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Volume 18 Issue 13

Inside: Our First-Ever Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular!

June 19, 2010

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The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • 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

About 1,000 Graduate From Wharton & Freedom At Sun Dome Class Of 2010 The Hardest For A Certain Editor To Say Goodbye To...Ever!

An editorial by Gary Nager As I stood near the stage taking pictures of the roughly 500 Class of 2010 graduates (photo) of Paul R. Wharton High, I realized that this graduating class would likely be the last one that I would get to know so well personally. After all, Jake, the younger of my two sons, was one of the Wharton kids receiving a diploma at the University of South Florida Sun Dome on June 8. And I have not only coached (or coached against, in everything from Little League baseball to soccer to basketball to hockey) but also seen so many of these young men and women (at both Freedom and Wharton and even Wiregrass Ranch High in Wesley Chapel) grow into the people they are today that I feel both great pride and some-

thing of a sense of loss knowing that they are all leaving their respective nests and venturing out into the world. Of course, I feel as though I have gotten to know kids in every graduating class at every New Tampa elementary, middle and high school over the years, by editing/publishing their respective academic and athletic achievements, but as I said, never again will I know as many of them personally as I have this group of graduates. For example, I probably could have predicted that Wharton’s two-time State pole vault champ London Enos was going to be a great athlete when she was 11 years old and leaping off of Jake’s bunk bed. I also am proud to say that I saw the potential in slugging Wiregrass Ranch High (and New Tampa resident, as well as future St. Leo University) catcher Spencer Bowles at age 9, even as most of the other New Tampa Little League coaches said he was one of those “too-chunky” kids who maybe could hit but couldn’t “really” play a regular position in the

field. And, I remember when Freedom High soccer player and future Florida Gator Joe Cerillo was the only kid on our New Tampa Soccer Association Comets team who weighed less than my Jake did. And the list goes on. So, I bid a fond “see ya later” (because I hate goodbyes) to the likes

of Brandon Allen, Casey Alonso, Meghan Bartley, David Campbell, Connor Castro, Matt Cazes, John Collins, J.P. d’Ambrosio, Shaun Dickinson, Will English, Mike Gassaway, Evan Gay, Tyler Guy, Alex Huerta, Jake Kools, See “Graduation” on page 27.

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis To Speak On Sales Tax Referendum

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

TECO Lineman Killed By Power Line, Teens Caught Vandalizing Freedom High, Publix Renovations Nearly Complete & Much More!

Check Out Part One Of Our Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular, Plus Features On Several New Local Businesses, Summer Entertainment & More !

See pages 3-34!

See pages 35-60!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

dents, neighborhoods, businesses, civic groups and community leaders determined to build a modern transportation system — one that will move us from last in commuting to one of America’s best.” As you know, the light rail component of the proposal is both the most expensive and most controversial, as it will bring a rail line either on a side or down the middle of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., which is in the process of being expanded without the sales tax. For additional information, visit MovingHillsborughForward.org.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and Ray Chiaramonte of the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) discuss the benefits of the sales tax, if it is approved by the county’s voters. According to the “Moving Hillsborough Forward” flyer we received, the intent of the proposed sales tax, which was approved to be added to the November ballot by the members of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, is “to fund a modern transportation system that includes new and improved roads and bridges, a dramatically expanded bus system, a new light rail system and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The flyer also notes that “Moving Hillsborough Forward is a grassroots coalition of Hillsborough County resi-

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

Are you confused about the ramifications of the proposed Hillsborough County Transportation Referendum? If so, you’re not alone, but on Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m., at the New Tampa Regional Library (on Cross Creek Blvd.), you can find out all about

the “Moving Hillsborough Forward” 1-percent sales tax that will appear on the general election ballot this November, which is only a few months away. If you don’t feel like you’re “in the know” about what the sales tax could provide for New Tampa and the entire county, you should definitely come to this open public meeting to hear former

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Gary Nager

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Father’s Day Is Supposed To Be A Happy Occasion, But... As Father’s Day approaches this weekend, I’m reflecting again on how lucky I am. My kids are healthy and doing well and Jake, my younger son, just graduated from Wharton High (see pages 1 and 26-27) and I had a great couple of days with my mother, father and several other relatives and friends for the event. Plus, business is great (despite the economy), my employees are happy (despite who they work for) and even though the weather is already brutally hot, I’m actually able to enjoy it a little. In other words, I should be the happiest guy in the world. So, why am I more than a little sad these days? For one thing, I’m pretty sure I felt my heart stop when managing editor Michael Smith handed me a news brief he had written from a press release about a recent fatal accident on S.R. 54. It took me about a second to realize that the 27-year-old Kristen Myers named in the accident (see page 6), who lost control of her vehicle and was killed when her car crossed into oncoming traffic was a friend and advertiser of mine who Kristen owned and operated the Myers Paws & Claws Pet Grooming service on the same road. I probably knew her for less than a year, but it was obvious to me that Kristen was a lovely, sweet, intelligent young woman and an incredible pet groomer who truly not only loved what

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Joshua Litton • Melissa O’Brien

Art Director Billing Manager Tony Sica Ashley Knoblach Advertising Customer Service Managers David Zacharia • Nikki Bennett Office & Marketing Assistant

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 15, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, June 25, 2010. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager she did for a living, but also the dogs and cats she made look so beautiful. All I can say is that another piece of my heart has broken off. I send my condolences and best wishes to Kristen’s mom and her entire family. But, just as the death of someone you care about makes you want to hug your kids and thank God every day for your life and health, I feel at least a little bittersweet about this issue’s first installment of our exclusive “Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular,” a multi-issue tour of hotels and resorts located within a short drive of us in New Tampa. There’s no doubt that the hotels mentioned in this issue are all beautiful and well worth a visit anytime, but I’m sure the hotels in Louisiana, Alabama and the Florida panhandle that are being devastated by the unbelievably still-gushing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico are (or were) equally lovely. Perhaps unlike most Americans, I don’t blame British Petroleum for the spill itself, although there’s also no doubt in my mind that BP has allowed millions of additional barrels since the explosion, barrels that didn’t have to still be spewing from a mile below the surface of the earth, to continue to destroy the Gulf ecosystem out of nothing more than simple greed. Nope, I blame our own government for the disaster itself, as oil companies here were and are still basically being given free reign to do as they want with regards to these deep water wells, without being forced to include

fail-safes to shut off the wells in the event of such a disaster. I’m also sickened by the thought that there still has been no call by President Obama or Congress to force the oil companies to add such shut-down capabilities to prevent future tragedies of this type. But, this isn’t at all a partisan issue to me. Yes, President Bill Clinton and President Obama are Democrats, but President Bush was a Republican and apparently none of them had the cojones to stand up to BP and the other oil giants to force them to protect the environment that is not only an important part of my life (and my fami-

ly’s), but is equally as important to our economy and our way of life as any company or industry in the country. Yes, I am furious that the oil is still spewing and that nothing is being done — and the disaster worsens both our economic and our natural habitat prospects every day — but I am much sadder to think that there is nothing you, I or any “average” American can do except continue to watch it happen. It’s the same feeling of hopelessness I feel when someone I care about passes away...and certainly no way for an otherwise happy Dad to have to “celebrate” Father’s Day.

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-31 New Tampa News Briefs.....................................6-7 TECO Employee Killed In Power Line Accident Teens Arrest For Vandalizing Freedom High Controlled Burns Coming To Flatwoods Park Two Local Residents Killed In Separate Crashes S.R. 56 Extension To Open In August.....................8 Lots Of News From Wiregrass Ranch..................10-11 New Tampa Community Calendar......................14

New Tampa Business News.....................15-23 Publix Renovations To Be Finished By August...........15 New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce Update.......16 Keeps Carpet One For All Your Flooring Needs.........18 T’s Boutique Is Now Your Brighton Headquarters....22

New Tampa Education Briefs........................24 Freedom & Wharton High Graduation Recaps....26-27

New Tampa Sports Updates...................32 New Tampa Little League All-Stars Announced!

Neighborhood Magazine

Our Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular!!!.....35-38 Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort.................35-36 Innisbrook Resort & Spa.........................................36-37 SpringHill Suites Opens In Tampa Palms...................38 Our 2010 Summer Camp Guide.....................40-41 A Tampa Palms Mom’s ‘Novel’ Gift To Her Son.......42 Lemon Fashion In The Shops At Wiregrass Mall........44 Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle & Jazzercise......................48 Summer Entertainment Heating Up........................50 Neighborhood Nibbles..............................................54 Super Buffet Opens On S.R. 54 In Wesley Chapel......56

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

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA TECO Lineman Dies After Contact With Power Line

A longtime employee of the Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) passed away a day after coming into contact with a high-tension power line while working in New Tampa. According to reports, John Hudson, 39, who had worked for the utility company for 19 years, was working on overhead power lines from an insulated bucket lift in front of the Shell gas station in the area of Dona Michelle Dr. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at around 10 a.m. on June 7 when he accidentally touched the 7,620-volt line. Hudson was rendered unconscious by the jolt, which also caused severe burns over a large portion of his body, and he was lowered to the ground by co-workers, who began administering CPR until paramedics from Tampa Fire Rescue Station #20 in Tampa Palms arrived minutes later. Hudson was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was stabilized before being airlifted to Tampa General Hospital (TGH). But, after being listed in critical condition, Hudson succumbed to his injuries the following evening, according to a TGH spokesperson.

News Briefs Lutz Teens Arrested After Vandalizing High School

While the rest of the student body was preparing for the end of the school year and the upcoming graduation ceremonies, one Freedom High student and an accomplice decided that spray paint was a better way to leave their mark on the campus before departing for the summer. According to a report issued by the Tampa Police Department (TPD), officers were alerted to the vandalism at the school campus on Commerce Park Dr. in Tampa Palms by a pair of witnesses, who spotted Christopher Ell, 17, a student at the school, and William Chaplin, 18, who was not a Freedom student, lurking around the campus at around 3 a.m. on June 26. As officers responded to the scene, they saw the pair of teens, both of whom are Lutz residents, driving down Commerce Park Blvd. at a high rate of speed in a pickup truck with its headlights turned off. After stopping the truck, officers noted that at least one of the teens had paint on his hands. The pair explained that the damage they had done — which included spray painting vulgar language on several buildings and throw-

(Stock photo) Forest rangers help prevent wildfires in preserve areas like Flatwoods Park and others with controlled, prescribed burns like this one. ing toilet paper into some trees — was County Juvenile Assessment Center. just a “senior prank.” School administrators were not Flatwoods Park Scheduled amused, however, as a spokesman for For Controlled Burn the Hillsborough County School DisIf you see smoke rising into the air trict said that the damage done by the over the next several months, chances pair was estimated at between $1,000are that there’s no cause for alarm, $2,000 and took school maintenance because the Southwest Florida Water workers several hours to clean up. Management District (aka Swiftmud) Both Ell and Chaplin were will be conducting “controlled, precharged with criminal mischief, tresscribed burns” during June, July, passing on school grounds and possesAugust and September on the District’s sion of burglary tools. Chaplin was Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Prereleased from custody after posting a serve in Hillsborough County, includbond of $4,250, while no further ing Flatwoods Park and the Oak Ridge information was available about Ell, Equestrian Area. who was processed at the Hillsborough The Lower Hillsborough Wilder-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

ness Preserve is located just south of Morris Bridge Rd. and just east of I-75, approximately three miles northeast of Temple Terrace. Approximately 1,000 acres of land will be burned in small, manageable units, a spokesman for the District said, adding that the burns are a part of routine maintenance of lands managed by Swiftmud. According to District land manager Kevin W. Love, burns are conducted to mimic natural fire cycles under a controlled situation. The object is to avoid uncontrolled wildfires in the parks and enhance the area’s natural conditions by maintaining the ecological and wildlife habitat values. Prescribed burns are only conducted when weather conditions allow the objectives to be met while minimizing the impacts to the public. Love added that every effort will be made to ensure that smoke will not affect homes or highways. However, he also said that drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s local roads and highways. People enjoying the use of the park also should be aware that prescribed burns may be in progress during their visit and be prepared to yield to fire management vehicles and equipment. Recreationists should stay on designated trails only and certain park entrances and trails may be temporarily closed while the burns are being conducted.

Swiftmud owns and manages approximately 436,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands for water resource and natural systems protection. Parks like Flatwoods, which does receive more than 200,000 visitors per year, are considered to be “passive” recreation areas, with biking/hiking trails and limited recreational facilities. For additional information, call Swiftmud at (800) 423-1476, extension 4465.

Two Wesley Chapel Residents Killed In Separate Crashes

Two residents of Wesley Chapel died recently in separate automobile accidents on I-75 and S.R. 54. In the first, which took place just after 5 p.m. on June 3, Kristen M. Myers, 27, was traveling westbound on S.R. 54 near River Glen Blvd. when she veered into the eastbound lanes in an attempt to pass slower moving traffic, according to a report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). As she did so, however, she lost control of her 1998 Trans Am, which then began spinning. Myers’ vehicle then struck the front end of a 2005 Chevy SUV driven by 39-yearold Marcia Sanchez, who also is a Wesley Chapel resident. When the two vehicles collided,

Myers (see page 3), who was wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected from her car, which then came to a stop on the shoulder of S.R. 54. Myers passed away as a result of her injuries, while Sanchez and her two minor passengers were transported to St. Josephs Hospital in Tampa, where she was listed in critical condition and the children were listed as serious. An investigation into the crash, including whether alcohol was a factor, is ongoing. Five days later, 65-year-old John W. Gross of Wesley Chapel was killed in a single-car accident that occurred

at around 2 a.m. on June 8. According to an FHP report, Gross was heading south on I-75 in a 2000 Chevy Corvette when he also lost control of the vehicle just south of the S.R. 52 exit. The Corvette left the roadway and began spinning in the wet grass, the report says, and the rear of the vehicle hit a tree. Gross was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by Pasco Fire Rescue paramedics. According to the report, Gross also was wearing a seat belt, but FHP says the results of a toxicology exam are pending. — Michael Smith

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State Road 56 Extension To Open To Meadow Pointe Blvd. By Aug. By Michael Smith Stop me if you’ve heard this before (and I know that you have), but Pasco County officials have once again announced a new schedule for the opening of the long-awaited S.R. 56 eastward extension from Mansfield Blvd. to Meadow Pointe Blvd. that will allow drivers to begin using the roadway by early August. Earlier announcements of the opening of the extension had to be revised after the original contractor, WDG Construction, Inc., abruptly abandoned the project when the company went out of business, leaving officials to search for a replacement. However, Pasco County chief project manager Bob Shepherd tells us that a new contract has been awarded for the job, and work is scheduled to resume within the next week. “At this point, there are approximately 20-25 days worth of work to be done,” Shepherd says. “That includes laying down some additional asphalt, doing the final striping and installing traffic signals at Mansfield and Meadow Pointe boulevards.” Shepherd says that there also are some problems that need to be addressed with some of the underground utility work that was performed by WDG, which, along with some other final touches, mean that the roadway won’t be entirely finished until January 2011, but he says that the agreement with new contractor Ripa & Associates includes a scheduled opening date of August 2. That is especially important, he says, because with construction work getting under way on the widening of S.R. 54 between C.R. 581 (Bruce B. Downs Blvd., BBD), the county wants S.R. 56 to be available for drivers who would like to be able to bypass that roadwork. “We really need that link,” Shepherd says.

S.R. 56/BBD Update

In addition to the resumption of work on the S.R. 56 extension, Pasco County officials also approved an agreement May 17 that will allow work to move forward once again at the intersection of S.R. 56 and BBD. As you may recall, the work there, which is related to the currently ongoing widening of BBD between S.R. 54 and County Line Rd., has been delayed for months because of a conflict over the relocation of power poles

and underground utilities in that area. The poles and utilities belong to Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), and while the design for the roadway and intersection improvements called for the relocation of 43 poles (at a cost of approximately $10,000 each), TECO refused to pay for the work, saying that the cost should be borne by the county and/or Crown Community Development (the developer of Seven Oaks), which was required to make the intersection improvements under its development agreement with the county. Besides that, in addition to the relocation of the poles, once work began in the area just south of the intersection, a large underground duct bank that is part of TECO’s infrastructure for customers in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties was found to be located within the right of way. “No one even knew it was there when they did the original design,” Shepherd says. Shepherd adds that the duct bank was in conflict with the drainage plan for the roadway, which meant that it, too, would have to be removed (at a cost of approximately $1.5 million), or the project would have to undergo a “significant” redesign in order to work around it. TECO officials did not want to pay for that, either. So, the county threatened to move the duct bank itself and sue the utility company for reimbursement. Instead, however, attorneys for the county, TECO and Crown managed to come to a compromise that seems to have settled all of those issues. Under that settlement, TECO agreed to pay $680,000 to Crown to pay for a partial redesign of the project to revise the drainage plan and additional construction costs to work around both the duct bank and the majority of the poles, which will be allowed to remain where they are. TECO spokesman Rick Morera said that the company already has paid the money and has begun to work on moving a total of 10 poles on both the east and west sides of the roadway, in addition to installing four new transmission poles in the area of Williamsburg Dr., and transferring the power lines to the new poles. The county, meanwhile, also allowed Crown to modify plans for a bike path along the side of the roadway, reducing it from 10 feet wide to 8 feet in order to accommodate the power poles that will remain in place.

When it is completed, the S.R. 56/Bruce B. Downs Blvd. intersection will be among the largest in the entire country. Pasco officials also issued a right-ofand BBD will be not only the largest way use permit to allow the duct bank one ever constructed in Pasco County, to also remain in its existing location. but one of the two or three largest in Shepherd says that the settlement the country. dovetails nicely with the plans for the “When it’s done, it’s going to opening of S.R. 56, since it means have triple left-turn lanes in each that the intersection improvements direction,” Shepherd says. “When we should be completed by August as started looking at the plans, we realwell. Once all of the work has been ized that it definitely was going to be completed, the intersection of S.R. 56 the biggest intersection in the state.”

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Wiregrass Ranch Moving Towards A ‘World Of Possibilities’ By Michael Smith Just a few years ago, there was very little to see on the 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch site, which occupies almost the entire area along the east side of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (BBD, or CR/SR 581) between State Roads 54 and 56, aside from a few dozen cattle that were the last of the herd that used to roam the property when it was a working ranch owned by the Porter family. Although they were reportedly hounded for years by eager developers offering huge sums of money, the family refused to sell the land, waiting for the right developer and the right deal to come along to match their vision for the property that had been their home for decades. Then, in the early 2000s, the family finally settled upon a plan that would eventually bring thousands of homes, retail stores, restaurants, schools, offices and recreational facilities to the site — and it looked like the Porter family’s vision was finally on the path to fruition. First came the JC Penney department store, which opened in 2005 as the cornerstone of what would

become the Shops of Wiregrass mall, which itself opened with great fanfare in 2008. Two new public schools also opened, Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High, on property donated to the Pasco County School District by the Porter family, which also has donated land for a professional tennis center and a branch campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC). Meanwhile, builder Pulte Homes also signed on in 2004 as the master developer of the residential portion of the project, unveiling plans for several different communities (to be built by different Pulte homebuilding divisions) on the site, and other entities joined in as well, bringing along plans for an 80-bed hospital, additional retail and more. Despite all of those ambitious plans, however, progress has been slow in coming, thanks to a variety of issues and obstacles that have arisen along the way, such as when Pulte pulled out of the project last year because of the downturn in the real estate market. But, there have been some significant developments over the past cou-

ple of months that could clear the way for the project to get back on track much sooner than was previously expected.

PHCC Under Way

For instance, on April 10, officials with PHCC held a ceremony to mark the site of their new campus, which will be located on 60 acres of land near Wiregrass Ranch High. College officials said that they hope to break ground on the facility, which will be called the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in early 2012, and to open it to students in the fall of 2013. State Rep. Will Weatherford (RWesley Chapel) also helped the college obtain state money to build the campus, and school officials are currently in the process of selecting a design for it. Pasco County Board of County Commissioners chair Pat Mulieri (whose District 2 also includes Wesley Chapel), taught at the two-year college for more than 20 years and retired as a Professor Emeritus, and is very enthusiastic about the new opportunities that the campus will bring to the area. “I think it’s going to be wonderful,” she says. “If you think of the

whole synergy of the plan, it means that once the college opens, then students will be able to attend classes there and they can work right there at the Shops, and eventually even live in the homes [and apartments] that are going to be built there.” Mulieri also says that the hospital group, a partnership between the Florida Hospital and University Community healthcare organizations (which is planning to build a full-service hospital about a half-mile north of the mall), is getting close to filing plans that will allow construction to move forward with that facility as well. A spokesperson for the partnership declined to comment, however, on when that construction will actually get under way.

Tennis (Or Hockey), Anyone?

Finally, although plans for the tennis center have officially fallen by the wayside, we learned last month that the Porter family has approached county officials about the possibility of trading the land that the family originally donated for the center for another site within the Wiregrass property. Although negotiations over the pro-

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This sign on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. says a PHCC campus is coming to Wiregrass by 2014. posed swap are only just getting start- also include additional acreage for the ed, Mulieri says she would definitely necessary access roads. William Mersupport a trade. rill, an attorney who is representing “Since the tennis center has the family in its negotiations with the become defunct, that land has become county, says, however, that the proan albatross,” she says. “I think movposal is only in the earliest stages and ing it would be an excellent idea.” no decisions have yet been made The county already holds the about the exact location of the new deed to the 40 acres of land where the site. tennis center was to be built, which is “We are in discussions with the near Saddlebrook Resort, but there county to work out the best possible are no roads leading to the site, and location for both the county and the Saddlebrook officials balked at having Porters,” Merrill says. visitors use their gated entrance to get If the land trade does go to it. through, both Mulieri and Merrill So, the Porters have proposed hinted at the possibility that there substituting another site which would could already be a builder waiting in be more centrally located within the the wings with a plan to build a multiWiregrass property and which would purpose recreational facility on or near

the new site that could include an ice hockey arena and more. Coincidentally, a pair of former partners who had previously talked about building an ice hockey facility in the Wesley Chapel area have been quoted in the daily newspapers as saying that they are now looking at building separate projects in the area. One of them, a St. Petersburg businessman named G. Vallee Bain, even met with members of the Pasco Tourism Development Council in March to discuss his plans for a 470,000-sq.-ft. facility that he says he wants to build on a site near The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping plaza at S.R. 54 and I-75. The proposal includes a mix of hockey, laser tag, bowling, restaurants, a hotel and more. Meanwhile, Bain’s former partner, Patrick DeLorenzo, also told reporters that he is in the process of putting together plans for a hockeybased facility somewhere in (or near) Wiregrass Ranch. We were not able to reach either Bain or DeLorenzo to talk to them about the details of their respective proposals, and Porter attorney Merrill would only say that the family is “in discussions with people concerning sports and recreational opportunities in Wiregrass. No specific agreements

have been made yet,” he notes, “but I suspect things will happen quickly once they do.” That, Mulieri says, is one of the main reasons why she decided to run for re-election this year, so that she can be on hand to witness the fulfillment of the plans that will complete the transformation of the Porter family’s former cattle ranch into a thriving community of homes, families and businesses. “Everything is really starting to come together,” she says. “It’s just so thrilling to be here and see this whole new world of possibilities that is opening up.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club

Wednesday, June 23 – The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Circles New Tampa Bistro (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection shopping plaza).

New Tampa PAR

Wednesday, June 23 – The New Tampa Professionals Achieving Results (PAR) 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.

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, June 23 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who are dedicated to helping their businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at Heritage Isles Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr.).

For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, June 23 – 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 WesleyChapelcCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

New Tampa Evening Rotary

Thursday, June 24 – The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

Computer Workshops

Thursday, June 24 – 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 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, June 25 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). There will be no breakfast meeting on this date, however, as the group will be holding its annual Banquet. 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, July 2 – 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.

NE Tampa Women In Business

Thursday, July 8 – 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 registration is requested. To register, or for more information, call president Kay Dunn at 841-5932 or visit NETWIB.org.

Red Hat Society

Thursday, July 8 – 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 info, send an e-mail to livingood326@verizon.net.

New Tampa Republican Club

Tuesday, July 13 – The New Tampa Republican Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m., at Mulligan’s Irish Pub at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). For more information, visit NTRC.info. 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 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publix Renovation On Schedule, Reopening Targeted For Aug. By Michael Smith Construction of the new Publix supermarket in the City Plaza in Tampa Palms shopping center (and the entire re-facing of the plaza itself) is progressing according to schedule, and should be completed by late July, which means that the new, larger store should be able to re-open for business by mid-August, which should be welcome news to area shoppers. According to John Crossman, president of Crossman & Co., the property manager of the plaza, work has been going smoothly, thanks primarily to the fact that the weather has been cooperating. “We’ve been very fortunate, because there have been no delays so far,” Crossman says. “We were worried, especially with the beginning of hurricane season, but for now everything is going well.” The supermarket opened as anchor of the plaza, which also includes Stein Mart, Ciccio’s/The Lodge restaurant, Frame-By-Frame Gallery, Play It Again Sports and other businesses, in 1988, making it the New Tampa area’s first supermarket. It closed its doors on January 2 of this year after the Lakelandbased grocery chain announced plans for the renovation, which will increase the size of the store by about 6,000 sq. ft. and will allow the company to add some new, modern features and an expanded lineup of products and services, according to Publix spokesperson Shannon Patten. Patten says that among the new features will be an expanded selection of organic and “earth-friendly” products, and unlike in other stores, where those products have their own special section, Patten says that they will be integrated within the regular products in the new store, although in special curved radial shelving units that will allow them to be more easily identifiable by shoppers.

In addition, the new store will also feature full-service deli, bakery, meat, seafood, produce and floral departments, and some state-of-the-art equipment, too, such as new energy-efficient coolers in the refrigerated and frozen food sections which have sensors that can tell when no one is in the aisle and turn off the interior lights to conserve energy. In addition, the Tampa City Council also approved plans for a separate, Publix-run liquor store earlier this month that will occupy the space formerly occupied by the Bostonian Salon & Spa owned by City Council member Joseph Caetano (see below), who abstained from the liquor store vote because he is in litigation with plaza operators over back rent. Crossman said that the liquor store was added because of “market demand,” and in fact, Publix had already petitioned city officials to add a liquor store several years ago, but that application was rejected by the City Council members at the time. Patten adds that Publix always schedules its Grand Openings on Thursday mornings, and when the new store opens, there will be plenty of giveaways for the first shoppers to arrive, as well as other exciting activities and events revolving around the reopening. “We are as anxious to open this store as our customers are, and we promise, it will be well worth their wait,” Patten says. Meanwhile, Crossman says that his company has been working to support the businesses that have remained open in the plaza during the renovation (including taking full-page ads in this publication), and that has helped to allay some of the concerns that arose after the Publix closed at the beginning of the year. “Closing and re-opening is always painful,” he says, “but now, everyone is really getting excited about the new store.”

Jennifer CamarattiBoscan, who is the sales manager at Charles Jewelers, which occupies a space a few doors down from the grocery store site, says that Charles’ business dropped off slightly in the first few weeks after the Publix closed, but picked up again once customers realized that the jewelry store was still open. “At first we were concerned, but we really The new & improved Publix supermarket will reopen in the can’t complain, because City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center by August. business is still pretty he is still in litigation over the closing good for us,” she says, noting that the of his Tampa Palms salon, Tampa City store, which has been open for 13 Council member Joseph Caetano has years, is fortunate to have a loyal customer base that patronizes the store for opened a new Bostonian Hair Studio in Wesley Chapel, in the same plaza its specialty jewelry and repairs, and that also is home to The Hugnry they have been willing to brave the Greek restaurant on Bruce B. Downs dust, noise and scaffolding that has (BBD) Blvd., just north of S.R. 56. marked the construction process. See the Bostonian ad in this issue “It’s been messy, but people do for some great June specials and look still come out,” Camaratti-Boscan says. for a complete story about the new “And lately, a lot of people have been coming by just to see what’s going on.” salon in a future issue. The new Bostonian Hair StuCaetano Opens New Bostonian dio is located at 2653 BBD Blvd. Although, as mentioned above, For more info, call 991-7887.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 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

New Tampa Chamber Seeking New Board Members! The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking “fresh blood” to fill its available Board of Directors seats. If you are looking to get more involved in the community of New Tampa, and have a strong desire to make a difference, then you should consider becoming a member of the Chamber’s Board. The Chamber will be holding its Board elections in August. With new Board members, we will gain fresh new ideas with which we hope to create an environment of growth and change for all of New Tampa. We hope you will want to get involved, be a part of the Chamber and consider becoming a member of our Board of Directors. You must be a New Tampa Chamber of Commerce member in good standing to become a member of the Board, but you can still join the Chamber now and run for this year’s Board of Directors. For additional information, contact your New Tampa Chamber of Commerce at: info@NewTampa Chamber.org. Todd J. Wiener, DMD, PA General Dentistry

Seema Jain’s Tax Corner!

by Seema Jain, CPA PA Here are some upcoming income tax changes and updates that could affect small businesses: The Hiring Incentives to Restore Act allows certain employers to forego payment of their share of Social Security taxes on wages paid from March 19, 2010, to December 31, 2010, for new hires who meet certain requirements. Small employers with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees and average annual wages of less than $50,000 who purchase health insurance for employees are eligible for a tax credit. The maximum credit will be available to employers with 10 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and average annual wages of less than $25,000. The employer must contribute at least 50 percent of the total premium cost to be eligible. For eligible employers, the tax credit available is up to 35% of their contribution. And, although it has only been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and not the Senate at this

You Can Get Involved With The New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce At These Monthly Events! Members are encouraged to bring business cards and brochures for networking at the following regular monthly Chamber events.: Chamber Luncheons are held the 2nd Monday of each month at Pebble Creek Golf Club. July’s luncheon will be held Monday, July 12. Registration & networking begin at 11:30; lunch is served at noon. Chamber Breakfasts are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. July’s breakfast will be held Tueday, July 20. Registration at 7:30 a.m., breakfast is served at 8 a.m. After Hours “Connections” Networking Happy Hours are held the last Thursday of the month at Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Tampa Palms at 5:30 p.m. Please call the NTCC Hotline at 293-2464 for complete info.

time, beginning with the 2010 tax year (if the law is passed), the limit on the tax deductions for trade or business start-up expenditures has increased from $5,000 to $20,000, and the threshold amount for reducing the limit will be increased from $50,000 to $75,000. Get more information on taxes and how these changes may affect you, by attending our next Chamber luncheon on Monday, July 12, with networking beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the lunch and program at noon, at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550

Regents Park Blvd. N., opposite WalMart off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The speakers will be Joyce Nelson of Advancing Excellence, and Scott Buchanan of HR Inc. They will speak on “Getting your own part of the stimulus.” The federal government is cutting FICA taxes for businesses that hire in 2010. To find out how the Hire Act works and how to get your act together to make these hires your top performers, attend the luncheon. For additional information, visit Seema Jain’s website at Your BizCPA.com or call 514-2880.

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

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Revitalize Your Floors With Keeps Carpet One Floor & Home By Michael Smith Even though you walk on them every day, you probably don’t think much about the floors under your feet, but, if you are getting tired of looking at the same old carpeting, linoleum, tile or whatever it is you currently have, then you might want to consider giving your home a fresh, new look, with help from the flooring experts at Keeps Carpet One Floor & Home. Located just west of Morris Bridge Rd. on S.R. 54 (less than a mile east of New River), Keeps Carpet One has been providing high-quality, fashionable flooring solutions for area residents for two decades, according to owner and president Leslie Egan, who purchased the business from original owners Larry and Pat Kieper in 2008. Keeps is Pasco County’s only member of the Carpet One network of stores, which includes more than 1,000 locations worldwide, and Egan says that affiliation allows her and her staff to offer their customers a huge selection of flooring options (and more) to suit every taste and budget. They also can provide professional design and installation services, so they really have everything you need to get the job

done right from start to finish. And, if you haven’t shopped for flooring in a while, you might be surprised at all of the latest innovations, styles and varieties that are now available at Keeps. “We really have a lot of new and exciting products,” Egan says. In addition to major carpet and flooring name brands such as Shaw, Mohawk and Armstrong, Keeps also offers a wide variety of Carpet One’s signature flooring lines, which include carpeting by Tigressa, Bigelow, Good Housekeeping, Millcraft, and Relax, It’s Lees; hardwood by American Expressions, Biltmore and Hanover Hills Hardwood; and literally hundreds of styles of tile, laminate, and vinyl flooring products that can match any décor and add lasting beauty to your home for years to come. Egan says that one of the newest and increasingly popular products to hit the market is called DuraCeramic by Congoleum, which is a composite product that combines a limestone tile base topped with polyurethane vinyl. It provides the same appearance as full tile, but is much more resistant to cracking and chipping, which means that it is more durable and easier to

In addition to many styles of carpeting, Keeps Carpet One also offers hundreds of varieties of hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring and more. care for than any other tile product. bring samples, discuss the various “It can also be installed right over options and provide a free estimate of the existing tile, and it comes with a what the job will cost, so you can get a 20-year warranty,” Egan says, adding better idea of how the colors and styles that Carpet One is known for providof the samples will look in your home. ing the best warranty coverage for all of You also can browse through Keeps’ the products that they sell. exclusive “Floor Explorer” feature on Another one of the great features the store’s website, which allows you to offered by Keeps is the store’s in-home see samples and learn the specifics of all design services, which allow you to the products sold at the location. shop for your new flooring without Then, once you make a decision, ever having to actually visit the store. Keeps has much of its inventory ready All new customers can receive a free, for installation in the store’s onsite in-home visit by a designer who will warehouse, which means you can be

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

enjoying your new floors within a week to 10 days of your order, and all of the work is done by experienced technicians who have been certified by the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI), so you can trust that the work will be done right. Jerry and Sandy Linder of Zephyrhills certainly are happy with the service that they’ve received from the staff at Keeps, so much so, in fact, that when they were looking for carpeting and linoleum for their new house, they went back to Keeps, which also installed carpeting in their former home a few years before. “They’re the best,” Sandy says. “We wouldn’t use anybody else. They are very nice, prompt and professional, and they really go above and beyond on their service.”

More Than Just Flooring!

And, to help you complete your home’s new look, Keeps also offers a great selection of window treatments, such as custom draperies, blinds and shutters, wall coverings, faux finishes, area rugs and more, and Egan notes that not only can a home makeover add significant value if you’re trying to sell your home (especially in this tight economy), it also can add to your enjoyment for years to come if you are

Keeps owner Leslie Egan is ready to help you make over your home. planning to stay in your home. “My motto is, ‘If you can’t move, improve,’” she says. To see what Keeps Carpet One can do for you and your home, visit the store at 34120 S.R. 54 to get a hands-on preview of what’s available. The regular hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Or, call 782-6712 to schedule your free in-home consultation, or visit KeepsCarpetOneZephyrhills.com to check out the online “Floor Explorer.” And, don’t forget to mention either this article to receive a 10-percent discount on the cost of your purchase.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

T’s Boutique Is Now Your Brighton Collectibles Headquarters! By Gary Nager If you’re in the market for anything from the perfect high school graduation gift to something special for someone special for a birthday or anniversary present, you should visit my friend Teresa Loftin’s T’s Boutique in The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping plaza off S.R. 54. When the Antique Armoire store in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center (see related story on page 15) closed, T’s Boutique, which actually is located in the small retail center facing TJ Maxx and Best Buy in The Grove, recently became the exclusive retail outlet in New Tampa and Wesley

Interested in a Brighton handbag? T’s Boutique has the complete line!

Chapel for the always-popular Brighton lines of collectible handbags, jewelry, unique charm bracelets and keychains. And of course, T’s also still features the full line of colorful Vera Bradley handbags, as well as great gifts from Tyler Candles and many more unique small gifts. The non-Brighton inventory is constantly changing, so go check it out. In other words, if you want to buy a gift that really will be appreciated, you definitely should make T’s Boutique a stop on your next shopping trip. Although Teresa recently held a successful “Chicks & Charms” event (with refreshments, prizes and more) at the store to kick off her exclusive new line in style, if you think a Brighton charm bracelet, keychain, jewelry or handbag might be of interest to you (or someone you care about), she says, “Anytime is a great time for Brighton. The greatest thing about it is that the bags, belts and jewelry appeal to everyone from teenage girls to women well over 40,” says Teresa. “I think being the exclusive local Brighton headquarters will be a big draw for the store.” T’s Boutique (6027 Wesley Grove Blvd.) is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 973-4405.

Come see owner Teresa Loftin and the full line of Brighton handbags, jewelry, charm bracelets and charms at T’s Boutique in The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

Join The Wharton High Band Family!

All current and incoming students at Paul R. Wharton High are encouraged to join the Wharton Band Family! The band program at Wharton consists of Competitive Marching Band, Visual Ensemble, Concert and Jazz Band. Upcoming Important Dates for the Wharton Band Family: • Summer Rehearsal~Thursdays, July 22 & 29; • Band Camp~Monday-Thursday, August 2-5 & Monday-Saturday, August 9-14; • Family BBQ and Preview Performance~Saturday, August 14. For additional information contact Band Director Jason Allgair at Jason.Allgair@sdhc.k12.fl.us or the Wharton Band Boosters at Lauriekacz@yahoo.com.

2nd Freedom Student Invited To Acclaimed Festival

Freedom High junior Elisa Berson and college and career counselor Vivian Fiallo are among 12 students and 12 educators from across

the nation who have been selected to participate in the 2010 Bezos Family Foundation’s Aspen Ideas Festival, Monday-Sunday, July 5-11. The prestigious invitation through the Bezos Scholars Program at the Aspen Institute includes an allexpense-paid trip to Aspen, Colorado, for a week of exploration, dialogue and debate with the nation’s top high school juniors and most engaged educators. At the Ideas Festival, they will meet with international leaders, acclaimed thinkers, and creative artists on the Aspen Institute campus. Last year, Freedom student Blake O’Connor and assistant principal Rosemary Owens attended the Festival. They spent exclusive time with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, ocean conservationist Sylvia Earle, Architecture for Humanity co-founder Cameron Sinclair and Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Thomas Friedman, among many other notables. The Bezos Family Foundation is a private, independent foundation established by Jackie and Mike Bezos (the

Battle of the Books 2010 winning team (l. to r.) Ryan, Principal Brenda Griffin, Siham, Mrs. Meads, Mrs. Davis, Aryan and Genesis.

parents of Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos), who along with their children and spouses, serve as directors. The Foundation works to strengthen educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of economic circumstances, and cultivate learning as a life-long process that begins at birth.Bezos Scholars are asked to bring home what they learned at the Aspen Ideas Festival by creating local Ideas Festivals in their schools and communities. The Bezos Family Foundation supports the local Ideas Festivals with $1,000 seed grants. Blake’s and Rosemary’s idea was, “I Feel the Need to Read,” a literacy project consisting of five phases: a

book-drive; Freedom students visiting Riverhills and Mort Elementaries and MOSI Partnership schools to distribute books; a community and family awareness night; a Dr. Seuss-themed children's literacy festival; and correspondence with 250 second grade students. The project earned Blake a spot on Parade magazine’s All-America Service Team (in the issue published June 6 of this year).

Clark Wins Battle of the Books Again!

Competition for the School District of Hillsborough County Battle of the Books (BOB) was once again fierce for the 2009-10 school year. The district-wide BOB is a 4th grade

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

reading enrichment program designed to encourage recreational reading, promote a variety of literature types, increase familiarity with different authors, and share books through written and oral expression. Three stages of competition were accomplished. In the first, all 4th grade classes within the school battled for a school-wide winner. The Battle team from the winning class represented Clark in the area battle, which took place at the Tampa Convention Center. Seven schools won their area battles out of 140 schools that competed. Finally, Clark won its final battle at the Raymond O. Shelton Administrative Center in downtown Tampa against Mabry, Bryant, Lomax, Brooker, Lithia Springs and Cahoon Elementaries. After three rounds of questions (book quotes and title/author drills), Clark took the title! For the 4th year in a row, Clark has the distinction of being the School District of Hillsborough County elementary BOB winner. Clark’s 2008-09 reigning team was present to hand over the BOB traveling trophy to the school’s latest winning team. Ryan, Siham, Aryan, and Genesis each kept calm and focused through-

out the competition. They read 18 Sunshine State books, 3-7 times each. Each round of reading involved over 3,000 pages. A big congratulations goes out Mrs. Meads’ 4th grade BOB class, area, and district champions!

District Encourages Incoming Kindergartners To Enroll In Summer VPK Program

Hillsborough County School District superintendent of schools MaryEllen Elia is urging parents of eligible 4- and 5-year-olds to enroll their children in Hillsborough County Public Schools summer voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) at one of 23 public elementary schools. Children who are 5 years old on September 1, 2010 (born between 09/02/2004 and 09/01/2005), who are Florida residents, and who have never participated in Voluntary Pre-k are eligible. The program is free, and will be offered Mondays-Thursdays, June 21-August 11, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. These hours are flexible, so parents can drop off children later than 7:30 a.m. or pick them up earlier than 6 p.m. The VPK program provides children with the tools to be successful in kindergarten. The District’s summer

program is being offered at Lawton Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms, and at the following elementary schools: Alexander, Bailey, Bellamy, Buckhorn , Cannella, Clair Mel, Claywell, Collins, Cork, Cypress Creek, Doby, Egypt Lake, Folsom, Gorrie, James, Miles, Mintz, Mitchell, Robles, Schmidt, Sulphur Springs, and Tinker elemetaries. No bus transportation is provided, but parents can enroll their children at any of these programs regardless of their home address. Calling the school in advance is recommended in order to ensure there is staff available

to assist with enrollment. Children enrolled in VPK will be fed a free breakfast, lunch and snack. For more information, contact the district VPK office 272-4840, or visit the District’s website at SDHC.k12.fl.us, and click on “Summer VPK” in the “Important Links” window.

Please Remember That School Is Out For Summer! Please drive carefully and see this issue’s Neighborhood Magazine section for some great summer Family Fun ideas!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Nearly 500 Freedom Patriots Take The Big Walk At The Sun Dome You might think that it would be difficult to stand out in a class so full There was plenty of cheering as of gifted and high-achieving students, the Freedom High Class of 2010 filed but Ferrall and class salutatorian into the USF Sun Dome during the Andrew Mortellaro (both of whom school's graduation ceremony on June will be attending the University of 7, both in acknowledgement of the Florida, incidentally - Go Gators!), accomplishments of each of the 492 managed to do just that. With addiseniors who received their diplomas tional credit for taking honors courses, and for the promise of what lies waitdual enrollment (high school and coling for each of the new graduates as lege prep) courses, Advanced Placethey move into the next phase of their ment (AP) courses, and other factors respective lives. taken into consideration, each Freedom principal Chris Farkas achieved “weighted” GPAs of more said the graduates’ collective potential than 7 (she a 7.4 and he a 7.1), and is unlimited. each talked about the joy and sadness “There are great things ahead for of leaving high school behind. the class of 2010,” Farkas said, as he “Consider this not a farewell, but outlined some of the remarkable facts a salutation to all that lies ahead,” said about what the members of the class Mortellaro, who spoke first. “With have already achieved, including earnenough determination and genuine ing more than $9 million in scholareffort, any goal can be accomplished.” ship monies. Ferrall, meanwhile, also talked Of the 492 graduates, 149 gradu- about the realization of dreams as the ated with honors, signified by the students leave their high school years white gowns that they wore, meaning behind. that they achieved a cumulative “As we leave the halls of Freedom “weighted” grade point average of at High, we will find ourselves with least 4.0, and more than 200 received many more freedoms, but also a need Florida Bright Futures scholarships. to shed our dependence,” Ferrall said. The group also included three “We will no longer be high school National Merit finalists, including class students, but high school graduates.” valedictorian Hannah Ferrall, ChanThen, quoting Pres. Franklin D. dler Keenan and Katherine Yerkes, Roosevelt, she added, “‘The only limitwo of whom (Ferrall and Yerkes) tation to our realization of tomorrow were recipients of National Merit will be our doubts of today, so let us Scholarships, while others in the class move with strong and active faith.’ also included Coca-Cola scholarship For the first time in our lives, our winners, University of Florida Lomfuture is entirely in our hands, and it is bardi scholars, three student-athletes our choices that will determine who who received athletic scholarships, and we are and what we will become. So, I the list goes on. encourage you to follow your dreams “Our students also have been and take charge of your tomorrows, accepted into Harvard, Yale, Princeand remember that our greatest ton, Stanford, Brown, Duke, and oth- strength lies in our power to choose.” ers, as well as all of the major schools After the students’ speeches, each here in Florida,” Farkas said. member of the class walked to the podium to receive their diploma and a handshake from Farkas. Then, after a quick photo to commemorate the moment, the graduates were recognized by Hillsborough County School Board member Dr. Jack Lamb, who uttered the final words to make them official graduates. And, as he did so, the seniors moved the tassels on their mortarboards from right to left, and then dozens of the caps went flying as the new graduates and their families and friends watching in Freedom High salutatorian Andrew Jero Mortel- the stands let out one final laro and valedictorian Hanna Rae Ferrall. tumultuous cheer. By Michael Smith

The new video screens (top) helped Freedom (and Wharton) parents in the Sun Dome audience actually see their kids graduate. (Above) Graduates like Sarah Ali Mohammed had no choice but to pose for pics with their proud families.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Graduation”

Continued from page 1 Alex Landeta, Chris Lopez, Ross Louk, Khalil Marriott, Spencer McNabb, Kyle McPherson, Luke Nam, Cory Nelson, Chandler Nipper, Lauren Pacheco, Myles Petersen, Cyler Porter, Emily Rodriguez, Sam Saiger, Kaila Shrinsky, Caitlin Wertz, Sarah Whitten, James Wood and any of the probably dozen or two others I’ve neglected to mention. Your community is proud of you and so is your community newspaper editor. May God bless you all.

Larson & Dellecese Head The (Above) Wharton salutatorian R.J. Class Of 2010

Wharton valedictorian Dion Larson, who is headed to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and salutatorian Ruxton “R.J.” Dellecese, headed to Bowdoin College in New Hampshire, are two of the students we’ve often featured in these pages that I didn’t actually get to know, but both showed intelligence and wit during their respective commencement speeches, as did senior class president Alexandra Huerta. With more than 180 honors graduates among 500+ graduates, principal Bradley Woods had reason to be proud of this year’s seniors. Sorry, but my kid graduated, so I wasn’t taking notes of any speeches.

Dellecese (left) and valedictorian Dion Larson.

(Below) Jake Nager (center) and Luke Nam (right) were all smiles after getting their diplomas.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

15 minutes from New Tampa - 3/2 on corner lot in Seffner. Clean & updated w/ newer roof, A/C, double pane windows, appliances. 5 minutes to I-4, convenient to Tampa, Orlando and beaches/shopping. $125,000

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SEE THESE PROPERTIES CALL DIANE ACKEN (813) 299-4758

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SEE THESE PROPERTIES CALL PETE RADEKA (813) 760-1979

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Lake Bernadette 4/2.5/2 - Lovely Golf Course community. Master on 1st level, mahogany laminate flooring, tile on the diagonal and carpet. Oversized lanai. Warm color palette throughout.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT IRENE OCASIO AT (813) 632-9452 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Little League All-Stars Begin Play This Weekend! By Gary Nager Our congratulations go out to the members of the recently announced New Tampa Little League (NTLL) AllStars. Although the All-Star managers will admit that there are always kids who might have been nearly as deserving who didn’t make these squads, we congratulate those who were selected and wish them luck as they begin play

on Saturday, June 19 (or June 26). We also congratulate the teams that won the NTLL Park Championships in baseball and softball. We only had room for one pic on this page, so we picked the Majors (ages 11-12) Baseball champion ???, one of the ??? NTLL park champs who went on to win this year’s District 25 Tournament of Champions in their respective divisions. Great job, one and all!

2010 New Tampa Little League Baseball & Softball All-Stars

Senior Baseball 9-10 Baseball (Ages 14-16)

Manager: Ken Kranick Coach: Matt Lawson Collin Brich Ryan Dolan Will Ferguson Carl Fombrun Mike Gonzalez Bryan Karmann Alex Kranick Ryan Lawson Matthew Miller Danny Molino Wellington Reyes Zack Zaversnik

Junior Baseball (Ages 13-15)

Manager: Bob French Coach: Tim Gay Coach: Mike Caruso Sydney Adams Conner Back Jason Canada John Berg Alec Cordero Tristan DeLuna Derek French Carter Gay Anthony Grampietro Eric Kaminski Evan Kaminski Brian Morand Joe Scicchitano

Team #1

Manager: Brad Price Coach: Todd Fontenot Coach: Jim Sutton Simon Carapella Tyler Coffey Kyle Fontenot Aaron Muench Luke Paulsen Kyler Peterson Connor Price Frank Scarchilli Michael Stone Ethan Sutton Greg Taylor Evan Tiller Ricardo Viloria

9-10 Baseball Team #2

Manager: Ed Rubin Coach: Nick Novo AJ Andrews Joey Bosio Patrick Cheuvront Sam Chronister Nicholas Dicecco Tripp Dillon Luke Ford Kevin Gallagher Andres Gonzalez Zachery Novo Jonathan Rodrigues Jacob Rubin

Major Baseball Junior Softball (Ages 11-12)

(Ages 13-15)

Manager: Jeff Strickland Manager: Scott Jacobs Coach: Greg Ridolph Coach: Jeff Chronister Rachel Carson Garrett Back Nicky Dixon Jonathan Baughman Jessica Goldin Adam Chronister Haley Hawkins Tyler Garam Maria Horvath Brendan Ina Zack Kitchen Gabrielle Jacobs Scotty McGuire Nikki Keesee Stephen Owusu Kayla Maczuga Kishan Patel Maddy McCabe Dalton Smith Jennifer Rennard Logan Storts Kaitlyn Ridolph Mason Strickland Nicole Stannard 10/11 Baseball Leah Vail Manager: Ed Thinger Coach: Chris Woody Clayton Coringrato Mikey Culumber Aaron Guiang Jeffrey Guttentag Henry Havre Bryce Martin Spencer McCabe Eddie Thinger Ethan Thomas Dominic Diaz Brian Seybold Tyler Woody

Major Softball (Ages 11-12)

Manager: Lou Pastore Kamryn Beach Meagan Bell Lauren Bimonte Skyler Boynton Brooke Diaz Makaleigh Dooley Maddy Hall Reed Jahnke Erica Matich Alyssa Wash

10-11 Softball 9-10 Softball Manager: Melissa Markovitz Coach: Ryan Seidl

Manager: Anthony Bimonte Coach: Frank Allen

Danny Buxton Aline Dayaa Emily Gresham Carlee Jacobs Ashlee Markovitz Mallory McManus Tiler Rennard Alexis Ridolph Gracie Seidl Vivica Smith

Makenzie Allen Kristi Bimonte Alex Dixon Ysabella Dominguez Ashley Figuerido Katie Hale Lauren Hall Kasey McKay Reyonce Parks Hannah Perkins Emma Poole Samantha Scott

AA All Stars Blue Team

Manager: Sumeet Kaul Ryan Anders Joey Capalbo Sal D’Alessandro Ryan Gloss Ryan Greenwood Mike Hudson Nicholas Kaul Hunter McCain Garrett McGowan Paul Saturo Jackson Shelton Paul Yglesius

AA All Stars Red Team

Manager: Lou Pastore Nicholas Albury Brian Baughman Sebastian Burgess Sean Clare Charles Clark Kendall Driesse Pablo Guerra Jacob Holland Harrison Huseby Mason McKelvin Duncan Pastore Kyle Trina

Congrats, NTLL Park Champs!

Each year, the NTLL’s competitive divisions play a park championship at the end of the spring season. Those park champions (as well as the one NTLL Senior baseball and one Jr./Sr. softball team) advance to the District 25 Tournament of Champions (ToC), which completes the play prior The New Tampa Little League Major Baseball Park to the summer AllChampion Phillies were among the three NTLL park Star season. champs who also took home the District 25 TournaThis year, the ment of Champions first-place ribbons. NTLL Senior baseball Mason Strickland This Year’s team, the Major baseball Phillies ‘Fence Club’ Champ With 13! (photo) and Major softball Rays all NTLL Major baseball All-Star took home their respective ToC titles, Mason Strickland of the Phillies blasted while the Minor baseball Astros and 13 home runs during the Spring season the Jr./Sr. softball team finished the to lead the NTLL “Fence Club.” Other ToC as the District 25 runners-up. We congratulate all of the NTLL top HR hitters included Steven Owusu park champs (including the Jr. baseball (7), Ethan Thomas (6), Jonathan Cardinals) and apologize for not hav- Baughman (4), Clayton Coringrato (4), Henry Havre (4) and Jacob Jarabek (4). ing room to print all of the results.

Dist. 25 All-Stars Schedule Ages 9-10 Baseball At Temple Terrace; begins June 19 Ages 10-11 Baseball At New Tampa; begins June 26 Major Baseball At Zephyrhills; begins June 26 Junior Baseball At Zephyrhills; begins June 26 Senior Baseball At New Tampa; begins June 26 ALL Softball All-Stars At Land O’Lakes; begins June 26 All of the information (and even the picture) on this page was taken from the NTLL website: public.teamzonesports.com/ newtampalittleleague. We appreciate the opportunity to reprint this information and apologize in advance for any errors - GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Welcome To Our Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular! A summertime special by Gary Nager With the economy still lagging and oil still flowing into the Gulf of Mexico (but thankfully, not washing up on our Tampa Bay area beaches), more and more New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents are probably looking forward to vacationing closer to home than ever before. And, we’re here to help. This issue marks the first installment of our “Summer Staycation Spectacular,” a multi-part series of stories about hotels and resorts located so close by (for example, all three of the places featured in this issue are an hour or less away from everyone in our distribution areas), you won’t have to wake up before dawn to drive to any of them. And, we plan to feature at least one more “Staycation” hotel in every issue this summer! As Florida residents, we are blessed with beautiful weather all year ‘round, even though the summer heat definitely can be pretty stifling. We therefore have included on these pages one beach resort, one golf and tennis resort and the newest hotel located right in New Tampa — all of which offer different ways to help you beat the heat and enjoy everything Florida has to offer! Enjoy, and please tell these hotels that we sent you!

The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort — Luxury, Elegance & Lots Of Summer Fun! The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa isn’t directly on the beach, but you’d never know it. If you look out from most of the guest rooms at the incredible resort pool — on the eighth floor of the hotel, no less! — it appears that the sugar-white sand beach is directly on the other side of the pool’s fence, even though it’s actually eight stories below and across the street. But, believe me, the new Hyatt (it just opened in February) is no illusion. It’s one of the most beautiful, luxurious, modern resorts you’ll find on the west coast of Florida. In addition, it offers the best of both worlds — a short walk across the street to the beach and incredible views of the Intracoastal waterway on the other. It features outstanding dining, fun activities for the kids, poolside entertainment and a world-class spa for you, plus a magnificent lobby, plenty of meeting space and guest rooms that will make you feel like a million bucks, even if you don’t have

that kind of money. (You know this newspaper guy doesn’t have that kind of cash, right?). The Hyatt combines Old World service with all of the modern conveniences you and your family (or just that special someone) need to feel right at home. But, if this is like your home, I’d love to come for a visit!

So, how do you want to start your visit? With a brisk workout in the Hyatt’s modern fitness center or a couples massage in the Sandava Spa? Or, how about breakfast in the open-kitchen Shor American Seafood Grille? Continued on page 36.

(Top) The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort may not be directly on the beach, but it sure looks like it is! (Above left) The relaxation wall at the Sandava Spa features a magnificent waterfall and views (out those windows) of the Intracoastal Waterway). (Above right) Is the beach directly behind this elegant pool? Does it matter?

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Hyatt Regency”

Continued from page 35 Even if all you want is a walk on the beach, the Hyatt is at the center of Clearwater's new $30 million Beach Walk. And, every spacious suite features Hyatt Grand beds, flat screen TVs, a complete kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and so much more. In other words, whether you want to stay for a night or a week, the new Hyatt is a great place to start your Summer Staycation. The Hyatt Regency Clear water Beach Resort is located at 301 South Gulfview Blvd. For reser vations and more information, call (727) 3731234 or visit Hyatt.com.

(Top) You can enjoy yummy fresh mussels in a zesty tomato garlic sauce at Shor American Seafood Grille. (Center) The fitness center overlooks the Intracoastal, too. (Above) Each of the 250 spacious suites features a complete kitchen and Hyatt Grand bedding.

Innisbrook Resort Is About Much More Than Just Golf!

If you’ve been living in our area for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard about Innisbrook — A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, located off U.S. Hwy. 19 in Innisbrook (recognized as its own community by the U.S. Postal Service), between Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor. But, why would you be interested in Innisbrook if you’re not a golfer who recognizes its famed Copperhead Course at the home of the PGA’s Transitions Championship? Yes, Innisbrook, which is owned by Black Entertainment Television founder Sheila C. Johnson, is most famous for its four gorgeous championship golf courses (with a fifth under construction), but as a horrendous golfer, I can assure you that there

(Top) You’ll feel right at home at any of Innisbrook’s guest rooms. (Above) The North Course is one of Innisbrook’s four magnificent championship golf courses. is plenty more for the two of you (or your entire family) to enjoy at this truly idyllic 900-acre golf and tennis resort.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

the Market SalamanFirst of all, although Innisbrook is der Grillé or dress it celebrating its 40th birthday this year, up at the yummy Johnson completely renovated it in 2009 and the entire place is kept so Packard’s Steakhouse, pristine that you might assume it was named for the Innisbrook community’s brand new. You can commune with oldest living resident. nature at any of the resort’s 28 lodges If you can dream and 600 guest rooms, all of which are it, you can afford to linked to Innisbrook’s too-numerousdo it right at Innisto-name amenities by shuttle buses, so you can go wherever you want, whenbrook Resort! Innisbrook is ever the mood strikes you. There’s even located at 36750 transportation to the award-winning U.S. Hwy. 19 N. beach at nearby Caladesi Island. Call (727) 942Every room at Innisbrook is a 2000 and ask lovely suite that looks and feels like a about their summer beautifully-appointed home, so stretch special rates as low out and enjoy. Hop a shuttle and drop as $109 per night the kids off at “Camp Nessie,” where or visit Innisbrook there are supervised activities, the Loch GolfResort.com. Ness pool and plenty of summer fun. They can even play at the Fox Squirrel golf course. Then, visit the resort’s brand new 20,000-sq.-ft. Indaba Spa and enjoy a massage and a variety of aromatherapies, facials and other popular spa treatments. If you’re hungry (and you will be), you can enjoy casual dining If you enjoy lamb chops, you can’t beat the espresso-crusted chops at at the Turnberry Pub, Innisbrook’s Packard’s Steakhouse. kick it up a notch at

At the new Indaba Spa (above), you can get a massage outdoors on the spa’s private deck (right) or inside. (Below) The too-cool Loch Ness pool is one of the main attractions of “Camp Nessie” for the kids.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

SpringHill Suites Tampa Palms Celebrates Its Grand Opening By Gary Nager

suites with either one king-sized or two queen beds. The Grand Opening featured great food by Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Urban Culinary Café, Pagelli’s Italian in the Shops at Wiregrass and The Hors D’Oeuvres Chef, plus beverages from the nearby World of Beer. Check it out and please tell them we sent you! The SpringHill Suites Tampa Palms is located at 5396 Primrose Lake Cir. Call 558-0300 or visit SpringHillSuites.com/tpantp.

I was happy to be on hand (along with several members of the Board of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce) when the new SpringHill Suites hotel (by Marriott) celebrated its official Grand Opening and ribbon cutting a few weeks ago — and I have to admit I came away impressed. If you live anywhere in New Tampa and you’re having family or friends come in for a visit, or you just want a relaxing change of scenery for a night yourself, the hotel is located off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms (near USAA Insurance), just a few minutes from any of our readers. The SpringHill Suites features a uniquely modern lobby, a nice swimming pool, business center, meeting rooms, a tasty free buffet breakfast and The guest rooms (above) at SpringHill Suites are beautitruly elegant guest fully appointed and the lobby (right) is uniquely impressive.

Members of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon at the new SpringHill Suites hotel off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 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

Hunter’s Green Country Club

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 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.

New Tampa Dance Theatre

New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT), located at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd., will be offering summer dance camps, ballet and musical the-

ater 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 full-day 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 programs, gender-specific half-day camps and 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 Campers learn painting and other art forms at directed by experienced the You Do The Dishes Summer Art Fest camp. teachers, include reading, math, biology, physics, healthy snacks and lunch. FCAT preparation, SAT preparation For information, call 948-5517 and more. Courses are designed for or visit SportsAndField.net. elementary, middle and high school students, and two-week sessions begin Camp IDS 2010 Independent Day School-Corbett June 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, and Campus (12015 Orange Grove Dr., extra care hours also are available by off Busch Blvd.) offers a variety of appointment. For additional information, call weekly summer camp programs covering sports, arts, cooking, field trips 971-6500. and more for children in grades preAll Star Summer Camp K-8. Camp sessions run June 14-July Sports + Field Athletic Club 23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, with (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., off S.R. 56 in full- or half-day sessions available, and Wesley Chapel) hosts an All Star Sum- extra care hours also are available. mer Camp beginning June 14, for Costs vary. children entering grades K-6. The For more information, call camp features team sports, arts and 961-3087 or visit idsyes.com. crafts, karate, dance, waterslide, Wii Summer At The Lakes competitions, board games, Zumba The summer camp program at and surprise visitors. Each week of the the Academy at The Lakes (2331 Colcamp will have a special sports theme. lier Pkwy. in Land O’Lakes) includes Full-day sessions are from 7:30 archery, arts and crafts, baking, basea.m.-5:30 p.m. for $105 per camper; ball, basketball, cheerleading, Chinese half-day sessions are 9:30 a.m.-1:30 language classes, dance, drama, field p.m. for $85 per camper, and there trips, flag football, math review, model also is a $50 registration fee (half off rockets, movie making, photography, for Sports + Field members) per reading club, recreational games, SAT camper. Campers also are required to prep, sewing, soccer, tumbling, volleybring their own bring water bottles,

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

ball, 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 more info, including the fees for each camp, visit academyatthelakes.org/campus life/summer-program or call 948-7600.

Tampa Bay History Center Summer Camp

on the child’s age and camp. Dates are June 14-Aug. 20, with full- and halfday 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 Ave.) is headquarters for 100 week-long camps for students in K12th grades. Kids and teens can learn about nature, science and the animal king-

Kids in grades 3-5 can learn about the history of the Tampa Bay area through games, arts and crafts, gallery experiences and field trips during a series of weekly camps offered at the Tampa Bay History Center (801 Old Water St. in downtown Tampa). Campers will be able to investigate pioneer life, check out archaeology, comb the museum for mysteries and search for Tampa’s urban treasures. Sessions are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., June 21-Aug.6. Kids who are animal lovers will love the summer The cost is $135 for camp programs offered at Lowry Park Zoo. History Center members; $150 for nondom while hiking through the zoo, members, and extra care is available exploring behind the scenes and coolfor an additional $15 per week. ing off in the zoo’s water play areas. For more information, visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org or call Adventure camps include animal encounters, keeper talks, educational 675-8960. shows, games, crafts and more. Camps Florida Aquarium are week-long and run from 9 a.m.- 4 AquaCamp p.m. daily, although extended care is Explore the wonders of life in the available from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 ocean with the Florida Aquarium’s p.m.-6 p.m. for an additional fee. 2010 AquaCamp, which includes sciCall 935-8552, ext. 268, or ence activities, animal encounters, visit LowryParkZoo.com for addiwater sports and more. The camp is tional information. for ages 3-15, but 6-year-olds must have completed kindergarten to be in MOSI Science Camps all-day camps. Prices vary, depending 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 time with real pro hockey players, at the Tampa Bay Lightning 5th annual Summer Hockey Camp. The camp will be held at four venues, including the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex, Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar and Germain Arena in Ft. Myers, and it will provide participants of all skill levels with position-specific and team-play concepts that will allow them to excel next season. For complete information, visit Lightning.nhl.com.

Tampa Theatre Film Camp 2010

In this exciting camp offered by the historic Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St., downtown Tampa), campers will have the opportunity to create live action and stop-motion animation movies on MacIntosh computers, using programs like I-Movie and Garage Band and footage they shoot themselves. Then, each student will premiere his or her film on Tampa

Theatre’s big screen and receive a copy on DVD. The camp is for grades 3-12, and morning and afternoon camps are divided by grade level. The live action camp sessions will be held June 21-25, July 12-16 and July 19-23, and the stop-motion animation sessions are July 26-30 and Aug. 2-6. For more info, call 274-8981 or visit TampaTheatre.org.

Busch Gardens Summer Adventure Camps

At the Summer Adventure Camps offered at the Busch Gardens Tampa theme park (10165 N. McKinley Dr.), camper can get up close and personal with wild animals, ride the roller coasters and other rides and enjoy a variety of other interesting educational activities. The camps are for campers from preschool to 8th grade and cost $240 per camper, per week (with some discounts available to Busch Gardens Passholders). The camps run June 14-Aug. 20. Lunch, snack and juice are provided. For more info, call (877) 2482267 or visit swbg-adventurecamp. com/adventure-camps.

Performing Arts Camps

The Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (1010 N. MacInnes Pl., downtown Tampa) offers more than 40 differnt camps in the performing arts — including music, theater, dance, film, on-camera acting, vocal arts and more. Camps are available for campers in grades pre-K to 12th grade, and the cost of tuition varies by camp. Camp sessions run from June 1-Aug. 7, and 1-, 2- and 3-week camps are available, with half- and full-day sessions and morning and afternoon start times. For additional information, visit PatelConservatory. org or call 222-1002.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

A Mon’s Novel Gift To Her Late Son By Michael Smith There are many ways to honor the passing of a loved one, and when David Mercandante, the son of Tampa Palms residents Pete and Lucy Mercandante, David Merpassed away in 2007 at the age of 43 cadante from melanoma, Lucy says she wanted (above) to commemorate her son’s passion and love of life by publishing one of the sev- wrote The Victim eral novels that he had written in his (right) spare time. “He was in the business world, but before he he loved to write,” says Lucy Mercan- passed away in 2007. dante, a retired reading teacher who is originally from Long Island, NY. the true victim in the case? Mercandante says David moved to To find out, you’ll have to visit Tampa to attend St. Leo University near Amazon.com, where the book is availDade City, but he later moved to the able for just $9.90, and where it has Orlando area, where he worked as a received some pretty positive reviews manager for the Standard Register comfrom those who have read it. pany. Lucy says David was an avid Bucs The sales and the compliments fan and besides writing, he also was a devoted family man who enjoyed spend- have been gratifying, Mercandante says, but that really wasn’t the point of having time with his wife Vicki and their ing the book published. She says she three young children. really just wanted something concrete to The book, entitled The Victim, is a commemorate her son, whose sudden crime thriller set in the Tampa Bay area that tells the story of a businessman who death was a terrible blow for the entire family, and it was the best way she could is falsely accused of sexual harassment, think of to share her memories of David and the mystery deepens when his with those who never had the opportuaccuser suddenly ends up dead. The nity to know him. question, Mercandante says, is who is

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Lemon Fashion Offers Affordable Good Looks In Wiregrass By Melissa O’Brien Pick up a fashion magazine like Vogue or Glamour and you’ll find pages and pages of “must have” fashions — fun, flattering outfits that look like a million bucks. Unfortunately, at some major retail stores, looking that good can cost a small fortune, too. So, the question is, where can a fashionable person find the latest styles but not have to surrender the better part of their paycheck to wear them? The place is Lemon Fashion at The Shops at Wiregrass mall off of S.R. 56 and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel – a clothing store with fashions that only look like you paid a lot for them. “Our key is having great clothes at economical prices,” says owner Vioma Lorenzo. “Most people who first come here come in because they like the displays in the window, but they are even happier when they see how great the prices are for such cute clothes.” At Lemon Fashion, customers will find everything from jeans to formal dresses, purses, accessories and jewelry. “We don’t have designer labels, but our look is still a designer look,” says Vioma. “We try to keep everything fresh and new with new clothing ship-

ments coming in weekly and we offer clothes you will not find at every other store. We like to call it semi-exclusive clothes for a very non-exclusive price.” Lorenzo opened the 3,000-sq. ft. Lemon Fashion in the Shops in November of 2009. “It was a life-long dream of mine to own a fashion store,” says Lorenzo, who lives in Northwood with her husband Maurice. “I have a friend, Larissa Rojas, in the Dominican Republic who owns stores there and I have worked with her for many years. When I moved here, I wanted to find the right location and duplicate the success of her stores down there.” Maurice Lorenzo, Vioma’s husband who works on the business end of Lemon Fashion, says their partner Larissa had about 20-25 similar stores in the Dominican Republic and wanted to invest in the US. “We decided to open the first Lemon Fashion store in Tampa because all of our market research pointed us to this area,” says Maurice. “We also looked at South Florida and do plan to expand there and to other Florida locations. We’re also looking at Chicago.” Maurice says they chose The Shops at Wiregrass because of the open air feel of the mall and the entertainment and activities that take place there. The

The clothes are fashionable and the prices are great at Lemon Fashion in the Shops at Wiregrass mall off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and S.R. 56. Shops is a Main St.-style, pedestrianfriendly mall that is anchored by Macy’s, Dillard’s and JC Penney. Lemon Fashion is located between White House Black Market and Pottery Barn right near the center of the mall. “It is a great venue,” says Maurice. “People come here to have a great experience. It is a great outdoor mall, pet-friendly and definitely conducive to shopping. One way we can tell our store is a success is by the number of

our lime green bags we see people carrying around the mall. You’ll see them everywhere.” Maurice attributes the success of their businesses in an economic downturn because of, “Experience experience, experience. Our model has been very successful for about twelve years in the Caribbean and our partner has learned the business by trial and error.. It is important to know your target market and to always keep new items in

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If you like colorful, you’re sure to love Lemon Fashion. the store so people keep coming back.” Vioma takes a lot of pride in helping her customers with their clothing selections. “Some people come in with no idea what to wear and I enjoy helping them,” says Vioma. “I also train my employees to help them. The next time they come in, they tell me about all the compliments they receive about their new outfits. I have people coming from

all over the Tampa Bay area just to visit our store.” For Kameika Bonner, who lives in Westbrook Estates off S.R. 54, says that she will be getting all of her summer vacation outfits from Lemon Fashion. “They always have things that the other stores don’t have,” says Bonner. “They have very up-to-date-fashions and things you would expect to see in places like California. Their prices are very reasonable and I always get compliments on the clothes I buy there.” She adds, “They always have a variety of things to choose from. They take their cues from the magazines and from the fashions I see on television.” Brenda Fernandez, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, says the bright colors of the sign pulled her into the store. “It is bright and attractive and breaks away from the monotony of some of the other stores,” says Brenda. “I have purchased dresses, accessories, shirts — everything — there. I have a unique sense of style and nothing there is the same as in other stores. I have gotten to know Vioma and now, when I go shopping, I even help other customers accessorize. I love to shop and the prices and the clothes are very attractive and so unique compared with the other places in Wiregrass.” Lemon Fashion is located at 28250 Paseo Dr. in The Shops at

(Above) You’ll find Lemon Fashion next to Pottery Barn in the mall and you’ll also find plenty of quality fashion accessories (below).

Wiregrass mall. It is open during regular mall hours, Monday –Satur-

day, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. Call 991-1600.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Jazzercise & Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle Open In Tampa Palms By Melissa O’Brien Fitness and healthy living is all part of a lifestyle for Lutz residents Deb and Todd Goldman. So, when Todd, the publisher of Tennis Life magazine, decided to open Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle, a tennis shop in The Pointe in Tampa Palms, the natural fit in the adjacent storefront was Deb’s Jazzercise franchise. Together, the two businesses encompass 2,600-sq. ft. of fitness expertise, equipment and sportswear – a welcome addition to the New Tampa retail community.

Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle

“We opened the tennis store to respond to the tremendous need in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area,” says Todd, whose Tennis Life is the country’s second largest tennis magazine. “With all of the tennis that takes place in our community, there was a need for a dedicated tennis shop that offers services specific to tennis players. The community response has been great.” Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle has United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA)-certified employees, some with more than 20 years of experience in the tennis business. “We have a good understanding of the right racquet for the right player and work with

the manufacturers to offer the best products,” says Todd. The store carries such best-selling racquet lines as Wilson, Prince and Head, as well as Dunlop, Volkl, and Yonex. The store also carries tennis apparel and footwear from Adidas, New Balance, Sergio Tacchini, Jofit and Peachy Tan. In addition, there’s also a full line of fitness clothing and shoes from Ryca, Jazzertogs, Fila, and KOS for any kind of sports, including yoga, aerobics and even Pilates. “Our goal is to bring quality products and tennis expertise to the tennis and fitness consumer,” says Todd. “There is no one in the immediate area who carries as extensive a line of tennis gear with tennis experts on-hand to assist in your purchase.” Todd says it is important in the game of tennis to have the right gear. “The wrong racquet can cause arm problems and decrease the quality of your play,” he says. “Some people need more power from their racquet, some need more control. It also is important to have the right kind of footwear for you. Wearing a certain shoe and having the right equipment – even the correct strings for your racquet – will help you enhance your game and definitely help you play longer and extend your tennis

You won’t find a bigger selection anywhere of quality tennis bags or shoes than you will at Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms. life. Some people don’t realize this until machines and a staff that is very knowlit is too late and they get injured.” edgeable. It is important that you have Marisol Casablanca-Pecora, who someone who knows something about lives in Hunter’s Green and is the presi- the sport and when you visit a chain dent of the Hillsborough County Tensporting goods store, you almost never nis Association (a group whose purpose get that kind of assistance.” is to develop and support the growth of She adds, “The store has a lot of tennis in the community), says that great merchandise, including a very nice Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle is a welcome collection of clothes that are not only addition to the community. for tennis but can be used for most “I believe there is no other store other sports. Steve and Deb are very within a 15-mile radius that offer the supportive of the growth of tennis in variety of tennis products and expertise the area and the store is a great, conthat Todd’s store has,” says Marisol. venient addition for anyone who plays “They have two state-of-the-art string tennis in New Tampa.”

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from hip-hop, yoga, Pilates, jazz dance, kickboxing and resistance training and combines them into a one-hour routine for people of all age and fitness levels. “It is a fun, follow-the-leader program and there are no contracts,” says Deb. “If you want to take a break, you just stop and can start right back up at any time. There is a very big social aspect to the program and people return because it is so much fun. I started teaching in it 1984 (instructors become certified Tennis & Fitness Lifestyle manager/partner through a Jazzercize training program) and have been doing it ever Kevin Cummins strings a new racquet. since. You start out with eight minTennis & Fitness Lifestyle & Jazzercise are located in the same plaza as utes of warm up, followed by the Get In Step At Jazzercise World of Beer and The Coffee Beanery, next to Stonewood Grill & Tavern. 30 minutes of aerobic activity and then Deb Goldman has had a long-time 25 minutes of strength training. Monpassion for Jazzercise – which is a 60visit Tennisday’s are free in June and we always minute group fitness class combining Lifestyle.com have specials that people can check out cardio and strength training with or call 977stretching moves for a total body work- on the Jazzercise website.” 8367. JazzerFran Fryer, who lives in Lutz, is out. She owns three Jazzercise franchiscise is open six very pleased about the new location in es, including one in Carrollwood and days a week for Tampa Palms. “I’m so excited,” she another in Lutz, but she and her 25 classes. Go says. “We have been like nomads for North/New Tampa partner Julie Wagto Jazzercise. about four years and to finally have a oner never had a permanent home for com for a comhome – it’s great! Jazzercise makes me their local Jazzercise studio, until now. plete listing or feel better about myself. I joined when “It was a joint idea with Todd to call toll-free, I turned 50 to make myself feel better. open both Jazzercise and the tennis (800) 348It gives you a lot of energy and selfstore [in the same plaza],” says Deb. 4748 or locally, Instructors (l. to r. above) Julie Wagoner, Nichole Kollman & confidence. It is an all-around good “Julie used to have a satellite office for Marsha Jarrett can get you in shape at Jazzercise... call 505-5258. our North Tampa Jazzercise and host it workout and the instructors are fabulous. No program is ever the same – at different locations, but now we have they mix things up all the time, so you a permanent home. The new facility is are never bored.” clean and bright, with wood floors and Fran says she has met a lot of a lighted stage so our clients can see the friends through Jazzercise and the instructors. It has surround-sound, a program always welcomes new people. place to put your water bottles and we “I have met people of all different even offer childcare. People enter our workout room through the tennis store ages, across all generations,” she says. “It is great for people who are new to and can then exit through the Jazzerthe area.” cise door.” Tennis and Fitness Lifestyle and Deb says that Jazzercise is one of the oldest and biggest fitness programs Jazzercize are located at 17016 and in the country. Judi Sheppard Missett, 17018 Palm Pointe Dr., respectively, who founded the company in 1969, is in the Shoppes at The Pointe in still the Jazzercise CEO. All of the Tampa Palms. Tennis store hours workout programs still are developed are Monday –Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 by Missett and currently, Jazzercise has p.m., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m on Saturday some 250,000 members worldwide. ...which is not just an awesome workout for anyone of any age, it also provides a and noon-3 p.m. on Sunday. For The program incorporates moves more information about the store, fun, social atmosphere that really keeps you motivated.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Tampa Bay’s Summer Entertainment Begins To Heat Up! By Michael Smith If the tight economy means that you will be staying at home rather than hitting the road this summer, that doesn’t mean you have to sit around and watch the grass grow. Over the next couple of months, there will be a wide variety of great concerts, performances, activities and more, many of which everyone in the family can enjoy, and all within a few minutes’ drive of New Tampa. Here are a few highlights:

CSI: The Experience at MOSI

Opening Saturday, June 19 — This summer, visitors to MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (4801 E. Fowler Ave.) can play the role of forensic scientists in the museum’s new traveling exhibition, “CSI: The Experience.” Inspired by the multitude of hit CBS-TV series, “CSI: The Experience” highlights the process of scientific inquiry and the real investigation techniques used to solve crimes. From DNA and firearms analysis to forensic anthropology and toxicology, visitors are immersed in hands-on science in an exciting multimedia environment with dazzling special effects direct from the CSI TV series. Characters from the show welcome visitors to “CSI: The Experience” from a large video monitor, and then lead them throughout The Experience. Developed by the Fort Worth Museum of Science

Catch “Curious George Live!” at Ruth Eckerd Hall June 26-27.

and History, with support from CBS Consumer Products and the National Science Foundation, “CSI: The Experience” maintains the spirit of the TV series and is geared toward adults and youths ages 12 and above. For more information, go to CSITheExperience.org. Admission to CSI: The Experience (which will run through Monday, September 6), the MOSI exhibit Galleries, and one IMAX® Dome Standard Film, is $25.95 for adults, $23.95 for seniors, and $21.95 for children. MOSI also will be offering “CSI After Dark” on Friday and Saturday nights from closing until 9 p.m. (last ticket sold at 8 p.m.), which gives visitors access to the “CSI: The Experience” exhibit after the museum’s permanent exhibit galleries are closed. Admission for “CSI After Dark” is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $10 for children. MOSI also will be offering a variety of value-added events, such as fingerprint art and guest speakers to address topics such as Cyber Crime Prevention and Forensics. For more information, call 987-6000 or visit MOSI.org.

Curious George Live!

Saturday-Sunday, June 26-27 — Curious George® is excited! It’s time for the annual All-You-Can-Eat Meatball Day at Chef Pisghetti’s popular Italian restaurant and George is going to be the chef's special helper. But, when Chef Pisghetti and George go out to serve their customers, no one is there. They're all across the street marveling at Phinneas T. Lightspeed's new high-speed Meatball-o-Matic! Chef Pisghetti worries that no one wants his famous homemade meatballs anymore, and vows to never cook again, unless George can save the day! To help his good friend, George embarks on a fun-filled, musical journey that takes him and Chef's meatballs across the world to Rome, Italy, for the international Golden Meatball Compe-

tition. Under the watchful guidance of his friend, The Man with the Yellow Hat, George learns more about friendship, travel and meatballs than he’d ever imagined. When George and his friends come to life on stage, your whole family is in for the adventure of a lifetime! Come and experience for the first time ever the beloved world of Curious George Live! on stage. Performances of Curious Earth, Wind & Fire return to Ruth George Live! begin at 11 a.m. & 3 Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on June 29. p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. on Sunday at Ruth Eckerd tion, call (727) 791-7400 or visit Hall (1111 N. McMullen-Booth RuthEckerdHall.com. Rd., Clearwater). Tickets cost $18$61. For more information, call Earth, Wind & Fire (727) 791-7400 or visit RuthEckTuesday, June 29– Whether you erdHall.com. call their music disco, soul or R&B, there’s no doubt that Earth, Wind & Cedric The Entertainer Fire (EWF), which was founded by sesSaturday, June 26 — Cedric sion musician Maurice White in ChicaAntonio Kyles, aka Cedric the Entergo in 1969, has been one of the most tainer, is best known for his crowdpopular bands in the world for more pleasing roles in the feature films “Barthan four decades. The ten-member bershop,” “Be Cool,” “Madagascar,” group released its self-titled debut “Intolerable Cruelty,” and “The Origialbum in 1971, but went through sevnal Kings Of Comedy” (the documentary feature directed by Spike Lee), but, eral lineup changes before releasing its breakthrough record, 1974’s “That’s like many of today’s most popular The Way of the World,” which included comedic actors, he got his start on the the hits “Shining Star” as well as the stand-up comedy circuit. Cedric’s first TV appearance came title track. From there, EWF went on to sell more than 90 million records with a stand-up set on “It’s Showtime worldwide, winning six Grammys and at the Apollo” in 1992, and in 1994, four American Music Awards along the he received the Richard Pryor Comic way. The group was inducted into the Of The Year Award from Black Entertainment Television for his work as host Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Earth, Wind & Fire will appear of Def Comedy Jam and BET’s Comic at , Ruth Eckerd Hall, 8 p.m. Tickets View (1994-95 season). He then went cost $53-$101. For more informaon to star alongside his good friend tion, call (727) 791-7400 or visit Steve Harvey in Harvey’s self-titled telRuthEckerdHall.com. evision show, and most recently appeared as a guest host and wrestler Ted Nugent, With Special on “WWE Raw” last September. Guest Pat Travers Band (Note: Cedric’s act does include Wednesday, June 30 — Say what adult subject matter and may not be you will about Ted Nugent’s conservasuitable for children). tive political views and the pro-hunting Cedric the Entertainer will and pro-gun stances for which he’s appear at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 8 p.m.; Tickets: $40-$65. For more informa- become known over the past several

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years, but there’s no denying that the “Motor City Madman” is still one of the greatest guitarists ever to strap on a six-string. After starting out as lead guitarist of the Amboy Dukes while he was still in high school, Nugent ruled the hard rock radio airwaves of the 1970s with such headbanging classics as “Cat Scratch Fever,” “Wango Tango” and many others. Nugent will be joined for this show by fellow rocker and Florida resident Pat Travers (“Boom, Boom (Out Go The Lights”). The Ted Nugent/Pat Travers concert will be at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $27-$57. For more information, call (727) 7917400 or visit RuthEckerd Hall.com.

Sting, With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday, July 3 — Sting, nee Gordon Sumner, rose to prominence as the lead singer, songwriter and bassist for The Police, helping that group earn six Grammy Awards over the course of their five-year run, but he’s also done pretty well as a solo artist, too. Starting with 1985’s “The Dream of the Blue Turtles,” which was markedly different from his work with The Police, featuring a much softer, jazz-based sound, Sting’s music has veered more into the adult contemporary category, but he still retains a faithful following and has scored several Top 40 hits in the 2000s, including "She Walks This Earth (Soberana Rosa),” “Until…” and others. On this tour, he is performing works from both The Police and his solo catalogue, all backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Sting performs at the 1-800ASK-GARY (formerly Ford) Amphitheatre (4802 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa), 8 p.m.; tickets cost $44.50$157. For more info, call 740-2446 or visit LiveNation.com.

Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band Tuesday, July 13 — It’s a new

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr brings his All Star Band to Ruth Eckerd Hall July 13. decade and former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has assembled another stellar lineup for the eleventh incarnation of his “All Starr Band,” which includes: Edgar Winter (“Free Ride,” “Frankenstein”), Gary Wright (“Dream Weaver”), Rick Derringer (“Rock ‘n’ Roll Hoochie Koo”), Richard Page, formerly of Mr. Mister (“Broken Wings”), Wally Palmar, lead singer and guitarist of The Romantics (“What I Like About You”) and drummer Gregg Bissonette. The song list is sure to include many of those classic hits, as well as numbers from Starr’s work with The Beatles and his own solo career, such as “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Back Off Boogaloo,” “Photograph,” and others rom his latest album, “Y Not,” which was released last fall. Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $49-$150. For more info, call (727) 791-7400 or visit RuthEckerdHall.com.

Scorpions ‘Get Your Sting & Blackout’ World Tour

Saturday, July 17 — After more than 40 years in the music business, German heavy metallers The Scorpions are giving their fans one final chance to see the group perform live with their “Get Your Sting & Blackout” Farewell World Tour. After forming as a pop outfit in 1969, the group underwent several different lineup changes before settling upon the combination that produced a string of best-selling albums

and songs in the 1980s, including 1982’s “Blackout,” which featured the hit “No One Like You,” 1984’s double-platinum “Love at First Sting,” featuring “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” and 1988’s “Savage Amusement,” which reached No. 5 on the charts. The opening act in Tampa will be fellow 80s rockers Ratt. The Scorpions will perform at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $21-$71. For more information, call 740-2446 or visit LiveNation.com.

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Monday, July 26 — After much speculation and anticipation, “American Idol” alums Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard recently confirmed their plans to tour North America, including a stop in the Tampa Bay area. This is the first time the two fan favorites have toured together, and the first time back to the Bay area since Aiken’s sold-out performance in 2005 and Studdard’s similarly sold-out show the year before. Concert goers can expect an entertaining evening as the two friends and colleagues blend their unique talents for an unforgettable show that will feature their renditions of classic hits from the past five decades, as well as special duets and other surprises that are planned throughout the tour. Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 7 p.m.; tickets cost $35-$65. For more information, call (727) 791-7400 or visit RuthEckerdHall.com.

Dave Matthews Band

Wednesday, July 28 — The Dave Matthews Band (DMB) formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, in early 1991, and released their first hit album on RCA Records, “Under the Table & Dreaming” in 1994. That disc yielded hits like “Ants Marching” and “What Would You Say?,” and 1996’s smash follow-up, “Crash” cemented the group as one of the nation’s favorite live

Clay Aiken (left) and Ruben Studdard bands. DMB is touring behind “Big Whiskey & the Groo/Grux King,” it’s seventh RCA studio album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard magazine Top-200 last year. The Dave Matthews Band & Gov’t Mule will perform at the 1800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre, 7 p.m. Tickets cost $21-$71. For more information, call 740-2446 or visit LiveNation.com.

Robert Plant & Band of Joy

Friday, July 30 — Although he has said that he will not be participating in the planned upcoming Led Zeppelin reunion, Robert Plant has confirmed a 12-city North American tour that features a new lineup of musicians performing as the Band of Joy, which is the outfit that Plant and the late John Bonham were members of before joining Zeppelin. The band features a diverse group of musicians, including vocalist Patty Griffin, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Darrell Scott, the bass and vocals of Byron House, Marco Giovino on drums/percussion and vocals; and co-producer Buddy Miller, on guitar and vocals, and has produced a record, which will be released on the Rounder label in late summer or early fall. It is the first new material from Plant since 2007’s “Raising Sand,” his multi-platinum, 6-time Grammy-winning collaboration with Alison Krauss. Robert Plant & The Band Of Joy will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 8 p.m.; tickets cost $49.50$99.50. For more information, call (727) 791-7400 or visit RuthEckerdHall.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles-Linkster’s, Aja, Pagelli’s Sonny’s & More! received here in New Tampa. “People definitely seem to appreciate all the TVs, the liquor choices and the fact we’re smokerfriendly,” says Ellwood. “We’re pretty happy so far.” And, Ultracuts owner Eric Young says the bar “definitely has helped people feel better when we have a short wait for a haircut. I’ve heard ‘I’m just gonna grab a beer next door’ quite a bit since Linkster’s opened.” The friendly staff at Aja in The Shops at Linkster’s Tap Room’s New Wiregrass will make you feel right at home. Tampa location is at 17506 Preser ve Walk Lane. For more info, though they were working at a club on call 971-3413 and please tell Mr. Ell- South Beach and even the menu of finwood we sent you! ger foods — from appetizers like cala-

By Gary Nager It’s been another whirlwind few weeks in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel’s dining and drinking scene. Since we last updated you, the new Linkster’s Tap Room has opened in the Highwoods Preserve area, Aja Wiregrass Night Club and Pagelli’s Italian Restaurant have opened in The Shops at Wiregrass, as has a new full liquor bar in a totally revamped Sonny’s BBQ and Santo’s Pizza & Pasta on S.R. 54 west of I-75 has been renamed Santo’s Italian Grill. Also in the news locally is Bagelicious, which recently opened a second location in Zephyrhills. Whew!

Linkster’s Tap Room Opens New Tampa Location

Although New Tampa has no shortage of full-liquor and beer/wine bars, one of the nicer places to watch the game on TV, shoot some pool or play the popular Cornhole bean bag toss game is the new Linskter’s Tap Room, located off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Dona Michelle Dr., next to Ultracuts in the Highwoods Preserve area. New Tampa owner John Ellwood says this is Linkster’s ninth Tampa Bay area location and it is definitely more upscale-looking than most neighbor-

Aja—A New Place To Party!

WDAE-AM 620 afternoon drive host Steve Duemig (left) broadcast his show live from the Grand Opening of John Ellwood’s new Linkster’s Tap Room in New Tampa. hood sports bars. It features super-premium liquor choices, plus many domestic, imported and micro-brewed beers on tap and in bottles. Linkster’s, which first opened in Sarasota, also has locations in Brandon, Riverview, Lakeland and others and Ellwood says the place has been well

We’ve been telling you about all of the great places to eat in The Shops at Wiregrass mall since the place first opened. The only thing that’s been missing has been a real night club with valet parking, a well-dressed, upscale crowd and great dance music. Well, the wait is over, as Aja Wiregrass, the sister club to the popular Aja Channelside, opened a couple of weeks ago. The new Aja seems to have a nice mix of college-age “kids” and adults in my age bracket, the bartenders, servers and hosts/hostesses are dressed as

mari, hummus and ceviche to panini sandwiches and pizzas — is upscale and very appealing. The one time I’ve visited to date, there were plenty of familiar New Tampa faces all smiling and saying, “This is the kind of place we’ve needed for a long time!” Aja Wiregrass is located at 28330 Paseo Dr., across from Yamato Japanese Steak House. For more information, call 781-6335 or visit AjaWiregrass.com.

Pagelli’s Also Now Open In Shops At Wiregrass

If you’re looking for a nice evening

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

out and a great meal, I suggest giving the new Pagelli’s Italiano in the Shops at Wiregrass mall a try. After my first visit to this two-location (the other is in Estero, FL) chain, I heartily recommend the Caesar salad and Jo Jo Pollo (above), which is two big sautéed chicken breasts with fresh spinach, tomatoes and mozzarella in a zesty white wine sauce, served with . fresh veggies. Check it out and tell GM Howard Cohen I sent you! For more info, call 991-1414 or visit Pagellis.com.

“Now, we can come here to watch the football game and have a beer or a cocktail,” said one customer to her husband. “You can’t beat it!” And of course, Sonny’s (I actually visited the original location just outside of Gainesville when I was at the University of Florida three decades ago) is still known for barbecue ribs, chicken and beef brisket, although my favorite dish is the High Springs chicken (photo below), which is two chargrilled chicken breasts topped with BBQ sauce, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and choice of cheese. And of course, Sonny’s still has its alwaysfresh “Sonny’s Garden” salad bar, too.

Check Out The New Sonny’s

My friends and neighbors Jim and Kristina Hoff are proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of Sonny’s BBQ! Not only does the place look much better, the Hoffs have become something of a prototype for the Sonny’s chain by adding an elegant-looking full-liquor wood bar, with plenty of flat screen TVs.

Well, owner Ken Santo and his three chefs have been revamping the menu, following a major expansion and renovation of the restaurant — which included the addition of a premium, full-liquor bar — and are now proud and ready to unveil the new Santo’s Italian Grill. In addition to the already great pizza and make-you-own pasta special, Santo’s new menu also will now include hand-cut steaks (I sampled the huge, thick prime rib the other day and it was tender and truly delicious), fresh seafood (including incredible shrimp and lobster dishes) and gourmet specialty pasta dishes like the homemade raviolis in pesto sauce (I added grilled chicken to it. Yum!) pictured above right. I promise you won’t regret visiting the new Santo’s and please tell ‘em we sent you! Santo’s Italian Grill is located at 27431 S.R. 54. For reservations (although they’re not required) and more information, call 994-7778.

Bagelicious Opens In ZHills

Visit Santo’s Italian Grill! I’ve told you a few times about Santo’s Pizza & Pasta, located in the Pinebrook at The Grove shopping center on S.R. 54, just west of I-75.

And finally, our friends at Bagelicious & More, located in the Freedom II Plaza on S.R. 54 east of Saddlebrook, are proud to announce the opening of their second location in the YMCA plaza in Zephyrhills.

The prime rib at the newly expanded Santo’s Italian Grill in Wesley Chapel will make your mouth water. Owner Linda Carr says the new Bagelicious location has the same great house-made bagels (and bagel sandwiches, especially amazing melts!), muffins, homemade soups and delicious Seattle’s Best Coffee as the original store. Both locations have free WiFi and are open every day for breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. And, check out the Bagelicious ad on this page (right) for two great coupon offers — $2 off any 3-egg omelet or freshly made salad. You also can get a free bagel (toppings/condiments extra) on Tuesday with the purchase of any Seattle’s Best Coffee. Bagelicious & More is located at 30032 S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel and 6215 Abbott Station Dr. in Zephyrhills. Call 406-4403.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

At Super Buffet, Chinese Cuisine Is Just The Beginning! By Gary Nager O.K., I admit it. A buffet is not the way I prefer to enjoy the wonderful cuisines of China and Japan. The thought of chicken teriyaki or Chinese egg rolls and spare ribs sitting under hot lights doesn’t usually light my fire. That doesn’t mean, however, that I can’t enjoy the occasional Asian buffet, especially when there are more than 200 different menu items available every day. If you’re looking for that type of variety, with different dishes rotating in and out on an ongoing basis, I suggest visiting the new Super Buffet restaurant on S.R. 54, just east of Applebee’s (in the building that used to be home to Johnny Carino’s). This is the fifth Super Buffet opened by the same owners, although a location in Pinellas County (Seminole) is the only other one is the Tampa Bay area (the others are in North Florida and Georgia). The Seminole location has been named the Best Buffet Restaurant by a weekly newspaper group in Pinellas and you can take it from me that the Wesley Chapel Super Buffet definitely lives up to that solid reputation. Of course, there are Chinese appetizers (egg and spring rolls, barbecued spare ribs, dumplings, etc.) and entrées

(from chicken and broccoli to pepper steak and General Tso’s chicken), but Super Buffet also has at least a dozen different varieties of freshly made sushi (from red snapper to tuna rolls to squid and seaweed salads) at all times, Japanese dishes like the There is always about a dozen different types of sushi available at Super Buffet on S.R. 54 (next aforementioned chicken teriyaki to Applebee’s), from fresh cooked shrimp sushi (left) to rolled “maki” items (right). and at least six different soups the price, from only $7.69 for lunch (from egg drop to New England clam (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), chowder) on hand every day. $9.99 for Saturday and Sunday brunch There’s even a raw bar, with (same hours) and $13.99 for dinner Alaskan snow crab legs (available at din- (Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., and ner time only), you-peel-’em shrimp until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), and fresh mussels and oysters. with reduced prices for children ages 3If you’ve never had Mongolian 11 (kids under 3 eat free) and a 10-perBBQ, you should give it a try at Super cent discount for senior citizens. Buffet. You pick from fresh steak, pork, If you prefer to take out the buffet chicken, shrimp or scallops, add veggies items, you can get anything you want like fresh broccoli, onions and snow pea for lunch for just $3.95 per pound or pods and from a variety of sauces, hand for dinner for just $5.25 per pound them to the happy chef and he’ll ($7.25 per pound if you want crab legs hibachi grill everything for you in front and other seafood items), with sushi of your eyes and season it to your taste. available for takeout for just 55 cents Super Buffet even offers pizza, per piece! There’s also a full menu of wings and other Italian and American cooked-to-your-order items available for options, including a delicious fried fish, dine in or takeout. In other words, for New York-style beef short ribs, Italiangood food at a great price, you should style fried shrimp and much more. definitely give Super Buffet a try! (Center) The fresh fried fish is never There’s even some tasty dessert items Super Buffet is located at 28444 greasy and the Mongolian BBQ Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54). For (and ice cream) available. (above) is a must-try at Super Buffet. And, quite honestly, you can’t beat more information, call 907-1168.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

At Super Buffet, you can enjoy everything from Alaskan snow crab (top left) to fresh fruit (top right) to a variety of Chinese and Japanese entrées (above).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 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. PTA position available. Part-time (Tampa Palms clinic). Fax Resume to: 813-994-3080 Office/ Marketing Position. Tampa Bay MatchMakers, a traditional matchmaking and life-coaching company is seeking a part-time professional person to handle general office functions as well as company marketing and customer care. Knowledge of Microsoft office is preferred as well as good phone skills. Please call 813-907-0410 or send resume to Nancy@tampabaymatchmakers.com

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

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. CYD PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES Residential & Commericial - Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Rates - Flexible Scheduling - Quality Cleaning at Affordable Prices/5 years Experience You’ll have the same cleaning professional every time!!! Call Catherine at 813-965-4162. (English/Spanish)

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

Classifıeds

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

LAWN MAINTENANCE Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN Lawncare. Residential/Commercial We are a Father and Son Business. Licensed and Insured. Affordable pricing for all. Per cut or with a contract up to you.Call Patrick or Dora anytime. (813)907-1234 (Hauling Service too!) NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! New customers mention this ad & receive one month FREE! Aquatec Pool Service **Special Offer: New customers get 1 Month FREE!** We follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards - We do pools right. All technicians are in uniform, drug-free, and background checked. Quality, professional service. Licensed & Insured. Call Today 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us!

P E T

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.

O F F I C E

S P A C E

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

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

B U Y I N G

G O L D

NEED EXTRA MONEY…We can turn your unwanted, old or broken gold jewelry into CASH! Take advantage of high gold prices which may not last long. Don’t sell to the fly by night companies. Take it to Tampa Palms Hometown Jeweler. Jeweler on staff w/ 35 yrs. exp. Charles Jewelers, 972-4653 (next to Stein Mart on Bruce B. Downs).

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 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.

T A I C H I L E S S O N S 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

SINGLE and FRUSTRATED? Find out what you want in life and a relationship. Tampa Bay MatchMakers is a professional life-coaching and matchmaking service that can assist you in finding the right match! Call for a complimentary consultation today! 813.907.0410.

BRIDGE PLAYERS WANTED Wanted: Experienced Beginner or Intermediate level Bridge Players to join a very small mixed group in New Tampa. Couples or individuals welcome. Free. No Frills. Typically play about 2-3 hours every 3 weeks in selected homes of members. Play during daytime on weekdays only. Schedule depends on calendars of members. Party Bridge, Not Duplicate. 1-2 tables maximum. Warm, casual, pleasant, some laughs. We really like the game and its social aspects as well. Please consider signing up. Call Harry; 813907-2541.

CLASSIFIED RATES 1 issue...........................$35 2 issues..........................$50 6 issues........................$120 26 issues......................$300

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. 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.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 13 • June 19, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com