, through his company, AbleWalk-In TubsInc.com, Becker took orders for tubs and spas from 27 elderly and/or

disabled customers in seven different states between April and October of 2007. Jackson says the custom-made walk-in tubs were supposedly designed to make bathing William J. safer and more manBecker ageable for the elderly and those suffering from physical ailments or disabilities. Becker collected between $2,300- $10,500 from each victim for the delivery and installation of the tubs, promising some of the victims that they would receive their tubs within eight weeks. Jackso says that none of the victims ever received their tubs, however, and Becker essentially vanished with their money. Through a coordinated effort by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Fugitive Unit and other state and federal agencies, Becker was located in Colonia, NJ, where he was arrested on November 1, 2008. During his four-hour sentencing hearing, many of his victims and family members of some victims who had since passed away gave emotional testimony about the toll the fraud had taken on their lives. Investigators also testified that despite Becker’s claim that delivery of the spas had been delayed by problems with his Chinese suppliers, there was no evidence in records from his company that he had ever made any attempt to actually purchase or deliver the spas. The records did show, however, that in addition to the home in Cory Lake Isles, some of the money went to buy a new car for his son and for various personal expenses.

was called out to the home at 27825 Breakers Dr. in the Northwood subdivision just after 11 a.m. on March 18. When the paramedics arrived, they found 15-month-old Kayla Chanea, who had apparently managed to get out of the house through a sliding glass door unnoticed and subsequently fallen into the nearby retention pond. She had been found by an adult relative, who got her out of the water, but then a neighbor, Michael Wynperle, came over to offer assistance and performed CPR on the girl until the paramedics arrived at the house. Chanea was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, and it was not clear initially if she would survive, but she was nearly fully recovered and ready to be released from the hospital as this newspaper was going to press. According to Pasco County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Doug Tobin, it was a miracle that the young girl survived unharmed. “These things certainly don’t always have such a happy ending,” Tobin said, adding that no charges were expected to be filed in the case. In an interesting side note, Michael Wynperle was acquitted in January this year of charges he had threatened to blow up the Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober’s Office in the fall of 2009. — MS

15-Month-Old Girl Survives Near Drowning

Crime scene investigators scour the area along I-75 for clues to the identity of the skeletal remains of a still-unidentified woman found March 16.

A 15-month-old girl nearly drowned in a retention pond next to her Wesley Chapel home, but the quick actions of a neighbor who performed CPR on her have been credited with saving her life. The Pasco Fire Rescue department

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New Tampa Chamber Hosts Successful City Council Candidate Forum By Michael Smith Their election may be nearly a year away, but five of the candidates seeking election (or re-election) to the Tampa City Council still took time earlier this month to introduce themselves to the members of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce (NTCC), hoping to gain a little advance support from some of their potential constituents. The five candidates — incumbent Council member Joseph Caetano (whose District 7 includes all of New Tampa), Dean Hale (who is challenging Caetano for the District 7 seat), and three citywide candidates — Sara Romeo (District 1), Scott Strepina (District 2) and Seth Nelson (District 3) — briefly talked about themselves before taking questions that were submitted by the NTCC members during the debate held March 8 at Pebble Creek Country Club. Caetano already is familiar to most New Tampa residents, of course. The longtime area businessman listed some of the things he has accomplished while in office and even before taking office, such as seeking and getting funding for a new traffic light at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Palm Springs Blvd. (where the New Tampa branch Post Office is located), fighting for and getting a new ambulance for Tampa Fire Rescue Station 21 and helping the department get its bariatric ambulance, which Caetano said benefits not only city residents but also those in surrounding areas because of mutual aid agreements between departments. He added that if he is re-elected, he would work to support small businesses and also to implement an improved bus system to complement the city and county plans for light rail. Hale, meanwhile, who is new to the political arena, introduced himself as a Miami native who moved to Tampa in 1992 and has worked as a Realtor with the Keller Williams Realty office in New Tampa for the past 11

years. He said that he entered the City Council race to “infuse some common sense back into government.” Nelson and Strepina, both of whom are also first-time candidates, said that they are family men and are entering the race because they are concerned about the direction of city government, both now and in the future. “The City Council needs to be forward thinking about the city and where we want to go,” Nelson said. Romeo was the only other candidate at the forum with prior political experience, having served as the District 60 member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2001-02, and she said she was running to take the seat of incumbent Gwen Miller, who has to vacate because of term limits. Romeo admitted to not being very familiar with all of the issues facing New Tampa residents (despite serving as the State Rep. for all of Tampa Palms), but said that she always has an open door and is willing to listen to residents’ concerns. During the question-and-answer session, the candidates talked about how they would work to make the New Tampa area more visible to city officials; what they thought about light rail, the expansion of BBD, and ways to improve the city’s transportation system in general; bringing recycled water to New Tampa and how they would go about creating jobs in order to stimulate the city’s economic growth. On the transportation issue, the candidates all said that they thought light rail could be one component of an improved transportation system for the city, but they were mostly hesitant to endorse the county’s proposed one-cent sales tax increase to pay for light rail and other improvements. “A new sales tax is a tough pill to swallow right now,” Strepina said. “But, if it does get on the ballot, we need City Council to get more information about how it will be spent out to the citizens.” All of the candidates agreed that

The Tampa City Council candidates who attended the NTCC Candidate Forum were (l. to r.): Scott Strepina, current Council member Joseph Caetano, Sarah Romeo, Seth Nelson and Dean Hale. creating new jobs is vital to the growth and stability of the city, but with different ideas as to how to best go about creating them. Strepina suggested the city should offer tax cuts and other incentives to bring new businesses and jobs to the area, while Romeo talked about promoting the area’s climate and other natural resources, especially in light of the harsh weather faced by other parts of the country this winter. Caetano, meanwhile, reiterated that the city needs to do more to work with small business owners, and talked about several instances where current Council members had not done so by refusing permits that business owners had requested in order to expand. “I won’t name names, but it’s always the same two,” he said.

Some of Caetano’s irritation at his colleagues can probably be attributed to his own difficulties as a business owner, as he closed his Bostonian Hair Studio & Day Spa in Tampa Palms last year because of financial problems, but he announced that he was in the process of opening a new salon in the Wesley Chapel area. All of the candidates have plenty of time to get their platforms and viewpoints out to more voters, because the City of Tampa Municipal elections won’t be held until March 1, 2011. At press time, there were 15 candidates registered for the City Council race, including two other challengers for the District 7 seat — Kevin Merchant and Charles Perkins — and two other candidates for the citywide District 1 seat.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

FREE H1N1 Vaccinations!

Manish Shah, M.D., of Wesley Chapel Internal Medicine & Pediatrics in the Seven Oaks Professional Park (located at 2038 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 102, off S.R. 56, next to Sam’s Club), says he has 300 H1N1 vaccines that he will give away for free, while his supply lasts. Dr. Shah, who is accepting new patients, is Board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. For more info, call 929-3622 or visit WesleyChapelMD. com.

TPWC 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 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.

‘Light In The Darkness’

Sunday, March 28 – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5340 Primrose Lake Circle in Tampa Palms) will host a free presentation of “Light in the Darkness,” a narrated musical production, beginning at 10 a.m. A nursery for children under age 3 will be provided. For more information, call 9073057 or visit www.saintandy.com.

Passover Seder

Monday, March 29 – Chabad at County Line invites members of the community to participate in a Passover Seder with Rabbi Mendy and Chanie Yarmush, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in New Tampa (at 8310 Galbraith Rd.). The suggested donation is $18 per person or $65 per family, which includes a traditional gourmet Passover dinner with the original hand-baked Shemurah matzo and four cups of kosher wine. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 642-3244.

State Of The City Address

Wednesday, March 31 – City of Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio will present her annual State of the City address at Hunter’s Green Elementary (9202 Highland Oak Dr.), 6 p.m.-8 p.m.).

Also, Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones will give a brief update on the progress of the planned Fire Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. For more information, call Shannon Edge at 274-7835.

Noon Rotary Club

Wednesday, March 31 – 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). For more info, call 910-2575.

New Tampa Kiwanis Club

Wednesday, March 31 – 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 31 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who are dedicated to helping their businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at Heritage Isles Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, March 31 – A new Civil Air Patrol squadron now meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd.). Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the volunteer civilian auxiliary arm of the U.S. Air Force, and membership is open to youths ages 12-18 and their parents. Adult members perform search-and-rescue, disaster relief and other emergency services, while teen members, or cadets, learn through leadership and character-building activities, including flight training. For more info, call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270 or visit WesleyChapelCAP.com.

Evening Rotary Club

Thursday, April 1– The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). On April 1, the club will have a special Mystery Guest Speaker, and on April 8, the club’s guest speaker will be Travis Monday, owner of Fit 4 Life Personal Training & Physical Therapy Studio in Tampa Palms. For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

Computer Workshops

Thursday, April 1 – Every Thursday, the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.) offers com-

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puter workshops for adults at 12:15 p.m. The workshops focus on computer techniques and a variety of software programs. Registration is required in person, no earlier than one hour before the beginning of the workshop. Call 273-3652 for more info, or, for a complete list of activities offered at NTRL, visit HCPLC.org.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, April 2 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). On April 2, the group’s guest speaker will be Dr. Jonathan Berns, who will discuss natural healthy living, and on April 9, Comm. Tim Teahan of the U.S. Coast Guard will discuss boating safety. All club members and their guests are invited to attend. For more information, visit NewTampaRotary.org or contact Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

KoC Fish Fry

Friday, April 2 – 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) 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 fries, cole slaw, hush puppies and iced tea or coffee). Clam chowder and sodas will also be available at a small additional charge. For more information, call the church office at 907-7746.

Women-N-Charge

Friday, April 2 – Women-NCharge, a group that offers education and support for business women, meets the first Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). For more info, call Sue Davis at 435-5128 or visit Women-nCharge.com.

NE Tpa Women In Business

Thursday, April 8 – The North East Tampa Women in Business (NETWIB) meets the second Thursday of every month, 6 p.m., at Hunter’s Green County Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are welcome, but registration is requested. For more info, call Kay Dunn at 841-5932 or visit NETWIB.org.

Red Hat Society

Thursday, April 8 – A new chapter of the Red Hat Society for ladies over 50 meets the second Thursday of each month at different locations. For more information, send an e-mail to livingood326@verizon.net.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2009-10 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

Taste of New Tampa™ 2010 — Sample the Good Life! On Sunday, April 18, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m., at Freedom High (17410 Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms), the Taste of New Tampa Business & Health Expo promises great family fun again this year. As always, restaurants from all around New Tampa will be giving out samples of the best they have to offer, and this year, for the very first time, local artists and businesses will be allowed to sell their crafts, products and services and much, much more. You will not want to miss out on a moment of the festivities. This year’s Taste is brought to you by Gold sponsors Wesley Chapel Medical Center and the St. Petersburg Times, Silver sponsors RS Media Services and the New Tampa Neighborhood News and Bronze sponsor Grow Financial. Special thanks also go out to the Hillsborough County School District and the City of Tampa for their continued support. The NTCC thanks them for their generosity and support for our community and our members. Admission wristbands cost $15 and children 10 and under get in free with a paid adult. Visit NewTampaChamber.org or TheTasteofNewTampa.com for more Todd J. Wiener, DMD, PA General Dentistry 14201 Professional Plaza • 14201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd

information, as well as business, restaurant and artist applications.

Pre-Sale Locations!

You can beat the crowds at the entrance by picking up your tickets now at one of our pre-sale locations throughout our New Tampa community, including: • Frame by Frame Gallery 16035 Tampa Palms Blvd W., in City Plaza shopping center, 977-4841; • Re/Max Realtors - 20401 BBD, 2nd floor, in front of Live Oak Preserve, 994-0909; • Synovus Bank Cypress Creek 2145 Cypress Ridge Blvd. (at S.R. 56, Wesley Chapel, 712-2380; • Wingate Inn by WyndhamTampa North - 17301 Dona Michelle Dr., in North Palms Village, 9717676; and • You Do the Dishes Paint-YourOwn-Pottery Studio, 15357 Amberly Dr., Shops of Amberly, Tampa Palms, 975-1700. All licensed restaurants may host a booth for free, as long as they give away samples of their cuisine or beverages.

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

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.

Area businesses may promote their products and services by purchasing a business booth, either as a Spronsor or Business Exhibitor. This year, you can even sell your products and services at the Taste, or, if you prefer, simply hand out flyers or coupons. Non-Chamber members can purchase a business booth starting at $350. NTCC members receive a discounted rate of either $275 or $200, depending upon their level of Chamber membership. Large-sized membership level companies always enjoy a complimentary booth at our events. All the proceeds from the Taste of New Tampa are donated to the many area schools and non-profit organizations that contribute time and energy to help make this event a success. You can find more information and complete one of our restaurant, business booth or artist participation forms at TheTasteofNewTampa.com, or by visiting NewTampaChamber. org. We hope to see you all there.

Candidate Forum A Hit!

If you missed our first candidate forum on March 8 at the Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club (see page 10 for more details), you missed out on your first opportunity to meet many of the candidates running for the District 7 and citywide Districts 1-3 seats on the Tampa City Council. Sara Romeo, Scott Strepina, Seth Nelson, Dean Hale and Joseph Caetano discussed their respective platforms and answered questions from our members on such topics as the proposed light rail system, the widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., and their stance on the possibility of getting reclaimed water into New Tampa. The event was well attended by both our members and the media. You will not want to miss out on our next candidate forums in April and May. Sincerely, Scott Estes NTCC President

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Taste”

Continued from page 1 order to enjoy all of the festivities. Among the fine restaurants already committed to participate in this year’s Taste at our press time are Ciccio’s/The Lodge, Mulligan’s Irish Pub, Red Lobster, Marco’s Pizza and others, with at least two dozen others still deciding whether or not to participate this year.

A Taste Without Frank!

This year’s Taste will be the first not attended by longtime former New Tampa Community Council (which

became the New Tampa Chamber last year) president and Board member Frank Margarella. Frank, who created the Taste way back in 1994, when he was working as the general manager of Hunter’s Green Country Club, will surely be missed this year. In years past, Margarella has not only been both the NTCC president and the chairman of the Taste committee, he also sometimes entertained the crowds with his guitar playing and singing as one of the featured entertainers at the event. The New Tampa Chamber Board hopes to put on the kind of Taste of which Frank would be proud.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Autism Still A Mystery, But Behavioral Consulting Offers Positive Results By Melissa O’Brien There have been magazine covers about it, news and talk shows with Hollywood celebrities discussing it and movies like HBO’s (Home Box Office) “Temple Grandin,” which try to explain it. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, has become more a part of our everyday vocabulary because of the alarming increase in the number of children it affects in our communities – without any one conclusive reason for the increase. Today, it is estimated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that an average of 1 in 110 children in the US has an ASD. The condition crosses all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and ASD is, on average, four to five times more likely to occur in boys than in girls, for unknown reasons. Less than a half century ago, a diagnosis of autism was considered untreatable and sometimes meant the end of any hope for substantive communication between parent and child. Many physicians urged parents to institutionalize their children. Fortunately, autism research has come a long way and today, some studies show that the

most effective treatment for children with autism is a quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program that is implemented at an early age (usually before age three) between 30-40 hours per week. “There is no known cause and no known cure for autism,” says Kelley Prince, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the president of Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay, Inc., which has two locations – one in the Redfern Professional Office Complex, north of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, and one in the Veteran’s Professional Center in Westchase. “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has more than 30 years of research to show that it is effective,” Prince says. “Depending upon the level of severity, kids with autism can make huge gains and while there is no such thing as ‘recovery,’ with an intensive ABA program, some (autistic) kids can become indistinguishable from their peers. They may have personality quirks and some skill deficits, but they have the potential to attend school and function day-today with typical kids.” Prince says there are two types of autism, including “infantile autism,” where a child never reaches any significant milestones such as speech, or eye contact. “In these cases, the parents

Behavioral Analyst Kelley Prince works with a 6-year-old autistic patient. know from early infancy if their child others or playing with toys as they are does not respond to their facial expresdesigned.” sions or eye contact,” says Prince, who This is what happened to Mac graduated from the University of South Chittum, who was diagnosed with Florida (USF) with a Bachelor’s degree autism before his second birthday. “I in psychology and a Master’s degree in used to journal what he did and words Applied Behavior Analysis. “The more he spoke on a regular basis,” says Mac’s common form of autism is called mother, Jonica Chittum. “Then, one ‘regressive autism.’ This occurs when a day I wrote that he did not say my child appears to be developing normally name. He went from developing like a and, around the age of 18 months, the typical child to not talking or making child regresses in their speech patterns eye contact and sometimes throwing and behaviors. So, they may have been temper tantrums eight hours a day.” able to say words such as ‘mama’ and Chittum, who lives in New Port ‘cookie’ and now, they no longer have Richey, discussed Mac’s condition with those communication skills and may her pediatrician. “We were waiting for begin engaging in repetitive behaviors test results and I said to my pediatrirather than appropriately engaging with cian, ‘I need to take him to a behavioral

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therapist regardless of the diagnosis, so why don’t I start now?’ The pediatrician agreed and I took him to Kelley. I don’t know what we would have done without her.” Prince says she likes to begin treating children before they turn three years old. She and Jamie Granatino, BCBA, and a staff of eight behavioral therapists specialize in the development, implementation and supervision of verbal behavior programs – teaching kids with autism skills such as language/functional communication, academic skills, social skills, self-help skills and compliance behavior. Their team also has experience implementing intensive toilet training programs for children who are difficult to train and intensive feeding programs for children who have very limited diets due to sensory issues or behavioral concerns. The Behavioral Consulting staff members work where parents need them, either at home or elsewhere, and they also work with kids who have been diagnosed with other disorders and typical children with simple behavior problems. “We work with children who may or may not have a diagnosed condition,” says Prince. “Our programs go into the school or home or wherever a strategy is needed to assist a parent.” Prince says it is important for people to understand autism and allow for

and encourage children with autism to experience new activities and environments. “Kids who have autism have a lot of sensory issues and can act unpredictably in certain situations,” says Prince. “Many parents don’t want to take their children out to stores or restaurants because of people whispering or looking at them. We hope efforts like ‘Autism Awareness Month’ make the public aware to be sensitive to parents of children with autism. If you see someone who appears to be struggling in a grocery store or a restaurant, perhaps offer to help or just give them a smile, rather than being judgmental.” Prince also wants parents to be aware of the signs of autism to foster early intervention. “Be aware of a child who lacks age-appropriate language skills and become familiar with developmental checklists,” she says. “A child with autism may not play with toys appropriately and may display certain repetitive behaviors like rolling the tires of a car over and over, walking on their toes, or flapping their arms. Children with autism may not respond to their name and many times a parent may think the child is deaf or hard of hearing.” Prince says if parents are concerned, they should talk to their pediatrician. “A great local resource for parents is called CARD – the Center for Autism Related Disorders,” she says. “It

operates out of USF and is an organization that can help answer many parents’ questions and help them find resources in their community.” Another important development Prince wants to make parents aware of is the passage of Florida legislation known as the “Window of Opportunity Act,” which went into affect in April of 2009 and increases health insurance benefits for autism and developmental disability therapies and enhances consumer awareness of the benefits. The legislation also creates, under the “Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act,” a mandated benefit for autism coverage which will apply to any carrier that does not comply with the compact by April 1, 2010. The mandated benefit includes a $36,000 annual maximum and $200,000 lifetime maximum for screening and therapy for autism. For kids like Mac, the new laws related to benefits will help his parents offset the cost of his care. “Some people asked me how we can afford it and I tell them it is like we are paying for his college fund now,” says Jonica Chittum. Mac is now a happy, verbal sixyear-old who has very obviously benefited from ABA. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that is very true in the case of autism,” Chittum says. “Having Kelley work with Mac has been like having

an extra parent. It was like starting over with him when he was 16 months old. Every new word or new reaction was a huge milestone. Now, he is attending Longleaf Elementary School. He is mainstreamed half the day and attends a primary autism class the other half. Kelley started with us by helping us make daily life more livable. She has led Mac down a path to learning and communication to where he is now.” Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay, Inc., is in Wesley Chapel at 3717 Turman Loop, Suite 102, and in Westchase at 6916 W. Linebaugh Ave., Suite 102. For more info, call 265-0210 or visit BCOTB.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Business Briefs

New Springhill Suites By Marriott Hotel Opens In Tampa Palms The New Tampa area’s newest hotel, a 127-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott, welcomed its first guests in March, but company officials say they are planning to hold a Grand Opening celebration in April. The new five-story hotel is located at 5396 Primrose Lake Circle, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, near the New Tampa Community Park. According to general manager Sarah Bates, each of the guest rooms is a spacious studio-style suite, and each comes equipped with a sleeper sofa, as well as either a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds. Designed for extended-stay and business travelers, the hotel also features wired and wireless internet access in both the guest rooms and the public areas, dry cleaning services, a fitness

center and an on-site market. It also has an outdoor heated swimming pool and 1,035 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate up to 50 people in two meeting rooms named for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays. The hotel is owned and operated by the Sun Development and management Corp. of Indianapolis, which also owns and operates 26 different properties in 11 states and has another eight hotels under development and construction. For more information, call 558-0300.—MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wharton Family Pulls Together To Help Haitian Student’s Mom By Michael Smith By now, we’ve all seen news reports and heard stories about the aftermath of the terrible earthquake that devastated Haiti earlier this year, but the tragedy hit even closer to home for one Wharton High student, who turned to his fellow classmates for help to rescue his mother from the ravaged island nation. Eighteen-year-old Kevin St. Louis, a native of Haiti, came to the U.S. when he was in the eighth grade. At the time, he says, Haiti was a scary place, with violent political upheaval taking place and regular reports of kidnappings and murders on the streets of its capital city, Port-au-Prince, where he lived. So, the family decided Kevin would come to America to live with his sister Sarah and her husband Lambert, who live here in New Tampa. St. Louis worked hard in school and earned his U.S. citizenship last fall, and then began looking for a job and an apartment of his own, but wasn’t having any success, he says, so he was still living at his sister’s place when the earthquake hit on January 12. When Sarah woke him up to tell him what had happened, he couldn’t believe it. “I was just in shock,” he says. He immediately began worrying about his mother, Claire, 55, who had been here for a while but had gone back to Haiti to take care of her business there. Aside from what little information he could gather from watching the news, however, there was no word. “As soon as the earthquake happened, there was no way to get in touch with her,” he says. Three anxious days passed, and then, when he was sitting in French class taking a test, a text message came through on his cell phone (which is normally prohibited during school hours, but which he kept on anyway,

hoping for a call from his mother). “We’re all okay,” the text message said. “Pray for us.” Five days later, he and Sarah were finally able to connect with their mother by phone, and that’s when they learned what she had gone through during the earthquake and in the days since. She had been at home, standing outside her front gate seeing a friend off when it hit. “I heard a thunderous noise and everything started shaking left and right,” Claire says. She fell to the ground, and 35 seconds later, when the earthquake was over, Claire says she found that she had actually been moved uphill by the force of the quake to the front of her neighbor’s house, which, like most of the others in the neighborhood, was now flattened into rubble. By some miracle, her own home was still standing, but another neighbor’s three-story house had fallen against it, and, fearing that it too, would collapse, Claire only dared to run inside for a few moments to grab what possessions she could. She spent that night, and the next two weeks, living in the street outside her house, praying with her neighbors for help to come, “but it never did,” she says. After about a week, they heard that a relief station had been set up at a soccer stadium in the city, but she didn’t go, because there had also been reports that the jail had collapsed in the quake and hundreds, even thousands of prisoners, were now roaming the streets and robbing people. “Everybody wanted to stay in one area, their safe haven, together for security,” she says. Meanwhile, here in Tampa, Kevin, Sarah and Lambert were desperately looking for a way to try to get to Haiti to help their mother and other family members in any way they could, but there were a lot of obstacles. Commu-

Wharton High student Kevin St. Louis & his mother Claire. nication with the island was still spotty, and in the first few days after the quake, planes were not even able to fly into the earthquake-damaged airport. So, they started a drive to collect food, clothing and other relief supplies, and then learned that another student’s mother had a friend who was a nurse and was planning to fly to the Dominican Republic, which is on the opposite side of the island of Hispaniola from Haiti (about 6-8 hours away from Port-au-Prince by car), to help the earthquake victims. They planned to make the trip with her, but they were forced to wait because conditions were still too dangerous. “We had a lot of sleepless nights,”

Kevin says. That, however, is when the WHS family, and especially Kevin’s fellow cadets in the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program, stepped in to help. Kevin has been a member of the program since his freshman year, and is now an executive officer, which is the second-highest designation a student cadet can receive. “But, he’s not only an executive officer, he’s also a friend,” says Maj. Mike Beale, who is a Naval Science instructor and one of the leaders of the NJROTC program. “So, all of the members of the ROTC program were ready to do whatever they had to do to help him get his mother here.” With their help, and additional assistance from the WHS NJROTC Booster Club, Kevin finally was able to collect enough money to purchase a plane ticket to Miami for Claire. The trip to the airport in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo was still not easy, though, and she even had to spend a night in a police station along the way after the car she was riding in broke down. She was able to complete the journey by bus the next day, however, and she finally arrived in Miami

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This photo shows a group of Haitian residents gathered in a street in the midst of their devastated neighborhood, as Claire was forced to do. on January 27. When he first saw her, Kevin says he couldn’t believe how frail she looked, but he was so glad to see her, “I probably hugged her a little too hard,” he says. His mom is doing well now, but Kevin says she still gets nervous when she hears loud sounds, such as when their neighbor slams the door on his van, but the family is happy to be back together. Their joy is not without some sadness, however, because Kevin’s grandmother, who was 95, died shortly after the earthquake hit. Kevin and his family also are thankful for the help that they

received, and they continue to work to do what they can for their home country, even taking in several children who were left homeless by the earthquake. The children arrived in the U.S. with little more than the clothes on their back, however, and they are in need of shoes, clothing and other personal items. Anyone who can help with the drive is asked to contact Maj. Beale through the Wharton High office at 631-4710. To provide direct assistance to the many victims of the earthquake in Haiti, contact the American Red Cross at RedCross.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Students Showcase Their Smarts At The Science Fair Once again, many of the students from New Tampa-area schools have shown that they will be among the leaders of the future in the fields of science and technology, at least if the results of the Hillsborough County School District’s 2010 Science Fair are to be believed. In addition to having several students who will go on to represent the county at the State-level Science Fair in Orlando in April, New Tampa’s schools also garnered a number of top prizes and special awards at this year’s county competition. Here are the middle- and highschool-level winners from the public schools in our area, along with the name and category of their project, prizes and special awards received (as provided by the Hillsborough County School District):

Bartels Middle

Ilenia Armstrong, “Water Conservation: Reduce, Conserve and Save.” Junior Botany, First Place; State Fair representative; Busch Gardens Special Achievement Award; Science Literary Award; Suncoast Earth Force Award. Shaurya Bandyopadyhyay, “Gone With the Wind.” Junior Environmental Science, Second Place; State Fair representative; ETA/Cuisenaire Award; Fisher Scientific Award. Richa Bisht, “Free Radical Fighters: Measuring Antioxidants in Herbs & Spices.” Junior Chemistry, First Place; State Fair representative. Gabriella Gonzalez, “Soil: A Natural Filter.” Junior Earth & Space, Second Place; SAGE Award. Seungjoo Kim, “Is Florida A Real Sunshine State?” Junior Engineering, Encyclopedia Britannica Award. Keenan McMahon, “Ocean Acidification.” Junior Chemistry, Honorable Mention; Ability & Creativity in an Atmospheric Science Exhibit. Michael Pease, “The Sweet Zone.” Junior Physics, Second Place. Robert Thomas, “How Cool Is This?” Junior Engineering, Third Place.

Benito Middle

Michael Bell, “The Effect of Microwave Radiation on the Growth of Soybean Seeds.” Junior Botany, Third Place. Taara George, “The Environment Likes Better Insulation.” Junior Environmental Science, Suncoast Earth Force Award. Grant Smith, “Music & Math: The Relationship Between Music Notes and the Strings on a Guitar.” Junior

Mathematics, Third Place.

Liberty Middle

Erika Birk, “Fibroblast Behavior: Cell Culture Analysis of Abnormal Wound Healing in an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Model, A Second Year Study.” Junior Medicine & Health Science, Second Place, State Fair representative. Heath Grady, “The Effect of Nanoparticle Coatings on the Interior Temperatures of Structures.” Junior Engineering, Krampf Educational Award. Salvatore Luongo, “Charging to a Different Beat.” Junior Engineering, Air Force Achievement Award -Junior Division First Place. Sheela Ranganathan, “Dirty Driving: Steering It Away.” Junior Microbiology, Honorable Mention. Emma Sargent, “Veggie DNA.” Junior Biochemistry, Second Place. Daymein Vines, “Ballistic Heights.” Junior Earth & Space, Honorable Mention. Savanna Young, “Age-Related Effects on Memory Development & Recall.” Junior Behavioral & Social Sciences, Third Place, Encyclopædia Britannica Award.

Above, with school science department head Carmen Austin( in white), are the Wharton High students who will represent the county at next month’s State Science Fair in Orlando: (l.-r.) Midori Maeda, Cesar Maeda, Lorenzo Armstrong, and Jasmine Roberts, whose project earned Best Of Fair honors. Fair Representative, Army Achievement (SME) Senior Division, Suncoast Earth Awards Certificate Of Achievement Force Award -Senior Division. Jasmine Roberts, “The Efficacy Of Environmental Sciences, Barnes and Noble Award, Best Water-Related SciGene Cell Therapy Using CD11b+ ence Project, Excellence In Engineering Monocytes Transfected With Protease as Award, Navy-Marine Achievement a Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease A Award-Senior Division, NOAA Award, Third Year Study.” Senior Medicine & Health Science, First Place, Best Of Outstanding Project in Environmental Fair-Senior Division!, State Fair repreSustainability, Outstanding Topic In Civil Engineering-Senior Division, Outsentative, Carl Riggs Award, Army standing Use Of Metric System, SemiAchievement Awards Certificate Of nole Environmental Sciences Award-First Achievement, Life Sciences Outstanding Senior Division, Society for Mining, Biological Science Project, Outstanding Metallurgy & Exploration - Florida Health Topic-Senior Division.

Wharton High

Lorenzo Armstrong, “Bacteria: What is Present in Both Residential and Commercial Restrooms and What Will Kill it 100%!? (A Third Year Study).” Senior Microbiology, First Place, State Fair representative, Robert J. Matthews Award, Air Force Achievement Award Senior Division First Place. Sabiha Kazim, “Tocontrienol Potentiates Pancreatic Antitumor Activity of Gemcitabine.” Senior Medicine and Health Science, Second Place, Air Force Achievement Award-Senior Division Third Place, Encyclopædia Britannica Award. Cesar Maeda, “Reduction of Hurricane Wind Forces Using Hydro-Ejection Method.” Senior Earth & Space Sciences, First Place, State Fair representative, Ability And Creativity In An Atmospheric Science Exhibit-Senior Division, Keller Williams / Robert Armstrong Award, Senior Science Literacy Award-Senior Division, Smath Award, Senior Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Award-Florida (SME) Senior Division, Suncoast Earth Force Award-Senior Division. Midori Maeda, “Alternative Energy Generation From Coastal Waves.” Senior Engineering, First Place, State

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wharton High Ice Hockey Team Advances To State Tier II Finals!

Despite falling 4-2 in the finals of the Lightning Division championship game to a team of Manatee-area high school all-stars at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, the Wharton High ice hockey club team still advanced to the Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida (SAHOF) Tier II championship tournament, held at the Incredible Ice arena in Coral Springs. The Wildcats, who defeated the defending rink champion Newsome Blue squad 3-2 in the opening round of the rink championship, just fell short in the finals to take second-place honors. The Wildcats went 2-1 in roundrobin play at the SAHOF tourney and advanced to the finals (which were played the day after we went to press

with this issue) with a 7-2 win over Boca Raton High, thanks to having given up only 5 goals in the three games. We will recap the entire SAHOF tourney, including the final game, in our next issue. - GN

Blount takes the place of James Herrell, who left Freedom to take the head coaching job at Jesuit High last fall. Blount has been at Freedom since he was hired by former head coach Marquel Blackwell in 2007. Both Blount, a defensive end, and Blackwell played high school ball at Dixie Hollins in Pinellas County and were part of the first-ever football team at the University of South Florida in 1997. Blount graduated in 2001, with 134 tackles for a loss over his career. He also led the Bulls with 6.5 sacks in 1999. Freedom finished 7-3 last season but lost to Countryside High in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Assistant Tchecoy Blount Named As New Freedom High Head Football Coach

Earlier this month, Freedom High principal Andy Farkas officially announced that Patriots’ offensive/ defensive line coach Tchecoy Blount will take over as head coach of the school’s football program this fall.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Remington B - 1,810 sq ft, 4bed/2bath/ loft/2car. Home site backs up to a beautiful conservation area. 10’ x 20’ covered lanai. Kitchen will have 36” Birch Cinnamon cabinets w/ crown moulding & granite countertops, stainless steel undermount sink, tile backsplash on diagonal, 18” tile on diagonal, Whirlpool stainless steel dishwasher, smooth top range, & vented microwave. Upgraded plumbing & electrical fixtures throughout, satin nickel door hardware, 5 ¼” base boards, open spindle lower staircase, granite tops in both bathrooms, two tone paint, 8 x 12 wall tile in master bath, 2” faux wood blind package. Scheduled completion is early July. $221,900

Aurora B - 2,423 sq ft, 3bed/ 2.5bath/gameroom/2car. 40’ wide X 125’ deep home site backs up to a beautiful conservation area. Kitchen will have Quincy Maple Dulce cabinets w/ granite countertops w/ tile backsplash on a diagonal, lower open spindle stair package, 18” tile on diagonal, Whirlpool stainless steel dishwasher, smooth top range, & vented microwave. Security system, 5.1 home theater surround sound system, upgraded plumbing & electrical fixtures throughout, 5 ¼” base boards, granite tops in both bathrooms, two tone paint, 8 x 12 wall tile in master bath. Available in late July. $247,900

Aurora C - 2,423 sq ft, 3bed/ 2.5bath/gameroom/2car. 40’ wide X 125’ deep and pies out in the back to 48’ home site which backs up to a beautiful conservation area. Kitchen will have Maple Cafe cabinets w/ granite countertops w/ tile backsplash on a diagonal, lower open spindle stair package, 18” tile on diagonal, Whirlpool stainless steel dishwasher, smooth top range, & microwave. Security system, 5.1 home theater surround sound prewire, upgraded plumbing & electrical fixtures throughout, 5 ¼” base boards, satin nickel door hardware, granite tops in both bathrooms, two tone paint, 8 x 12 wall tile in master bath. Available late July. $248,900

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT IRENE OCASIO AT (813) 632-9452 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Celebration Of The Arts Returns April 10-11 By Gary Nager The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) and The Shops at Wiregrass mall are proud to announce that the Wesley Chapel Celebration of the Arts will again be held at the open-air retail center at Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and S.R. 56 on Saturday-Sunday, April 1011. This is the third year of the festival and the second year that it will be held at the Shops and spokesperson Laura Miller says this year’s event should be even bigger and better than last year. “We already have more than 100

artists and craftsmen (112 at our press time) signed up to exhibit and sell their art for this year’s Celebration,” says Miller. “And, although we do have a judge again this year and will give out ribbons, we aren’t giving out any prize money to the artists, as we have the last two years. The surveys we gave to the artists last year and the conversations we had with them told us that the artists actually preferred to see the prize money go towards promoting the event, so they could make more sales than last year. Very few were concerned about winning a cash prize.” And yes, there will be a lot more promotion of the event this time

Organizers are hoping for a repeat of the beautiful weather that helped boost attendance at last year’s Celebration.

Whether you prefer paintings (above) or sculpture (right), there’s sure to be something to suit you at the Celebration of the Arts. around. In addition to the info and advertising in this newspaper (and in our Wesley Chapel edition), several radio stations (CBS Radio, WQYKFM 99.5, WSJT-FM 98.7, WRBQFM 104.7 and WJQB-FM 106.3) are getting involved in advertising and promotion of the festival and some will also do live remote broadcasts from the event itself. In addition, Tampa Bay Parenting magazine will be this year’s major children’s sponsor. “The magazine will provide a children’s area with all sorts of activi-

ties for kids,” says Miller. “Cloud 9 (photography) Studios will also be providing some children’s activities.” And, Miller says there will be plenty of entertainment for adults throughout the two days, too, led by “Entertainer to the Stars” DJ Joey See “Celebration” on page 34.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Celebration”

Continued from page 31 Jam, who will provide music between live performances. On Saturday, the center stage in the middle of the mall courtyard will feature The Bucket List Band, Left, 10th Concession, Amanda Drake and the Barnburners and the Troy Duncan Band. Sunday’s line-up had not yet been finalized at our press time. “Of course, a lot will depend upon the weather again,” says Miller. “Last year, the mall estimated that more than 50,000 people visited during the two days last year, thanks to awesome weather both days. We are

Prize ribbons are awarded in a variety of categories. hoping to do even better this year.” For additional information, visit WesleyChapelArtShow.com or call the Wesley Chapel Chamber office at 994-8534 or Laura Miller at 382-8412.

Students from area schools, like the Academy at the Lakes choir, above, also contribute both artwork and entertainment to the Celebration.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

A Look Back At St. Patty’s Day In New Tampa It just so happens that yours truly had the opportunity to enjoy an evening out on March 17, so I stopped at several New Tampa watering holes on St. Patrick’s Day to check out all the local festivities. My first stop was Mr. Dunderbak’s in the Oak Ramble Plaza, which had a nice crowd, Irish beer on tap and of course, great corned beef sandwiches. I then visited Mulligan’s Irish Pub in the Pebble Creek Golf Club, where there was both a live band and an authentic bagpipe player. I then visited the awesome bash at The Brass Tap in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, which had an entire enclosed outdoor area with live music and beer trucks. Unfortunately, the area was not covered, as intermittent hard rain moved most of the crowd inside the bar. Then, it was off to Ciccio’s/The Lodge in Tampa Palms, which had my friends from CeCe Productions hosting a great karaoke night. And finally, the biggest crowds of the evening were at World of Beer and Peabody’s in Tampa Palms. All in all, it was a great night, as long as you drank responsibly. - GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Kick Off Spring With A Mixed Bag Of Entertaining Options Well, it’s official — Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to get out of the house and start enjoying some of the great entertaiment that the season will be bringing our way. In April, the choices include something for just about everyone, and here are some of the highlights.

Smucker’s Stars On Ice

Sunday, April 4 – Hot on the heels of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, the Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour 2010 brings many of the U.S. team’s men’s and women’s skating stars and their dazzling style to the St. Pete Times Forum for one special live performance. Among the medal-winning Olympians who are scheduled to perform are gold medalist Evan Lysacek, silver medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White and bronze medalist Joannie Rochette of Canada (line-up subject to change). In addition, the tour will also feature other great skaters like local phenom Caydee Denney of Wesley Chapel and her partner Jeremy Barrett, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, Mirai Nagasu, Jeremy Abbott, Sasha Cohen, Todd Eldredge and more.

Olympic silver medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White are featured in Smucker’s Stars On Ice. The Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010 show will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and a portion of the proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Tickets are available at the St. Pete Times ticket office, and online at stpetetimesforum.com (with a service charge). For more information, call 301-2500.

‘Pericles – A New Rock Musical’

Wednesday-Sunday, April 7-11 – Before taking it on the road to New

York City, Tampa’s Jobsite Theatre is bringing its wildly popular 2009 production, “Pericles: Prince of Tires,” back to the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) for a special limited engagement. Presented in showcase format, the story shifts Shakespeare’s “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” to the 20th Century U.S., where Perry, aka the “Prince of Tires,” gets caught up in a web of intrigue, incest and the Mafia as he tries to balance having a family with running a “family.” And, as his epic journey reaches an end, he learns that saving both his biological family and his mafia family are rooted in truly understanding the value of loyalty, honor and love (note: the show does contain adult language, situations and subject matter). “Pericles – A New Rock Musical” will be presented at 8 p.m. WednesdaySaturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts (1010 N. MacInnes Pl., downtown Tampa). Regularly priced tickets start at $15 and are available at the Center ticket office and online at www.tbpac.org. Visit the website or call 229-7827 for more information.

Lisa Lampanelli

Saturday, April 10 – Stand-up comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, the acidtongued, self-proclaimed “lovable queen of mean” has been called a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker and a vial of estrogen. Lampanelli is an equal opportunity offender, who takes particular delight in skewering minorities, gays and celebrities (and the people in the front row at her shows), and that’s why she is a popular guest on Comedy Central’s celebrity roasts, as well as a frequent contributor to the Howard Stern radio show. HBO recently aired her first one-hour special, “Long Live the Queen,” and her first book, “Chocolate Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat and Freaks” hit bookstore shelves earlier this year. (Needless to say, this show contains adult content, and parental discretion is advised). Lisa Lampanelli will take the stage at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 N. McMullen-Booth Rd.) at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $36.75 and are available online at www.rutheckerdhall.com and through Ticketmaster (287-8844). Call (727) 791-7400 for more information.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Pilobolus

Wednesday, April 14 – To call Pilobolus a modern dance troupe is a bit of a misnomer, although the company’s mesmerizing performances do include elements of dance. However, the shows also incorporate amazing acts of sheer strength, physical comedy and even human sculpture, exquisitely presented through ingenious choreography, fantastic lighting and costumes to create an unforgettable experience. Formed in 1971 by a trio of Datmouth University students, Pilobolus’ amazing artwork has delighted audiences worldwide, and been seen on mainstream productions including the Olympic Games and the Academy Awards. Pilobolus will perform at 8 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 N. McMullenBooth Rd. in Clearwater). Tickets cost $43 & $48 and are available online at www.rutheckerdhall.com and through Ticketmaster (287-8844). Visit the website or call (727) 791-7400 for more information.

Bon Jovi’s ‘The Circle’ Tour

Saturday, April 17 – At our press time, there were still a few upper-level seats available for the newest show by 80s rockers Bon Jovi, which has been garnering decent reviews all around the

Pilobolus, which will perform April 14 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, is not your average modern dance troupe. country since it kicked off in Seattle in February. The tour is named for the New Jersey band’s latest album, “The Circle,” which was released in November, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling more than 160,000 copies in its first week. Despite that album’s success, however, the real attraction of any Bon Jovi concert is the band’s biggest hits from decades past, such as “Livin’ On a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Runaway.” The Circle tour also has been praised, however, for its innovative, intimate circular stage set-up and state-ofthe-art light and video show, so check it out if you’re a fan.

Bon Jovi’s “The Circle Tour” will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum (401 Channelside Dr.). Some third-level seats were available for $58.75 at our press time, through the Forum ticket office or online at www.stpetimesforum.com (which includes a Ticketmaster service charge), but there are plenty of other avenues to purchase tickets these days, too, so you’re not without other options. For more information, visit the website or call 301-2500.

98 Rockfest

Saturday, April 24 – If you like your music hard and heavy, then you are in for a treat with this year’s 98 Rockfest, once again hosted by radio station 98 Rock (WXTB 97.9-FM), and featuring some of the loudest bands on the planet. It’s going to be held at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa, and the concert kicks off at 2 p.m. with the Preshow Free Show in the Forum courtyard, which will feature new and up-and-coming bands like Evans Blue, SOiL, American Bang, Monroe Brown and Soulidium (line-up subject to change). But, the real show gets under way inside the Forum at 6:30 p.m., with co-headliners Alice in Chains, Limp Bizkit, Puddle of Mudd, Sevendust, Hell Yeah and Paper

Tongues. Ticket prices for 98 Rockfest range from $30-$78 and are available through the Forum ticket office (which will have a special sale with tickets for just $19.80 – with a limit of two tickets per person – on March 27-28) and through Ticketmaster (287-8844). For more information, and chances to win free tickets, visit the official event website, www.98rockfest.com.

Jimmy Buffett

Saturday, April 24 – In direct contrast to the 98 Rockfest, there probably isn’t a more laid-back performer than South Florida icon Jimmy Buffett, whose songs about drinking, sailing and having fun in the sun are the essence of summertime. Although he hasn’t had a new big hit in a while, Buffett’s legions of “Parrothead” fans still enjoy kicking off their flip-flops and singing along to such mellow classics as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Jimmy Buffett will perform at 8 p.m. at the Ford Amphitheatre (4802 U.S. Hwy. 301 N.). Tickets cost $30$130 and are available at the Amphitheatre ticket office and through Ticketmaster (287-8844). For more information, call 740-2446 or visit www.livenation.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Land & Sea Market - Gourmet Food Without Gourmet Prices Hampers, his son-in-law Rob Chandler and New Tampa store manager Mike Young invite you to stop in and So, let me start by asking you check out all that Land & Sea has to folks who live south of I-75 someoffer – from top-quality choice meats thing: Now that the Publix in Tampa to fresh Florida seafood, fresh proPalms has closed (until August), where are you doing your food shop- duce, a variety of gourmet prepared fresh and frozen meals, vegetables and ping? Are you venturing north in the side dishes and even Mike’s Pies for Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. condessert. And, best of all, despite what struction to Sweetbay or the Publix some people may think, Chandler across from Hunter’s Green? promises that Land & Sea’s prices are I have another suggestion for anything but “gourmet.” you. Instead of heading north on “We know we’re competitive BBD, head south to the Oak Ramble with or beat any grocery store’s prices Plaza (home of Acropolis and Mr. on our meat and seafood,” says Dunderbak’s) and visit my friends at the Land & Sea Market. Owner Dean Chandler, who is married to Hampers’ daughter Viviana. The longtime New Tampa resident says he really feels that the sixyear-old New Tampa Land & Sea Market is THE one-stop shop for everything delicious. “We make all 14 varieties of sausage No matter what you like your chicken breast stuffed we carry here in the with, Land & Sea has got you covered. store,” he says. “We By Gary Nager

All of Land & Sea’s USDA Choice meats are hand-cut in the store. also have huge varieties of marinated dler, who gave up a career in engimeats, kabobs, stuffed chicken breasts neering to join his father-in-law. “But, and spreads that are all made inwhen the economy went bad, we house. We’ll even season any type of decided to hold off on a new locameat or seafood ‘your way.’ In other tion. Thankfully, our existing stores words, if you’re buying toilet paper or are all doing great because we really laundry detergent, go to the grocery do carry great food and we sell it at store. But, if you want great food at the right price.” great prices, come see us first.” I personally love Land & Sea’s Hampers opened the original New York strip steaks, bacon-wrapped Land & Sea on Gunn Hwy. 15 years filet mignons and tender “flat iron” ago. Today, in addisteaks. I’m no expert, tion to the original but I have made location and the New amazing sesameTampa market, Land seared tuna from & Sea also has locaLand & Sea’s alwaystions in Valrico and on fresh sushi-grade tuna S.R. 60 in Brandon. – the store even sells There are plans for a the powdered wasabi, Wesley Chapel store, soy sauce and black too. You can enjoy four Land & and white sesame “We had a spot seeds I need to make Sea bacon-wrapped filets for picked out in Wesley it just like at a fine only $14.99. Chapel,” says Chanrestaurant. I also have

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

You can even enjoy the freshest produce at Land & Sea purchased great Alaskan king and snow crab legs, fresh grouper and mahi-mahi, cut up whole chickens for my Yiddish mama’s “Jewish penicillin” (chicken soup), soy and other marinades and sauces and much more from New Tampa’s only butcher/gourmet shop. Speaking of those filets, Chandler says Land & Sea recently reduced it’s

price on four 7-8-oz. bacon-wrapped filets from $19.99 to just $14.99. Or, get two filets and two 3-oz. lobster tails for just $17.99. Or, try a whole “Family Filler” package of 2 filets, 2 lbs. of bone-in pork chops, 1 whole cut-up chicken, 1 lb. of hot or mild sausage, 4 lbs. of ground sirloin, 1 lb. of bacon, 2 lbs. of pork roast, 2 lbs. of oven roast and 2 lbs. of boneless chicken breast, all for the recently reduced price of just $69.99! And, I’d really be dissing my cousin (and sales rep) David if I didn’t mention all of the things he likes best at Land & Sea. So far, Dave says Land & Sea’s marinated steaks, chorizo sausage, stuffed chicken breasts (he’s loved both the chicken parm and Thai-style stuffed breasts), the unique turkey jerky (for just $2 per bag), the fresh frozen veggies (corn, green beans, broccoli and more) and the stuffed baked potatoes are all among his favorites. “Land & Sea?,” Dave asks. “I’m a BIG fan!” You can visit the New Tampa Land & Sea Market at 14943 BBD Blvd., in the Oak Ramble plaza (near Acropolis) from 10 a.m. seven days a week: Monday-Friday, until 7:30 p.m., Saturday until 7 and Sunday until 6. Call 977-3155

This decadent Reese’s peanut butter pie is one of the many delicious Mike’s Pies available at Land & Sea. or visit LandandSeaMarket.com for the addresses/phone numbers of the other Land & Sea locations.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles-Machismo Opens, Polo’s Italian & Shane’s Ribs Close By Gary Nager

Machismo A Burrito Sensation

Although we were saddened when the Avocado Latin Café & Bakery closed in Oak Ramble Plaza a couple of months ago, the good news is that the Machismo Burrito Bar already has opened in its place. Machismo is sort of like Moe’s Southwest Grill or Tijuana Flats, although I believe it takes the burrito concept up a notch, with superior beef, chicken and pork and black and pinto beans to either of those chains. Plus, offers a huge variety of hot sauces and upscale ingredients like fresh spinach to make your burrito the best ever. Look for complete info about Machismo in an upcoming issue. Machismo Burrito Bar is located at 14941Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Oak Ramble Plaza. Call 9721888 to find out more.

Polo’s & Shane’s Both Exit New Tampa

In other news that made me sad, both Polo’s Italian Grill in the New Tampa Center and Shane’s Rib Shack in Highwoods Preserve have closed.

Polo’s owner/chef Paul Proscia could not be reached for comment at our press time, but it appears his place closed by March 1. Shane’s, which touts itself as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S., apparently let one get away. I thought Shane’s baby back ribs were great (love the sauce), but a little pricey for a restaurant with basically a fast food atmosphere. We’ll keep you posted if either space is filled.

Blondie’s At The Shops

Speaking of The Shops at Wiregrass, we’ve tried a delicious new addition which opened recently in the mall — Blondie’s Cookies. This Indianabased chain of gourmet cookie and brownie shops now has its first Florida location, with locations at the Brandon Town Center, Citrus Park Mall and Sarasota Square Mall opening later this year. Yum! Call Blondie’s Cookies at 9940733 and tell ‘em we sent you or visit BlondiesCookies.com.

in the Pinebrook Plaza at The Grove (on S.R. 54, west of I-75) are at it again. After moving Skinny’s from the center of the plaza to the larger anchor space on the west end a few months ago, the new Santo’s has added the former Skinny’s space — as well as a full, premium liquor bar. Co-owner Ken Santo says the new Santo’s still has the same great New YorkYou can put any number of fresh ingredients in style pizza and Italian speyour burrito at Machismo Burrito Bar. cialties in a larger, more comfortable space, but the for now, we’re happy to have liquor at big news is that Santo’s has added a Santo’s.” premium, full-liquor bar that will stay The new Santo’s Pizza, Pasta & open late (until 2 a.m. every day) for Bar is located at 27431 S.R. 54. For your dining and drinking pleasure. more info, call 994-7778. Mention “We hope to someday also have this newspaper for one free draft full liquor at Skinny’s,” Ken says. “But beer at Santos or Skinny’s.

A ‘Fatter’ Santo’s Opens!

Our friends who own both Santo’s Pizza & Pasta and Skinny’s Sports Bar

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Win Two Tickets To See ‘Broadway Comes To Tampa!’

If you really want to give your regards to Broadway, you should be on hand when Saddlebrook Resort & Spa Tampa in Wesley Chapel hosts the New Tampa Players’ 11th annual “Broadway Comes to Tampa” Gala on Saturday, May 8, 6 p.m.! “Broadway Comes To Tampa,” the single largest fund raiser for the Players, brings together the talents of some of the Great White Way’s brightest lights in a concert where each performer sings some solo tunes. There also are duets and other combinations of performers singing songs from “Phantom,” “Les Miserables,” “Miss Saigon,” “Cats” and others. It’s always an incredible dinner

and show and well worth the admission price of $175 per person. We’ll have a complete preview of this year’s “Broadway” event in our next issue. In the meantime, however, if you’d like to try to win a pair of tickets to this year’s Gala, simply fill out the entry form below and return it by fax or U.S. Mail by Wednesday, April 14. You can also enter by e-mail by the same date, but please make sure you include all of the requested info on your e-mailed entry. We will pick one lucky entry at random from all correctly filled out entries and announce the winner of the tickets — as well as at least five runner-up prizes — in our next issue. — GN

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

Mail, Fax or E-Mail your entry to:

Neighborhood News ‘Broadway’ 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 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Margarella”

Carolina and Maria Elena, were at his bedside when he passed away March 13 at Largo Medical Center (he had moved to Redington Shores last year) after suffering a sudden acute illness. He also is survived by his mother, his sister Joyce and two brothers. “Neither of us was still married to him, but we both wanted to be there with his children at the end,” says Diane. “I think that says a lot about the kind of man Frank was.” There is a lot more I could say about my fallen friend, but I think that about says it all. Rest in peace, Frank.

Continued from page 3 Frank definitely always took to leadership roles throughout his life and he was well suited for them. As his long-time friend and colleague, I know his heart was always in the right place and I believe his greatest strength as a leader was the way he always tried to help those who felt left out or slighted by any process to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Speaking of his heart, both of Frank’s ex-wives, Jan Margarella and Diane, and his three children, Franco,

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

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

“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

866-9913

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 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 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 Part-time Administrative Assistant (day hours) Computer (various programs), Phones, Customer Service, Errands & more. Exceptional oral & written communication abilities. Organizational skills & Multi-tasking a must. Advertising, Marketing and/or Publishing experience a plus. Email resume: DSGenterprises@yahoo.com.

Classifıeds

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!

L A N D S C A P I N G Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-service property maintenance available for residential & commercial. One-stop shopping with licensed, insured professionals. Specializing in landscape design with conceptional drawings & renderings available. Let your imagination & our professionals come together to create dreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120 or visit www.EverydayGardenersClub.com Bay Estates Landscaping And Lightings offers a variety of landscape design options from Tropical to Freeze Tolerant. We also offer sod replacement, fertilization, clean ups and other services. Call 813-997-5055

COMPUTER SERVICES

LAWN MAINTENANCE

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.

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

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. 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. 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. 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

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.

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!

P E T

S I T T I N G

Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not There!” In-your-home pet-sitting svcs, including

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

closet and Unisex Bathroom. Available Jan 1 2010. Address: 5307 Technology Dr Tampa, Fl. 33647. Contact: Bob Lamb 813.340.3000.

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.

R E A L

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. Professional Pet Care.Exp’d. Pet sitter. We walk, play, feed & administer medicine, all in the comfort of your pet’s home. We also bring in mail, water plants & help maintain home security while you’re away. Bonded, insured & trained in Pet First-Aid & CPR. Call For The Love Of Pets at 545-8406 or 416-3126 or visit www.FortheLoveOfPetsOnline.com.

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.

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.

WINDOW CLEANING

SPRING CLEANING TIME AGAIN! Isn’t it time to get YOUR windows cleaned? VERY current references, serving New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Call Scott @ (813)957-3043

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.

Sparkling Clean! Commercial, residential & rentals. Professional service @ affordable prices! Please call 1-630-561-3173

B U Y I N G

TELEPHONE SERVICE TELEPHONE INSTALLATION & REPAIR • Commercial and Residential • Complete Systems. *****FREE ESTIMATES**** 813-333-9644

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

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).

G A R A G E

S A L E

CountryWalk Community wide garage sale. Saturday March 27 7am. You dont want to miss this spring multi-home event. Baby/Child items, furniture, electronics, clothing, house decor and so much more. Take 54 to Meadow Point Entrance, 1st subdivision on right. Info: lindsay@goruiz.com

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.

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.

LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST. 9am -9pm, Mon, Tues & Wed. $50 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL. 727-372-6389 Lic # MA47546.

O F F I C E

A R T S

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

C R A F T S

FUN MOSAIC WORK SHOP April 2nd & 3rd. 11AM-4PM. Create your own unique stained glass stepping stone. Go to: photobucket.com/paulamathis. Call Paula 2455939

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • March 27, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com