11-10 NTNN 1-60 web by Neighborhood News

Volume 18 Issue 11

Inside: Wharton’s Boys Tennis Team Wins Another State Title! See pages 34-35!

May 22, 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

Residents Stonewalled Over Lack Of Noise Buffers Along BBD By Michael Smith While most people agree that the widening of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. will help ease the problem of traffic congestion (eventually), some local residents whose homes are close to the roadway fear that it will make another problem – the noise of traffic zooming by their windows – even worse than it already is right now. “You can hardly hear yourself talk when you sit out on the porch,” says Janice Clements, who lives in the Faircrest condominiums in Tampa Palms. “When you’re inside with all the doors and windows closed, it’s not as bad, but you can still hear it, and when motorcycles or big trucks go by at night, it wakes me up.” That’s the situation as it stands now, but Clements and her neighbors are worried that when New Tampa’s main thoroughfare is widened to either six or eight lanes — which will bring the traffic much closer to the block wall that separates her home from BBD — the problem will become unbearable,

The attached condos at the front of the Lake Forest community (left), are hidden by a block wall and a thick stand of trees, and were not approved for noise buffers, while the condo and rental apartment units at the Enclave at Richmond Place (right) have no wall and no trees and are scheduled to receive a buffer under the BBD widening plan. especially if the widening includes the block wall, and many of those residents existing wall could be raised to block addition of a light rail track along the also enjoy the noise buffering qualities some of the traffic noise, but county eastern edge of the roadway, as has of some large oak trees that line the personnel never returned her calls. been proposed in some of the potential wall, but community officials have been Lake Forest residents had a little configurations for the BBD widening contacting county commissioners to say more luck, as a member of the county’s that have been presented by the county. they are worried that the widening will public works department came to one The situation is the same a little to make the noise problem in those homes of the community’s recent homeowners the south, where 32 condominium and condos even worse. association meetings to address the units and a smaller number of singleClements says she tried for several noise issue, but he told the association family homes within the Lake Forest weeks to contact county officials to ask members that the county does not community also stand right next to about the possibility of some type of include noise buffers in any of its local BBD. Lake Forest also is separated from noise buffer being included as part of roadway projects, mainly because of the street by a 6-foot-high concrete the widening project, or even if the See “Noise” on page 6.

Taxpayers To Vote On Transportation Sales Tax Referendum

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Beltran Dental Surgery Offers The Latest High-Tech Treatment Options, Get More Cash For Your Gold & Wharton High Wins Its Third State Tennis Title!

We Recap The Taste Of New Tampa In Words & Pictures, Our 2010 Summer Camp Guide, Great Roast Beef Is On The Menu At Jersey Mike’s & Much More!

See pages 3-46!

See pages 47-60!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

take an hour or more to get to work, the percentage of commuters who carpool or use alternatives to driving like walking, biking or taking public transportation, and the Travel Time Index, which compares how long a commute takes during rush hour to how long the same trip takes under ideal conditions. The tax supporters said that the money raised by the tax should be used not only to bring light rail to the county, but also to improve such alternatives as improved bike lanes, bus service and other public transportation options, See “Tax” on page 7.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

way improvement projects countywide. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who was one of the first speakers to voice her support for the tax referendum, called it “the most significant public policy issue of this century,” but opponents of the proposal, who were in the minority at the hearing, were not so complimentary, calling the proposal “a huge tax boondoggle” and labeling the BOCC members as “tax and spend politicians.” Those in favor of the tax increase pointed out that Tampa Bay was named as having the worst commute issues among 60 of the top metropolitan areas in the U.S., according to a survey conducted earlier this year by Forbes magazine. The survey examined such factors as the percentage of commuters who

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

After hearing from nearly 200 speakers who argued both for and against the proposal, the members of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted May 13 to place a referendum seeking a one-cent sales tax increase on the ballot

for voters to approve or reject this fall. The debate came at a recent public hearing, held at the All People’s Life Center in Tampa, which was the ninth in a series of meetings held to gauge public opinion on the proposed tax. If it is passed, the tax will raise money for the implementation of light rail and other public transportation and road-

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Lending A Much-Needed Hand To Homeless Female Vets Here in New Tampa, we’ve never really had a major issue with seemingly homeless panhandlers. Oh, there definitely have always been a couple here and there, hanging out under the I-75 overpass of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., but most of the seemingly homeless folks I’ve seen in our area are either selling copies of the local daily newspapers or acting as human advertisements for apartment complexes and other area businesses along BBD. As a native New Yorker, I certainly was accustomed to seeing a lot more homeless people than I have here and my usual first instinct was to roll up my windows and mutter “get a job” under my breath. I also admit I was especially put off if the panhandlers claimed to be homeless veterans. We’ve all heard how many of these people claiming to have served our country may or may not be vets at all and about how so many panhandlers make more money than some “working” people make each day. Well, I don’t think I get embarrassed or ashamed too easily, but today I have to admit I’m a little ashamed

An editorial by Gary Nager about my attitude towards the homeless, especially those who really are homeless vets. Oh, I’m sure there still are those who aren’t who they claim to be, but when one of our former State legislators (who actually represented District 60 in the Florida House of Representatives, which includes all of Tampa Palms, a few years ago) spoke recently at one of my New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meetings, I realized just how wrong I can be...and I promised to do everything I could to set it right. The former democratic State Legislator in question, Sara Romeo, is running for a non-partisan citywide seat on the Tampa City Council in March 2011 (yeah, I know how many of you are asking “The city has elections in March?” and worse, “Do I even live in the city of Tampa?”), but that isn’t why she spoke at my Rotary Club, nor is it why I’m discussing her in this column. The last several years, Sara has been the executive director of Tampa Crossroads, Inc., a nearly quarter-century-old local nonprofit organization which has helped thousands of home-

less people in our area get shelter, counseling and has even helped many get jobs and re-assimilate themselves into normal society. Just for those good deeds alone, Tampa Crossroads is worthy of our interest and even donations. However, when Ms. Romeo started talking about the tens or even hundreds of thousands of male AND female homeless veterans there are in the U.S., I started to realize that maybe I had judged some of those panhandlers a little too quickly. And, just to bring that number a little closer to home, Romeo says there are an estimated 2,600 homeless vets in Hillsborough

County alone, including 300-400 homeless women who served in our nation’s armed forces.

The Athena Project

One of the newer programs offered today by Tampa Crossroads is called The Athena Project. The Athena House is a residence on Columbus Dr., just north of Ybor City, where 16 homeless female veterans get to live, receive counseling, job training and much more for up to 24 months, so that those brave women who served this country can have access to See “Athena Project” on page 11.

Correction From Last Issue

In our last issue of the New Tampa Neighborhood News, in the news brief about the robbery at the BP gas station on Cross Creek Blvd., the article stated that there was no video available from the robbery. However, what we should have said is that no video from the robbery was released by the Tampa Police Department, because the station is equipped with security cameras both inside and out, and owner Mike Moubarak even provided detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office with video footage of a pair of auto burglars who went to the station after breaking into a vehicle at Flatwoods Park (see page 8 of this issue for the full story). We apologize for the misinformation. — MS

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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 11, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, April 30, 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.

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-31 Noise (cont. from page 1)...........................................6 Tax (cont. from page 1)..............................................7 New Tampa News Briefs........................................8 Children Injured In Tampa Palms Accident, Riverview Motorcyclist Dies On I-75, Auto Burglary Suspects Captured On Video, Local Teacher Charged With DUI Residents Oppose S.R. 54 Widening U-Turn Plans..10 Athena Project (cont. from page 3)...........................11 WC Hospital Partners Announce Possible Merger....12 New Tampa Community Calendar.................14-15

New Tampa Business News.....................18-28

Beltran Dental Surgery.........................................18-19 USA Gold Buyers.................................................22-23 Fido’s Funland.....................................................26-27

New Tampa Education Briefs........................32 New Tampa Sports Updates...................34-35

New Tampa Sports Briefs...........................................34 WHS Tennis Team Wins Third Straight State Title...35

Neighborhood Magazine

Despite Clouds, 2010 ‘Taste’ Is A Hit......................37,40 New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce News.....38-39 Events Benefit Charity, Strengthen Neighborhoods......41 Martial Arts Academy Strengthens Body & Mind......42 Our 2010 Summer Camp Guide.....................44-45 Dan Aykroyd Visits Wesley Chapel’s ABC Liquors.....46 Local Comedy Update..............................................47 Visit The Urban Culinary Café.............................50-51 Jersey Mike’s—Great Roast Beef & More.............54-55 Taste Of Boston - Huge Portions + Fair Prices......56-57

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSFIEDS...............58

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Noise”

Continued from page 1 the expense involved in building and maintaining those buffers. That’s the same thing we were told when we contacted Steve Valdez, who has been the county’s spokesman for the BBD widening project. Valdez told us that the only time sound buffers are included in a project is when federal money is used in funding the project, because federal standards are more stringent than local standards are. He said that since there is no federal money attached to the BBD widening, there was no reason to include noise buffers in the design. That is not exactly true, however, because when the original project development & environment (PD&E) study for the project was conducted in 2002, the study included an analysis of the potential for noise abatement issues along the entire length of Hillsborough’s portion of the project, which extends from Bearss Ave. north to County Line Rd. According to the results of that study, 172 sites that were “predicted to experience traffic noise approaching, meeting or exceeding the official Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC)” were evaluated. Of those, it was concluded that as many as 137

would be suitable for noise barriers, under the cost-to-benefit formula used by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). According to Scott Passmore, who was the design project manager for the Hillsborough County public works department when those PD&E studies were conducted, federal guidelines were used in the early stages of the project so that it could eventually qualify for federal funding. “We studied the noise aspect of the project in the same way as the Department of Transportation would for any of their projects,” says Passmore, who now is the resident project manager on the widening project for KCI Technologies, Inc. Passmore says that the 137 sites are located within five different communities, all apartment complexes, including St. Croix, Compton Place, Carrington Park, The Enclave at Richmond Place and the Park del Mar apartments in Pebble Creek. He explains that apartments usually qualify for noise abatement measures under the federal guidelines because there are more units and more residents affected, and therefore the cost-to-benefit ratio also is higher. However, the owners of the affected properties also have the option to decline the barriers, which typically are

constructed as 14’-18’ high walls, and when the owners of the five identified properties were contacted, only two of them, at Park del Mar and The Enclave, indicated that they wanted the barriers at their properties. So, buffers for those two complexes are included in the current design plans, but Passmore added that the Park del Mar property recently changed hands, and the new owners have said that they may not want the barriers, either. So, it appears that the residents of Faircrest and Lake Forest have little in the way of options, at least until the plans for the southern leg of the widening (from Bearss Ave. north to Palm Springs Dr. in Tampa Palms), which encompasses both of those properties, is decided upon. But, that won’t happen until later this year, after county officials have evaluated all of the comments and suggestions that were made regarding that portion of the project at a pair of town hall meetings that were held earlier this year. That part of the project is currently designed and funded as an eight lane facility, however, and although it is believed that some type of mass transit option will be added to the design as well, where that mass transit will be located on BBD has not yet been finalized, either, and may have to wait for the outcome of the sales tax referendum

that was approved by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners earlier this month. Meanwhile, Meceal Laberge, who is president of the Lake Forest homeowners association, says that group may consider assessing a special fee for their residents to help pay for an extension of the existing wall, although the community would have to seek a variance from the county in order to exceed the building code, which only allows for a maximum wall height of only 8 feet. The good news, however, is that once the mode of mass transit is finally decided upon, new noise studies will have to be conducted, which may indicate the need for noise buffering at additional sites along the roadway.

Some of the condos in the Faircrest community are just a few feet from the wall facing BBD.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Tax”

Continued from page 1 which would not only improve the quality of life for local residents, but also make the area more attractive to companies and businesses looking to locate here. However, the opponents of the tax increase argued that there are a lot of problems with it, including the fact that people are already struggling because of the poor economy and can’t afford to be hit with another new tax. Others argued that they didn’t want to pay the tax because they live in areas that wouldn’t benefit from the light rail service, while others argued that light rail is not the “silver bullet that will make all our problems go away,” as one speaker said. “In fact, cities that do have light rail are facing huge budget deficits because of it,” one man said.

In the end, however, the proposal passed by a margin of 5-2, with commissioners Jim Norman and Al Higginbotham opposed. Commissioner Ken Hagan, who is chairman of the county’s transportation task force, the group that originally proposed the tax increase, said that while he opposes the tax increase, he supports the citizens’ right to decide the issue. As proposed, the tax revenue will be divided, with 75 percent used to fund the implementation of light rail and other public transportation improvements and the other 25 percent to be used for a variety of road projects, including the widening of the portion of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. between Pebble Creek Dr. and County Line Rd. and the widening of the eastern end of Cross Creek Blvd. For more information about the proposal, visit Hillsborough County.org/transportref.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Four Children Injured In Tampa Palms Accident

Three young children had to be taken to the hospital after the vehicle they were riding in overturned following a collision in Tampa Palms, but fortunately, none of their injuries were considered to be life-threatening. According to a report issued by the Tampa Police Department (TPD), Shaam, Monaad, Joud and Lujana Daaboul, ages 6, 5 and 3 years and 2 months, respectively, were riding in a Chevy Venture van driven by Matsoun Cheko on the afternoon of April 23. The van was traveling east on Tampa Palms Blvd., near the intersection of Catlin Dr., when the van was hit by a 2006 Scion sedan driven by Hershel R. Patel of 5322 Royal Cypress Circle, who was attempting to turn into the Grand Reserve Apartments complex. The report states that Patel’s car hit Cheko’s van on the driver’s side door, causing the van to overturn and slide about 85 feet before it finally came to a stop. All of the children were transported to the hospital, including one who had to be taken by medical helicopter, but a TPD spokesperson said that all of the children were properly restrained, so all were expected to fully recover. Traffic had to be diverted off of Tampa Palms Blvd. for about 20 minutes to allow the helicopter to land, but no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Patel was cited for making an improper left turn.

Riverview Motorcyclist Dies In Crash On I-75

A 30-year-old Riverview man was killed May 2 when the motorcycle he was riding left the highway and overturned in the median of I-75 just north of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit. According to a report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol, Matthew G. Lyle was traveling northbound on the interstate shortly after 9 a.m. when he apparently lost control of his 2007 Honda motorcycle while changing lanes. The motorcycle veered into the median, and as Lyle began to apply the brakes, the bike overturned, ejecting the driver, who then struck a metal construction sign. Although he was wearing a helmet, Lyle was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 9:28 a.m. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and the FHP investigation

News Briefs into the cause of the crash is continuing, including toxicology tests to determine if alcohol or other substances were a contributing factor.

Auto Burglary Suspects Captured On Video

Detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) released video images of a pair of men who are suspected of stealing credit cards and property from a vehicle at a local park and then trying to use the cards at a nearby convenience store. The burglary took place on the afternoon of April 18, when a visitor to the Flatwoods Nature Park on Morris Bridge Rd. in Hillsborough County reported that someone had stolen some items from their vehicle, (which they admitted they had left unlocked). Investigators working on the case found video surveillance from the same BP service station on Cross Creek Blvd. that was robbed in an unrelated case earlier in April, taken about 15 minutes after the auto break-in was discovered. The video images show a pair of suspects, both white males, one heavy-set and about 6 feet tall, while the other was about 5’9” and approximately 180 pounds. The two men attempted to use a debit card stolen from the vehicle at the park to withdraw money from an ATM at the gas station, and also discarded some of the victim’s other property in a trash bin at the station. The video also shows the vehicle that the two men were traveling in, a late 1990s or early 2000s-model white GMC or Chevrolet pick-up truck with a regular cab and a long bed outfitted with a silver tool box. Anyone who may have seen the suspects or who has any information about the case is asked to call HCSO at 247-8200 or Hillsborough County Crime Stoppers at (800) 873-7477.

Surveillance video footage taken at the BP gas station on Cross Creek Blvd. shows the white pickup driven by the two suspects (right) who attempted to use a credit card stolen from a vehicle at Flatwoods Nature Park to withdraw money from an ATM at the station. found sleeping behind the wheel of her Kia Sportage SUV in the parking lot of Dr. John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel at around 2:30 a.m. on May 9. Zachewicz, who teaches language arts at the nearby Wiregrass Ranch High, attempted to start the vehicle after she was awakened, and then opened the door, vomited and then fell to the ground outside of the car. She was given a series of field sobriety tests, which the report says

she failed, the report states, and then blew a 0.116 on a breathalyzer test, which is about 30-percent above the legal limit of 0.08 percent that indicates driver impairment. Zachewicz told officers that she had consumed six glasses of wine earlier in the evening. Zachewicz was released from the Land O’Lakes Jail on her own recognizance later that same morning. — Michael Smith

Teacher Found Asleep In Vehicle Charged With DUI

A Pasco County high school teacher was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after she was found sleeping in her vehicle in a school parking lot. According to a report issued by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Leah Nicole Leah N. Zachewicz, 26, of Zephyrhills, was Zachewicz

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Citrus Trace, Saddle Ridge Residents Oppose S.R. 54 U-Turn Plans An editorial by Gary Nager While most Wesley Chapel residents will be happy when the widening of C.R./S.R. 54 from Old Pasco Rd. (west of I-75) to Curley Rd. is completed (sometime in 2012), many residents of two subdivisions who access 54 from Caroline Dr. say the widening will not benefit their communities. At the April 8 public hearing hosted by Pasco County transportation officials at Atonement Lutheran Church, the county presented updates on not only the widening of 54, but also on the plans for other major road improvement projects (including the widening of I-75, the extension of S.R. 56, etc.). Since that presentation, however (and the project’s official groundbreaking on April 14), at least 30 of the 175 homeowners in Citrus Trace and Saddle Ridge Estates have responded with angry letters to the county because they will no longer be able to make a left turn, either onto Caroline Dr. from 54 or onto 54 from that main entrance to those communities, when the project is completed. Although the C.R./S.R. 54 widening plan has been in the works since 2003, project manager Andy Alipour says that this is the first time the county had received any complaints from those residents about the elimination of the Caroline Dr. left-in and leftout turns. Most of the letters bemoaned the fact that the residents will have to make a U-turns at Saddlebrook Dr. to head east on 54 and at the new Boyette Rd. traffic light (see below) and then make a right turn onto Caroline Dr. to return home. The majority of the letters/e-mails expressed concerns about the safety of having to make multiple U-turns every day and about how those U-turns would affect commute times for those residents, but Alipour says those concerns are unfounded. “The signals at Boyette Rd. and at Saddlebrook Dr. will be long enough to

allow anyone in those turn lanes to safely make those U-turns,” says Alipour. “Those turn signal times will, of course, be significantly increased during peak traffic hours.” In addition, he says, “What those residents don’t seem to realize is that, with the increased speed on S.R. 54 in that area when the project is completed, it’ll be much more unsafe to try to make those left turns than it is now.” As for placing a curb cut and a light at Caroline Dr., as many of the residents requested, Alipour says it would be slow traffic down too much. “The curb cut would be too close to the signals at Saddlebrook Dr. and Boyette Rd.,” he says. “We looked at that possibility, but felt that it would slow down the through traffic [in both directions] on S.R. 54 too much.” Jamie Winsett, the secretary of the Saddle Ridge Estates Homeowners Association, Inc., who was set to host a meeting between Alipour and other county staffers and a small group of homeowners from both communities just after this issue went to press, was one of those who sent a letter to the county following the Apr. 8 meeting. “Although I wasn’t living in the community when the county first began planning the widening of 54,” said Winsett, “a lot of my neighbors were and they were told that, yes, we would have to make a U-turn [at Saddlebrook Dr.] to head east on 54, but that we would still be able to make a left from 54 onto Caroline Dr. We were caught by surprise at the meeting because this was the first time any of us had heard there would be no curb cut at all for us.” Another new piece of news that Winsett said her neighbors didn’t realize until they had a chance to study the project maps after the meeting was that Shelly Dr., which is located east of Caroline Dr. and west of the new Boyette Rd. intersection on the opposite (south) side of 54, is planned to have a left-out curb cut with no traffic

signal. “That really surprised us, too, because there are a lot fewer residents on Shelly Dr.,” she said, “but somehow, the few families who live on that tiny road will be able to head west on 54 without making a U-turn and we won’t. It just doesn’t seem fair.” Wesley Chapel residents and Pasco County staffers Although I wasn’t able review the plans for the widening of S.R. 54 at a pubto reach Alipour to ask him why Shelly Rd. would get a lic meeting on April 8. median cut, Winsett and I never return our phone calls. It’s been both speculated that it could be three weeks since that meeting and no because Shelly Dr. is located so close one has called us back yet.” to Boyette Rd. that there might not Alipour also told the residents be enough room for drivers exiting that even after the project is completthe street to cross three lanes of fasted, if they still don’t believe the traffic moving traffic to access the U-turn flow and safety issues have been proplanes at the new Boyette traffic signal. erly addressed, it’s not impossible to “That’s one issue we surely will add a median cut and a signal in that address at the meeting with the coun- area. “But, we’re not counting on that ty at my home,” Winsett said. happening,” said Winsett. She did “Although it will be hard to convince note, however, that traffic on Caroline a lot of our residents that the current Dr. will definitely increase after the plan will shorten our commutes and project is completed. make traveling on 54 safer for us, we “We’ve been told that a new really need to have all the facts before development of 68 homes called we jump to any final conclusions.” Woods Reserve will be built adjacent Alipour did tell me (and has to us after the 54 widening is cominformed the residents who expressed pleted and will have to use Caroline concerns about the plan) that since 54 Dr. to access 54,” she said. “That will is still a state road, they can appeal to add a few hundred more trips a day, the Florida Department of Transall making those same U-turns at portation (FDOT) to try to get the those locations, so you never know.” plan to include a curb cut and signalization at Caroline Dr., “but I don’t Boyette Rd. Signal Moving really believe FDOT will allow it,” he If you’ve ever driven to the Wessaid. “If their engineering department ley Chapel Post Office or the District looks at the plan, they will see that the Park on Boyette Rd., you probably way it’s been designed is both the know how twisty that road gets just a safest and will allow for the best traffic few hundred feet from 54. Well, the flow through that area.” He added widening project will move the existthat after the widening project is coming Boyette Rd. signal about 1,500 pleted, the plan is for the state to turn yards further east (closer to Curley over all of S.R. 54 to Pasco County. Rd.), so commuting from 54 to the Winsett said it will be tough to park will certainly become easier. get the state to do anything, “if they We’ll keep you posted.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Athena Project” Continued from page 3

resources that will help them get off the streets for good. Tampa Crossroads, Inc., was founded by Sister Rose Christina Momm in 1977. Since that time, the agency has grown from its original one facility, which was a traditional “halfway house,” to the extensive service continuum that Tampa Crossroads offers today. Program referrals are accepted from the courts, probation officers or case managers and many individuals also self-refer. These programs accept (Left photo) Former State Representative Sara Romeo (3rd from right) and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (2nd from individuals who are motivated to make right) were among those who helped cut the ribbon at the packed Grand Opening of Tampa’s Athena House residence changes in their lives, remain drug and for homeless female veterans (right), the first residence of its kind in the U.S. exclusively housing female vets. alcohol free, and become law-abiding members of the community. istration (VA) already has given its the female vets themselves, “the VA dences is that if female vets were Romeo’s governmental experience accepted, they’d be outnumbered, 45 approval for a second Athena House won’t offer any financial support for helped get some much-needed federal program and another milestone: the dependent kids. If we want to get male residents to one or two women,” grant money to purchase the historic “We’ve already identified the piece this Athena House running, we’re says Romeo, who successfully battled Athena Project building, which was of property we want to purchase in a going to really need the public’s help.” brain and breast cancer while in office. actually physically moved twelve blocks foreclosure sale,” Romeo says. “The So, if you don’t want to just hand “We started to allow women into comfrom the heart of Ybor City to its cursecond Athena House would be the over your hard-earned money to the bat positions in our armed forces, but rent location. Since it opened in Octofirst to house homeless female veterans next homeless person claiming to be a somehow, no one ever anticipated ber 2008, Romeo says nearly 50 and their dependent children.” veteran, how about helping a program they’d end up having the same postwomen have gone through the Athena She notes that when a woman that will help keep some of those service needs as male veterans. Tampa House program — which is at its serves on a U.S. Navy destroyer for 14 homeless vets off the street? Crossroads has had a lot of success capacity of 16 female vets, with a fairly years and can’t get a hot meal, much To make a donation or find out helping homeless people, so The extensive waiting list. She adds that it less a job, after she leaves the service, more about The Athena House and Athena Project just seemed like a was the first-ever residency program “do you really want to tell her that her Tampa Crossroads, Inc., call 228worthwhile extension of our services. approved exclusively for homeless children can’t live with her?” 9226 or visit TampaCrossroads.com Because of its 78-percent success female veterans in the U.S. The problem, she says, is that and ask about the fund-raising golf rate to date and because the need is so “The problem at traditional resialthough the VA will give money for tournament on November 7, too. great, Romeo says the Veterans Admin-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Hospital Partners Exploring A Possible Merger By Michael Smith The two formerly competing healthcare companies who are both in the process of building a hospital in Wesley Chapel have announced that they may explore a partnership instead. Originally, the two healthcare companies – Adventist Health System (AHS, the not-for-profit healthcare corporation that operates 37 hospitals across the U.S., including Florida Hospital Zephyrhills) and University Community Health (UCH, which operates five hospitals in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties) – filed separate applications seeking certification from the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) to build a hospital in Wesley Chapel in 2006, along with a third company, BayCare Health System. All three of the proposals were rejected by the state agency, however, which concluded that there wasn’t sufficient need, population-wise, for a new hospital in Wesley Chapel. The following year, AHS and UCH joined forces in their AHCA application, while BayCare proposed building a teaching hospital in conjunction with the Univ. of South Florida Medical School. But this time, the state approved the joint AHS/UCH application, giving

the partnership, officially known as the Pasco-Pinellas Hillsborough Community Health System, the go-ahead to build its hospital, while overruling an appeal of the decision filed by BayCare. The AHS/UCH plans call for a $121 million, 80-bed, full-service facility, which will be built within the Wiregrass Ranch tract, on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., about a mile north of the Shoppes of Wiregrass mall and S.R. 56. Although the plans for the hospital have been green-lighted, and there has been a sign in place on the hospital site for some time now, there has been little in the way of actual site development. AHS representatives were among the participants at the recent Taste of New Tampa Health & Business Expo, and according to the materials they were handing out, the new “Wesley Chapel Medical Center” is “Coming Soon!,” but spokesperson Lynn Acer says that there is still no word as to when construction will get under way. “There’s nothing new to report at this time,” Acer says. Meanwhile, according to a news release issued by company officials on March 31, AHS and UCH signed a “non-binding Letter of Intent to explore a possible merger of the two healthcare systems.”

In effect, Acer says, UCH would be joining the larger AHS system. The release says that the idea for the merger came from the cooperative effort to build the Wesley Chapel hospital. “After working so closely together on the joint venture for the past three years, we have decided to explore opportunities that allow us to deliver heightened healthcare services to our expaning patient population,” UCH president Norm Stein says. “It helps that we already are working together and have like-minded missions that stress patient-centered service.”

Despite this sign announcing that it is coming soon, construction of the first hospital in Wesley Chapel (in the Wiregrass Ranch area) has not yet begun.

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N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

Volunteer Drivers Needed

The American Cancer Society is in need of volunteer drivers to take cancer patients to and from their life-saving cancer treatments for its “Road to Recovery” program. Schedules are very flexible and training, maps and directions are provided to the drivers, who are required to have a valid driver’s license, a safe driving record, and a vehicle that is in good working condition to participate in the program. For more information about being a Road to Recovery volunteer, please call (800) 227-2345.

2010 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo

Saturday, May 22 – Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the Museum of Science & Industry (4801 E. Fowler Ave.) are teaming up to host the 2010 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the museum. In addition to providing information about emergency planning, care for senior citizens, home safety options and more, the Expo also will include displays by the Hillsborough County Emergency Management Department, the Hillsborough County Health

Department, and the National Weather Service, with a special emphasis on what to do in the first 72 hours after a hurricane strikes. Admission to the Hurricane Expo is free, and on that day only, guests also can enjoy special discount admission to MOSI and one IMAX film for just $8 per person (children under 2 are admitted for free). For additional information, visit TampaBayHurricaneExpo.com or call 987-6080.

AAA Hosts ‘Sesame Street’

Saturday, May 22 – In order to promote the new “Safari of Fun” attraction at Busch Gardens, the New Tampa AAA office (20315 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in front of Live Oak Preserve) will host a special visit by Cookie Monster and Elmo from the “Sesame Street” PBS-TV program between 9 a.m.-noon. During that time, parents can sign up their children (ages 5 and younger) to receive a free year-long Fun Card for admission to Busch Gardens and purchase discounted Fun Cards for the rest of the family. Children also will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the characters, and there will be

free milk and cookies, games and other activities and more giveaways. For additional information, call Tammy Field at 929-3430 or 9292230.

itage Isles Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club

Wednesday, May 26 – 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).

Wednesday, May 26 – A Civil Air Patrol squadron now meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd.). For more information, visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

New Tampa PAR

New Tampa Evening Rotary

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, May 26 – The New Tampa Professionals Achieving Results (PAR) golf league meets every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr., in the Hunter’s Green subdivision) for nine holes of golf and networking. There is a $35 registration fee to join and weekly dues are $20. For more information, call Chuck Lewandoski at 269-7100.

Thursday, May 27 – The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). The club’s guest speaker on May 27 will be the superintendent of the Hillsborough County School District MaryEllen Elia. For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

Business Networking Int’l

Computer Workshops

Wednesday, May 26 – 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 Her-

Thursday, May 27 – Every Thursday, the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.) offers computer workshops for adults, beginning at 12:15 p.m. The workshops focus on computer

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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 information, or, for a complete list of activities offered at the library, visit HCPLC.org.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, May 28 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). On May 28, the group will hear a special presentation by the GSE team from Peru. All club members and their guests are invited to attend. For more information, visit NewTampaRotary.org or contact Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

Women-N-Charge

Friday, June 4 – Women-NCharge, a group that offers education and support for business women, meets on the first Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). For more information, visit Women-N-Charge.com or call Sue Davis at 435-5128.

Florida Writers Association

Saturday, June 5 – The Florida

Writers Association (FWA) meets on the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.noon, at the Barnes & Noble bookstore at the Shops at Wiregrass mall off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. All FWA meetings are free and open to the public. Call 907-7739 for more info.

Parenting Classes

Monday, June 7 – Hillsborough County wants to help parents improve their skills in dealing with difficult family issues by offering a course of Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) classes, June 7-22, 6:20 p.m.-9:30 p.m. each evening, at Chamberlain High (9401 North Boulevard, off Busch Blvd., in North Tampa). STEP classes, which are taught nationally to parents of children of all ages, emphasize improving communication skills, understanding children’s behavior and better methods of discipline, among other topics. The course also fulfills court-ordered parenting class requirements. There is a $36 registration fee, which is due on the first day of class, and there also is an accompanying handbook that is required and can be ordered in advance or on the first day of the STEP classes. For more information or to preregister, call the Hillsborough County Information Line at 273-3652. To

register for classes in Spanish and for more information about the Spanish program, call France Cote, Hispanic Services Council, at 936-7700.

NE Tampa Women In Business

Thursday, June 10 – The North East Tampa Women in Business (NETWIB) meets on the second Thursday of every month, 6 p.m., at Hunter’s Green County Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are welcome, but pre-registration is requested. To register, or for more information, call president Kay Dunn at 841-5932 or visit NETWIB.org.

Red Hat Society

Thursday, June 11 – A new chapter of the Red Hat Society for ladies over 50 meets on the second Thursday of each month at different locations. For more information, send an e-mail to livingood326@verizon.net. If you would like to promote your organization’s upcoming events in this space, send information & photos (in any digital photo format) as early as possible before the event to Attn: Michael Smith at

NTNNedit@yahoo.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Brotherhood Is The Strength Of Beltran Dental Surgery By Michael Smith A quick glance through the pages of this newspaper makes it clear that our area is served by many outstanding health care providers of practically every specialty one could ever need. Not many, however, have as impressive a background (and are as genuinely friendly) as brothers David and José Beltran, both Doctors of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.s), the coowners of the Beltran Dental Surgery practice located inside the gated entrance to the Hunter’s Green subdivision in New Tampa, in the Professional Park at Hunter’s Green (José says he someday hopes to own the building, which originally served as the community’s Model & Visitor Center). From the outside, one would never suspect that the office houses some of the latest in space-age dental imaging technology, in addition to a full-service surgical suite that allows the brothers to treat a wide variety of both simple and complex procedures in one convenient location. “Our practice encompasses everything that has to do with surgery of the mouth,” José says. Part of the reason for that efficiency is that the brothers, who are origi-

Brothers David (left) and José Beltran offer a wide variety of dental surgery services at their state-of-the-art office in Hunter’s Green. nally from Ecuador, work as a team. José, the elder by two years, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, while David’s specialty is periodontics, which deals with all of the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the gums and the underlying bone. (Oh, and by the way, both brothers earned their D.M.D. degrees from the prestigious Harvard University School of Dental Medicine).

José, who also holds an M.D., relates the recent case where one of their patients had both surgical and periodontal issues, and he says that by working together, the Beltrans were able to accomplish what would otherwise have taken several hours of treatment stretched out over several different office visits, all in a single day. “This lady would have had to make six different visits to get all of her

treatment done and finished, which (normally) would have taken six different visits of about two hours each,” he says. “But, we were able to do the full surgery in about three hours. That’s a huge advantage for our patients.” José also says that combining their respective areas of expertise also allows the brothers to treat a wider spectrum of issues, from routine extractions and Botox and collagen injections to the placement of dental implants and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The brothers’ story is quite remarkable, really. Both were born in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, and they moved with their family to Tampa when José and David were in their teens. Both attended Chamberlain High and went on to receive Bachelor of Science degrees in biology at the University of South Florida, both graduating with Magna cum Laude honors. Following in their father’s footsteps, the brothers then looked to enter dental school, and José was one of the most highly recruited Hispanic students in the country, eventually accepting a scholarship offer from the Hispanic Dental Association to attend Harvard. After receiving his D.M.D. degree, José went on to earn his M.D. degree, as well as a general surgery internship

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and a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery, all from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. David, meanwhile, performed his oral and maxillofacial residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, followed by post-graduate certification in periodontology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Both brothers have done extensive research as part of their studies, and both also have several additional certifications, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, in addition to their professional academic degrees. And, in addition to their proficiency, the Beltran brothers also have something else that makes their practice unique — the newest in three-dimensional cone beam CT imaging (photo on this page), which not only uses 10 times less radiation than traditional medical CT scans, but also gives the doctors precise in-depth images which they can use to diagnose and plan a course of treatment. The brothers also have and continue to work at outside practices, both here in the Bay area and in Orlando, where David also has an office of his own, while they are building their surgical practice, which opened on a parttime basis in November last year. Now, they see patients from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Satur-

The Beltran brothers employ the latest in 3D imaging technology, which can provide incredibly detailed pictures of a patient’s teeth and underlying bone structure. days (by appointment only). When they’re not working, both brothers enjoy sports, especially soccer, and they will proudly tell you about the three consecutive intramural soccer championships that their team won when they attended USF. “It’s never been done again since then,” David says. For more information about the services offered at Beltran Dental Surgery, visit BeltranSurgery.com or BeltranSurgery.org. The latter site has a coupon good for $50 off a limited oral exam. Or, call the office at 388-6824.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

USA Gold Buyers — Get More Money For Your Gold! By Kim Thomas Perhaps more than ever, we are conscious what things cost. Whether shopping for the best deals or putting dollar values on our own possessions, all of us want to keep as much of our hard-earned money as possible. And, when we decide to sell something, we want to get the very best price for it. At USA Gold Buyers, located on S.R. 54 between Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and I-75 (next to Walgreen’s), you are guaranteed to get top dollar for your silver, gold and platinum. “It’s pretty much impossible for anyone to get a better price for their gold than they will at our store,” says USA Gold Buyers owner David McIntyre.“We’ll beat any of our competitors’ prices on gold jewelry by 10 percent. And, we pay 92 percent of spot on tradable gold coins and bars.” In fact, during our conversation, David received a phone call from USA Gold Buyers’ Tarpon Springs store manager Ashley Paul, who let him know that she just beat out a competitor’s price by more than 25 percent! The great thing about gold is that it has held its value in this economy. Even old, tangled and broken jewelry can still earn you top dollar. Each USA

Gold Buyers store will purchase your gold (any karat), silver and platinum in any form, including jewelry, flatware, serving trays, watches and coins. In addition, USA Gold Buyers offers customers a variety of ways to sell their precious metals, including a safe and secure storefront, home parties and even fund-raising opportunities for churches, schools, sports and other charitable/nonprofit organizations. McIntyre owns nine USA Gold Buyers stores, with seven in the greater Tampa Bay Area, including one store located nearby on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa, one on SR 54 in New Port Richey, as well as locations in Tarpon Springs, Lakeland and Bradenton. David notes that USA Gold Buyers can offer customers the best price possible for their precious metals. because. “This is our specialty. We only buy precious metal and diamonds (and diamonds are only purchased at the Dale Mabry location). We don’t sell anything. We don’t repair anything. We

pay the best price for gold, period. We update our pricing hourly based on the New York Stock Exchange, so our customers are always getting the most current price.” USA Gold Buyers is a national brand, with many stores in Atlanta and more than 60 in Chicago, so another reason USA Gold Buyers is able to beat the competition on pricing is because of the large amounts of gold that is purchased daily for refining. “A pawn shop has only a few people coming in the door, so they have to make as much money off of each customer as possible,” explains David. “We are a volume company; we have an average of 25 customers a day, so we can give a better price because we only need to make a small amount of money on a massive number of people.” He adds, “When we wholesale our gold, we deal with the largest refinery in the world, so we can pay high and still stay in business.” USA Gold Buyers’ philosophy is to treat customers with respect and offer very personable customer service. You will be greeted outside by a friendly employee who will buzz you into the store where you will be able to see everything that is going on with your jewelry or other precious metal. You

also will see your gold weighed on scales which are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “By the time my customers leave, they’ll know how to test gold and they’ll understand the buying process because they’ve been able to see the whole process,” says David. “People know they can trust us. We have customers who send in their mothers, sisters, friends and coworkers; 35 percent of our business is repeat and referrals.” He adds that unlike many other businesses that buy gold and jewelry, at each USA Gold Buyers location, you are dealing with just one person. “And we spend a lot of time training our employees,” says David. “They each get four 8-hour days in the classroom and three full days working with a buyer in the store, so our service is always very personable and professional. We are very selective about the people we hire and we always perform a full background check.” If you have a piece of jewelry with several different types of gold, USA Gold Buyers’ trained personnel will disassemble the jewelry and weigh each type of gold separately to ensure that you get the best price. For instance, if you have a 14K gold ring with platinum prongs, the prongs will be cut off

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Wesley Chapel location of USA Gold Buyers (on S.R. 54 just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is the closest store to our New Tampa readers. go to parties and purchase stuff we realand weighed separately, so you get the ly don’t need just to support our highest price for your platinum. friends and visit. How about next time, “We fill a need for people,” David says. “A lot of people are having a hard instead of inviting everyone over and time right now, but gold is still worth a asking them to bring their checkbook, you have your friends show up with all lot in bad economic times and the their old, broken and mismatched jew[gold] market shows no signs of weakelry. They can find out the true value of ening. We want to be a refinery for the their gold and if they choose to sell, local public.” your friends will leave the party with a Parties That PAY $$$! wallet full of sweet cash! Everybody loves a party. We even USA Gold Buyers offers great

incentives to host a party, such as a 10percent commission on all purchases and the average host makes more than $500 in commissions! “I love to write out checks for $500,” says David. “We love to give people incentives; it’s our favorite thing to do in this business!” Plus, if at least $500 worth of gold is purchased by USA Gold Buyers, the host also will receive $40 for food and beverage. In addition, the host receives $25 for each referral that hosts their own party; a $300 bonus if five or more referrals host their own event; and a $100 bonus if 20 or more guests attend and sell their gold. It couldn’t be any easier. USA Gold Buyers’ Hostess Consultants will organize the party at your home, take care of all the details right down to providing you with paper invitations and will even email the invitations to your friends for you.

High-Dollar Fund Raisers

As most PTA presidents today will tell you, fund raising becomes even more difficult on a tough economy, . People simply don’t have extra money to spend, which means that most conventional fund-raising methods are generating fewer dollars today than they did three years ago before the global economy began tanking. But, USA Gold Buyers has a great

solution that puts money in everyone’s pocket! They can organize a gold-buying event at which your participants can sell their unwanted gold and precious metal jewelry for top dollar and 20 percent of the total purchases is paid back to you in cash for the chosen charity. This is a great solution for religious organizations, Little League and other youth sports teams, school fund raisers and many more. And, if you have a really generous group, the entire purchase can be donated. “We were just involved with a church fund raiser where we were able to pay out $28,500; whereas another store had offered the same group a few thousand dollars less,” shares David. USA Gold Buyers’ event coordinator will work with you to customize your fund raiser ande provide you with invitations and other marketing materials to ensure the success of your event. The Wesley Chapel USA Gold Buyers store is located at 28107 SR 54 and the Tampa location is at 2101 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Both stores are open Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to schedule a home party or fund raiser at any of the local USA Gold Buyers stores, please call 434-4222 or visit TopUSAGoldBuyers.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Fido’s Funland — Quality Services & A Doggone Good Time! By Gary Nager Although neither of my dogs currently lives with me, as a long-time pet owner, I always appreciate finding great services for my dogs. One place for your pets that I can heartily recommend is Fido’s Funland, which is located a bit of a drive from New Tampa (in the New River Township community off S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel), but which also provides wecome-to-you pet sitting and other services for your dogs and cats. Fido’s Funland is a partnership between principal owner Douglas Frazier and Lori Vassallo, who also previously worked together for many years at a bank in the Wesley Chapel area. In addition to offering your pets the opportunity to enjoy doggie daycare and boarding at their facility (more on that below), the Fido’s Funland van also will come to your location for “potty” walks during the day, pet sitting in your home, feces removal, pet taxi service (they will gladly take your dog or cat to the groomer, veterinarian or dog park) and even personal pet shopping if you ever need to pick up food, medications, etc. All Fido’s Funland “Pet Playmates” are bonded and insured and certified in pet CPR and

(Left) Douglas Frazier makes sure Goldie wasn’t thinking about jumping in this koi (fish) pond at Fido’s Funland, although his cocker spaniel/King Charles spaniel mix Jake (right) did hop in and take a refreshing dip in the pond a few minutes later. First Aid, but more important (at least to me) is the fact that they all love your pet almost as much as you do. If you bring your pet to the Fido’s Funland location, you’ll get to meet Frazier’s three dogs (who are all cocker spaniel/King Charles spaniel mixes), Annabelle, Madison and Jake, who are all friendly and always ready for a new playmate to join in the fun. “One of the first dogs we took in was a Lab who loved people, but didn’t really like other dogs, especially

when he’d meet them while on a leash,” Lori explains. “But, after a little socialization with Doug’s trio, he played with them all day.” The day I visited Fido’s Funland with Goldie, I explained that although she actually loves other dogs, her preference is to socialize with people. Once I saw how sweet the spaniels were and how happy Goldie was saying hi to Doug and Lori, I knew here experience at Fido’s Funland would be a great one.

Sure enough, when I returned a few hours later, my 10-year-old, chubby golden was happy to go back home and she slept like a baby all night. I would definitely feel comfortable leaving her for a weekend or longer at the Funland and I’m certain even a rambunctious puppy would feel just as at home as Goldie felt there. Of course, Doug and Lori recognize that for New Tampa and many Wesley Chapel residents, there are closer places to bring your pets, which

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Fido’s Funland van brings quality pet-sitting services and so much more right to your front door.

(L. to r): Goldie, Lori Vassallo, Annabelle, Doug Frazier, Jake and Madison all had a great time hanging out together at Fido’s Funland in Wesley Chapel. is one reason why Fido’s Funland also offers the aforementioned services which they bring directly to you. In other words, whether you need pet sitting in your home or theirs, Fido’s Funland is a great place for all of your “Fido” and “Feline” sitter needs. Goldie gives it four paws up!

Fido’s Funland Fido & Feline Sitter Services is located in the New River Township area of eastern Wesley Chapel. For appointments and more information, call 3816360 or visit FidosFunLand.com. You also may e-mail them at info@FidosFunLand.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Cory Lake Isles - Custom builder plans available from David Weekley Homes incl. dock! Come live the tropical lifestyle... corner vacant lot w/ direct access to 165 acre ski lake located in beautiful Cory Lake Isles w/ many amenities. Easy access to shopping, USF, Moffit, VA, & all major highways. $149,000

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT IRENE OCASIO AT (813) 632-9452 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

Wharton’s Roberts Wins Top Prize At State Fair

Four Wharton High students qualified to participate in the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, which was held in Orlando during the week prior to Spring Break. The quartet of talented student scientists did an outstanding job of representing both Wharton and the Hillsborough County School District, as senior Jasmine Roberts, who won Best of Fair at the District-level competition, achieved the same result in the State competition, winning first place in the Medicine & Health category and being named Best of Fair out of all 850 competitors from around the state. This is the first time a Wharton student has ever achived this prestigious award. In addition, senior Midori Maeda received second place in the Environmental Science division, freshman Lorenzo Armstrong took fifth place in Microbiology and Cesar Maeda received a special recognition award in the Earth/Space Science category.

Above, Wharton High senior Jasmine Roberts stands with Carmen Austin, head of the school’s science department.

Local Student Places Second In State Geography Bee

We want to congratulate Nancy Bartels Middle School seventh-grader Rohith Ravi, who finished in second place in the State National Geographic Bee, which was held on April 9 in Jacksonville. In addition, Ravi also was recognized by the members of the Hillsborough County School Board on May 11 for scoring an 1880 on the three segments of the SAT, which places him among the top 3 percent of sev-

enth grade students across the nation.

Freedom Students Named As National Merit Scholars

Congratulations also go out to Hannah R. Ferrall and Katherine V. Yerkes, two Freedom High students who were among nine from Hillsborough County who were named as National Merit Scholars for 2009-10. The honor places the two Patriots among the top one percent of Florida high school seniors, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Selection as a National Merit Scholar is based on several factors, including scores on the preliminary SAT, the student’s overall academic record, contributions and leadership at school, community activities, a recommendation from a high school official and an essay written by the student. In addition, Yerkes also was one of three Florida students who received a $20,000 regional scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She was selected from an initial pool of more than 69,000 students representing 15,000 high schools nationwide. The students were chosen based on academic excellence, school involvement and community leadership. Scholarships are sponsored by the local Coca-Cola Bottler and The Coca-Cola Company. Bravo!

School’s Out Pool Bash Scheduled For June 10

The staff at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club would like to invite all families of Tampa Palms Elementary and the entire Tampa Palms community to attend the annual “School’s Out Pool Bash!” which will be held at the country club on the last day of school for Hillsborough County students, Thursday, June 10. The event will include live entertainment by Island Breeze, games and pool activities for the children and a poolside grill and buffet for all to enjoy. The party will start right after early release, at noon, and will continue through 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under, which includes the entertainment, pool games and prizes, as well as the buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, salad and chips. Beverages and ice cream also will be available for purchase at the poolside club’s café. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend, and space is limited, so reservations are recommended. For more information, or to make a reservation, call Rhonda Vosding at 632-1676.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Sports Briefs

Local AAU Program Wins Back-To-Back State Titles

The Florida Select Basketball organization dominated the field in this year’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 14-and-under Division 1 State championship in Orlando. Chase Litton, a 6’5’’ swing man, and point guard Marshall Holmes are students at New Tampa’s Benito Middle School. The team also includes Devin Gooden, who attends Bartels Middle School in Live Oak Preserve and Isaiah Thomas, a student at John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel. The State championship marks the organization’s second consecutive state title in only its second year of existence. Last year, Florida Select won the championship by an amazing 39 points. Florida Select was founded by Jessica and Derek Holmes of New Tampa back in January of 2009. The program spends countless weekends out of the year in major cities such as Indianapolis, Chicago, Orlando and Memphis, competing with the nation’s top youth basketball talent.

New Tampa’s Devin Gooden throws up a fallaway jumper. Next up for Florida Select Basketball are a few marquee nationally touted tournaments before heading back to Orlando for the national championships later this July. Florida Select currently only fields one boys’ basketball team and competes mainly in the 14-and-under age group, although the team does occasionally compete in the 15-and-under division, too, in order to help hone their skills to be more prepared for the elite competition at nationals. For additional information

Florida Select’s Chase Litton brings the ball up the floor against a pair of defenders.

about the team, tryout updates and upcoming events, visit FloridaSelect Basketball.org.

Former New Tampa Raiders Goalie Named To Adidas All-American Team

Back in the fifth grade, Cole Fox was a football player for the New Tampa Sharks. But then, one day, his coach passed out flyers regarding a “new” sport. Five years later, Cole was defending his high school team’s net in a State championship game. “We, as native Floridians, literally didn’t know what lacrosse was.” said Leigh Anne Fox, Cole’s mother. “Little did we know that lacrosse is the fastestgrowing youth sport in the country, and is now booming all over Florida.” The New Tampa Raiders lacrosse program already has produced some top tier talent, despite its young age, and Fox’s recent success just adds to the young program’s impressive resume. Fox, who is now a freshman at Tampa’s Jesuit High, was given the daunting task of defending the net. So, how did the young goalie respond in an unheard-of situation? He compiled a save percentage of 80.5 percent in just his first year against high school competition and led the team to a State title game appearance. “It was a great opportunity for me to start as a freshman and get a lot of playing time,” Fox says. “This summer, I’m going to practice a lot, get as many shots in as possible and go to some instructional camps so that I can take my game to the next level.” His statistics spoke loudly enough to earn him second team All-District honors. He also is one of only two goalies throughout the entire state of Florida who were chosen to compete in the Adidas National Games in Maryland later this summer. “You won’t find a nicer, more respectful kid than Cole,” says New Tampa Lacrosse Association (NTLA) president and Fox family friend Dan

New Tampa’s Cole Fox guards the net for the Jesuit High lacrosse team. McCall. “It’s not something that came easy. He really worked his tail off and I couldn’t be more proud.” — Joshua Litton

‘Wedges For Wishes’ Golf Tourney At TPGCC

If you want to enjoy an incredible round of golf AND help a truly wonderful cause, we invite you to sign up to sponsor and/or play in the “Wedges for Wishes” Golf Tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida, Suncoast Region, on Monday, June 7, at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). Check in and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., and the tournament begins at 9 a.m., with the awards luncheon beginning at 1 p.m. The Suncoast Region chapter of Make-A-Wish is trying to grant 85 wishes for children with life-threatening conditions and the net proceeds of this tournament will help offset the cost of making those wishes come true. On average, making just one wish a reality for these children costs about $7,000. The cost to play in the tourney is $150 per person or $500 per foursome, and many sponsorship levels also are available. For more information about the tournament, including sponsorships, call 288-2600 or visit WedgesforWishes.WishCentral.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wildcats Boys Tennis Team Wins Its 3rd Consecutive State Title By Joshua Litton The Wharton Wildcats Boys’ Tennis team has become accustomed to winning over the past few years. With the program’s third consecutive State championship, it might be time to change the title of “team” to “dynasty.” In the Class 4A State tennis championships in Orlando April 2728, Wharton edged Westin’s Cypress Bay High, 15-13, in the overall points total to capture the Wildcats’ unprecedented (certainly by any high school team from New Tampa) third consecutive state championship, dating back to the 2007-08 season. Once again, the Wildcats were led by senior Michael Alford, who won his second consecutive No. 1 singles State title, as well as the No. 1 overall title, and teamed with Rohit Navelkar to finish second in No. 1 doubles. Navelkar also was the runner-up at No. 3 singles. Meanwhile, Ben Hwang was the top seed at No. 2 singles going into the tournament, and even though he was hampered by an ankle injury, he still was able to compete and finish

second. He and Jon Ho also swept through the No. 2 doubles bracket without dropping a set, and Ho also won at No. 4 singles, again without losing a set, on the way to the title. All of those victories and top finishes helped Wharton earn the key points the team needed to repeat as State champs. “These guys will fight and play until the bitter end,” said coach Marcie Scholl afterwards. “We are a team and everyone was rallying behind them. It was a true team effort.” With the graduation of Alford, a four-time captain and two-time state champion, a normal tennis program might have to settle for a rebuilding year. A normal team that is, but not the Wharton Wildcat Tennis dynasty. Both Hwang and Navelkar have the needed experience to carry the team back to the State tournament, next year, Scholl says. When asked about her team’s future, coach Scholl stated, “Wharton will always have a strong tennis team.” Can anyone argue that fact? If there is any question, please refer to the Florida High School Athletic Association record book.

The Florida Class 4A State champion Wharton High Boys Tennis Team includes (l.r.): Jon Ho, Cesar Maeda, Chris Armstrong, Ben Hwang, Jack Lange, Michael Alford, Rohit Navelkar, Coach Marcie Scholl, Steven Sepulveda and J. J. Young.

Our congratulations also go out to Wharton High graduating senior London Enos, who repeated as State champion in the pole vault by clearing a personal-best 11 feet, 6 inches in the Class 4A State finals at Winter Park. Enos, who also won a sliver medal as a sophomore, came in as the #2 seed, despite being the returning champ. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Rain Can’t Dampen Spirits At The Taste Of New Tampa

This year, the Taste was unofficially dedicated to Frank Margarella, who passed away suddenly just before the event was held. Margarella was a former president of the Aldo Mosquera (2nd from right) and his crew from New Tampa Café Olé dished out some delicious, aunthentic SpanCommunity ish paella at the Taste of New Tampa. Council Kids crowded around for the ballon creations (which made by the staff of Dignity Memorial. annual one-day community celebration. evolved into the New Even with fewer attendees and matically,” New Tampa Chamber of Tampa Chamber of Commerce last fewer restaurants participating in this Commerce presiyear) and he was one of the original year’s Taste, lines were still long at dent Scott Estes organizers of New Tampa’s largest many of the booths that were serving admitted. “But, food. And, Aldo Mosonce the sun quera of Café Olé on came out, everyCross Creek Blvd., who body seemed to served huge plates of be having a really authentic paella, said he good time, and has seen a lot of new cuswe’ve gotten tomers since the Taste, some great feed“so it was still worthback from our while for us.” vendors, who said Estes said the final that a lot of peotally of how much money ple who came also was raised at this year’s signed up for the Taste was still not giveaways and State House candidate Shawn Harrison (5th from Bradley Cole, owner the new Cole’s BBQ in Tampa Palms, other things at left) enjoys the support of family members and friends. Continued on page 40. delighted Taste visitors with tasty meats right off the grill. their booths.” It seemed almost as though Mother Nature had arranged a somber tribute to the passing of one of the prominent organizers of the event, as clouds hung over the 17th annual Taste of New Tampa & Health & Business Expo, which was again held on the campus of Freedom High in Tampa Palms on April 18. But, while heavy morning showers and the threat of more thunderstorms, combined with a light intermittent drizzle throughout the afternoon, may have kept some people at home, it didn’t keep hundreds of other area residents from enjoying the food samples served up by local restaurants and eateries and checking out the products and services offered by the dozens of other businesses that also participated. “Attendance was down pretty dra-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 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

Administrator: Karen Frashier

Recapping The New Tampa Chamber’s Big First Year! It’s been a year since the New Tampa Community Council transformed itself into the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) and what a great year it’s been. I can’t think of a better way to tell the story than telling you about where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we are going.

Where Have We Been?

Before there was a New Tampa Chamber, there was the New Tampa Community Council and it worked well for 16 years, as our young community began to grow. And grow it did. Today, the New Tampa area has grown all up and down the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. corridor from Hillsborough to Pasco counties. I realized there was more to this “New Tampa” name when I first drove out to the new Shops at Wiregrass mall in Pasco County. Just before the mall is the Shoppes at New Tampa shopping center! Even though I know some Wesley Chapel residents don’t like being lumped together with New Tampa, it was a “eureka” moment for me, because it was the day I discovered that New Tampa was far more Todd J. Wiener, DMD, PA General Dentistry 14201 Professional Plaza • 14201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd

than a small cluster of neighborhoods in northern Hillsborough County. It has grown across the boundaries of our county line. New Tampa has transcended the typical geographical boundaries, and become more of state of mind for all of those who live here. The late Frank Margarella helped coin the name “New Tampa,” and began our history by organizing the first Taste of New Tampa® for the benefit of our community and our local businesses. Since then, our membership has grown to more than 200 members, many of whom have signed up since the Chamber was established in 2009. With new members come fresh new ideas and excited people willing to give back to the community in which they live. Frank definitely typified that attitude.

Where Are We Now?

Today, the New Tampa Chamber is reaching out to as many new potential members within our community as possible, at a time when our local businesses and residents are challenged by all the new construction on BBD. Between the widening of BBD and the potential new light rail system (a

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possibility in the future, see page 1), construction is definitely taking its toll on the traffic patterns of New Tampa community — especially on our local small businesses. Fortunately, the New Tampa Chamber is there to help make sense of it all. Recent speakers have addressed the proposed new light rail line from New Tampa to South Tampa, and given us information about the proposed high-speed commuter rail that will run throughout the state of Florida. We’ve also sponsored three recent candidate forums, where we heard from many of those running for public offices representing New Tampa, including candidates for the Tampa City Council, our State Legislature and we just finished up with several candidates for the Hillsborough County Commission. These forums served as town hall meetings for all our members and guests. Those who attended will be making more informed choices at the ballot box as we strive to make a difference in New Tampa. The New Tampa Chamber will continue to bring its members this kind of content at our breakfast and lunch meetings, and don’t forget, prospective members and guests are always welcome, too.

Where Are We Going?

This year, we plan to introduce a new award recognizing members whose actions speak louder than their

words. The award will be more than a “Member of the Year” award, though. The “Frank Margarella Award” will be given to the individual or organization who makes New Tampa one of the best places to live in the U.S. Look for more information as we get closer to our annual meeting in August. Now is the time to reflect on what worked and what did not work in the last year for the New Tampa Chamber. While we’ve had a lot of accomplishments, we also know we have a lot of room for improvement. One of the reasons we became a chamber was to empower our membership. Our goal is to provide valuable services and networking to our members through strong, active committees. The Membership and Events committees are our most active, and we’re looking for members interested in becoming active through our new Ambassadors program. As we strive to empower our members, we will be looking at our current membership levels and revamping them to better serve our existing and potential members. Most of our current members have all joined under our first tier membership level called the Professional Level of $125. Our membership levels are based on the level of chamber service each member wishes to enjoy. We are looking at ways to improve our higher membership levels by adding benefits. While we’ve

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

already started, you can expect to see many new reasons to join at our higher membership levels in the future. Why not upgrade your current level of membership? Our goal remains to grow our membership to 500 members within five years. We have grown dramatically in our first year as a chamber, and with 200-plus members, we are well on our way toward reaching this goal. We struggled with revamping our website from the Community Council to the New Tampa Chamber, and it continues to improve. Our online membership application is now live at NewTampaChamber.org, and we have a functioning website for the Taste of New Tampa® this year. Further improving the Chamber website will be one of our primary focuses in the next year. We plan to add tools our members and the community can use, including online event registration, a searchable member database and Member-to-Member discounts. But, we cannot do this without the help of our members. The New Tampa Chamber is always looking for new people and new ideas to help take us to the next level. If you have ever wanted to get more involved in your community, now may be your time.

We urge you to join the New Tampa Chamber, and if you are already a member in good standing, consider becoming a member of our Board of Directors. Over the next few months, we will be actively seeking new Board members. We cannot accomplish all that we hope to accomplish without your help and the help of those who care about our community. If you would like to become a member of the Board, please send an email to me at our office (info@newtampachamber.org). You could be helping us to make a difference when our new Board members are voted in by our membership, and are announced at our annual membership meeting in August. Thanks for a great first year. We look forward to many more great years to come, serving our community and New Tampa businesses alike.

For a look back at the 2010 Taste of New Tampa® & Business & Health Expo, see page 37!

Get Involved With The New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce At These Upcoming Events! Wednesday, May 26, 2:30 p.m. check in, 3 p.m. start HOT DEAL: 9 Holes + Networking, Pebble Creek Golf Club 10550 Regents Park Dr. (off BBD, across from Wal Mart) Register now to be a sponsor, as slots are limited! SPOTLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS AT THIS GREAT EVENT! $15 includes cart with GPS. To RSVP or for more information about being a sponsor, contact Kim Martin at 973-3870, ext. 232, or e-mail kmartin@ace-golf.com.

Thursday, May 27, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Chamber Connections, hosted by Stonewood Grill & Tavern, 17050 Palm Pointe Dr. (off BBD), Tampa Palms Please join the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce for after-hours networking. We always encourage new faces and prospective members to visit with us!

Monday, June 14, noon to 1 p.m.

“Giving Your Business a Physical,” at Pebble Creek Golf Club 10550 Regents Park Dr., Tampa 33647 John “Dabo” Dabasinskas will provide you with tools to make your business healthier that you can put into practice right away. Dabo is a sought-after business consultant and speaker on a variety of topics, including how to buy and sell businesses. In both the military and in business, he has been both a turnaround leader and dismantled a $200-million operation. Locally, he is chairman of the Boy Scout Buccaneer Recognition Dinner and is active with many other organizations. In addition to the events we sponsor each month, the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce is always seeking information about upcoming events in and around the New Tampa community. For more information, visit NewTampaChamber.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Taste”

Continued from page 37 available at our press time, but he did say that the Chamber did break even on the event, which was better than

he had expected, given the low turnout and the inclement weather. The money will again go to the schools and other nonprofit organizations who volunteered at the event and for other Chamber projects throughout the year.

People lined up for free slices at the booth sponsored by Marco’s Pizza. (Above left) Alissa Kozak of The Goddard School helps a young visitor create a masterpiece; (above) people also enjoyed the Southwestern snacks served up by the staff of the Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. in Wesley Chapel; and (left) Christine Conly of MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, shows a youngster how to use a miniature replica catapult.

(Left) Proprietor Robert Garofano (3rd from left) and the friendly crew from Ciccio’s/The Lodge poses for the camera. (Right) Sarah Bates and Cindy Robinson from the new SpringHill Suites announced that the Grand Opening of the new hotel in Tampa Palms will be held May 20 (a day or two before you receive this issue).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Events Bring Neighbors Together & Benefit Local Charities Tampa Palms Womens Club Hosts Annual Fashion Show

On Thursday, April 22, the Tampa Palms Womens Club (TPWC) hosted its annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. More than 130 guests attended the event, which, as in years past, was a fund raiser for the Outreach Assisting Students In Schools (OASIS) Network, which provides clothing, school supplies and other items to needy students throughout Hillsborough County. During the fashion show, the guests got a preview of clothing and accessories provided by Cold Water Creek at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, modeled by members of the TPWC and the OASIS organization, while New Identities Salon in Tampa Palms provided hair styles and make-up. According to a club spokesperson, the event raised approximately $3,000 through ticket sales, raffle tickets and proceeds from the live auction. The money will be presented to OASIS representatives at the TPWC’s annual Potluck luncheon in June, along with

A member of the Tampa Palms Womens Club struts her stuff on the catwalk for charity. additional donations to other local charities from last October’s Arts and Crafts Under the Palms show and sale.

Mayfair At Tampa Palms Neighborhood Watch’s Safety Fair & Bake Sale

On April 24, the Neighborhood Watch Group from the Mayfair community in Tampa Palms hosted its first

annual Safety Fair. According to organizer Ann Diller, the event was geared toward child safety and included educational, fun and interactive activities for parents and children alike, such as a bounce house and face painting to a demonstration by a Tampa Police Department K9 officer. In addition, during the Safety Fair, 14-year-old resident Emma Hopegood hosted a bake sale to benefit Share Our Strength, which raised a total of $288 through the sale of baked goods at the Safety Fair and $60 in online donations for the non-profit organization, which fights childhood hunger in the U.S.

New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club Presents $5,000 To Camp For Burned Children

On April 30, members of the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club had the pleasure of presenting a check in the amount of $5,000 to Jace Kohan, who is president of the Tampa Firefighters Charity and CFO of Camp Hopetake (pronounced “hopee-toc-ee”), which is a special summer camp that serves children who

Members of the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club present a check to the Tampa Firefighters Charity. have been burned. This donation was made possible through the club’s success with their 13th annual Night of 5000 charity gala, which was held in March at The Ritz Ybor in Ybor City. More than 180 guests attended the event, which included performances by Troy Jansen and the Collective Soles Arts Group, the band Synchronicity, a variety of delicious foods and beverages, a silent auction, and more. In all, the event raised a total of $18,000, which will benefit not only Camp Hopetake, but also a number of other local charitable organizations that the club also supports each year.

McGruff the Crime Dog joins the fun at the Mayfair Community Neighborhood Watch Safety Fair.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

WC Martial Arts Academy Develops The Body And The Mind By Michael Smith Let’s face it, if you’re just looking for a place to drop your children off after school where they can have a good time playing games and hanging out with their friends, there are plenty of options out there. However, if you’re looking for a program that goes beyond fun and games to teach your child values such as strength of character, confidence and discipline, then you will definitely want to look into the instruction offered at the Wesley Chapel Martial Arts and Tae Kwon Do Academy (located in the Seven Oaks development in the Renaissance Professional Center off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel). The Academy is headed up by Habib Fayiz, a native of Afghanistan who started his own training in tae kwon do at the age of 10. He now is a 6th degree black belt in the sport and has been teaching in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 20 years. Fayiz says that he was inspired to begin training in martial arts for two reasons: one, because he needed a way to protect himself on the streets of his hometown of Kabul, which was caught up in civil war following the invasion by the then-Soviet Union; and two, because of the great popularity of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. In fact, it was because of Lee that Fayiz originally started out in kung fu, but later switched to tae kwon do because he felt it better suited his personal capabilities. After his family was granted political asylum and moved to the U.S. in 1986, Fayiz began training under Grand Master Si Young Jo, and was good enough to earn a spot in the 1988 Junior Olympics. Even though he finished third in sparring and in forms in his division, he says that he was actually disappointed with those results. “I didn’t have the training, so it didn’t give me a good experience of accomplishing my goals,” he says, and that’s why he switched to the Yung Ho Tae Kwon Do school, headed by Grand

Master Habib Fayiz demonstrates proper form for his students at the Wesley Chapel Martial Arts and Tae Kwon Do Academy.

Master Yung Ho Jun. Jun was one of the four developers of the Ko Um Mu Do style of tae kwon do, which not only combines physical techniques derived from various martial arts, including tae kwon do, hapkido and jujitsu, but also focuses on developing the mental and spiritual aspects of traditional martial arts practices, and that’s what Fayiz hopes to impart to all of his students. “The primary importance of tae kwon do training is really discipline, in the mind and the body, and to continually improve yourself in all aspects of your life,” he says. “In other words, tae kwon do is a tool for self improvement, a tool to improve the character of the student.” Fayiz says the benefits of that focus are evident in the progress of his young students, many of whom blossom under the training to become more confident, more focused and more respectful towards their parents, teachers and other adults. “Kicking and punching can actually be the means for the child to become a good student in school, a good child at home and a good person overall,” he says. “It is a means to becoming a better person.” Patricia Mejio, whose 6-year-old son Martin participates in the afterschool program at Wesley Chapel Martial Arts Academy, says that she has seen improvement in her son, even though he has only been involved in the program for less than a month. “I began noticing changes within two weeks,” Mejio says, adding that she was looking for a program that offered some kind of physical activity. And, Here, a student shows the proper technique for even though Martin was breaking a practice board.

very shy at first and even refused to enter the classroom, he now looks forward to going to class and has become more outspoken and self-confident in his everyday activities as well. Fayiz adds, however, that tae kwon do training can have as many positive benefits for adults as it can for children. In addition to physical benefits, such as improved reflexes and coordination, increased strength, stamina and flexibility, and better weight control, it also offers positive mental benefits, such as improved concentration, stress reduc-

tion and relaxation, as well as increased self-confidence and self-discipline. The after-school program at Wesley Chapel Martial Arts runs until 6 p.m. on weekdays and is open to students five years old and up. The school even offers a shuttle service that picks the children up right from their school. Then, regular classes for children begin at 6 p.m., followed by classes for adults (with no age limit) from 7 p.m.8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Once each month, he also holds a special family class, in which parents and their children participate together and, on Saturday mornings, he holds classes for young children (ages 4-5), followed again by regular classes and a selfdefense class for women only beginning at noon. Fayiz also offers a summer camp program that begins on June 14 and includes not only tae kwon do training, but also other sports activities and field trips to places like the movies, the park and a swimming pool. For more information about all of the programs offered at Wesley Chapel Martial Arts and Tae Kwon Do Academy (3820 Windcrest Dr.,), drop by the school, call 928-6900 or visit WesleyChapelTKD.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Summer Camp Programs Offer A Variety Of Fun Things To Do

The end of the school year is right around the corner, and while most kids of my generation had to settle for old-fashioned camps that offered such boring activities as canoeing, archery and wallet making, young people nowadays have a wide variety of choices when it comes to whiling away the lazy days of summer. Here is a rundown of some of the programs offered right in our own neighborhood, as well as some other exciting options from all around the area. - MS

fee of $35, and the first 60 children who register will receive a backpack and T-shirt. Weekly sessions begin June 11, and there are daily and weekly rates, and extended care hours also are available. In addition, Hunter’s Green also offers a Summer Tennis Camp that begins June 14 and Summer Swim Camp that starts June 15. For more information about these programs, call 973-4220 or visit HuntersGreenCC.com.

Hunter’s Green Country Club

New Tampa Dance Theatre

The Summer Activities Camp at Hunter’s Green Country Club Sports Center (18050 Hunter’s Oak Ct., just off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is designed for children ages 5-12 and features a variety of activities, including cooking classes, golf, cheerleading, flag football, volleyball, nature, drama, dance, crafts, field trips, swimming, “Fun Fridays” with blow-up moonwalks and waterslides and much more. There also is a Counselor-InTraining program for teens ages 1215. There is a one-time registration

New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT), located at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd., will be offering summer dance camps, ballet and musical theater intensive workshops and other classes, June 21-July 2, for ages 3adult. Styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, creative movement and tumbling will be offered each week. For more information, please call 994-NTDT(6838).

New Tampa Family YMCA

The New Tampa Family YMCA (16221Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms) Summer Camp program offers a variety of safe and fun fullday and specialty camps for children ages 3-15. The camps include swimming, games, sports, arts and crafts and more, and this summer there are even more new features, such as full-day drama and musical theatre proCampers learn painting and other art forms at the grams, gender-specific half-day camps and You Do The Dishes Summer Art Fest camp.

the new “Activate America” program, which encourages kids to be more active and healthier. Call 866-9622 or visit Tampa YMCA.org.

You Do The Dishes Art Fest 2010

If your children love art, or if you are hoping to give them a greater appreciation of art, then the Art Fest 2010 summer program offered at You Do the Dishes paint-your-own pottery studio & coffeehouse (15357 Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms) may be just the thing you’re looking for this summer. During the camp, which is designed for kids ages 7-13, participants will receive expert instruction and create projects in a variety of artistic media, including printmaking, drawing, watercolor, acrylics, collage and of course, pottery making. Sessions begin June 14, and the cost is $200 per camper per session, which includes the cost of all art supplies. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. For additional information, visit YouDoTheDishes.com or call 975-1700.

Academic Edge Summer Courses

You can give the serious students in your family a jump on the 2011-12 school year by enrolling them in the summer courses offered at the Academic Edge Learning Center (17419 Bridge Hill Ct., in the Tampa Palms Professional Center). The courses, which are directed by experienced teachers, include reading, math, biology, physics, FCAT preparation, SAT preparation and more. Courses are designed for elementary, middle and high school students, and two-week sessions begin June 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, and extra care hours also are available by appointment. For more information, call 971-6500.

All Star Summer Camp

Sports + Field Athletic Club (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel) hosts an All Star Summer Camp beginning June 14, for children entering grades K-6. The camp features team sports, arts and crafts, karate, dance, waterslide, Wii competitions, board games, Zumba and surprise visitors. Each week of the camp will have a special sports theme. Full-day sessions are from 7:30

a.m.-5:30 p.m. for $105 per camper; half-day sessions are 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for $85 per camper, and there also is a $50 registration fee (half off for Sports + Field members) per camper. Campers also are required to bring their own bring water bottles, healthy snacks and lunch. For information, call 948-5517 or visit SportsAndField.net.

Camp IDS 2010

Independent Day School-Corbett Campus (12015 Orange Grove Dr., off Busch Blvd.) offers a variety of weekly summer camp programs covering sports, arts, cooking, field trips and more for children in grades pre-K8. Camp sessions run June 14-July 23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, with full- or half-day sessions available, and extra care hours also are available. Costs vary. For more information, call 961-3087 or visit idsyes.com.

Summer At The Lakes

The summer camp program at the Academy at The Lakes (2331 Collier Pkwy. in Land O’Lakes) includes archery, arts and crafts, baking, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, Chinese language classes, dance, drama, field trips, flag football, math review, model rockets, movie making, photography, reading club, recreational games, SAT prep, sewing, soccer, tumbling, volleyball, writing skills and more, for campers ages 3 through rising ninth graders. Camp dates are June 14Aug. 6, 8:30 am.-3 p.m. each day, with full- and half-day sessions and extended care is available. For additional information, including the fees for each camp, visit academyatthelakes.org/campus life/summer-program or call 9487600.

Tampa Parks & Recreation

The Tampa Parks and Recreation Department offers a traditional summer program at parks and recreation centers throughout the city (including the Benito Recreation Center on Cross Creek Blvd.). Activities include arts and crafts, computer classes, board games, activities, sports, games and field trips. Camps are open to kids ages 5-17. The regular fee is $55 per week, and scholarships and reduced-fee programs are available. Camp sessions run June 14-Aug. 13, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. For more info, call 274-8615 or visit TampaGov.net/parksandrec.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

day sessions available. The Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa. For more information, call 273-4000 or visit FLAquarium.org.

Lowry Park ‘Zoo School’

This summer, “Zoo School” at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (1101 W. Sligh Kids who are animal lovers will love the summer camp Ave.) is headquarters programs offered at Lowry Park Zoo. for 100 week-long camps for students in Tampa Bay History K-12th grades. Center Summer Camp Kids and teens can learn about Kids in grades 3-5 can learn nature, science and the animal kingabout the history of the Tampa Bay dom while hiking through the zoo, area through games, arts and crafts, gallery experiences and field trips dur- exploring behind the scenes and cooling a series of weekly camps offered at ing off in the zoo’s water play areas. Adventure camps include animal the Tampa Bay History Center (801 encounters, keeper talks, educational Old Water St. in downtown Tampa). shows, games, crafts and more. Camps Campers will be able to investigate pioneer life, check out archaeolo- are week-long and run from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily, although extended care is gy, comb the museum for mysteries available from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 and search for Tampa’s urban treasp.m.-6 p.m. for an additional fee. ures. Sessions are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., June Call 935-8552, ext. 268, or 21-Aug.6. The cost is $135 for Hisvisit LowryParkZoo.com for additory Center members; $150 for nontional information. members, and extra care is available for an additional $15 per week. For more information, visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org or call 675-8960.

Florida Aquarium AquaCamp

Explore the wonders of life in the ocean with the Florida Aquarium’s 2010 AquaCamp, which includes science activities, animal encounters, water sports and more. The camp is for ages 3-15, but 6-year-olds must have completed kindergarten to be in all-day camps. Prices vary, depending on the child’s age and camp. Dates are June 14-Aug. 20, with full- and half-

MOSI Summer Science Camps

Bring out the scientist in your child with the amazing variety of summer camp programs offered at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave.). With more than 100 different camps to choose from for kids from ages 2 through 17, including such offerings as “Science Fiction Realities,” “Planets in our Neighborhood,” “Dinosaur Stomp” and more, you’re sure to find something that will interest your little ones. There are half-day, full-day, two-day and even travel

camps, as well as special camps for talented and gifted students, too. Sessions begin June 14, and prices vary by program. For more information, call 987-6000 or register online at CampFun.org.

Tampa Bay Lightning Summer Hockey Camp

Give your youngsters some ice Future pros learn strategies on the ice time with real pro hockey players, at at the Tampa Bay Lightning Summer the Tampa Bay Lightning 5th annual Hockey Camp. Summer Hockey Camp. The camp will be held at four venues, including At the Summer Adventure Camps the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, the offered at the Busch Gardens Tampa Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex, theme park (10165 N. McKinley Dr.), Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Olds- camper can get up close and personal mar and Germain Arena in Ft. Myers, with wild animals, ride the roller and it will provide participants of all coasters and other rides and enjoy a skill levels with position-specific and variety of other interesting educational team-play concepts that will allow activities. The camps are for campers them to excel next season. from preschool to 8th grade and cost For complete information, visit $240 per camper, per week (with Lightning.nhl.com. some discounts available to Busch Gardens Passholders). The camps run Tampa Theatre June 14-Aug. 20. Lunch, snack and Film Camp 2010 juice are provided. In this exciting camp offered by For more info, call (877) 248the historic Tampa Theatre (711 N. 2267 or visit swbg-adventurecamp. Franklin St., downtown Tampa), com/adventure-camps. campers will have the opportunity to create live action and stop-motion aniPerforming Arts Camps mation movies on MacIntosh comThe Patel Conservatory at the puters, using programs like I-Movie David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Perand Garage Band and footage they forming Arts (1010 N. MacInnes Pl., shoot themselves. Then, each student downtown Tampa) offers more than will premiere his or her film on Tampa 40 differnt camps in the performing Theatre’s big screen and receive a arts — including music, theater, copy on DVD. The camp is for grades dance, film, on-camera acting, vocal 3-12, and morning and afternoon arts and more. camps are divided by grade level. Camps are available for campers The live action camp sessions will in pre-K to 12th grade, and the cost be held June 21-25, July 12-16 and of tuition varies by camp. Camp sesJuly 19-23, and the stop-motion anisions run June 1-Aug. 7, and 1-, 2mation sessions are July 26-30 and and 3-week camps are available, with Aug. 2-6. half- and full-day sessions and mornFor more info, call 274-8981 ing and afternoon start times. or visit TampaTheatre.org. For additional information, visit PatelConservatory.org or call Busch Gardens Summer Adventure Camps 222-1002.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Aykroyd Draws A Huge Crowd To Wesley Chapel’s ABC Liquors! By Gary Nager Like many of our readers, apparently, I’ve been a huge fan of NBCTV’s “Saturday Night Live” since its debut season waaaaaaay back in 1975. So, when one of my favorite original cast members of that groundbreaking show makes an appearance within 15 minutes of my office to promote a new vodka, I definitely wanted to check it out — even though I’ve never been a vodka drinker! Well, they say great minds think alike and obviously, there were literally hundreds, maybe even into the low thousands of people who “stopped by” the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (just south of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, hoping to catch a glimpse of former “SNL,” “Coneheads” and “Ghostbusters” star Dan Aykroyd, who spent a lot more than the scheduled two hours signing literally hundreds of bottles of his Crystal Head Vodka (photo), an upscale ($50 and up) vodka which comes in a bottle shaped like the crystal skulls of lore, of which there reportedly are 13, only seven of which are reportedly possessed by indi-

viduals and/or museums. Aykroyd, who also owns a California winery, and an artist friend created the look of the vodka, which is distilled by a Canadian firm using crystal clear water (Left) TV and movie star Dan Aykroyd (left) proudly displays a bottle of his Crystal Head Vodka. found off (Right) Aykroyd’s appearance at the ABC Liquors in Wesley Chapel even attracted some Ghostbusters! Newfoundland. I may not be a vodka drinker, but I am an even bigger fan of Aykroyd today than I was after first seeing “Coneheads.” The man never took a break, as the line of people which weaved in and around the store, never seemed to let up. I don’t know how much past his original twohour visit he stayed, but I’m guessing as much as another two hours. “I ain’t afraid of no Crystal Head Vodka,” said one excited Aykroyd fan. “Is this guy the greatest or what?” ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is located at 1845 BBD Blvd., next to CVS.. For more info, call 907-2647 and please tell ‘em we sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Divas & Friends Coming Back To Peabody’s For Benefit Show By Gary Nager If you need a laugh (and who doesn’t these days?), I suggest checking out some of these great upcoming comedy events: Although my buddy and New Tampa resident Susan Saiger won’t be joining them this time around (she has a prior commitment the same night; see below), Funny Divas Long Island Mary, Robin Savage and Aniria are returning this weekend to The Palms Lounge at Peabody’s (in the Shoppes at Amberly, Tampa Palms) with a few other friends for “An Evening of Comedy, A Benefit for Tommy,” to benefit the American Diabetes Association. The show will be Saturday, May 22, beginning at 9 p.m., and tickets cost just $5 at the door. The Divas always rock Peabody’s and they will be joined by fellow funny people Maureen Sullivan, Jay Tomatoes and Jim Shai. You won’t want to miss this great event to benefit a great cause. For tickets and more information, call Peabody’s (15333 Amberly Dr.) at 972-1725 or Long Island Mar y Tischbein herself at (941) 2282137, or visit PeabodysBilliards.com

or Mar yTischbein.com. Suzi won’t be at The Palms that night because she’ll be entertaining at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Tampa Bay’s annual “Man & Woman of the Year” dinner at the Pepin Hospitality Center in Tampa. And, speaking of great causes, Suzi and fellow diva Catherine Larson will both be at the mic (along with Mary, Aniria and Catherine (left) & Suzi won’t be joinRobin) when The Funny Divas ing their Diva pals (right) at Peabody’s present their second “High Heel on May 22, but it’ll still be a great show. Hike Fundraiser” on Thursday, American Business Women’s AssociaMay 27, 7:30 pm., at McCurdy’s tion fund raiser held in Plant City. Comedy Theatre on U.S. 41 in SarasoAnd of course, Peabody’s is the ta. The High Heel Hike is the brainplace for great food and drink specials, child of Plant City-based artist Jules every sporting event (including all Burt to benefit actress Jenny McCarthy’s “Generation Rescue” chari- major Mixed Martial Arts fights), pool, darts and computer trivia, while The ty for children with autism. Go to FunnyDivas.com to support the Divas and the event. Burt will again host three Hikes this year, with the Tampa event being held on Saturday, June 5, at the Westshore Mall. Visit HighHeel Hike.com to register and for more information. The photos on this page were taken at the “Diva Getaway,” a recent

Palms Lounge is New Tampa’s nighttime party place, with DJ dance music, live music and the Got Jokes” Comedy Tour Friday nights at 9 p.m. For more info about The Palms entertainment lineup, call 972-1725 or visit PeabodysBilliards.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Urban Culinary Café—Great Food, Entertainment & More! By Gary Nager When last we visited with Chef John Saxton and his wife (and coowner/marketing director) Rose, Urban Culinary Cuisine, aka “The Urban Café,” was a new place in a plaza packed with restaurants. Well, a lot has changed in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St. since then, but one thing has remained consistent — the Urban Culinary Café is still a comfortable, casual, yet elegant-looking little place with great chef-created cuisine and fast, friendly service, all at outstanding prices. The good news is that John keeps expanding his horizons in the kitchen. Although he was trained in many wellknown New York City restaurants (including Windows On the World in the World Trade Center, long before 9/11), John describes his cuisine as “Traditional Southern Cooking with an Urban Flair” and even “Upscale African-American Cuisine.” I, on the other hand, just call it “great stuff.” Oh sure, there are many “Urban” and “Southern” selections on the Café’s extensive menu — like truly amazing Southern fried chicken, with the best collared greens this fellow

New Yawk transplant has ever enjoyed and a huge portion of hearty macaroni and cheese. But, there are also more “sophisticated” options. For example, lots of places feature salads with grilled chicken and other meats, but how many offer sizzling steak slices as an option? I love fresh fish, but while I do enjoy both tilapia and catfish, I’ve (Left) If you sample the sizzling sirloin steak slices on a salad at the Urban Culinary never been a big salmon Café, try Chef John Saxton’s homemade ranch dressing AND the balsamic vinaigrette! eater. But, when I tried (Right) Even if you’re not a fresh grilled salmon lover, you might change your mind if John’s grilled salmon in a you try the Café’s salmon topped with a white wine or creamy white wine sauce. light, creamy white wine sauce, I have to admit I was Urban Café’s huge (8-oz., but somewith melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, hooked, especially when that sauce also how look even bigger), specially seaonions served with a 1⁄2 pound of fries properly covered the savory bed of flasoned “Signature Urban Burger” and and the House Dressing for pouring vorful rice supporting the fish, with I’ll usually replace the French or seadown the center. fresh baby carrots and broccoli. soned fries (they’re great, just not my John really does a great job with I’ve also enjoyed John’s awesome first choice) with either the red potasauces, so if you try his plain, 8-oz. sirloin steak, the thick pork toes, whole kernel corn or double up “Urban” barbecued, “Buffaloed” or chop, either jerked or with Cajun spice on those delectable greens. flamed shrimp, catfish nugget, chicken (it’s even great just plain grilled) and I The Café has plenty of other wings or strips as an appetizer, you also am partial to every one of his sigburger and sandwich options for lunch choose your sauce based on your nature sauces I’ve tried, including red and dinner, including awesome Sandmood at the time — you can’t go and creamy red wine sauce, “sinful” wich Wraps with your choice of freshly wrong, no matter what! sweet sauce, butter and BBQ sauces grilled pork, steak, fish, or chicken, John even makes all of the sinfulfried chicken or grilled veggies ly delicious desserts at the Urban and creamy and regular white wine. wrapped in a large 10” tortilla filled Culinary Café. From homemade Another of my favorites is the

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

(Above) This crispy, tasty Southern fried chicken is served with a dinner roll, the best collared greens in town and a huge portion of yummy mac and cheese. “decadent” brownies topped with ice Night” at the (Above left) Chef/co-owner John Saxton invites you to his lecture series cream and homemade chocolate or Urban Café. “The Sensual Side of Food,” and to experience smooth jazz and differcaramel sauces to homemade blondies, This Satent R&B sounds (like songstress Cleo Heart) on Saturday nights. New York-style cheesecake, an everurday, May changing variety of cakes and pies and 22, you can enjoy live jazz with taken the Northwest (Tampa) Trian insane white chocolate mousse in a pianist Angelo Tinsley. Then, on Satbune’s “Best Catering/Personal Chef” dark chocolate cup. You can even urday, May 29, 10 p.m., Chef John and “Best Sandwich” honors. enjoy his unique Urban Funnel Twists continues his Chef’s Lecture series There’s lots more I could tell (like state fair funnel cakes, only bet“The Sensual Side of Foods,” where y o u , but go to Urban Culinar y ter). The man truly is a master. dinner and information about each Café (10016 Cross Creek Blvd.) or dish is served up for “mature” audicall 994-3800 for takeout orders More Than Just Great Food ences. All I hear is it is a lot of fun! and more info about the enter tainIf you’re looking for something Urban Culinary Cuisine is also an ment and Chef ’s Lecture Series. Or, romantic to do on a Saturday night, award-winning caterer, having recently visit UrbanCulinar yCuisine.com. you really have to check out “Date

Yes, this brownie sundae definitely is as decadent as it looks.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Jersey Mike’s — The Best Roast Beef Sub In New Tampa! By Gary Nager I don’t usually put superlatives like the one in this story’s headline in any of my dining reviews. Even though I do give my list of favorite restaurants every year (in the issue which comes out after our list of our readers’ favorites from our annual Reader Dining Survey), I never want to offend one restaurant by claiming one place’s product is better than someone else’s. I therefore was even more excitable than I usually am when Jersey Mike’s subs, which has been located in the now-restaurant-rich Oak Ramble Plaza (just south of Tampa Palms) since the plaza first opened a few years ago, finally became an advertiser for the first time (under new owners and New Tampa residents Brian “B.K.” Kenney and Todd Quinzi; Tampa Bay Bucs linebacker Angelo Crowell and his wife Kimberly also own a share of the franchise) a couple of issues ago. A roast beef sub has always been my favorite all-time sandwich and, although I do love Boar’s Head’s roast beef and even Publix’s own

brand of roast beef, I told Brian and Todd, in no uncertain terms, that Jersey Mike’s trimmed-and-roasted-inthe-store Angus roast beef is the best in this area, bar none. Put a Jersey Mike’s-sized portion of that sliced-toorder rare roast beef on a semi-crisp sub roll, add just a shmear of mayo, fresh-cut lettuce and tomatoes, red wine vinegar, a touch of oil, oregano and black pepper and you have a perfect roast beef sub “Gary’s Way.” However, Quinzi and Kenney both contend that the way I adorn my sub isn’t the best way to enjoy it. So, when I met them both for this story, I agreed to try my sub “Mike’s Way,” which is with freshly sliced provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, spices and “The Juice,” which is a more balanced mix of the oil and vinegar than what I usually prefer. “When we took our franchisee training, everyone agreed that no matter how you usually enjoy a sub, you have to at least try it ‘Mike’s Way’ at least once and we think you’ll be hooked,” Kenney said. “Of course, you can still order it the way you prefer it and we won’t give you too hard a time about it (heavy sigh).”

Jersey Mike’s, which started with a single location on the Boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ, nearly 55 years ago, is very reminiscent of the non-chain sub places I grew The best roast beef sub in New Tampa starts with the up with in Long best roast beef, roasted fresh every day at Jersey Mike’s Island, NY. Subs in the Oak Ramble Plaza south of Tampa Palms. The available says Quinzi and, with Jersey Mike’s condiments — lettuce, tomatoes, now grown to more than 450 locaonions, pickles, banana and jalapeno tions nationwide, it’s obvious that peppers and black olives — are all cut company CEO Peter Cancro’s gamble fresh each day and none of the meats are pre-sliced and sitting in open con- as a 17-year-old who bought the original location from the original “Jersey tainers all day, as they are at a few Mike” paid off big time. “Peter still notable chain sandwich places. likes to get behind the counter and Whether you prefer my roast beef, turkey, ham, a full line of quality take care of the customers.” The original location offered only Italian meats and a variety of cheese nine varieties of subs, although that options, each of your selections is total has more than doubled today. sliced in front of you. It really does Although it’s difficult for me to order make a difference, at least in this anything other than the roast beef, I reporter’s opinion. also love the in-store prepared tuna And apparently, it works for Jersalad sub (try it with crisp bacon. sey Mike’s, the only sub sandwich Mmmmm!), the turkey, ham, prochain which recently made the Travel volone cheese and bacon club, the Channel’s “Sandwich Paradise” list. Philly cheesesteak and my older son “It was a big honor, to be sure,

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(Top left) Gary may prefer the roast beef, but all of the top-quality deli meats and cheeses used in your favorite sub at Jersey Mike’s will be sliced fresh for your order. (Above left) Only the fresh veggies are cut and shredded in advance. (Right) Amy Vitale (left) and store manager Donnie Tarbutton give thumbs up to our editor’s favorite roast beef sub. Jared’s favorite, the “Original Italian,” parmigiana subs, as well as a killer Blvd., in the Oak Ramble Plaza, unique grilled veggie wrap, plus salwith provolone, ham, prosciuttini, grilled pastrami Reuben, with swiss ads), better meats, cheeses and veggies any day for lunch and dinner and cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni. cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand and the always fast and friendly service tell them you want one of the great Other hot subs available include Island dressing. you get at Jersey Mike’s, how can you coupon deals from their ad in this Buffalo and Baja chicken subs (the latWhen you start with bigger and possibly go wrong? Answer: You can’t! publication. Call 910-1118 or visit ter combines grilled chicken with salsa better sub rolls (there are also wrap JerseyMikes.com for additional Visit the Jersey Mike’s Subs, and jalapenos), meatball and chicken sandwiches available, including a information. located at 14925 Bruce B. Downs

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Taste of Boston — Huge Menu & Portions + Fair Prices = YUM! By Gary Nager When owner George Illis first told me that his specialty was New Englandstyle fried seafood, I wasn’t really sure I was going to like his new Taste of Boston, located in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza, on the side of the plaza facing the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Well, those concerns are long gone. I’ll even admit that I prefer Taste of Boston’s fried haddock and scallops to its grilled grouper. There’s just something about the way his breading and deep, flash-frying seals in the flavor of his seafood, especially when you dip it in George’s properly spicy red cocktail sauce. As regular readers know, I have developed an allergy to shrimp, but so far, fish, scallops, clams and lobster haven’t affected me the same way, so I can recommend everything at Taste of Boston from the HUGE Fisherman’s Platter (a bargain at $16.99 and definitely enough for two) to the Lobster Steamer Bake and the 6-oz. sirloin and lobster (the price for the latter two varies with the market price for the lobster) dinners. The Fisherman’s Platter includes big portions of fried haddock, scallops, shrimp, clam strips, French fries and

cole slaw. The haddock is flaky and white, the clams (especially if you get the “whole belly” clams for $2.50 additional) are both crispy and tender and an oniony cole slaw. The Lobster Bake includes a whole 1-1/4-lb. lobster, a full pound of real Maine steamers (clams that have a dark “foot” that looks like a handle; they’re yummy), your choice of two sides (I recommend the BBQ beans) and a cup of creamy (white) New England clam chowder (when available). The sirloin is fairly thick for only six ounces Whether you choose the 6-oz. sirloin and lobster dinner (left) or the humongous Fisherman’s and very tender and it’s Platter, you really should give Taste of Boston in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza a try. topped with delicious grilled onions. There’s also Other appetizers on this toosalad with chicken, shrimp, blackened a Surf n Turf dinner for just $15.99 much-to-choose from menu I hope to basa and even lobster salad. with a 12-oz. steak and your choice of try include an authentic Maryland crab Other fried seafood options fried or grilled haddock, shrimp or cake appetizer, fried calamari with mari- include a fried oyster basket, Buffalo or freshwater basa (like tilapia, only nara and his boneless Buffalo or BBQ coconut shrimp and regular or coconut milder). You can also get just the Maine wings. Pasta lovers can choose shrimp chicken tenders. You can even choose a lobster as a dinner. scampi over linguine, linguine with “two-way” combo basket or dinner I’ve also enjoyed George’s “Best white clam sauce, a spicy seafood fra with any two of his fried seafood (and Philly South of Philly” cheesesteak diavlo and even chicken parmigiana chicken) options. sandwich and his fries rock. over linguini. You can even get a Caesar For grilled seafood lovers (like I

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

usually am), try the grilled or blackened basa, Boston scrod (haddock) or scallop, shrimp or seafood combo (with haddock, shrimp, scallops and lobster) casserole. Looking for a sandwich for lunch or dinner? In addition to the Philly, George features Is it really the “Best Philly South of Philly?” We’re not great half-pound sure, but it definitely is yummy! burgers, grilled and fried chicken sandGeorge’s original Taste of Boston wiches, George’s Famous lobster roll in South Tampa has been bringing in and even New Orleans-style oyster or crowds for six years and his New Tampa shrimp poor-boy sandwiches. location also has been packed so far. He Taste of Boston also offers great says his first restaurant, George’s daily specials, like all-you-can-eat (big) Seafood & BBQ in New Hampshire, is shrimp for just $12.99, an all-you-canstill operating under the same name, eat fish fry featuring delicious fried (for even though he no longer owns it. The $10.99) or blackened ($11.99) basa new owner , George’s former accountand all-you-can-eat fried haddock for ant, even opened a second place with $14.99 on Friday. You even get a cup the same name, so he must be doing of chowder to start for that price. something right! And yes, there’s even a nice variety Taste of Boston (1944 Bruce B. of Edy’s gourmet ice cream for dessert Downs Blvd) is open every day for (I love the cookie dough, double lunch and dinner, Sunday-Thursday, chocolate brownie and vanilla flavors), 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on with some of the best hit fudge you’ll Friday and Saturday. For additional find anywhere, as well as domestic and information, call 994-9797 or visit imported bottled beer and house wines. Tasteof Boston.net.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 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. Looking to add more team members! WE would love to meet with you privately to discuss the financial advantages that RE/MAX First In Real Estate, and our team can offer. Our training/marketing is extensive and on demand with thousands of real estate topic to choose. Please call Regina Ramalheira, Broker Assoc at 813.245.8893 or 1.800.773.3308 ext 9081 for more details.

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

CLEANING SERVICES 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.

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Classifıeds

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LAWN MAINTENANCE

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

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P O O L

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Tai Chi Classes open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus. Classes Tues. 2:303:30 pm, Wed. 8-9 pm. New Beg. Class Tuesdays 7-8 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 #787-7560

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S I T T I N G

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye - we say hello. Cats are happiest when in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com. 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 Maria @ 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.

O F F I C E

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 11 • May 22, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com