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Volume 18 Issue 15

Inside: Check Out Aja & The New Bostonian Salon!

July 17, 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

Will The Transportation Tax Really Move New Tampa Forward? An editorial by Gary Nager I want to state up front that I am absolutely in favor of and will definitely both endorse and vote for myself the proposed one-cent transportation sales tax “surcharge” being billed as “Moving Hillsborough Forward (MHF),” even though I’m not sure I’m “on board” (from a New Tampa standpoint) with all of the facets of the plan — or the way the tax itself is being presented to the general public. The biggest problem for me is that I honestly don’t believe that I or the general public have enough information to really know what we’re voting for (or against) with regards to this tax, but the fact that it’s going to be on every New Tampa voter’s ballot in November has me feeling compelled to try to address both the facts and my feelings about the proposed sales tax and break it all down as directly as possible. Basically, the tax would increase your cost on most purchases by one

cent per dollar, although the additional surcharge would only be assessed on the first $5,000 of any purchase (so, for example, the surcharge wouldn’t be added after the first $5,000 of the cost of a new car). The funds to be raised, which I believe are estimated at $5 billion over the 30-year life of the tax, would include nearly $600 million for new and improved existing roads (including $18 million for the final phases of the widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., or BBD; and $4.5 million for the widening to four lanes of the eastern end of Cross Creek Blvd.). The bulk of the money raised will pay for a light commuter rail system, with one of the first segments of the county’s rail system to be built either in the median or on the east side of BBD. This light rail system is not to be confused (although it’s hard not to) with the high-speed rail system linking Miami, Tampa Bay and Orlando that Florida voters already have approved. Hillsborough County’s light rail system, which won’t be completed until

2018 if this referendum passes, would be the first such system that would connect commuters to that high-speed rail. I attended two meetings, both on June 23, where the proposed tax was not only discussed, but pushed fairly vehemently by two people for whom I have a lot of respect. Fewer than 30 people came to hear former U.S. Rep. Jim First, current countywide Hillsbor- Davis (right) and Ray Chiaramonte of the Tampa/Hillsborough MPO discuss the proposed one-cent transportation sales ough County comtax at the New Tampa Regional Library on June 23. missioner Mark Sharpe, a Republican, of the road projects we can’t otherself-avowed fiscal conservative and forwise afford; it also allows us to also mer military intelligence officer who afford a light commuter rail system spoke at my New Tampa Noon that will finally bring transportation in Rotary Club meeting at Circles New this county into the 21st century.” Tampa Bistro (see page 37), assured Sharpe also noted that he is not a us that the tax, “is the most fiscally See “Transportation” on page 30. conservative way to fund not only all

New Tampa’s Fire & Emergency Service Gets Another Upgrade

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Judge Rules Against Cypress Creek Town Center Developer, Voting Information For The August 24 Primary Election & Much More!

Part Two Of Our Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular Features Saddlebrook Resort; Plus, Goodbye & Hello To Circles New Tampa Bistro & More !

See pages 3-34!

See pages 35-56!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

Creek Blvd. and Morris Bridge Rd., where new homes continue to be built and plans are in place for thousands more to be built in the future. “The city is trying to be proactive,” Spradlin says. “That’s where all the growth is in the city right now, and if you look at the coverage area for Station No. 21, it’s about quadruple that of most of our other stations.” According to data collected by TFR, Station 21 responded to 416 firerelated calls and 1,753 medical calls over a 12-month period between early See “News Briefs” on page 6.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

ladder truck. Now, that vehicle will be used exclusively as a ladder truck, while the new truck will handle engine duties. In addition to fire response, the new vehicle also will be equipped and staffed to provide advanced life support. The new vehicle will be continually manned by a four-man crew, consisting of a captain, a driver and two firefighters. Fortunately, Spradlin says that most of the cost of their salaries will be covered by a $5-million, multi-year federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant that the department recently received, leaving the city to cover a total of about $70,000 this year. Spradlin says that the primary incentive for adding a new vehicle and crew at Station No. 21 was to improve response times in the areas of Cross

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

In response to current and expected future growth in the area, Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) recently added a second fire truck and crew to the roster at New Tampa’s Station #21 on Cross Creek Blvd. According to TFR spokesperson

Lt. Danielle Spradlin, the station’s new vehicle (it is new at Station 21, but was actually was already in service elsewhere in the city) and crew officially began service at 7:30 a.m. on July 4. Previously, Spradlin says, there was only one vehicle assigned to the station full time, that being a ladder truck that was being used as a dual-purpose fire engine and

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Michael Smith

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One Opinion About How To Make Soccer Work In The U.S. Considering how many people I’ve seen the past few weeks really getting into the World Cup, it’s kind of hard for me to believe there are still so many Americans (and even New Tampa residents) who not only don’t embrace soccer, but actually say they hate it. No, there will never be a whole lot of scoring in truly world-class soccer, nor are there cheerleaders and yeah, there’s too much diving and complaining to the referees, but for anyone who really tried to enjoy World Cup 2010 to say they still can’t get into what the rest of the world calls football — or guarantee that it’ll never make the big time in the U.S., well, let’s just say I think it can...and will. And, it just so happens that yours truly has a plan to make it a reality. Now, before you try to drown me out with the nearest vuvuzela, remember that waaaay back in 1978 or 79, I was sitting in the next to last row in Giants Stadium with 78,000 other New Yorkers trying to catch a glimpse of the great Pélé, Giorgio Chinaglia, Franz Beckenbauer and the rest of the highflying New York Cosmos as they took on their arch-rival Tampa Bay Rowdies. Then, a couple of years later, I was able to truly get inside the head of soccer fans from around the world at the Italian deli located across the street from where I worked on E. 43rd St. in Manhattan. The Italians had made an unlikely run to the final game, after drawing all three of their opening

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

John Lieberman • 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 17, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, July 23, 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 round matches and eliminating Cameroon, which also had three ties. The Italians would be taking on the always tough West Germans (now, just Germany) in the final and both teams would be seeking their third World Cup. The Italian family who owned the deli closed it to watch the game and brought in five or six TVs with rabbit ears (of course, cable was pretty scarce in the city back then) and had them playing all over the place. At least 150 people, including as many as 20 Germans, were crammed into a space meant for maybe 60. The food and beer were all free and there was plenty of drinking going on. I didn’t really have a rooting interest in the game, but had become friends with the Italian deli owners and, considering I look a lot more Italian than German, I couldn’t help but get caught up in a game that, like this year’s final pitting Spain against The Netherlands, was 0-0 at halftime. But, the fresher Italian team scored early in the second half and added two more quick scores to render Germany’s lone goal in the 83rd minute meaningless. By then, the Italians and Germans were all drunk and hugging each other, crying and telling each other that both teams would be back. And they both have been. But, I digress. The bottom line for me is that I understand why many Americans didn’t understand the game back then. But today, when virtually every kid under the age of 12 has

played soccer for at at least a year, with their parents having to learn how the game works, whether they wanted to or not, I just think it’s wrong that we still don’t embrace this type of football.

Gar y’s Plan

It’s been more than 30 years since the Cosmos and Rowdies tore up the old North American Soccer League, but after watching this year’s World Cup from South Africa and seeing the number of quality players in most of the 31 other countries competing for the Cup, it became obvious to me that if we ever want soccer to

take hold in the U.S., we’re going about it all wrong. The problem with signing one big-name star like David Beckham to a $25 million contract is twofold — 1) he’s only one guy who can (and did) get hurt and 2) Our Major League Soccer is really just average minor league soccer, so bringing one or even two or three stars into our fold simply isn’t going to work. No, what we need is to bring the best players from Europe and South America to the U.S. to play real games every year. Not exhibitions, actual See “Soccer” on page 53.

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-34 New Tampa News Briefs.....................................6-7 Judge Orders Corps To Revise CCTC Permit Roommate Charged In Sci-Fi Writer’s Death Car Thief Couple Arrested In Pasco County PCSO Seeking Missing Wesley Chapel Man Hillsborough County Election Information.................8 New Tampa Community Calendar..................10-11

New Tampa Business News.....................14-23

Heather’s Illusions................................................14-15 New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce Update.......16 Cool Water Pools.................................................18-19 Business Briefs......................................................22-23

New Tampa Education Briefs........................24 New Tampa Sports Updates....................25-26

Soccer Match Revisited 20 Years Later........................25 Sports Briefs...............................................................26 Transportation (Cont. from page 1)...........................30

Neighborhood Magazine

Saddlebrook Resort Shines In Part Two Of Our Summer ‘Staycation’ Spectacular!!!.................35-36 New Owners Take Over Circles New Tampa Bistro...37 Aja Brings Uptown Style To Wesley Chapel.........40-41 Our 2010 Summer Camp Guide..........................44-45 Check Out The New Bostonian Hair Studio..............48 Local Players Showcase Fingerstyle Guitar..................52 Editorial (Cont. from page 3)....................................53

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

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Incidents”

Continued from page 1 2009 and earlier this year. During that same period, the next closest available ladder truck, which is located at TFR Station No. 13 near Busch Gardens, responded 51 times to the area to provide assistance. In other cases, Station No. 20 on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa Palms was able to provide assistance, but response times from either of those stations to the Cross Creek/Morris Bridge Rd. areas can be as much as 18 minutes, which, Spradlin says is unacceptable. To further speed response times in the area, TFR also is in the process of building another new fire station, designated Station No. 22, at 10817 Cross Creek Blvd., just west of Morris Bridge Rd. That station is expected to be open and operational by early 2011. To help celebrate the arrival of the new truck and crew at Station No. 21 meanwhile, TFR has scheduled an Open House at the station, which is located at 18902 Green Pine Ln., 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. Area residents are welcome to stop in and say hello to the firefighters and check out the new truck.

Judge Orders Army Corps To Revise CCTC Permit

The Tampa Bay chapter of the Sierra Club won a major victory in its lawsuit challenging the permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Cypress Creek Town Center (CCTC) recently when the federal judge hearing the case ordered the Corps to go back and address issues regarding the environmental impacts of the project located north and south of S.R. 56, off Exit 275 of I-75. In an order issued June 30, Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court gave the Corps and the developer of the proposed 1-million-sq.-ft. mall, the Richard E. Jacobs Group

Now manning Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 21 on Cross Creek Blvd. are (l. to r.) assistant chiefs Nick Locicero and Scott Ehlers, firefighters Wayne DeMatthews, Frank Lopez and Erik Cribbs, Lt. Richard Brown and chief Michael Gonzalez. (which is a co-defendant in the action), “The record here shows a similarly dis20 days to submit a proposed remediaturbing pattern,” noting that the Corps tion plan that addresses the issues outfailed to prepare a required Environlined by the Sierra Club in its suit. mental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Among those are the allegation CCTC project site pursuant to NEPA that the mall, if it is built as designed, and failed to require the Jacobs Group has the potential to cause irreparable to demonstrate that other, less potenharm to the environment, specifically, tially harmful, alternatives were not to the Cypress Creek watershed, which available, as is required under the CWA. is a major tributary of the Hillsborough “I’m thrilled,” says local Sierra River, a primary source of the City of Club spokesperson Denise Layne, who Tampa’s drinking water supply. says that the judge’s opinion amounts The suit also alleges, and in his to a “scathing” indictment of the Corps order, Lamberth concurs, that in issuand its permitting process. “It just ing the permit for the project, the agrees with what we’ve been saying all Corps did not follow the proper procealong, that the permit was illegal, but dures as required by the National Envihe [still] didn’t revoke it.” ronmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Layne adds that the judge could Clean Water Act (CWA), which come still order the permit to be revoked, if into play when there is the potential for he doesn’t agree with the action plan harm to the environment and/or that is submitted by the Corps and the endangered species, or when wetland developer, but that remains to be seen. areas are affected, as is the case with the She also adds, however, that stopping CCTC project. Lamberth even goes on the mall from being built was never the to compare the case to others where the intent of the lawsuit in the first place. Corps “resorted to arbitrary and capri“We just wanted them to reduce cious meaning — manipulating models the footprint of the mall, and get it and changing definitions where neces[further] away from the creek,” she sary — to make this project seem comsays. “So now, we’re right back to what pliant with [CWA] and [NEPA] when it the Corps should have done when they is not.” first received this permit application — In addition, Lamberth writes, make the developer comply and do it

right. It’s just a shame that this thing has taken so long when they’ve blatantly broken state, federal and local laws.” A spokesman for the Corps said he could not comment on the case, since it is ongoing. Deeanne Robertson, a spokesman for the Jacobs Group, meanwhile, gave the following written statement: “We are disappointed by the Judge’s rulings and we are presently consulting with our legal advisors regarding an appropriate response. The judge’s order could potentially result in the loss of thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in new tax revenue for Pasco County citizens. This development has been responsibly planned, studied, and scrutinized perhaps more than any other similar development in the state’s history. Its environmental impact has been carefully studied by numerous federal and state agencies. All environmental mitigation required by those agencies has already been completed. We will offer specific recommendations in response to the judge’s rulings prior to the Army Corps of Engineer’s deadline for responding. In the meantime, we will finish the work on the CR 54 extension that routes through our property. To stop work now would leave unstable conditions on the site and could imperil adjacent environmental assets. Completion of this half-built road will be in the best interests of the public and the environment.” Robertson also noted that despite a notice on the developer’s website which says that the CCTC is scheduled to open in 2011, that will have to be revised as well. She would not comment on the company’s negotiations with potential tenants for the mall, which was originally supposed to open in 2007.

Roommate Charged In Sci-Fi Writer’s Death

The former roommate of a Zephyrhills man who wrote several

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

episodes of the “Thundercats” television cartoon has now been formally charged with killing him. According to reports, James W. Davis, 45, who had been considered a “person of interest” in the disappearance of 56-year-old Stephen Perry, was charged July 7 with one count of first degree murder. Davis and his wife, Roxanne, had been living with Perry when Perry was first reported missing in mid-May. Shortly after his disappearance, Perry’s van was found parked at a North Tampa motel, and Tampa Police (TPD) came to investigate after guests at the hotel reported Stephen Perry a foul smell in the vicinity of the vehicle. After searching the area, TPD investigators found a severed arm in a nearby trash bin, and DNA testing later determined that it did, in fact, belong to Perry, as did a human torso that was found in the Angus Valley area of Wesley Chapel in early June. Perry, who also wrote for other TV shows and authored several different comic books, was battling bladder cancer at the time of his death. He also

reportedly had financial troubles, which is reportedly why he took in the Davises as roommates. However, before his death, he allegedly told friends and family members that the couple was stealing money and medications from him. Both of the Davises have extensive criminal backgrounds. At our press time, James Davis was being held in the Land O’Lakes Jail with no bond. Police say that Roxanne Davis’ role in the crime is still under investigation, but she also is being held on an unrelated probation violation.

Couple Arrested In String Of Car Thefts & Burglaries

A Land O’Lakes couple has been arrested and charged in connection with numerous auto burglaries and thefts in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. According to reports, Anthony Cabrera, 29, and his girlfriend, 24-year-old Majestica Santillan, were both driving stolen vehicles on June 23, when they were spotted by deputies who were staking out a home in Land O’Lakes where the couple was renting a room. Santillan was arrested after crashing the vehicle she was driving during a short chase, while Cabrera managed to elude capture for several hours, but he also was arrested on June 25. Authorities say Santillan was first arrested on June 14, when witnesses

called in reports of a prowler in Wesley Chapel’s Meadow Pointe community. After being charged with loitering and prowling, Santillan was released, but police later determined that Anthony some of the property Cabrera she was carrying at the time, including a GPS unit and a camera, had been stolen during an earlier auto burglary, which then led to the stakeout. Police found additional stolen items in Majestica the two vehicles that Santillan the couple had been driving, including a rifle and other police equipment that was stolen from an off-duty deputy’s vehicle in Plant City on June 15, and additional stolen property was found in the home where they were staying. At our press time, Cabrera was being held in the Land O’Lakes jail under $54,000 bond, on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle and armed burglary, while Santillan was being held without bail for burglary, grand theft motor vehicle, resisting arrest without violence, possession of a controlled substance without a prescrip-

tion and violation of probation.

PCSO Seeking Man Gone Missing For 3 Months

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is asking for help from the public in locating a Wesley Chapel man who has been missing for almost 3 months. According to a PCSO release, Richard “Rick” Persing, 45, left Richard his home at 6249 RyerPersing son Circle on foot on April 20, leaving a note saying that he was going fishing. The release says he took a duffel bag with two changes of clothes, and has not been heard from since and has not contacted his family. Authorities say Persing is an experienced trucker and traveler, but does not currently have a valid driver’s license. Because he has suffered recent hardships and has been depressed, he is considered a missing endangered person. Anyone who may have seen or who has any information about Persing’s whereabouts is asked to contact PCSO Det. David Boyer at (352) 518-5002. For advertising information, call Nikki at 910-2575 or visit NTNeighborhoodNews.com!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Deadline To Register For August 24 Primary Is July 26 By Michael Smith Like the forward edges of an approaching hurricane, the first signs of this fall’s coming election battles are building momentum, as campaign commercials and election banners are beginning to appear locally with increasing frequency (and vitriol, in some cases). But, if you’re planning to take part, at least in the Tuesday, August 24, Primary Election, then you need to make sure that you are registered with the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office by Monday, July 26. This year’s Primary Election is made even more interesting by the fact that some races will undoubtedly be all but decided following that election, which will feature battles between several of the most visible and well-known candidates, both here in Hillsborough County and at the state and even federal levels. Locally, one of the most-watched primaries will be between Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) member Jim Norman and current District 47 member of the Florida House of Representatives Kevin Ambler, who will square off to represent the Republican party in the race for the District 12 seat in the Florida Senate that is being vacated by Victor Crist because of term limits. Crist, meanwhile, also will be involved in the August primary, where he will face off against Linda Pearson for the District 2 seat on the Hillsborough BOCC, which is being vacated by Ken Hagan, who has cast his hat into the ring for the countywide District 5 seat being vacated by Norman, although he will not be facing an opponent in the Primary Election. Another interesting race will feature New Tampa resident and former Tampa City Council member Shawn Harrison, who will face Trey Stroud for the Republican nomination for the District 60 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. There also will be a primary between the two Democratic contenders for that seat, Christopher Carlos Cano and Russ Patterson, although Harrison has to be considered the front-runner. If all this sounds confusing (and trust me, this is just a small sample of the shenanigans that are in store for this fall), then you’re in luck, because the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections office has updated its website, VoteHillsborough.org, with some very helpful new features for this election cycle that should make getting

ready and casting your ballots easier than ever. For example, to make sure that you are registered and eligible to vote in both the Primary and the November 2 General Election, there are links for both new registrations and to update your current registration information. In the latter case, if all you need to do is update your address, you can do that right over the telephone, but all other changes do require you to fill out a new voter’s registration application. Fortunately, for those changes, and for all new voters, applications that you can download, print out, fill in and mail or take to the Supervisor’s office also are available through links on the website. The website also contains information on everything relating to the elections, including absentee voting (voting by mail), early voting, becoming a poll worker (for those who are so inclined) and more, and there also is a handy Voter’s Guide (in both English and Spanish) that you can download and print out for a quick reference guide on many of the same topics. As far as the Primary Election is concerned, Florida is what is known as a “closed” primary state, which means that only voters who are registered with a particular party can vote in that party’s primary, and any party changes must be made at least 29 days before a partisan primary in order to be eligible to participate in that primary election. The only exception to this rule is any contest where all of the candidates for the office are from the same party, meaning that the winner of the primary won’t have an opponent in the General Election. In such “universal” primaries, all registered voters (regardless of their party affiliation) are eligible to vote in the August Primary Election and the candidate will actually win the office (and not just his or her party’s nomination) without having to be on the ballot in November. School Board members are elected this way. Once they are registered, voters can cast their ballots at their polling place on Election Day, at any of the fourteen early voting sites located throughout the county (including the New Tampa regional Library on Cross Creek Blvd.), or they can vote by mail. However, the last day to request a Vote By Mail ballot for the primary election is Wednesday, August 18. For those who are planning to go to the polls, however, a precinct finder is available on the website, which gives not only the address of each voter’s designated polling place (with maps),

but also a list of elected officials, offices that are up for election for that particular precinct and a list of the candidates for each office. The sample list below shows the candidates who will be participating in the Primary Election for Precinct #357 in Tampa Palms. (Your own selection of candidates may vary, depending upon where you live in the area). For more information, visit VoteHillsborough.org or call 2725850 or 744-5900.

Aug. 24 Primary Candidates For Precinct 357 U.S. Senator - Republican William Escoffery William “Billy” Kogut Marco Rubio

U.S. Senator - Democrat Glenn A. Burkett Maurice A. Ferre Jeff Greene Kendrick B. Meek

U.S. Representative, Dist. 9 - Democrat Anita de Palma Phil Hindahl

Governor - Republican Mike McCalister Bill McCollum Rick Scott

Governor - Democratic

Brian P. Moore Alex Sink

Attorney General - Republican Holly Benson Pam Bondi Jeff Kottkamp

Attorney General - Democratic Dave Aronberg Dan Gelber

State Senator, Dist. 12 - Republican Kevin Ambler Jim Norman

State Representative, Dist. 60 - Republican Shawn Harrison Trey Stroud

State Representative, Dist. 60 - Democratic Christopher Carlos Cano Russ Patterson

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Circuit Court Judge, Group 4

Board of County Commissioners, Dist. 2 Republican Victor Crist Linda Pearson

Board of County Commissioners, Dist. 7 Republican Josh Burgin Mark Sharpe

County Court Judges

County Court Judge, Group 10

Hillsborough County School Board, Dist. 6 - (non-partisan) April Griffin Sally A. Harris Terry Kemple

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

Tampa Bay Job & Career Fair

Monday, July 19 – The 2010 Tampa Bay Job and Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum (401 Channelside Dr., in downtown Tampa). Attendees will be able to meet with local companies who have immediate employee needs, from entry-level positions to skilled trade, health care and even top managerial positions. This year’s event also includes a Career Fair, which means that several of the area’s top schools for continuing education, local universities and vocational/technical institutes will be on hand. Tickets are not required and attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes. For more info, call 301-2500 or visit SPTimesForum.com.

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club

Wednesday, July 21 – The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Circles New Tampa Bistro (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection shopping plaza). For more info, call 910-2575.

New Tampa PAR

WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

New Tampa Evening Rotary Club

Wednesday, July 21 – 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.

Thursday, July 22 – The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:15 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). The club’s guest speaker on July 22 will be Tom Capell, the construction group manager for the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. widening project. For more information, contact Eileen Johnson at 892-7741.

Business Networking Int’l

Computer Workshops

Wednesday, July 21 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective 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, July 21 – 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

day, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). For more information, visit NewTampaRotary.org or contact Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

Free Concert

Friday, July 23 - Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue at Trinity United Methodist Church (33425 S.R 54 in Wesley Chapel) will host a concert by guitarist Josh Manarchuck, beginning at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission to the concert, but an offering will be collected. For more info, call 760-3269 or visit ShoreshDavid.org.

Thursday, July 22 – 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.

Saturday, July 24 – The University of Florida IFAS Extension Service will host a free workshop on Internet Security, 1 p.m., at the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). The workshop will include information on the latest viruses, worms, malware and other threats to your personal information, as well as the best ways to protect yourself. For more information, call 273-3652 or visit HCPLC.org.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Women-N-Charge

Friday, July 23 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Fri-

Internet Security Workshop

Friday, August 6 – Women-NCharge, a group that offers education

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa’s ‘National Night Out’ Events!

On Tuesday, August 3, there will be several New Tampa-area events held in conjunction with the National Night Out Against Crime, which is an opportunity for residents to come together with local law enforcement and public safety officials to learn how to make their neighborhoods safer, which means you can expect plenty of fire trucks, police vehicles and demonstrations for the whole family. At our press time, events were scheduled for Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Heritage Isles, Grand Hampton and the Tampa Palms communities of Mayfair and Ashmont. Most of the local ‘Night Out’ events are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. For more info, contact your community’s Homeowner’s Association or Neighborhood Watch coordinator. For information about how to organize your own National Night Out event, visit NationalNightOut.org or contact Lisa Timmer at the Tampa Police Department at 931-6541. 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.

Red Hat Society

Thursday, August 12 – 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.

NE Tampa Women In Business

Thursday, August 12 – 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.

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 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Heather’s Illusions Can Transform Any Wall Into Art! By Melissa O’Brien If you have dined at the Saffron Indian Restaurant on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa and felt you were actually at the Taj Mahal or visited Chuck’s Natural Health Food Store in Brandon and believed you were visiting a pastoral farm, no doubt you have seen the artwork of popular local muralist Heather Tabman. Heather, the owner of Heather’s Illusions, can take any space, no matter how large or small, and transform it into the land of your dreams by creating murals that seem so real, you’ll actually feel like you are part of the artwork yourself. “The murals I paint are called trompe l’oeil murals,” says Heather. “They are paintings on a wall, ceiling or floor that, when viewed from the correct position, will deceive the viewer into thinking the art is ‘real.’ The term trompe l’oeil means ‘trick of the eye.’ By using this technique, I can create a three-dimensional or photo-realistic painting. If you have an idea of what you would like, or a photo of an image that is special to you, I can create it.” Heather says that murals in a bedroom, kitchen or office help to create a mood and bring the viewer into the

atmosphere of whatever is outside of the art. “Murals can be used to make false windows, archways and doorways that appear to be completely real,” she says. “What lies behind these ‘false windows’ is open to infinite possibilities. Murals may create the illusion of more physical space or depth, brightening small or dark rooms or expanding small patio spaces into large, tropical gardens.” If you visit Heather’s website, HeathersIllusions.com, you will find that it is filled with examples of spectacular murals she has created for Tampaarea clients. From a small banner in a child’s room, to a full-scale baseball stadium, Heather’s murals can fit anyone’s budget and wall space. “A mural can change the environment of an entire room,” she says. “For some people, the room with the mural becomes their haven, their place to get away. I can paint a big window in a small space and the homeowner can look out onto anything he or she wants. It can enliven that atmosphere and affect their entire mood.” For Odessa resident Lynne Dausch, old time baseball came to life in her twin boys’ bedroom through a mural painted by Heather. “My boys were turning 10 and it

Play ball! This lifelike mural of old Yankee Stadium is just one of the many amazing creations available from Heather Tabman of Heather’s Illusions. was time to change their room, says Dausch. “I had a set budget in mind to do something and thought about having a mural done. I saw Heather’s car parked at Flatwoods Park with her logo painted on it – so I guess it was kind of like fate.” Dausch says her twins had fallen in love with baseball and, since they were already 10 years old, they did not want something too childish for their room. “We decided on making the room look like an old-time baseball stadium,” says Dausch. “Heather really approached it like a big homework

assignment – she looked at photos of stadiums and was very analytical about getting all of her facts straight. She came to us with everything sketched out and we loved her ideas.” The baseball room at the Dausch house encompasses all four walls and is intricately detailed. “Heather took the time to paint details on many of the 2,000 faces in the stands and used muted colors that were typical of that era,” Dausch says. “Not only did she get the feeling of the old Yankee Stadium when Babe Ruth was playing, there is even a life-sized

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Babe Ruth, an old fashioned baseball mitt and Coke bottles that match the time period. We love the mural and everyone that comes here loves it. It is something so special and unique that it cannot be duplicated. We think of it as an eloquent personalized treatment in our home that was well worth the investment.” In addition to private homes, Heather can create murals for offices, schools, outdoor patios or anywhere there is a blank, boring wall. Another specialty she offers is a faux brick treatment that makes it look as thought the homeowner’s wall has real brick. Jessica Bocko, who lives in Seven Oaks, recently turned her sunroom into a bar area and hired Heather to create such a “brick” wall. “She uses a material that looks and feels like real brick,” says Bocko. “She painted by hand a 100-sq.-ft. wall, that looks like real bricks and she even uses a “grout” color to fill it in. Then, on the other walls, she added more faux brick so that it looks like the brick is showing through the wall.” “I have received so many comments from friends and neighbors,” says Bocko. “It is beyond my expectations. Heather is very flexible in her schedule, always very prompt and does not leave a mess when she leaves for the day. I have recommended her to other friends and have given her number out to

many people who like our ‘brick’ walls.” Heather has a passion for art and says she grew up with a sketch book in her hand. She received her Bachelor of Fine Art degree from William Heather Paterson University Tabman in New Jersey. In 2002, she lived in Florence, Italy, where she attended the Lorenzo De Medici School of Art and studied and practiced drawing, photography and the restoration of frescoes. Heather also has learned the ancient technique and history of Chinese ink painting and, in June of 2005, she joined several students and a master Chinese painter traveling around China studying calligraphy. She later moved to Florida to be closer to her family and now resides in Seven Oaks.

Learn From A Pro

The program is open to anyone in the community. “Some of the kids I teach at the Community Center have already been though the court system and are mandated to take art classes,” says Heather. “Art helps a lot of people deal with their problems and I have always been interested in art as therapy. It can be very healing for people to express themselves through art, because it is so powerful. [The creation of] art uses a You can catch a glimpse of Heather’s Taj different side of the brain and Mahal mural at Saffron Indian Restaurant it is so important to the learnon Cross Creek Blvd. ing process. Unfortunately, we restaurants, schools, private homes are losing it in some of our schools. and more. Prices vary based upon Some kids grow up never even hearing of a Picasso or ever taking an art class in the project. For more information about Heather’s Illusions, or to see school, but it is so important. That is more examples of her work, visit one of the reasons I volunteer to teach HeathersIllusions.com. it and offer private lessons, as well.” To set up an appointment, call Heather Tabman of Heather’s 395-4078 or email murals@heathers Illusions can create murals, artwork illusions.com. and faux brick walls for offices,

Art is not just a career for Heather but a passion she likes to share with others, especially children. She teaches classes called the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program at the University Community Center on N. 22nd St. in North Tampa (just off Bearss Ave.), which offers free art and music classes for kids ages 7-17.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 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) 388-4408

Rachel Haviland, VP

Seema Jain

Matt Palmer, Treas.

Regina Ramalheira

Connie Bladon

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

Lesley Zajac

Administrator: Karen Frashier

New Tampa Chamber Announces Annual Meeting Sept. 30! The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 30, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites on Galbreath Rd. (across from Muvico). The Chamber’s new Board of Directors will be elected at the annual meeting. In addition, the profits from the 2010 Taste of New Tampa® & Business & Health Expo will be donated to the 13 volunteer organizations who helped make the event a success. Representatives of each volunteer group are invited to attend the meeting as the Chamber’s guests and to receive their checks. We will also honor the memory of one of our founders, Frank Margarella, by recognizing a very special member with an award in Frank’s name. In other words, you will not want to miss our annual membership meeting. Chamber members, community residents and prospective members are all welcome to attend. To nominate one of our members for the first-ever Frank Margarella Award, send your nomination to info@NewTampaChamber.org. Your nomination should describe the individual Chamber member or business you feel contributed the most to the Chamber and the community or that made a difference to you and your overall Chamber experience. You might want to nominate a business or a member who was able to leverage chamber membership to successfully grow their business over the past year.

Booth Space Going Fast!

Sponsoring a booth at our annual meeting is a great way to spread the word about your business. This year, Chamber members may reserve a booth at our annual meeting at no charge — and space will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We

have 50 booth spaces available. New Tampa Chamber members who wish to reserve a booth should email info@NewTampaChamber.org. Even if you aren’t yet a Chamber member, you can join the group now to be eligible for this always-valuable opportunity.

Attention: Restaurateurs!

The Chamber also is seeking restaurant managers and caterers who want to showcase their best cuisine and share samples with our members at this special venue. We also encourage Chamber members to sell their services or products, offer coupons and provide door prizes at the event. If you’re the type of person who starts your holiday shopping early, the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting will be a great local shopping opportunity for you.

Wanted: Board Members!

Do you want to take on a more active role in the Chamber? The Board of Directors application should be available for download from our website by the time you read this article. At press time, we already have five members who have expressed an interest in joining our 2010-11 Board. We cannot think of a better way to promote your business, and help expand our New Tampa community’s value for all of its citizens at the same time. Make a difference, become one of our Board members and be a catalyst of change in New Tampa. Your application will need to be submitted to the Chamber on or before Monday, August 30 to insure that your name is considered for this year’s Board of Directors slate! During the July Board meeting, our current directors discussed the fact that we have now been a Chamber of

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. August’s luncheon will be held Monday, August 9 (see below for details). Registration & networking begin at 11:30; lunch is served at noon. After Hours “Connections” Networking Happy Hours are free & will be held Thursday, July 28, at Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Tampa Palms, 5:30 p.m. Please call the NTCC Hotline at 293-2464 for complete info.

Commerce for over a year, after changing our organization over from the New Tampa Community Council. We discussed what has worked and what we can do better. So, be on the lookout for a new searchable membership directory on our website in the very near future. We will soon revamp our membership levels, as well, to better reflect our many new and valuable membership benefits. Some of our higher service levels will include free meeting vouchers, monthly access to our member-tomember email, discounted advertising options and free sponsorship for our “Networking on the 9s” golf and netoworking opportunities. We’re trying to make it easier for you to choose the service level you want from your Chamber and get the most possible out of being a member.

Upcoming Events:

“Avoid becoming a crime victim” will be presented by Brian McNeel of

Crime Prevention Consultants at our next Chamber luncheon on Monday, August 9, noon-1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Golf Club on Regents Square Dr., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (opposite Wal-Mart). The cost to attend the luncheon is $15 for members, $20 for prospective members. RSVP before Friday, August 6. Are you into golf? Come out for nine holes and networking at our monthly “Networking on the 9s” events, also at Pebble Creek Golf Club. Our next “on the 9s” events will be on Wednesdays, July 28, and August 25. The cost is $15 per person and includes a cart. Our next “Chamber Connections” networking events will be held Thursdays, July 29, and August 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Stonewood Grill & Tavern on Pointe of Tampa Way (off BBD), Tampa Palms. Attendance is free for all Chamber members and prospective members.

Temple Ohev Shalom of New Tampa

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

Somerset Professional Park - 15283 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Cool Water Pools & Spas — Building On A Solid Reputation By John Lieberman Living in Florida is all about enjoying the outdoors. Yet, as obvious as that sounds, only recently have homebuilders begun placing as much, if not more, emphasis on “outdoor living” as they have on interior spaces. The “old” basic 8’x 12’ concrete slab (“lanai”), which was intended to fit a basic fivepiece patio set, which faces a 12’x 24’ cookie-cutter pool is quickly giving way to a far more aesthetically designed and utilitarian outdoor space. And, since 1998, Cool Water Pools & Spas, Inc., which is based in the trinity area of New Port Richey, but which has built (and remodeled) pools and decks in hundreds of homes in southern Pasco and northern Hillsborough County homes, has been way ahead of the builder curve, creating outdoor living spaces that blur the distinction between being indoors and out, literally expanding the footprint of your home’s livable space. This emphasis on “design” has made Cool Water Pools one of the best-known custom pool builders in the Tampa Bay area. Outstanding features offered by Cool Water include: rock waterfalls and grottos, beach entryways (photo on this page), extensive paver

and travertine decks, sunshelves with fountains, raised spillover spas, custom LED lighting packages, automated control systems, outdoor kitchens and raised planters with exotic foliage and so much more. Jerry Lappert, the owner & president of Cool Water Pools & Spas, is a down-toearth and modest guy who obviously is in the right business. When asked to name the most important factors contributing to his company’s long-term success, Lappert says, “First and foremost, there is always an open line of communication between myself and the customer. From design to final inspection, an ongoing dialogue is essential to a satisfied customer.” He adds, “A pool is always a major investment, regardless of budget, and it is my responsibility to make sure that it is a value-added investment. Flexibility in design is also critically important. Instead of just having standard shapes, our customers can design anything in any shape and size, that is, within the

limits of their budget, lot size and imagination. I take into account many factors of deck utilization, from outdoor kitchens and dining areas, to finding the best orientation for sun bathing, built-in planters and patio furniture. All of these design elements need to be incorporated into the layout.” As a family-owned-and-operated business for a dozen years, Lappert says Cool Water Pools has established a loyal

customer base and has built a continuous “referral” business from the moment the company began operations. Unlike franchised pool builders, Lappert notes, “Cool Water is not a ‘production’ pool company. I believe there is a point where quality begins to suffer with larger companies and customer satisfaction is rarely, if ever fully achieved. But, our customers are never just a number on a scheduling board.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Cool Water Pools has many satisfied customers who continue to refer their friends and business associates to Lappert’s company. Among those happy customers are Tony and Jenny Dinh, who told Lappert “How many compliments we’ve received from our friends how beautiful our pool and paver deck is. From the start of the project to its end, you were very accommodating in scheduling your work around our other contractor, who was doing our room addition at the same time the pool was being built. The quality work of your subcontractors has been exceptional, too.”

The Right Pool Company!

Cool Water Pools & Spas has built hundreds of custom pools and spas throughout the Tampa Bay Area, from as far south as Snell Isle and Tierra Verde in St. Petersburg to north of Spring Hill in Hernando County and throughout Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough. Given the pull-back in new construction over the past three years, Cool Water has concentrated and refocused their business in northern Pinellas, southern Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties, including Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. Lappert says that before you choose a company to design and build your custom pool or spa, “First, be sure your pool builder is a well established

(licensed and insured) enterprise with a solid local reputation. Secondly, make sure that a long-standing customer base is available for references. And always, always ask lots of questions!” For new customers, here are just a few cautionary items Lappert says you also should consider when selecting a pool builder:

• Are there any registered complaints against the contractor’s license? • What is the company’s rating with agencies like the Better Business Bureau? • Will your pool salesman or designer be available during the construction of your pool or spa? • Does your pool company pay a sales commission? • Is the price quoted the final price, or are there overlooked add-ons or hidden costs that may be tacked on to your bill later? • Are the pool designs & photos shown to you actually representative of the builder’s portfolio and abilities or are they misleading stock photos? • Are customer references readily available for you to hear/read? • Is your pool builder local enough to respond to technical questions, warranty repairs, etc.?

With more and more homeowners “staying put” during the housing downturn, Cool Water Pools & Spas has seen an increase in quotes for remodeling and add-ons to existing pools and decks. Over the past three

If you can dream it, Cool Water Pools & Spa can make it happen for you! years, Lappert says the trend has continued, with Cool Water taking on a larger number of pool and deck remodels, including spa additions, upgrading of pool finishes, replacement of waterline and cap tile, new travertine or brick coping, new decks and extensions, including brick pavers, travertine or fieldstone options. “We are seeing a huge increase in demand for both paver and travertine surfaces, which are quickly becoming the standard choice for most of our clients,” Lappert says. “Since material costs for both pavers and travertine have come way down, it has never been a better time to remodel.”

He adds, “When I ask my remodeling customers what they would have done differently [when they initially purchased their pools], the number one answer is almost always, “[I wish I had] more usable deck space.” Cool Water Pools & Spas, Inc., is a member of the Better Business Bureaus of Pinellas and Pasco counties. Complete pool packages are available starting from $19,900. For additional information or to schedule a free, in-home estimate, you can reach them Cool Water Pools & Spas at (727) 372-8822, or visit them at MyCoolWaterPool.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Business Briefs—Pulse Salon, Dollar World & More Open! Pulse Salon Is Worth Finding!

If you’ve ever driven on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. from S.R. 54 down to S.R. 56, you’ve probably seen the Dunkin’ Donuts-anchored plaza at the Mystic Oaks Blvd. entrance to Seven Oaks. Behind that retail plaza, in the Redfern Professional Park, is a gem of a new salon called Pulse Salon and Spa. This elegant, new salon provides outstanding hair cutting and more from a friendly, professionally trained, experienced staff, as well as relaxing facials and waxing by Sabiha. The amazing team of stylists — Mary, Kori, Alberto, Tisha and Gretchen — all came to Pulse from either the Aveda Salon in the Shops at Wiregrass mall or the former Mane Stop Salon in the Pebble

Creek Collection, and they all provide coloring, highlights, unique, precision cutting, Keratin treatments and hair extensions. These folks all really seem to enjoy their jobs and each other and Pulse already has many loyal clients. Pulse Salon and Spa (3756 Turman Loop) is open every day except Sunday. Call 428-6917 for appointments. And, Pulse’s official Grand Opening will be Thursday, July 29, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., which will feature wine, cheese and appetizers. Although there will be no salon services that evening, find out how you can get a complimentary cut with a color job and 30 minutes free when you buy a 30-minute facial from Sabiha all summer long. — GN

The professional staff (l. to r.: Kori, Alberto, Tisha, Gretchen, Sabiha and Mary) at the new Pulse Salon in the Redfern Professional Park (behind Dunkin’ Donuts) on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. will make you smile, too!

Dollar (& Up) World Now Open In Pebble Creek Collection!

In today’s economic climate, most of us are looking for bargains anywhere we can find them and owner Jeetu (James) Lalchandani and his family hope the people of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel will come to their new Dollar World store in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., less than a mile south of the Pasco County line. Although not everything in the store costs a (L. to r.) Owner James Lalchandani and his children dollar, the vast majority of Jiya & Varun invite Wesley Chapel residents to visit the the literally hundreds of dif- new Dollar World store on BBD Blvd. in Pebble Creek. ferent items lining the packed shelves at Dollar World cost less Varun and daughter Jiya all hope that the next time you’re driving down than $5, with the highest-priced still BBD, you’ll consider stopping in to being less than $20. In other words, browse. And remember, many of the from sunglasses to a huge selection of items in the store are seasonal, so school supplies, cookware to Hula there’s always new stuff to check out. Hoops and artifical flowers to candy Dollar World (19651 BBD and even ice cream, Dollar World truly Blvd., Suite B3, between Circles New does have a “little bit of everything, all at outstanding prices,” says James. “We Tampa Bistro and Las Palmas Spanhave stocked the shelves with items you ish Café) will take 10-percent-off any purchase over $10 with the coupon can’t find so quickly and easily at other stores and offer many in-store specials.” on page 34 of this issue. Call 3458518 to find out more. — GN James, his wife Divya, their son

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Longtime Dance Students Open Freestyle Dance Studio! Most of us who have teenage kids would be hard-pressed to believe that our children could possibly run a business of their own. I was therefore surprised when I got a call from Steve Young saying that he had helped set up his 17-year-old daughter Kristin and her friend, 16-year-old Bianca Morales, both of whom live in Wesley Chapel, in their own professional dance stuBianca Morales and Kristin Young (5th and 6th from dio, known as Freestyles left) and their friends and families celebrated the openDance Studio, located ing of Freestyles Dance Studio on S.R. 56 on July 10. on S.R. 56, in the same ballet, jazz combo, belly dancing and plaza as Little Feet shoe store. even an adult hip-hop class on Saturday Freestyles, which opened July 10, afternoons. Bianca says salsa lessons also has started its first-ever summer dance are planned in the future. camp for grades 5-12. The camp, “Kristin and Bianca have both which runs through July 28 and culminates with a final dance showcase at the been taking intensive dance classes since they were little girls,” says Young. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center on July 29, is two weeks of intensive mod- “They may be young themselves, but ern and hip-hop dance instruction, con- they are both great teachers who take their dancing very seriously.” ditioning and choreography. Freestyles Dance Studio is locatThe studio also offers a variety of ed at 27607 S.R. 56, #105. For dance classes beginning Monday, more info, call Kristin at 335-8506 August 2. Among the offerings are or Bianca at 766-9601. modern, hip-hop, daisy (beginning)

Oscar Mayer ‘Wiener mobile’ Visits The Wingate Inn

“When your job has you driving around the country in a 27-foot-long hot dog, how can you help but put smiles on people’s faces?” During a recent visit to the Wingate Inn (971-7676) in North Palms Village, “Hotdoggers” Kylie Nellis & Brian Mallioux (photo) gave me a tour of Oscar Mayer’s “Wienermobile,” which visits churches, schools and more and has put smiles on 3 mil- You’d always be smiling, too, if your job had you lion faces to date. Mission driving a 27-foot-long hot dog around the U.S. (again) accomplished!

Brass Tap’s 2nd Location!

We congratulate Jeff Martin, the owner of The Brass Tap in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, who has announced plans to open a second location in the Westfield Brandon mall on S.R. 60 this fall (probably Sept. or Oct.). The new Brass Tap will have the same look and feel as the existing location, with more than 60 beers on tap and more than 300 beers total, as well as fine wine and cigars. The new location also will allow patrons to bring in food from the fine restaurants in the mall (as they can at Wiregrass), including Cheesecake Factory, a new Japanese steakhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Sinigual Mexican Cuisine and others.

Check Out Cross Creek Auto! Here’s an easy one: Why would anyone take their vehicle (import or domestic) to their dealership when Cross Creek (CC) Auto Service has certified technicians who will do the same job just as well for less money? From oil changes to transmission rebuilds and everything in between, CC Auto (10024 CC Blvd., in the CC Center plaza) is the best place to bring your care, truck or SUV for service — and it’s right in the neighborhood! Check out the ad on page 50, call my new buddy Ray at 994-1600 and ask about CC Auto’s $19.95 oil change and $39.95 A/C per formance check-up specials! — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

Hillsborough Schools Ranked Among The Country’s Best

Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Cambridge tests, divided by the number of graduating seniors. Participation in AP and IB classes prepares students for college-level work. According to Hillsborough County School District spokesman Steve Hegarty, the District has encouraged more high school students to take rigorous courses, such as AP, in recent years. The district also has a unique partnership with the College Board to maximize AP offerings and opened its fourth International Baccalaureate program at the high school level in August 2009.

A total of 16 Hillsborough County public high schools were listed on Newsweek magazine’s 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools. Hillsborough High was the topranked local school, coming in at 43rd on the list, while Plant ranked 47th and King ranked 67th. Other schools on the list include: Robinson (112), Wharton (147), Newsome (209), Gaither (301), Plant City (333), Bloomingdale (383), Freedom (535), Chamberlain (567), Sickles (576), Alonso (686), Tampa Bay Tech (764), East Bay (792) and Lennard (1,482). Plant moved in front of King this year in what has become an annual see-saw in the rankings, while East Bay and Lennard high schools both placed for the first time. Robinson High School continued its climb, moving up from 1,202nd in 2008 to 537th last year. Wharton did not make the list in 2009, and ranked 1,303rd in 2008. Altogether, 12 schools improved their ranking, including the two that had not made the list before. The rankings are based on the number of students who take

Local 8th Graders Lead The State in FCAT Writing

Eighth graders in Hillsborough County Public Schools led the state in FCAT writing scores in 2010, according to the test scores that were released by the Florida Department of Education (DoE) in late June. The data includes reading, writing, math, and science scores at various grade levels. The DoE will now use the test scores to calculate school grades, which are not expected to be released for several weeks. Among the highlights in the data

for Hillsborough County students: • Middle and high school scores improved in reading, math, and science at all but one grade level/subject; • The percentage of students scoring at level 3 or higher in reading improved in six of eight grade levels; • The percentage of students scoring at level 3 or higher in math improved in five of eight grade levels; • The percentage of students scoring at level 3 or above in science improved at all grade levels tested, which include grades 5, 8 and 11; • The District ranks 2nd among comparable and contiguous districts in 8th and 11th grade science; • Hillsborough County ranks first in the state in 8th grade writing, with a mean score of 4.4 (tied with Martin County); • Hillsborough County ranks second among comparable and contiguous districts in 4th grade writing. The release of test scores was delayed this year due to technical difficulties experienced by NCS Pearson, the testing vendor hired by the DoE, which resulted in the scores being released more than two weeks after the last day of school in Hillsborough. Individual student scores are expected to be available for parents in late July. Principals will send out automated phone messages to parents notifying them when the scores will be

available. Parents will be asked to bring identification when they stop by school to pick up their student’s scores. For a complete list of scores for all Florida school districts and individual schools, go to the DOE website at FLDoE.org/.

WHS Band Program To Hold Summer Rehearsals

All current and incoming high school students are encouraged to join the Paul R. Wharton High Band program, which will hold a series of rehearsals and other events throughout the summer. The WHS Band Program consists of Competitive Marching Band, Visual Ensemble, Concert and Jazz Band. Upcoming important dates include: Summer Rehearsal- Thursday, July 22, and Thursday, July 29; Band Camp-August 2-5 and August 9-14; Family BBQ and Preview Performance-Saturday, August 14. Also, there is a a multifamily garage sale tentatively scheduled for 7 a.m.-noon on Saturday, August 7, in the south parking lot at the school, with all proceeds benefit the band program. For more information, contact band director Jason Allgair at Jason.Allgair@sdhc.k12.fl.us or the Band Boosters Club at Lauriekacz@ yahoo.com. — MS

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Noon Rotary President Wins Soccer Rematch 20 Years Later By Gary Nager Even though he currently is the president of the New Tampa Noon Rotary Rotary Club, local commercial Realtor Scott Hileman is an unassuming guy who would much rather talk about his beautiful family than about his own athletic prowess. However, Hileman is an Arizona native and former professional indoor soccer player who recently put on a Nike-sponsored version of his old high school uniform to again play goalie in a rematch between two teams that, together, have been dubbed in other media as “the greatest collection of high school soccer talent” in Arizona’s history. No fewer than 10 of the 36 players on those two teams — Hileman’s Marcos de Niza High of Tempe and Brophy College Prep in Phoenix — went on to play college soccer and six played professionally. The classic 1990 title game ended in a 0-0 tie, sometime after which the Arizona Interscholastic Association decided that high school championship games should not end in a tie. But, when a former Brophy play-

er enticed Gatorade to sponsor the rematch for its televised “Replay” series of high school championship games that ended in a tie, Hileman made the trip back to his home state for the game, which aired on Fox Sports-Arizona. Two of the players in the rematch game — Marcos defender Greg Vanney and former Brophy and Tampa Bay Mutiny goalkeeper Scott Garlick — went on to play Major League Soccer and Vanney also made more than 30 appearances with the U.S. national team between 1997 and 2005. One local news story said that Hileman’s teammates believed they had won the original game in overtime on a header that hit the crossbar and bounced behind the goal line — similar to the disallowed goal by England against Germany in the 2010 World Cup (see page 3). This time around, however, Hileman and his Marcos de Niza teammates made sure they got the win, beating Brophy Prep 2-0, as Hileman said he made “four or five” saves and Garlick faced “six or seven” shots. Vanney, an original MLS player who holds or held the Arizona high

Former Marcos de Nida High (Tempe, AZ) goalie and local commercial Realtor Scott Hileman made all the plays as his former school won a Gatorade-sponsored rematch of the 1990 Arizona high school championship 2-0. school record for assists in a season (13) and goals in a season (33), was the state’s Player of the Year for the 1991-92 season. Hileman says Vanney scored one of the two goals and assisted on the other in the rematch. “Greg can definitely still play,” Hileman said afterward. “Actually, it was a little surprising how many of the guys were still in good enough shape to play at a pretty high level.” Hileman, who played at the University of Portland (OR) and then

nine years with the Baltimore Blast of the Major Indoor Soccer League, also played for the U.S. Futsal team in the 2004 World Indoor Championships in Taipei. He says the best thing about the Replay match was “The chance to get together with all those guys again. I have a lot of friends on both teams.” Scott Hileman, MBA, CCIM, ALC, is with Nye Commercial Advisors (26230 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz). Call 973-0214 for more information.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA NT Patriots Have Openings For Players, Cheerleaders

The New Tampa Patriots youth tackle football and cheerleading programs have openings for players and coaches for the Fall 2010 season. Practices begin in August. Please contact registrar Val Mills at vmills2@tampabay.rr.com. Visit NewTampaPatriots.com for additional information about the Patriots program or about Pop Warner football.

Sports Briefs WRH Hosting Summer Volleyball Camp

Rising 6th-9th graders who are interested in playing volleyball are invited to attend a camp that will be held at Wiregrass Ranch High July 27-29. The cost for the camp is $75, which includes a T-shirt, instruction time and an in-camp tournament. For more information, contact WRH head volleyball coach Mindy Kantor at 346-6000 or via email at mkantor@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Local Youth Player Invited To Attend ‘Top Gun’ Football Camp

Tampa Palms resident Jason Stokes may be young, but he’s already catching the eyes of some of the country’s best judges of football talent, as he recently received an invitation to participate in the Football University (FU) “Top Gun” prep football all-star camp, which will be held at the Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg, VA, July 21-24. The 4’-10”-tall, 90-lb. Stokes, who plays running back and cornerback for the New Tampa Sharks program and for Liberty Middle School, where he is a rising seventh grader, received the invitation after participating in several other elite-level camps and events over the past year, including the inaugural Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl, which was played in Myrtle Beach, SC, this past January. The Top Gun camp is a pretty exclusive affair, as only the top 900 youth and high school players from around the country are invited to attend. At the camp, they will receive instruction from former NFL players and coaches, and alumni include some of pro football’s top players. As a result of receiving his invitation to the camp,

Jason Stokes Jason also is eligible to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January 2011. According to Jason’s dad Curtis, however, he most enjoyed attending the University of Miami football camp this summer, where he had the opportunity to study under ‘Canes head coach Randy Shannon. “That’s his favorite school,” Curtis says. — MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 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

Meadow Pointe - 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home with inground pool and screened lanai. Repairs needed are reflected in the asking price: $136,000. SHORT SALE. Call or email Diane Acken for information or to see the property. Diane@DianeAcken.com

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Temple Terrace - Unique, historical-looking Cape Cod home located in the heart of Temple Terrace overlooking the Golf Course. 4+bedrooms, 3 baths w/ wood flooring & storage galore. Beautiful trees give this home a secluded feeling but located less than a mile from shopping. $285,000

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

Lutz - Three bedroom, three bath custom built home on a lakefront homesite. 1/3 acre. Hardwood floors. Fireplace. This home also includes a 22x16 attached workshop. Great location only minutes to I-275. $219,500

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Meadow Pointe - Pasco 4Br/2Ba/3 car garage. 2000 sf with awesome view on pond and conservation. Volume ceilings, extended screened lanai. Built in 2003. Make your offer. $175,000

Hunters Green - Pristine 4 bedroom, two bath on large, private fenced homesite. Newer paint and carpet thru-out. All appliances included. Volume ceilings, master suite downstairs. Extra large screened lanai. Guard gated golf community. $248,000

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

D ICE L PR O SEL T

W NE TING IL S

Cory Lake Isles - Waterfront 4+game room/3/3, 3381 square feet. Spacious master & luxurious bath. Gourmet kitchen, breakfast bar & matching Stainless Steel Kitchen Aid appliances. Large screened, heated pool & spa. Private dock. Front load washer and dryer convey. Professionally landscaped. $516,000

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Cory Lake Isles - Custom builder elevation plans available from David Weekley Homes including dock! Corner vacant lot with direct access to 165 acre ski lake. Easy access to shopping, USF, Moffit, VA, and all major highways. $119,000

Cory Lake Isles - Located on an oversized, conservation lot. This 2 story, 4/4.5/3 w/ downstairs master, separate formal living & dining. Remaining 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, loft area & sequestered office space upstairs. Kitchen has Corian counters, white appliances, 42” glass/solid wood cabinets. Custom paver deck, screened heated pool & spa with outdoor kitchen w/ adjoining full pool bath. $437,500 D ICE ELL R P OS T

Plantation Palms - 3 +office/2 /3. Bamboo floors, master shower w/dual heads; wood burning FP, Corian, hurricane resist/dual pane windows. Warm color palette. Bosch front load washer and dryer convey. Golf course frontage. $229,900

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SEE THESE PROPERTIES CALL JUDI BECK (813) 380-3866

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Transportation” Continued from page 1

rail advocate, “I’m a mobility advocate; and this will help us move more people more effectively.” Sharpe (photo) added that New Tampa (which wasn’t even considered for a rail line at all under the original plan proposed by former County Commissioner Ed Turanchik), is now being pushed as the “test” line (the first segment to be built) for the entire commuter rail system in Tampa. “I believe New Tampa will benefit greatly from a rail line along Bruce B. Downs,” Sharpe said. “Studies of these light rail systems in other cities, like Charlotte, North Carolina, show that the areas that get the tracks definitely benefit financially from them.” That same evening, former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis (D-Tampa), whom many speculate will run for Mayor of Tampa in 2011, appeared with Chuck Sykes, the CEO of Sykes Enterprises (who previously served as the chairman of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce), and Ray Chiaramonte of the Hillsborough Tampa Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) at the New Tampa Regional Library, where maybe 30 people, some of whom didn’t live in New Tampa, heard the same message about the MHF campaign and why we need to vote for the tax. Davis reiterated Sharpe’s theme

that of the 30 or 35 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., Tampa Bay and Detroit were the only ones not to have a passenger rail system. And, despite concerns from the audience that Tampa was too spread out and not densely populated Mark Sharpe enough to properly support such a system, Davis said, “Light rail has worked in other cities even less densely populated than Tampa,” including not only Charlotte, but also Portland, OR, and others. Davis and Sykes also noted that the funding for the transit system also includes funding for immediately increasing bus service to help get people to and from the rail lines without using their cars at all, when possible.

A Few Issues To Consider

On the surface of it, I like the idea of a light rail system linking us to downtown Tampa, Tampa International Airport and (someday, if Pinellas does follow suit) to the beaches and/or downtown St. Pete and even to the Shops at Wiregrass mall (if Pasco also builds a connection to our line). I genuinely also believe these very intelligent, eloquent people when they say light rail will improve our ability to travel around

our county and the entire Bay area. But, the fact that New Tampa, after being an afterthought addition to the original plan, is now being pushed as the first line to be built, linking our area to the University of South Florida and downtown, has me concerned. After reviewing the MHF plan, I think the rail line is a much bigger logistical nightmare than these very respectable folks would have us believe. I don’t see how we can really know what the actual cost will be of building not only the rail line itself, but of creating and getting people to the park-and-ride lots. Does approval of this tax really mean that we’re going to have HARTline buses going through our very large subdivisions, many of which are gated? How many buses will we need to get everyone who wants to get to USF, University Community or the VA Hospital, much less downtown? When the original BBD addition was made to Turanchik’s rail plan, the line was supposed to go down the center of BBD, but now it appears that it will be located on the east side of BBD. Why? Will the rail line and the trains even fit under the I-75 overpass? How will the addition of sometimes speeding trains affect the businesses (and the safety of shoppers) located on that side of the now-being-widened BBD? And, speaking of New Tampa’s biggest and most problematic roadway,

why is it being presented to the public that if we don’t vote for the tax, the $18 million for BBD, the $4.5 million to finish widening Cross Creek (CC) Blvd. to Morris Bridge Rd. and the hundreds of millions needed for all the road improvements we need countywide will not be able to be found — even though both Sharpe and Chiaramonte told their respective audiences that there already is other money available and earmarked for both BBD and CC Blvds., without the tax? As I said before, I still support the tax itself, because I recognize the need for improving our transportation situation, not only here in New Tampa, but county and even Tampa Bay area-wide. I believe light rail can work here. But, as I’ve stated in these pages before, I’m from Long Island, NY, where the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is one of the original and most successful commuter rail systems in the country. The LIRR allowed me and a friend, as 16year-olds, to travel by ourselves to the Hayden Planetarium and Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. It was awesome. But, when our connecting train home that night was delayed 45 minutes, the three scariest words in my vocabulary became “Change at Jamaica.” My kids are both over 18 now, but I’m betting “Change at Suitcase City” could be just as scary to the kids of New Tampa. Think about it.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Saddlebrook Resort & Spa Is Literally In Your Back Yard! By Gary Nager We have nice hotels in New Tampa. We’ve got great golf courses...and really nice salons, spas, fitness centers, tennis courts and even wonderful restaurants. But, there’s only one place in all of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel that offers all of those amenities in one spectacular 600-acre location — Saddlebrook Resort & Spa Tampa, located off S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, less than 20 minutes from anywhere in New Tampa! In fact, when I first started this “Summer Staycation Spectacular” last month, Saddlebrook was again my first thought because it has all amenities that compare favorably with the finest resorts I’ve ever stayed at and it’s so close that you can leave work at five and be lounging by the Saddlebrook Superpool by 5:30, enjoying one of the best steaks in the Tampa Bay area by 7

and be playing golf or tennis or enjoying truly European-style spa services all weekend long. Saddlebrook may not be on the beach, but you won’t have to fight that beach traffic in both directions and you’ll be treated like royalty throughout your stay. From the valet parking crew to the concierge desk to the spa attendants, everyone at Saddlebrook makes you feel like they really mean it when they say “My pleasure to serve (or assist) you!”

Nothing Typical About It!

Here’s a “typical” day at Saddlebrook: Wake up from your Saddlebrook “Bed of Paradise” at a leisurely hour in your gorgeous room (or suite — there are 540 accommodations at Saddlebrook, including 400 1- and 2-bedroom suites!) and enjoy room service or breakfast at the always-delicious Tropics restaurant, where you can enjoy a continental or hot buffet breakfast or have omelettes, French toast or Belgian waffles made to order until 11 a.m.! Your room will be equipped with everything from an ironing board to Signature Tropical Tea bath products, porch or patio, hair dryer, EVERYTHING to Imagine a twilight dinner by the Superpool — if you make you feel right at home. can dream it, you can do it at Saddlebrook!

Each of the more than 400 1- and 2-bedroom suites at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa Tampa is nearly as luxurious and spacious as this Presidential Suite.

The Arnold Palmer-designed Saddlebrook and Palmer courses offer great challenges for experienced duffers, but Saddlebrook also offers a great “New Player Academy” (above) and “Play with a Pro” lessons for those still learning the game. Then, golfers can hit the links on either of two truly scenic, challenging championship courses, tennis players can play on 45 courts in every Grand Slam surface or take lessons at the Hopman Academy from the pros who have taught everyone from Pete Sam-

pras to Jim Courier to John Isner (the guy who recently won the longest match ever at Wimbledon) or start out at a leisurely pace by lounging at the Superpool. Or, enjoy the world-class fitness See “Saddlebrook” on page 36.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Saddlebrook”

Continued from page 35 center and follow that up with a visit to The Spa, where you can get everything from amazing couples massages to facials, aromatherapy, and hair and nail services. If pampering is what you need, The Spa has got you covered! If he’s a golfer and she’s not (or vice-versa), or if you have kids, there’s always so much to do at Saddlebrook. You can play regular or water basketball, water volleyball, ping-pong, rent bicycles, go fishing or let the kids have a blast without you at the S’Kid’s Club for ages 4-12!

Outstanding Dining

Anyone who’s been reading this publication for any number of years probably knows that I lived in the community inside the gates at Saddlebrook,

If you’ve been needing a pedicure, visit The Spa at Saddlebrook!

adjacent to the resort. At that time, although Saddlebrook was always a gorgeous place, I’d have to say the food was average at best (although the hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by the Superpool were always awesome). The past few years, however, the restaurants at the resort have been transformed into some of the best fine dining establishments you’ll find anywhere. The Tropics Restaurant isn’t always open for dinner, but the recently revamped and beautiful Tropics Lounge is — and it offers the same great menu as The Tropics. But, there’s no doubt that Dempsey’s Steak House, which is proudly named for Saddlebrook owner Tom Dempsey, is as terrific a restaurant as there is in the entire Bay area. The service is always impeccable and At Dempsey’s Steak House, you can enjoy not only the best bone-in Cowboy ribthe food is well worth the price. eye steak in the Tampa Bay area, but also the most elegant salad bar and sides For example, you haven’t had a like fresh asparagus and the crispiest steak house hash browns anywhere! salad bar until you’ve had the salad, AND 7th nights FREE! The package Cowboy ribeye steak at least once and cheese, olive, bread and side dishes like includes: a hotel room, 1- or 2-bedpair it with the best and crispiest steak balsamic-sautéed onions at Dempsey’s. room suite, 2 adult breakfasts daily house hash browns anywhere! And Think the salad bar is too filling (even remember, Dempsey’s and The Tropics per paid night of stay, plus free though it’s soooo worth it)? you can breakfast for 2 children 10 and are always open to the public, whether have a wonderful Caesar salad prepared under, one hour biking on property you stay at the resort or not! tableside. Or, start with those wonderSaddlebrook Resort & Spa daily, S'Kids Club for 2 hours per ful Maryland lump crab cakes or truly Tampa (5700 Saddlebrook Way, day for 2 days, overnight valet parkcolossal shrimp cocktail. Wesley Chapel) is of fering an aweing for one car and 30-minute golf Then, although the Gulf snapper, some summer special: Stay for 3 and tennis clinics. Chilean sea bass and other fresh nights and get the 4th night FREE! Call Saddlebrook at 973-1111 seafood may be hard to resist, you have Or, stay for 5 nights and get the 6th for details or visit Saddlebrook.com. to try Dempsey’s huge, 22-oz. bone-in

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Circles New Tampa Bistro Reopens Under New Management An editorial by Gary Nager There’s just no easy way to say goodbye to someone who isn’t going anywhere. Anyone who has read this publication the last nine or ten years or so knows how much I love Circles New Tampa Bistro and owners Donna and Louie Sinudom. Circles has been my favorite restaurant (and our readers’ fave as well) in New Tampa every year since Donna and Louie converted the former Mama Mae’s Pizza into this unique Thai/American/Italian fusion experience with sauces like few others in the entire Tampa Bay area. Well, as of July 1, Donna and Chef Louie no longer own Circles. There. I said it in print and yeah, it hurts...at least a little. The good news, other than the fact that the Sinudoms live in Wesley Chapel, so I can still have a glass of wine with Donna, is that we can still pour that glass of malbec (or whatever) at Circles. I can even have it while enjoying my favorite garlic pepper filet (well, NY strip, but that’s a long story), Hunan chicken and peanuts (even though I really don’t like peanuts; go figure) and black-and-white-sesame-crusted tuna (which has a sauce so good it

might be illegal in some states) because that awesome Circles menu is still available — at least for now. In addition to being my good friend and favorite restaurateur (although I am close with many of the restaurant owners in this part of town), Donna also is the reason, as far as I’m concerned, that there still is a New Tampa Noon Rotary Club. Even though our club is still the smallest of the three New Tampa Rotaries, I believe our core group has stayed together in no small part because none of us ever wanted to stop enjoying the best and most varied lunch in New Tampa. Seriously. On the other hand, I already feel great things about new owners Sandy (the “front of the store”) Antona and Chef Santino Baisi, even though, as I’m writing this, I’ve yet to be able to sample any of Santino’s cuisine, as he and Sandy were still repainting and doing other touchups on the place with the soft reopening scheduled for about the day you receive this publication in your mailbox (July 16 or 17). The reasons I still feel so good about Circles are: 1) Santino has owned, managed and cooked at great Italian restaurants and pizzerias in

many parts of New York, from the Bronx to Croton-on-Hudson, 2) Donna is genuinely excited about sampling Santino’s homemade raviolis, red and pink sauces and everything else he has planned, 3) our Rotary Club will still get to enjoy lunch at Circles, 4) Sandy already has been a pleasure to work with and 5) you can just see how ready and excited both of them are about embarking on a new journey in a new community that he is certain will embrace his cuisine. And yes (sigh), he does plan to change some things up, in some part based on the dishes you folks — Circles’ wonderful customers — tell him you won’t be able to live without. But, he definitely has many changes and additions coming as he settles in and gets to know what the people in this area will really enjoy. For one thing, Santino is eventually going to convert the current “family dining side” of Circles into an Italian deli and hot and cold specialties (like that homemade ravioli) market, sort of a much-more-awesomesounding version of the old Mazzola’s Little Italy on Cross Creek Blvd. Meanwhile, the fine dining other side of Circles will remain just that. It

Louie & Donna Sinudom of Circles New Tampa Bistro at a Rotary Pig Roast. also will be where Santino will begin experimenting right away by offering different daily specials, even as he and Sandy continue to offer Circles’ existing menu. If your mouth isn’t watering at least a little right now (‘cause mine is), I must be getting old or not as good at my job as I used to be. In other words, even though I’m sad that Donna and Louie will no longer be the driving forces behind the restaurant that has been both my favorite and yours every year since Mama Mae’s went away, I really am jazzed over the possibilities of the new Circles. Break a leg, Sandy and Santino. (Man, do I love show business!)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Aja Invites New Tampa To Dine, Drink & Dance In Style! By Gary Nager I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard people in my age group in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel — single and married — say that there simply, “isn’t a place for us to go out at night in our area.” Well, forget all that. The Shops at Wiregrass mall is doing everything it can to make the mall a true destination for people of all ages, including “old folks” like yours truly! In addition to already-rocking hot dining and fun spots like The Brass Tap, Prime Bar, GrillSmith, Cantina Laredo and Pagelli’s, The Shops is now also home to Aja Wiregrass, the sister to the popular Aja Channelside restaurant and night club. “This is exactly what we’ve needed” is about all I hear every time I visit Aja. Even though it’s only been open a short time and the mid-week crowds aren’t yet as tightly packed as those on Friday and Saturday nights, Aja is truly a New Tampa/Wesley Chapel “thing.” As far as the eye can see, welldressed (O.K., not quite so well when I’m there) men and women from their 20s to their 50s are enjoying valet parking, great cocktails, the way-hot servers, bartenders and hosts/hostesses, dancing and yes, great food, too.

Too Much Fun?

In order to build its following during the week, Aja offers specials virtually every day. For example, Monday is “In the Biz” Hospitality Night, with half-off house wines, select cocktails, domestic beers, and appetizers. Coming soon is Latin Night every Wednesday and every Thursday already is Ladies Night, with prize The outside of Aja Wiregrass is beautiful, but your bartenders (l. to r.) Crystal, Austin and giveaways and compliMusette make the inside even more spectacular. mentary champagne and martinis from 9 p.m.-11 which Aja director of marketing Gour met Cuisine p.m. for all ladies and Tha Mixfits Christina Navatta says will definitely I have to admit that I really wasn’t playing top hits through the generabe back by popular demand. expecting Aja to have such truly outtions. Every Friday, you can enjoy Looking for a truly Happy Hour? standing, obviously fresh cuisine, but complimentary food selections, 5 Aja offers $4 calls, $5 premium liquors considering that Executive Chef Josh p.m.-7 p.m. Different popular live and $7 super premiums, plus $5 Melich came to Aja from the Renaisbands play 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. and DJ Happy Hour appetizers every Monsance Vinoy Resort and Gallagher's dancing is available every Friday and day-Wednesday, 7 p.m.—8 p.m. and 4 Steakhouse, I suppose I shouldn’t be Saturday, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. p.m.—2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. surprised at all. And so far, both bands I’ve seen And, Aja has a unique outdoor But seriously, don’t ever confuse have been smoking hot, playing seating area that has retractable walls Aja with the typical bar serving typical everything from today’s dance and to protect against inclement weather bar food. From great appetizers like pop hits to old-time rock and R & B. and the patio area has ceiling fans so freshly made guacamole with plantain I loved Hook’d, the band that was big they can even keep you cool in the chips (yum) and excellent fried calaplaying the weekend we went to press, Florida heat. Really. mari to recently added entrées like filet

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

(Above) Aja Wiregrass has excellent (clockwise from top left) fried calamari, grilled chicken, sautéed snapper and filet mignon. (Right) The bar is hopping, the drinks are awesome and the bands rock. It’s no wonder we say “Aja Wiregrass is a New Tampa/Wesley Chapel thing!” mignon, balsamic grilled chicken and options on the menu, too, including a truly excellent snapper in lemon but- bruschetta, the “Home” salad (with ter sauce, Aja’s food is an enhancehearts of palm, artichoke and ment of the overall experience, as romaine), pannini sandwiches and flatopposed to detracting from it. All of bread pizzas. the side dishes served — sautéed green beans, grilled asparagus, artiUpcoming Special Events choke risotto, etc. — all look and taste Aja, which is a member of the absolutely fresh. And the full menu is Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of served until 1 a.m. every day it’s open. Commerce, supports the community, There’s plenty of other great too, with upcoming events like an offi-

cial ribbon-cutting on Thursday, August 12, 5:30 p.m., followed by an American Cancer Society Kick Off Party at 6 p.m. The ACS kickoff is for the Breast Cancer walk that will be held in October at Wiregrass. The club also is a sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s upcoming Breast Cancer Walk in Oct. 2010. Then, on Thursday, August 19, 7 p.m., Aja will host “Our Stimulus

Package” Book Event and Signing. And, on Saturday, August 21, Aja will be participating in the Bike Night and Poker Walk at the Shops. Aja Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.) is open Monday-Wednesday, 7 p.m.2 a.m., and Thursday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. It is closed on Sundays. For additional information, visit Aja Wiregrass.com or call 994-0002. To reser ve a table, call 781-6335.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Summer Camp Programs Offer A Variety Of Fun Things To Do The summer is still sizzling, so here’s the last time we’ll be able to run our 2010 Summer Camp Guide. Please note that some programs may be filled, so please call in advance if you want your child to attend any of the camps on these pages. - 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-In-Training program for teens ages 12-15. There is a one-time registration fee of $35, and the first 60 children who register will receive a backpack and T-shirt. Daily and weekly rates and extended care hours are available. For more information about these programs, call 973-4220 or visit HuntersGreenCC.com.

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, genderspecific half-day camps and the new “Activate America” program, which encourages kids to be 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. The cost is $200 per camper per session, which includes the cost of all art supplies. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. For additional information, visit YouDoTheDishes.com or call 975-1700.

Academic Edge Summer Courses

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

All Star Summer Camp

Sports + Field Athletic Club (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel) hosts weekly All Star Summer Camps for children entering grades K-6. The camp features team sports, arts and crafts, karate, dance, waterslide, Wii competitions, board

games, Zumba and surprise visitors. Each week of the camp will have a special sports theme. Full-day sessions are from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for $105 per camper; halfday sessions are 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. for $85 per camper, and there also is a $50 registration fee (half off for Sports + Field members) per camper. Campers also are required to bring their own water bottles, healthy snacks and lunch. For information, call 948-5517 or visit Sport- Campers learn painting and other art forms at sAndField.net. the You Do The Dishes Summer Art Fest camp. Old Water St. in downtown Tampa). Summer At The Campers will be able to investiLakes gate pioneer life, check out archaeoloThe summer camp program at the Academy at The Lakes (2331 Col- gy, comb the museum for mysteries and search for Tampa’s urban treaslier Pkwy. in Land O’Lakes) includes ures. Sessions are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. archery, arts and crafts, baking, basethrough August 6. The cost is $135 ball, basketball, cheerleading, Chinese for History Center members; $150 for language classes, dance, drama, field trips, flag football, math review, model non-members, and extra care is available for an additional $15 per week. rockets, movie making, photography, For more information, visit reading club, recreational games, SAT prep, sewing, soccer, tumbling, volley- TampaBayHistoryCenter.org or call 675-8960. ball, writing skills and more, for campers ages 3 through rising ninth Florida Aquarium graders. Camp runs through August 6, 8:30 am.-3 p.m. each day, with full- AquaCamp Explore the wonders of life in the and half-day sessions and extended ocean with the Florida Aquarium’s care is available. 2010 AquaCamp, which includes sciFor more info, including the ence activities, animal encounters, fees for each camp, visit academywater sports and more. The camp is atthelakes.org/campus life/sumfor ages 3-15, but 6-year-olds must mer-program or call 948-7600. have completed kindergarten to be in Tampa Bay History Center all-day camps. Prices vary, depending on the child’s age and camp. Camps Summer Camp run through August 20, with fullKids in grades 3-5 can learn and half-day sessions available. The about the history of the Tampa Bay Aquarium is located at 701 Channelarea through games, arts and crafts, gallery experiences and field trips dur- side Drive in downtown Tampa. For more info, call 273-4000 ing a series of weekly camps offered at or visit FLAquarium.org. the Tampa Bay History Center (801

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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 kingdom while hiking through the zoo, exploring behind the scenes and cooling off in the zoo’s water play areas. Adventure camps include animal encounters, keeper talks, educational shows, games, crafts and more. The camps are eall weel-long and run from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily, although extended care is available from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for an additional fee. Call 935-8552, ext. 268, or visit LowryParkZoo.com for additional information.

MOSI Science Camps

Bring out the scientist in your child with the amazing variety of summer science camp programs offered at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (4801 E. Fowler Ave.). With more than 100 different camps to choose from for kids from ages 2-17, 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, twoday and even travel camps, as well as special camps for talented and gifted students, too. 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’s fifth annual Summer Hockey Camp. The final session this summer will be July 1923 at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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 Kids who are animal lovers will love the summer with wild animals, ride the roller coasters and camp programs offered at Lowry Park Zoo. other rides and enjoy a The Lightning Summer Camp is variety of other interesting educational a high-tempo program designed to activities. The camps are for campers help boys and girls ages 6-18 develop from preschool to 8th grade and cost hockey skills, conditioning and power $240 per camper, per week (with skating. Players will receive on-ice some discounts available to Busch instruction from Lightning Alumnus Gardens Passholders). The camps run and two time NHL All Star, Brian through August 20. Lunch, snack Bradley and former Lightning captain and juice are provided. Dave Andreychuk will make a special For more info, call (877) 248appearance. The cost is only $399 per 2267 or visit swbg-adventurecamp. camper per session. com/adventure-camps. For complete information, visit Lightning.nhl.com.

Tampa Theatre Film Camp 2010

forming Arts (1010 N. MacInnes Pl., downtown Tampa) offers more than 40 different 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 through 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.

Performing Arts Camps

The Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Per-

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 final live action camp session will be held July 19-23, and the stopmotion animation sessions are July

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Caetano’s New Bostonian Hair Studio Truly A Labor Of Love! By Gary Nager Even though his original Bostonian Hair Studio in Tampa Palms has been closed for more than a year, most area residents still recognize the name of the salon’s owner, District 7 Tampa City Council member Joseph Caetano. After being one of the New Tampa area’s original business owners, having opened the first Bostonian salon in 1988, Caetano was a victim of the local economic downturn who promised he would open another salon someday. Well, in January of this year, Caetano began making good on that promise by signing a lease on a small space in a new shopping center located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, just north of S.R. 56. Then, in April, Caetano’s new Bostonian Hair Studio opened in the same plaza as The Hungry Greek restaurant and Dickey’s BBQ, after only about three months of intense labor on his part, although Joseph says it was definitely a labor of love. “I designed and built everything in this salon myself,” Caetano says proudly. “I installed and stained the floor and most everything else in here because I really wanted to get it right.” Caetano, who does still do some

styling himself, also has assembled a wonderful team of professional hair stylists and aestheticians at the new salon, including “facialist” Kim Moore, who has 20 years of experience, including several at the former Bostonian Salon & Spa. Moore, who also does bikini waxing, microdermabrasion, nail services, permanent makeup and other spa treatments, says she loves the two treatment rooms at the new Bostonian. “It’s just a really nice work environment,” Kim says. “The customers seem to like it; Joseph did a great job of putting this place together.” Other stylists at the new Bostonian include Joanna, who previously worked at the HQ Aveda salon in The Shops at Wiregrass mall; Stacy, who was formerly with J. Joseph Salon in Land O’Lakes (Stacy also is a nail specialist who also provides waxing and facial services; and Teresa, who has been with Bostonian, Salon Athena and others. “Guest rep” Kim also had worked at HQ Aveda. “Our advertising in the Neighborhood News already has brought us a lot of new customers,” Joseph says. “So many people have started calling and coming in, saying ‘I had no idea you were back in business.’ It’s been a really interesting couple of months.” At one time, Caetano owned two

The staff of the new Bostonian Hair Studio on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel includes (l. to r.) Teresa, Stacy, Kim (Moore), Joseph Caetano, Kim and Joanna. Bostonian salons, with the second location less than a mile south of the Pasco/Hillsborough county line, in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center “I sold that salon to one of my former employees,” Joseph says. “I really didn’t know for sure if our customers would find us here in Wesley Chapel, but I think we’ll be just fine.” The new salon and spa is a lot smaller than the Tampa Palms Bostonian, but Caetano says there is room for him to grow if everything clicks.

“The restaurants in this plaza have definitely helped us already,” he says. We’ve had a lot of very excited people walking in after eating lunch.” Call the new Bostonian Hair Studio (2653 BBD, Suite 105) at 991-7887 for an appointment and ask about the salon’s July specials — 20-percent-of f any Keratin complex treatment, 2-for-1 microdermabrasion treatments and a free deep conditioning treatment with ever y shampoo, cut and blow-dr y.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Fingerstyle’ Guitarist Shaun Hopper Opens For Deacon Blues July 24! By John Lieberman Although the classic rock guitarists of the 1960s and ‘70s — from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana to Jimmy Page — changed music forever, there’s no doubt that there were other guitarists from that era (including James Taylor, Chet Atkins and Jim Croce) who also helped revolutionize a different style of guitar playing known as “fingerstyle” guitar. The rock legends who played in classic bands like Led Zeppelin and The Hendrix Experience were outstanding guitarists, but were each only responsible for the lead and/or rhythm guitar portions of the music they played. Before there were rock bands, however, guitarists who used the fingers of their right hand independently to play the bass lines, percussion, melody and harmony portions of a song also revolutionized music — and fingerstyle guitar is making a big comeback today. Fingerstyle is both a long-standing classification as well as an evolving genre, continually advancing along with the virtuosity and imagination of its players. Tracing its roots back to classical music, fingerstyle is both a technique and a methodology which allows a performer to play several of the musical elements of a song simultaneously.

The best way to understand fingerstyle guitar, aside from watching it performed live, is to search YouTube.com and sample a few artists. Many of the top fingerstyle players will typically cross over several genres at once, playing classical in one moment, blues, jazz or flamenco in the next. For example start your search with: Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian guitarist who frankly defies description. Other advanced players include Phil Keaggy, Laurence Juber, Pete Huttlinger, Doyle Dykes and Muriel Anderson, all of whom span several musical genres in their repertoires. Also on YouTube is child prodigy Sungha Jung, a 12 year old from South Korea. Also among these virtuosos are Wesley Chapel’s own guitar prodigy (photo) Shaun Hopper (ShaunHopper .com) and Michael Martz of the new Deacon Blues Band, a popular New Tampa-based group (see listings at end of story). Both are members of the Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild, which was formed in 2005 by four founding members seeking to share their passion for this unique art. The Guild’s mission was straightforward — to increase public awareness of this high art form, to enhance our culture by offering the public a higher standard of guitar musicianship, to

Fingerstyle guitar virtuoso Shaun Hopper build a fellowship of fingerpickers who encourage and inspire fellow musicians and, last but not least, have a good time together. The Guild offers informal meetings and workshops, independent “showcases” and members of the Guild also may be hired to play at your events and the group will try to find the “best fit” of players to meet the specific needs of any performance/ event. Each member of the Guild’s performance roster has achieved at least an intermediate level of fingerstyle expertise and many are seasoned professionals. All of the equipment used is state-of-the-art and is set up specifically to meet the nuances of your room or setting.

See Them Live!

Individual members of the Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild have played everything from local bar gigs to charitable events and have appeared

everywhere from the former Soviet Union, Europe and the Vatican to New York City, Chicago and throughout the Southeast & Midwest. Locally, Guild members have played for numerous hotels and venues throughout the Bay area, from the Don Cesar to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and on many radio and TV stations. Shaun Hopper will be performing on Saturday, July 17, 8:30 p.m., at the International Bier Garten, located at 16540 S.R. 54 in Lutz (just east of the Suncoast Pkwy.), and will open for the Deacon Blues at Skipper’s Smokehouse in North Tampa (Skipper Rd. at N. Nebraska Ave.) on Saturday, July 24. Guild Member Ted Wray will be performing at the International Bier Garten on Saturday, August 21, 8:30 p.m. Guild members also will perform at the Whistle Stop Bar & Grill, 915 Main St., Safety Harbor on Friday, July 30, Saturday, August 7, and Saturday, September 11, all 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. The Guild also plays at the Country Pizza Inn (34726 U.S. Hwy 19 N.) in Palm Harbor every Monday this summer, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested; call Donna at (727) 789-4545. For more about the Guild, visit TBFGG. com. email info@tbfgg.com or call Jim Holesha at (727) 647-4504.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Soccer”

Continued from page 3 matches that count. Here’s how: Every World Cup country with the exception of the U.S. and places like North Korea, has a true “Premier” club league featuring the best talent in that country (and yes, they do often bring in talented players from other countries for these club teams) squaring off against each other in very long seasons that I have heard some Europeans and South Americans say are actually a little too long. I say that instead of paying individual players to come here, the U.S. should spend money to bring two of the top teams from the Premier leagues in Brazil, Germany and England to play one game on their schedule in a major U.S. city each year. Imagine how many people would pay to see Real Madrid vs. Barcelona FC in Miami? Or Manchester United vs. Chelsea in Boston? I think people who never watch soccer except maybe during the World Cup would love to see that. I also think the foreign teams would love to have a reason to bring the world’s best footballers to New York, L.A., D.C. and Chicago.

I also believe, although true soccer fans tell me it can never happen, that the World Cup should be played every two years instead of every four. No matter how good these guys may be, three World Cups span 12 years, which means that players in their early 20s are too old to compete for their respective countries for very long. I know it takes nearly two years to finish the qualifying for each field of 32, but I believe it could be shortened to 18 months, so that the teams who qualify aren’t then waiting around watching their players get old or hurt for two more years before getting to play for the Cup. I also would love to see soccer become what it is, for the most part, around the world — a way for poor, hungry people to pull themselves up and make big money, something many don’t believe can happen here because our greatest athletes all want to play in the NFL or NBA, not realizing that the money paid to top club soccer players rivals the contracts paid to LeBron James and Tom Brady. If, when those club teams do come to play here under my plan, they would also be required to visit the low-income areas and give soccer clinics, more and more Americans

would recognize that it’s not only a great game, it’s another multi-milliondollar option for those who get the proper training and competition. And yeah, I’d love to see the diving and crying to the referees ended and for soccer to finally embrace the concept of fresh legs by allowing way more than three subs per game. In other words, I believe it CAN happen here, even though I’m not optimistic it WILL happen, even if we add cheerleaders and somehow increase the number of goals scored. But, no matter what, soccer truly is a beautiful game. Bravo, Spain!

Unfortunately, Landon Donovan alone can’t make soccer popular in the U.S., so who can?

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

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& 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)

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

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.

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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!

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.

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.

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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.

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; 813-907-2541.

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. 2:30-3:30 pm, Wed. 8-9 pm. New Beg. Class Tuesdays 7-8 pm. Cost-$10/class. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo, Fitness training and more. With more then 28 years of teaching and training exp. Call Peter today #787-7560

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Acoustic, Electric & Bass Guitar Drums, Music Theory Jazz, Rock, Classical Music Adjusted To Your Skill Level Young Energetic Teacher 813-789-6869, 813-385-5368

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!

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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 15 • July 17, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com