17-10 NTNN 1-60 web by Neighborhood News

Volume 18 Issue 17

Inside: August 24 Primary Election Endorsements!

August 14, 2010

See Page 3!

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

Upgrades Abound At The Revamped Tampa Palms Publix By Michael Smith The motto for Publix super markets has always been “Where shopping is a pleasure,” and Tampa Palms residents are sure to be pleased with the changes and upgrades that they are likely already finding at the newly-remodeled Publix store (located at 16041 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center). (Note - The official Grand Opening for the new store was held on August 12, but because of our everytwo-weeks publishing schedule, which meant that we went to press with this issue before the big opening day and this issue didn’t reach mailboxes until after the Grand Opening, Publix officials were nice enough to give us a sneak preview of the store last week, as workers were busy stocking the shelves and adding the final finishing touches in preparation for the big reveal). According to Publix spokesperson

This indoor fountain (which wasn’t yet working at our press time) greets shoppers at the newly remodeled Publix super market in City Plaza in Tampa Palms. Shannon Patten, the company decided last year that the time was right to update the store, which had originally opened in 1988, with a new, larger concept to better serve the community. “We knew that there are enough customers in this location to sustain a larger prototype, and we wanted to

bring in an expanded selection of products and services,” Patten says. To accommodate that larger selection, the new store, at 54,340 sq. ft. (not including the new 1,600-sq.-ft. liquor store next door), is about 10,000 square feet bigger than the old one. The layout also has changed significant-

ly and the new pastel color scheme help give the store a much brighter, airy atmosphere throughout. The first thing you notice when you walk through the automatic doors is the bakery department, which used to be hidden away in a little alcove at the far left of the store, but is now located immediately to the right of the entrance, just past a new full-service floral department that features not only single stemmed flowers and pre-made bouquets and arrangements, but also a full-time staff member who can create a custom arrangement upon request. The bakery itself features three different color-coded areas, which Patten says are meant to highlight different products and services that the bakery department offers. The orange area is where all of the fresh-baked breads, muffins, cookies and other products are arrayed, while the blue section is for all of the “decadent desserts,” such as See “Publix” on page 6.

Hundreds Attend The S.R. 56 Extension Ribbon Cutting Event!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Our Primary Election Endorsements; Hillsborough Warns About A Deadly Mosquito Bite Threat; New Tampa Chamber Newsletter & Much More!

Pictures From The ‘National Night Out’ Against Crime; Our August Entertainment Calendar; Pulse Salon’s Grand Opening Is Delicious & One Man’s Take On The Rays!

See pages 3-38!

See pages 39-60!

See “S.R. 56” on page 14.

At least 200 people took part in the inaugural Walk/Run at the S.R. 56 extension Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting.

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

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

Also Inside This Issue!

(BBD) Blvd. (more on this below). Although the event started early enough in the day (8 a.m., with the Walk/Run kicking off at 9), it was sweltering on the new blacktop of S.R. 56, as yours truly and at least 200 others ran, walked and (some) biked separately marked 1-, 2- and 4-mile courses. While the walk was being held, at least 20 different WCCC-member businesses (and a couple of political candidates) were greeting attendees with brochures, coupons, business cards and displays about their respective businesses. Some of those businesses provided free food and beverages, including Cosi Café, Publix, Bagelicious & More, Boardwalk Frozen Custard and others. I’ve done a lot of walking on the still-sparkling beaches in Pinellas

Postal Customer

For those of you who still haven’t taken a car or bike ride (or walk) along the new extension of S.R. 56 — which now extends all the way to Meadow Pointe Blvd. — you owe it to yourself to check out the newest addition to the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel road network, which officially opened to traffic

on July 31 with a fun four-mile Walk/Run and free Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) Mini Business Expo and ribbon-cutting ceremony. By the way, even though the S.R. 56 extension is entirely in Pasco, it also has major ramifications for New Tampa drivers who someday hope to be able to avoid the traffic on Bruce B. Downs

Dated Material Please Rush!

An editorial by Gary Nager

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Really Needs Your Vote(s) On Tuesday, August 24! I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard New Tampa residents — who, together, are supposed to be the best-educated group of adults in Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa — say things like “I only vote in the ‘big’ elections” or “I don’t vote at all.” Those types of attitudes are frustrating for me, someone who personally hates all things political, but who not only feels compelled to vote in every election (because of what I do for a living) but who also tries to tell all of you who I think the best candidates are and why year after year. In most cases, the people elected to the Tampa City Council, Hillsborough County Commission and State Legislature have so much more to do with our daily lives here in New Tampa than do the Governor, President or any U.S. Congressman (and/or Congresswoman). And yet, year after year, fewer people who live in New Tampa (by voter turnout percentage) will vote in any non-presidential election than the rest of the city and county. Don’t make me cite the stats; trust me, they’re ugly. As I’ve reported many times previously, as the editor of your primary source of community news, New Tampa’s usually pathetic voter turnout is more than just embarrassing — not for me (I defend every American’s right to live whatever way they choose, as long as it’s lawful), but for those few folks from our area who do get elected or appointed (see page 8) into office

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents 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 19, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, August 27, 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 and then have to explain how important one issue or another is to New Tampa, even though so few of us vote or attend any governmental meetings. The fact that so many of us don’t vote and even fewer attend those meetings definitely also affects the way our elected officials (especially those who don’t live in this area, many of whom avoid visiting New Tampa at all costs) who will make decisions that affect us directly treat us when it comes to building roads, parks, cultural centers, hockey rinks, etc. Whether it’s a conscious thing or not on their part (and I believe it is), over the course of the last 16 years of doing this same job, I have definitely seen several different elected officials in the city and county say out loud at public hearings, “If New Tampa is so upset about this issue, why are there so few of them here at this meeting? Why don’t they go to the polls?” So, if you still believe that your vote should somehow be “saved” for the “big” elections, just realize that the primary election being held on Tuesday, August 24 (or only about ten days from the day you receive this issue) is very big for us. Although City Council elections won’t be held until March (and you don’t even want to know how bad our turnout has been in those elections every odd year), if, say, one in four or (heaven help me) one in three registered voters in New Tampa would take 30 seconds each to record a vote in this primary election, New Tampa will not only have a real chance

to help pick the candidates who will square off in November for two County Commission seats, both of our State Representatives and our State Senator, but also help us have a much better chance at getting virtually all of the improvements we need. Seriously. Unfortunately, I also have heard a lot of folks complain about our city, county and state governments, comments such as: “How did this guy get elected?” and my personal favorite, “When are we going to get people who care about New Tampa?” The bottom line, whether we like it or not, is that New Tampa is viewed

Correction

In our last issue, we inadvertently left candidate Benjamin Fink off of the list of candidates for the District 6 seat on the Hillsborough County School Board at the Aug. 24 primary. We regret the error. — GN by many of our local public officials as a place where the people have the lowest voter turnout in the county and who only get involved in any part of the governmental process when they don’t want something built in their back See “Endorsements” on page 34.

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS,

BUSINESS &

SPORTS

UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-38 New Tampa News Briefs........................................8 Stokes Named To City Council Seat County Steps Up Spraying For Mosquitos After Bite-Related Deaths New Tampa Community Calendar..................10-11

New Tampa Business News.....................16-27

New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce Update.......16 Rentalex.....................................................................18 Smith & Wesson Home Security................................19 Grandeur Salon..........................................................22 Sophia’s Treasures......................................................23

New Tampa Business Briefs.....................26-27 New Tampa Education Briefs..................32-33 New Tampa Goes Back To School...........................32 HALO Academy Comes To Grace Church.............33

Neighborhood Magazine New Tampa Residents Celebrate National Night Out Against Crime......................................39, 50 Our August Entertainment Calendar....................42-43 Pulse Salon Event Highlights Local Chef & Artist......46 Neighborhood Nibbles.............................................54 One Man’s Take On A Rays New Stadium Locale......55 . . NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSFIEDS...............58

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Publix”

Continued from page 1 cakes, pies and other specialties, and the yellow section is where you can order a custom-made cake or dessert for birthdays and other special events. One other new addition to the bakery department is a make-your-own pizza display, which includes all of the fixings for a homemade pizza in one convenient case. The deli department also has moved from the rear of the store closer to the front, and it still offers the same selection of pre-made sandwiches and other hot and cold prepared dishes and made-to-order subs with Boar’s Head and Publix-brand meats and cheeses. Publix always had one of the better produce departments around (in my opinion), but Patten says that now, that section is even larger and will feature a much wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, with daily deliveries of new items. The meat department also has been upgraded with the addition of a live lobster tank, and health and beauty items are now arranged on eye-level shelves around the new circular pharmacy, rather than the regular stire aisles

where they were displayed before. Patten says that the new open arrangement will allow pharmacy workers to more easily see and assist customers in that area. “Before, they (the pharmacists) were kind of secluded in a little box, but now they’re truly a part of the store,” she says.

New Store Technology

Meanwhile, shoppers also will notice some new innovations in the rest of the store, too. One example is in the refrigerated cases, which stay dark until built-in sensors detect an approaching customer, and then rows of lcd lights inside the cases turn on to illuminate the contents. This is part of the store’s more environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient design, Patten says. In addition, whereas in the old store the “Greenwise,” or organic and natural food products, were kept in their own separate aisle, they are incorporated into the regular aisles in the new store, with special curved shelves and signage to help customers find the organic foods more readily. That was done because of increasing interest in such products, Patten says, and she adds that the larger store will allow

The high-tech, energy-efficient refrigerated cases at the new Publix light up when they sense approaching shoppers.

The facade of the new Publix has undergone a radical makeover, along with the rest of the 20-plus-year-old City Plaza shopping center. Publix to offer a much wider selection of them. The new store also has a larger selection of grocery items for persons with Phenylketonuria, or PKU, which is a condition where a person’s body can’t process certain amino acids and therefore must have special products with less protein. Patten says that the Tampa Palms Publix was known for being one of the only stores in the Tampa Bay area with a selection of such products, even drawing customers from as far away as Lakeland, and the new store includes even more space for them. “Making sure we had more room for those products was one of our first priorities in designing the new store,” she says. There’s also a new kiosk for the Publix “Aprons” program, where chefs demonstrate cooking techniques and budget-friendly recipes. The program includes free recipe cards for customers to take with them, and there’s even a shelf right behind the kiosk where they can find all of the necessary ingredients for those recipes without having to go through the whole store. Patten says Aprons demonstrations will be held on

a daily basis. Finally, Patten says that when you’re done shopping, the new store has 11 checkout lanes, with the express lanes located in the middle of that line of registers, directly across from the doors, so that people in a hurry can get in and out faster. The store will employ about 200 people in all, most of whom worked at that location before the old store closed, including store manager Rick Tucker, who has been there for about 5 years. “We’re really excited about the new building and all of the new and different varieties that we will be able to offer our customers,” Tucker says. The new store is located at 16041 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., and the hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days per week. The pharmacy will be open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. Meanwhile, the liquor store hours are MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit Publix.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

(Above) These 11 checkout lanes, with the express lanes opposite the new entrance, help speed shoppers on their way. (Left) Curved shelving allows shoppers to easily find natural and organic products; and (far left) Publix chefs will demonstrate recipes and cooking tips at the new Apron’s kiosk.

The new rounded customer service desk is located just inside the entrance to the new Publix.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Stokes Appointed To Tampa City Council In July, Tampa Palms resident Curtis Stokes was appointed to an interim seat on the Tampa City Council. Stokes, who lives in Tampa Palms with his wife Katrina and son Jason (a promising young football player who we profiled in a recent article), was selected from among 39 applicants for the District 3 (at-large) seat that was vacated by Linda Saul-Sena, who resigned from the Council in order to run for the District 5 seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (see page 3). That County Commission seat is opening up because commissioner Jim Norman has to resign because of term limits (Norman is now running for the District 12 seat in the Florida Senate). Current District 2 commissioner Ken Hagan also is seeking the District 5 seat vacated by Norman. Stokes, meanwhile, who works as vice president of community affairs with Fifth Third Bank, is familiar to many Tampa Palms residents, as he formerly served for three years on the Board of Supervisors of the Tampa Palms Community Development District (TPCDD). He resigned from that post

News Briefs in 2003, when he campaigned unsuccessfully for a seat on the City Council. Since then, however, he also has served as president of the Tampa branch of the National Association for the Advance- Curtis Stokes ment of Colored People (NAACP) between 2006-09. He has served in a number of other organizations as well, including the American Cancer Society, the University Area Community Development Corporation, Enterprise Zone Board University Area, the Florida School Choice Board and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Currently, he is area chairman for the United Negro College Fund and was recently appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to the Board of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority. Interestingly, Stokes, a former Republican, announced at the beginning of the year that he had switched to the Democratic party. Because all City Council races are non-partisan, Stokes’ party of choice isn’t an issue if he chooses to run to keep the seat for four years. His current appointment will last until the March 2011 municipal elec-

tion, at which time, Stokes will have the option of running for a full term. Stokes’ selection was applauded by current District 7 Tampa City Council member and fellow Tampa Palms resident Joseph Caetano, who says that he supported Stokes through all three of the votes that it took for Stokes’ appointment to be approved. “I think he’ll do a good job,” Caetano says.

County Steps Up Spraying After Fatal Mosquito Bites

Local residents may have noticed an increase in the number of helicopters and spray trucks canvassing the area over the past several weeks, because Hillsborough County has been stepping up its mosquito eradication efforts in response to a pair of deaths that occurred in July that were attributed to eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Late last month, the Hillsborough County Health Department elevated an earlier advisory to a “Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert,” after an infant in the Brandon area died from the disease, which is carried by birds and transmitted to humans primarily through mosquito bites. A Lutz woman died from EEE on July 1, and at least half a dozen horses in Hillsborough and Pasco counties have tested positive for the disease over the past several weeks. In humans, EEE causes flu-like symptoms, which eventually worsen and

can progress to swelling of the brain. It is fatal in about a third of the cases, and health officials said that survivors typically suffer from significant brain damage. Usually, there are only about a half dozen cases of EEE reported nationwide in any given year, and the two local deaths were the first in the state of Florida since 2008. Health officials say that there has been an increase in the overall mosquito population statewide, and therefore more insects are liable to be carrying both EEE and the West Nile Virus, which is much less dangerous to humans, although there were 32 deaths in the U.S. that were atttributed to that disease in 2009, according to Reuters. Those that are most at risk for complications from West Nile are the very young and the elderly, as well as those who suffer from other health issues. In addition to the spraying, health officials say the best ways to protect yourself from bites are to wear mosquito repellent and protective clothing, and to avoid being outdoors during the hours of dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are usually most active. It’s also a good idea to remove any standing water from around your home, since that’s where mosquitos lay their eggs. For more information, visit HillsboroughCounty.org, and click on the link labeled “Mosquito Control.” — MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

Subjects Needed For Moffitt Prostate Study

Researchers with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute at the University of South Florida are seeking subjects for a study that could help develop safe medicines and/or nutritional supplements that can prevent the progression of pre-cancerous conditions (like HighGrade Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasis, or HGPIN, and Atypical Small Acinar Proliferation, ASAP) or prevent early stage cancers from developing into full-blown prostate cancer. In order to facilitate the five-year research study, which is funded by the National Cancer Institute and led by Nagi Kumar, Ph.D., director of Nutrition Research at Moffitt and a professor in the College of Medicine at USF, the research team is looking to recruit and treat men who have been diagnosed either HGPIN or ASAP. Study participants will receive either a tablet (called Polyphenon E) made from substances in green tea, or a placebo, for a 12-month period to see if progression of the pre-cancerous conditions can be prevented. They also want to see if Polyphenon E can

be taken safely over that period of time and to learn more about its mechanism of action. To be eligible for the study, subjects should be males between the ages of 30 to 80 with a biopsy-proven HGPIN or ASAP, diagnosed in the last six months, with no prior history of other cancers (other than nonmelanoma skin cancer), including history of prostate cancer and no history of liver disease. They must be able and willing to take the study drug and comply with scheduled monthly visits for one year. For more information about participating in this study, call Theresa Crocker at 745-6046.

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club

Wednesday, August 18 – The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Bella Vita Ristorante & Market (formerly Circles New Tampa Bistro, 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection shopping plaza).

New Tampa PAR

Wednesday, August 18 – 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.

Evening Rotary Club

Thursday, August 19 – The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

Computer Workshops

Civil Air Patrol

Thursday, August 19 – 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 www.hcplc.org.

New Tampa

Friday, August 20 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). On August 20, the group’s guest speaker will be Jennifer Maxwell, executive director of the Warrick Dunn

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, August 18 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who are dedicated to helping their businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at Heritage Isles Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229. Wednesday, August 18 – A Civil Air Patrol squadron now meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd.). For more information, visit wesleychapelcap.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

New Tampa Rotary Club

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Foundation. All club members and their guests are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.newtamparotary.org or contact Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

Moms Club Of New Tampa

Tuesday, August 31 - The Moms Club of New Tampa-SE meets on the last Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m.-noon, at The New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). All members, prospective members and their child(ren) are encouraged to attend to discuss upcoming events and ideas. For more information, visit MomsClubNewTampa.webs.com or call Jamie Priest at 217-5567.

Sisterhood Of Temple Ohev Shalom

Tuesday, August 31 - The Sisterhood of Temple Ohev Shalom will host a dinner meeting at Stonewood Grill (17050 Palm Pointe Dr. in Tampa Palms) beginning at 7 p.m. Members and prospective members are welcome to attend. The group also will be launching its new Book Club and they welcome guests of all faiths. For more information, call 632-9900.

Women-N-Charge

Friday, September 3 – WomenN-Charge, a group that offers education and support for business women, meets on the first Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). For more information, visit Women-N-Charge.com or call Sue Davis at 435-5128.

NE Tampa Women In Business

Thursday, September 9 – 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 NeTWIBorg.

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 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“S.R. 56” Continued from page 1 County recently, but that didn’t prepare me (and quite a few others) for the 90-degree early morning heat while pounding that fresh blacktop. I felt great after two miles, but I might not have made the two miles back if not for the Fit Niche (at Wiregrass Mall) water stop and some pleasant conversations that got me back to where the ribbon cutting ceremony had been held an hour earlier. Speaking of the ceremony, although it took too long in that heat, Wesley Chapel Chamber executive director David West allowed all four Pasco County commissioners on hand (Ann Hildebrand, Michael Cox, Jack Mariano and chair Pat Mulieri, whose district includes Wesley Chapel) to speak, as did Pasco County administrator John Gallagher, State Rep. Will Weatherford and J.D. Porter, who represented the Porter Family Trust, which provided the Wiregrass Ranch land for the 56 extension (as well as for the mall, two schools so far and the future 80-bed hospital and Pasco-Hernando Community College campus). I also have to give a lot of credit to West (who promised the next walk/run will be in cooler weather) and all of the WCCC folks and sponsors who helped

literally throw this outstanding event together in only 3-4 weeks and to Aja at Wiregrass, which opened for a refreshing lunch after the event.

That New Tampa Thing

Although, as I said before, S.R. 56 is located entirely in Pasco County, the extension of that road to Meadow Point (MP) Blvd. does have major implications for those of us who live in New Tampa, especially because we will all still be looking for ways to avoid the bottlenecks on BBD, which will continue to be widened in phases for at least the next 3-5 years. For years, Pasco officials have avoided allowing a connection from Among those who helped cut the ribbon on the new S.R. 56 extension on July 31 were Kinnan St. in the Cross Creek area to (l. to r.) Pasco County commissioners Michael Cox and Ann Hildebrand, Honorary Mansfield Blvd. in MP, even though Mayor of Wesley Chapel Debbie Yoerg, Pasco commission chair Pat Mulieri, State that connection has been part of Rep. Will Weatherford, Wesley Chapel Honorary Deputy Mayor Theresa Jacobs, Pasco’s long-range plan for years. Pasco County clerk Paula O’Neill and J.D. Porter of the Porter Family Trust. Pasco administrator John Gallagher has long said that the only connection his county would allow would be from at least two miles east of Kinnan/Mansfield in the Easton Park/KBar Ranch area. That extension will meet up with MP Blvd. at the county line, but until the long-delayed 56 extension to MP Blvd. was completed, there was no reason for New Tampa to hook up to it. We will provide an Fit Niche in the Shops at Wiregrass mall was one of the participating busiupdate on this important planned projnesses that (thankfully) gave away beverages along the walk/run course. ect in an upcoming issue.

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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

Jump Start Your Holiday Shopping At The New Tampa Chamber’s Annual Meeting & FREE Business Expo Sept. 30!

Save the date — Thursday, September 30, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — for free networking and some early holiday gift gathering! Join the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce and its members at the Chamber’s annual Membership Meeting and FREE Business Expo at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites on Galbreath Rd. in New Tampa (across from Muvico). Business booths are free to New Tampa Chamber members; however, the number of available booths is limited and they’re going fast. Reserve your booth today by calling Regina Ramalheira at (813) 245-8893. Having a booth at the Expo is a great way to showcaseeverything your business has to offer. The Business Expo is always free and open to the public. Plus, if you’re the type who likes to get your holiday shopping done early, the New Tampa Chamber Expo is a great way to buy local and kick your holiday shopping stress to the curb. Our business line-up will again include bankers, travel agents, flooring contractors, real estate agents, hotels and more, with new businesses being added to the mix every day. Stop in for refreshments and cruise the Expo. During the Business Expo, the Chamber will be voting in its new Board of Directors for 2010-11. In addition, the proceeds from the 2010 Taste of New Tampa™ & Business & Health Expo also will be awarded to the non-profit school and volunteer groups that helped us during the Taste. This event also commemorates the official end of our first year as a Chamber of Commerce. We will celebrate by bestowing the first annual

Frank Margarella Award, which will go to the member who most substantially supported the chamber, small business and the New Tampa community throughout the year. Another member will be awarded the New Tampa Chamber Member of the Year award. Two others will receive special appreciation awards for their involvement in the Chamber’s first year. Many business leaders have expressed an interest in serving as a member of the Chamber’s Board for 2010-11. Yet, at the time this article was written, we had received only a few applications for the Board. Please don’t wait until the last minute. Send us an email of interest at info@newtampachamber.org and we will e-mail you an application. All applications are due by Monday, August 30, so we can distribute ballots to our members the first week in September. Now is the time to be a part of the fastest growing Chamber of Commerce in the fastest growing community in Tampa. Your community needs you. Come join us and be a catalyst for positive change in New Tampa. We have commissioned a New Tampa Chamber of Commerce directory which we expect to arrive at the beginning of next year. If you want to be listed in the new directory and you have not yet joined the chamber, you will definitely want to join before our

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, September 13 (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, August 26, at Stonewood Grill & Tavern. 5:30 p.m. Please call the NTCC Hotline at 293-2464 for complete info.

press deadline. This will insure that your company makes it into our new membership directory when it comes out in the first quarter of 2011. Our new member benefits and membership levels are posted at NewTampa Chamber.org.

Ya Gotta Have HART!

That’s not all. At noon on Monday, September 13, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HARTline) will present a balanced, factual review of transit services that would be funded if the Transportation Referendum passes this fall. HART’s representative will discuss the levels and types of service, what will happen along Bruce B. Downs and the differences between light rail and high speed rail. The luncheon will be held at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., opposite the Super Wal-Mart off BBD). The cost to

attend for Chamber members is $15, or $20 for prospective members and the general public. Call 813-2932464 for reservations. As usual, the New Tampa Chamber’s “Networking on the 9s” golf and networking event will be at Pebble Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, August 25, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. This month, the winning team bested second place by only one stroke. Come on out and play, for only $15 per golfer. Call Kim Martin at the Pebble Creek Golf Club at 973-3870, ext. 4, to reserve your spot. And finally, our “Chamber Connections” free networking program is growing every month. Meet your fellow New Tampa Chamber members at the Stonewood Grill & Tavern (17050 Palm Point Dr., off BBD) on Thursday, August 26, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stay for dinner afterward.

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 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Get The Right Equipment For Your Next DIY Project At Rentalex (which is located at 1022 Skipper Rd., just east of Skipper’s Smokehouse and Being a renter myself, I don’t have N. Nebraska Ave.), and assumed, as I did, that it was primarily for professional to do much in the way of home improvements or repairs, thankfully, but contractors. And, while Rentalex does have a even so, there have been a few times huge selection of heavy equipment and when I have undertaken a project, only other machinery that the average to find that I am lacking the necessary tools or equipment to get the job done. homeowner will most likely never have That won’t happen again, however, a use for, the family-owned business also has plenty of equipment for the donow that I’ve discovered Rentalex. If it-your-selfer or home handyman. you’ve ever driven down Skipper Rd., “With our diverse inventory, we just south of New Tampa, you’ve probably noticed the array of cherry pickers, have pretty much everything anyone scissor lifts, bulldozers and other equip- could need,” says owner Bob Krueger, whose grandfather founded the compament on display at the Rentalex office, ny in Michigan in 1929. The family still operates an office in Kalamazoo, MI, as well as another in Hudson. Bob moved to Florida in 1982 and The Krueger family, including (l.-r.) Zach, Bob and Thomas, opened the Tampa office, has been in the equipment business for three generations. By Michael Smith

which moved to the Skipper Rd. location 15 years ago. Over the years, you’ve probably seen some of the Rentalex inventory in action, so to speak, without even knowing it, since the company has provided equipment for events like the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the Florida State Fair and many others. “We also provided probably 70 percent of the equipment used in the construction of the Shops at Wiregrass mall,” Krueger says. Now, while you may not need industrial-grade equipment such as what was used at those events, Big or small, Rentalex has the right tool Rentalex also has just about every for the job. kind of tool and equipment for operate the equipment properly, and, home projects, too, including pressure since they have their own on-site mainwashers, carpet cleaners, dehumidifiers, tenance and repair facility, you can be plumbing equipment, lawn and landsure that all of the equipment that you scaping equipment, paint sprayers and lease will be in tip-top working condimuch more. The company also can supply you with chairs and tables, light- tion. And, if you have a broken tool or piece of equipment, they also offer ing and even portable air conditioners complete repair services. or heaters for your next party or event, Rentalex is open Monday-Friday, and offers complimentary delivery and 7 a.m.-5 p.m., and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on pick-up for all orders of at least $50. Saturday. For more information, call Rentalex will provide you with the 971-9990 or visit Rentalex.com. necessary training and knowledge to

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Smith & Wesson Security Services Offers Peace Of Mind! By Michael Smith I used to have a friend who kept a sign on his front porch, ostensibly intended to warn off burglars, that read — “This home protected by Smith & Wesson.” The novelty sign was referring to the loaded pistol that my friend kept in a drawer in his desk, and whether it really acted as a deterrent to any wouldbe burglars is questionable. The problem with relying upon a gun for your sole means of home security is twofold: Number 1, you have to be there when the burglary occurs (otherwise, the gun itself is likely to be stolen), and 2, you have to be able to get to it and be able to use it effectively, which can be difficult, to say the least, in the midst of a stressful situation such as a burglary. Now, however, Smith & Wesson offers a more reliable (and less dangerous) means of protecting your home and family. In 2008, the 156-year-old firearms manufacturer teamed up with NationWide Digital Monitoring Co. (a division of the 100-year-old New York Merchants Protective Co.), one of the industry leaders in the home security field, to offer a complete range of monitoring and alarm systems for both homes and businesses. “With home security, it’s not a question of if you’re going to need it, but when you’re going to need it,” says Steve Ferrall, president of Smith & Wesson Security Services of Florida, one of the authorized dealers serving the Tampa Bay market. Ferrall notes that according to statistics, homes and businesses are burglarized at the rate of approximately one every 15 seconds nationwide, and more than half of all residential burglaries take place in the daytime, when homeowners are more likely to be away. Locally, a report issued by the Tampa

Police Department’s District 2 office, whose jurisdiction includes both the North and New Tampa areas (roughly between Busch Blvd. and Pasco County), listed 25 different successful or attempted residential burglaries over the period from July 27 to August 2. In most of those cases, the burglars managed to gain access by breaking windows, but several others simply kicked in a door, which has become a popular method of entry for burglars over the past couple of years. In two cases, however, the burglars were frightened off by alarms before they were able to steal anything. Ferrall says it only makes sense that burglars would try to avoid homes that are protected by alarm systems, especially if they are from a company with such a long-standing reputation for quality as Smith & Wesson. He says that the home security packages offered by Smith & Wesson include only top-ofthe-line equipment, and the Nationwide Digital Monitoring Co. has received a 5-Diamond certification from the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), which is the highest rating an alarm monitoring facility can receive. Right now, Smith & Wesson Security Services of Florida is offering homeowners a free security consultation, which can assess their particular needs and options, and, for a limited time, the company also is offering free installation of its premium protection package, which includes sensors for up to four doors, one motion detector, a 106-decibel alarm siren, a keypad and control panel, a yard sign and four stick-on decals for windows and doors. Twenty-four-hour-per-day, sevendays-per-week monitoring starts at just $21.95 per month, and that package also can be upgraded or customized, however, to include such other options as glass break detectors, smoke and/or

When your home is protected by Smith & Wesson Security Services of Florida, you get much more than just a few lawn signs. carbon monoxide detectors, digital communication (which allows the company to send alerts and alarm information directly to your cell phone), medical alert systems, gas leak and flood detectors and more. Other packages also include realtime video monitoring, which can provide you with actual photographs or video whenever your alarm is activated or deactivated, video that you can access with your computer or webenabled cell phone. And, all of the systems can be customized to protect your

business as well as your home. Really, the options are just about unlimited — and after all, what’s more important than your family’s safety and security? “A home security system is a simple deterrent, not an insurance policy, but it is the best way to be proactive in protecting your home and your loved ones,” Ferrall says. For additional information, or to schedule a home or business security analysis, call 443-0874 or (888) 594-3316 or visit SWSSFlorida.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Grandeur Hair Design-Bringing The ‘WOW’ Factor To New Tampa! By Gary Nager There’s no doubt that the New Tampa area has many wonderful salons from which to choose, but if you appreciate being able to say “WOW” when you enter or leave a salon, you might very well want to visit the new Grandeur Hair Design, located in the small plaza facing the Sweetbay supermarket and L.A. Fitness near the intersection of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Owner and Master Stylist Maher Al-Aghawani and his wife Summia invite you to visit a truly elegant, modern hair design studio where you will be treated the way you hope to be treated and you will leave with both a good feeling and a great haircut. As a young man from Syria, Maher began his career at a local salon where he showcased his talent and ambition. He soon became the head stylist and then, he made the move to the more prestigious LeMeridien Hotel Hair Salon. Maher quickly became a local household name. His journey took him to the L’Oreal Academy du Paris where he honed his skills and mastered the art of European hair design. At the ripe age of 24, Maher moved to Boston, where he joined a prestigious salon on the high-end Newbury St. During that time, he was featured in several newspaper articles and TV programs highlighting his unique and cutting edge style. In 2007, Maher and his family moved to Tampa with the dream of owning his own salon. While he looked for the best possible location, Maher worked for Avalon Salon and Spa and later at Athena Salon, both in the Tampa Palms area, while still traveling back and forth to Boston to service his loyal clientele. Maher’s vision, dedication, artistic talent, and ambition culminated in the February 2010 establishment of Grandeur Hair Design in New Tampa, where he already has assembled an out-

standing small team of professional, experienced and friendly stylists. Teresa (aka Juliet) Rubio has worked in the Tampa Bay Area for 25 years. Specializing in color and cuts, Juliet is the newest member of the Grandeur team. With more than 20 years of experience Vickie Sanchez’s career has developed and been strengthened through numerous professional training seminars (including a recent seminar for Sebastiani hair products) and hands on applications, such as, coloring, cutting, perming and the new Keratin smoothing treatment. Vickie has worked in the Tampa Palms area for nine years and she is a true Master Stylist at Grandeur. Mercedes Delgado started her hair styling career almost 15 years ago in Miami. She has now moved to the New Tampa area an to Grandeur, where she specializes in color, highlights and exceptional hair cuts and design. Behind the front desk are Maher’s wife Summia, who helps run the business side of the business, and Courtney. On my many visits to the salon to date, I have found the entire staff to be extremely friendly and patient and every client I have seen leaving the salon has walked away with a big smile on their respective faces. You’ll always be offered a cup of fresh-brewed coffee or other beverage at Grandeur and there’s no doubt that Maher and his happy crew aim to please. “I think a visit to the salon should be exciting,” he says. “We invite everyone who lives in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel to experience the difference at Grandeur Hair Design.” Right now, new customers who visit Grandeur and who mention or bring in the ad in this publication will receive $20 off any service of $100 or more or $10 off any service under $100, whether you get just a cut, a color job or a Keratin smoothing treatment. But, what Maher promises most of all is satisfaction.

Vickie, Teresa (aka Juliet), Summia, Maher, Courtney and Mercedes will be all smiles when you visit Grandeur Hair Design on BBD at County Line Rd. “If you’re ever not completely satisfied with any service we provide, bring it to my attention and we will make it right,” he says. “We are all about customer service and satisfaction here. Our goal is to maintain a friendly, approachable environment offering the highest quality service possible. Our stylists are highly educated and are here to provide you, our guests, with the best experience possible.” And. Maher says he is always on the lookout for additional stylists at

Grandeur and he will accept applications in person only. “My only requirements are that you must be professional, experienced, talented and friendly,” he says. “I will never settle for anything less.” Nor should you. Grandeur Hair Design (6431 County Line Rd., Ste. 107) is open Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. For appointments and info, call 9949455 or visit GrandeurHD.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Sophia’s —An Old Friend’s Affordable New (Tampa) Boutique! By Gary Nager If you recognize Charles Tuozzo, the owner of the new Sophia’s boutique in the far left photo, it’s because he used to own Charles Jewelers in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping Center (see page 1). Although it is still called Charles Jewelers, Tuozzo hasn’t owned the popular local jewelry store (which has been in City Plaza for about a decade) the last few years and he says his new boutique for women will not compete with his old jewelry and fine watch business (even though he does have just a few yellow and white gold jewelry items for sale). Instead, Tuozzo’s new venture — an upscale, perfect-for-New-Tampa boutique called Sophia’s (named for the younger of his two daughters) in the Publix-anchored New Tampa center plaza across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Hunter’s Green, is an eclectic collection of great Staxx costume jewelry, as well as a line of children’s costume jewelry called Gianna Couture, (named for Tuozzo’s older daughter), unique clothing items from Treasure Rock, Mark Schwartz (more on him below) and other designers, Mud Pie baby picture frames and piggy banks, Big Buddha and Mary Francis hand-

bags and accessories, Voluspa and Aspen Bay candles, Thymes bath and body products and so much more. You really have to visit Sophia’s to truly take it all in. “And, I’m bringing in new items almost every day,” says Charles. “We’ve had a lot of fun trying to create space for all of the new costume jewelry that keeps com- The walls at Sophia’s are filled with ing in the door.” tops, dresses and handbags you won’t I attended the find anywhere else. Grand Opening of as several of the fine Sophia’s in late July, as did at least 40 and costume jewelry or 50 of Charles’ former customers and items. I told Charles quite a few passersby. that he should “A lot of the women who have exchange some items (L. to r.) Gianna, Charles and Sophia invite you to stopped in have commented that this is with my mom’s check out Sophia’s in the New Tampa Center plaza. exactly what New Tampa needs,” says unique boutique in Charles. “A unique, affordable To find out more about Sophia’s downtown Sarasota (Marilyn’s), women’s boutique in the heart of New (19020 BBD Blvd.), including the because she also offers every possible Tampa.” accessory to complete a woman’s outfit. details about the upcoming “Spa It’s hard to argue with the guy, When you visit Sophia’s, be sure to Night” (with door prizes and chamespcially after I saw quite a few great check out the inctredible “High Heeled pagne) on Thursday, August 19, 6 gift ideas for everyone from babies and p.m.-8 p.m., call 971-6900. Also, Art” of Andy Warhol-mentored artist young children to moms and even and shoe designer Mark Schwartz. One look for the Sophia’s ad on page 38 grandmas. Among my favorites were in this issue for coupons worth $10 reviewer said Schwartz’s paintings the “Gators” dishes and glassware, the off any purchase of $50 or more and “transform every woman’s obsession Treasure Rock dresses and tops, as well into a work of art” and I have to agree. $5 off purchases of $25-$49.

(Left) Artist Mark Schwartz’s “High Heeled Art” T-shirts turn every womnan’s favorite accessory into wearable art. (Right) Gator plates (and glasses, etc.), anyone?

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Business Briefs — Ziva Salon, South Beach Sunglasses & More! for less than $20) and I will be sorry to see the store and its owner go. “I’m moving the store to South Tampa,” says Kirschmann. “I think this type of store will do better there.” For more information, stop in the store at 19651 Br uce B. Downs Blvd., call 345-8536 or visit South BeachSunglassCompany.com.

By Gary Nager

Ziva Replaces Mane Stop

Although the old Mane Stop salon was a mainstay for many years in the Pebble Creek Collection, the new Ziva Beauty Lounge, which opened recently in the former Mane Stop location, is a much more upscale, full-service unisex beauty salon that surely will be a welcome addition to the area. Co-owners Gladys Millan and her son Vinny have brought together an outstanding staff of stylists, all dedicated to delivering customer satisfaction with excellent service, quality products and an enjoyable atmosphere at a very fair price for the quality you receive. The salon is named for the Slavic goddess of love and fertility, who was worshipped throughout what is now Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Germany, before Christianity expanded into the area. Ziva means “living, being, existing.” Vinny says he and Gladys searched within the New Tampa area for six months before finding the perfect location. He adds that Gladys’ clients will appreciate the elegant new salon and all of the highly professional and qualified beauticians hired to provide outstanding styles and the friendliest service.

Changes At Dry Clean Outlet

The friendly team at Ziva Beauty Lounge in Pebble Creek includes (standing, l. to r.) Alexis, Ashley, Kandey, Vinny, Dunia, Yvelisse, Felicia, Brittnay and (seated) Gladys.

Gladys, who has worked in all types of prestigious, upscale salons for the past 35 years, also is a certified instructor who has created a large client following locally through hard work and dedication. “At Ziva, our focus is on you,” says Vinny. “We expect our reputation in the area to grow and bring in many more new clients and beauticians. We are always looking for talented, experienced, friendly stylists.” For an appointment at Ziva Beauty Lounge (19651 Br uce B. Downs Blvd.), call 973-8819 or visit ZivaBeautyLounge.com.

Sunglass Shop Closing

Adjacent to Ziva Beauty Lounge, South Beach Sunglasses owner David Kirschmann says he is closing his store by Tuesday, August 31, and between now and then, he says, “everything must go!” To stimulate sales (see ad below), Kirschman is offering 40-80percent off everything in the store, which includes such outstanding brands as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. I’ve bought several pairs of quality, low-cost sunglasses at South Beach (yeah, I lose a lot of ‘em, that’s why I appreciate the store’s amazing selection

Although their location on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. has re-opened with another owner, I hope that anyone who wants the best-priced, high-quality dry cleaning, laundry and alteration services will visit my friends Melissa and Won Lee at their original location on E. Bearss Ave., less than one mile west of BBD. It’s a slightly longer drive for our New Tampa readers, but I assure you it’s well worth the trip. Dry Clean Outlet’s Bearss Ave. location is where all of the dry cleaning, tailoring and laundering always has and will continue to be done on the premises, for 15 years. The BBD location was only a few years old, but in that time, many of your neighbors have been utilizing one of our area’s best-kept secrets because of the quality of the work, the friendliness of the Lees and Dry Clean Outlet’s always-more-than-fair prices.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

What kind of prices? How about ANY garment dry cleaned and pressed for just $2.45, men’s business shirts for only $1.29 and the special offer of any item pressed only for just $1.49? Dry Clean Outlet also offers great specials (with the coupon in this issue), such as $5 off any dry cleaned or washed comforter and five pairs of pants dry cleaned and pressed for just $10. Even if your current dry cleaner can match those prices (most can’t), there’s no doubt in my mind that the Lees will match or usually beat the quality of even much more expensive chain dry cleaners — and take care of any problems you might have, too. Dr y Clean Outlet is located at 2291 E. Bearss Ave., behind the car wash. For more information, stop in or call 971-1855 and please tell Melissa we sent you!

The good news for people like me — and any man or woman who really wants to get in shape — is that the folks at Punch Boxing for Fitness in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel say you don’t have to get hit to get a great boxing workout. Punch is a beautiful facility with a full-sized boxing ring, multiple heavy and speed bags and excellent instructors who lead high-energy, low-pressure classes and 1-on-1 training every day. I found it hard on my surgically repaired knees, but my son Jake is loving it. Punch Boxing for Fitness is located at 1704 BBD. Call 293-1381 and please tell them we sent you!

Punch Boxing For Fitness Opens Near Bonefi sh

As many long-time readers know, I was a writer and editor for The Ring and Boxing Illustrated boxing magazines for nearly five years...in a long ago previous life. During that time and the years shortly thereafter, I did a lot of sparring to stay in shape (and yes, burn off some excess testosterone, too), but I will admit I gave it up because I didn’t enjoy getting hit.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Aurora B - 2,423 sq ft, 3bed/2.5bath/gameroom/2 car. 40’ wide x 125’ deep home site backs up to a beautiful conservation area. Available now. $247,900

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WE CONTINUE TO NEED MORE LISTINGS!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

R WE LO RICE P

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. $110,000

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

Lake Bernadette - Three bedroom two bath home on a private cul-desac homesite. Oversized two car garage. All appliances stay. Pristine condition. Large screened lanai overlooks greenspace. $144,500

Lexington Oaks - Four bedroom, two bath pool home on a gorgeous golf course homesite. Hardwood floors. Granite counters. Three car garage. Many upgrades and move-in ready. $272,500

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

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

Temple Terrace - 135 ft of frontage directly on the Hills River!!! This 3431 sf home has 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, spacious kitchen, fireplace, hardwood floors & sits on almost ½ acre across from Ben Lomand Park. $574,900

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

D ICE L PR O SEL T

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 ON CK ET BA ARK M

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D ICE ELL R P OS T

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

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Remember, Students Go Back To School On Tuesday, August 24!

Nancy Bartels Middle School

Harold H. Clark Elementary

Louis Benito Middle School

Lawton Chiles Elementary

Grades 6 - 8 9020 Imperial Oak Blvd., Live Oak Preserve 907-6801 Principal: Nadine Johnson

Grades 6 - 8 10101 Cross Creek Blvd. 631-4694 Principal: John Sanders

Grades K - 5 16541 Tampa Palms Blvd. 558-5422 Principal: Kim Pietsch

Hunter’s Green Elementary Grades K - 5 9202 Highland Oak Dr. 973-7394 Principal: Kristin Tonelli

Tampa Palms Elementary

Freedom High

Liberty Middle School

Grades 9 - 12 17410 Commerce Park Blvd. 558-1185 Principal: Chris Farkas

Grades 6 - 8 17400 Commerce Park Blvd. 558-1180 Principal: James Ammirati

Hilda T. Turner Elementary

Heritage Elementary

Dr. Richard F. Pride Elementary

Grades K - 5 19002 Wood Sage Dr., West Meadows 631-4333 Principal: Brenda Griffin

Grades K -5 18201 East Meadows Rd., Heritage Isles 740-4580 Principal: Shirley Porebski

Grades K - 5 10310 Lion’s Den Dr. 558-5400 Principal: Cindy Land

Grades K - 5 6100 Tampa Palms Blvd. – 975-7390 Principal: Kimberly Keenan

Grades K - 5 9190 Imperial Oak Blvd. 907-9066 Principal: Donna Ares

Paul R. Wharton High

Grades 9 -12 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 631-4710 Principal: Bradley Woods

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HALO Academy Offers A Program For Special Needs Students By Michael Smith In 2007, when Hunter’s Green resident Christy Raile was looking for a school program that could accommodate her 3-year-old son Austin, who is hearing impaired and also suffers from a variety of other health issues, she says there were only two options: one, to send him to a special school near downtown Tampa, which would mean that the pre-schooler would have to ride a bus for two hours to and from school every day; or to send him to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, which would mean that he would stay there throughout the week and only be able to come home on weekends. Neither option was acceptable, Raile says, so the nurse practitioner decided to start her own school, where she knew that Austin would receive the special attention and assistance that he needed. Unfortunately, Raile’s vision was sidetracked, after her husband was diagnosed with a serious medical condition of his own, but now, he is doing better and the school, which Raile calls The HALO Academy (for Hope, Achieve, Learn, Overcome) is active once more

and accepting students for the 2010-11 school year. Raile emphasizes, however, that even though the school was created to accommodate Austin and other hearing-impaired students, through the use of sign language and other means of communication, it is not a “deaf school.” She says that she and her staff have the resources and ability to work with children who have other disabilities as well, without segregating them away from “mainstream” students, as is often done in the public school system. “I wanted to create a school that says ‘yes,’ because I encountered a lot of ‘nos,’” Raile says. “If we can feasibly help your child, we’re going to do it as a group.” The HALO Academy is located at the Grace Episcopal Church (15102 Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms), and has openings for a total of 30 students from 3 years of age (pre-K) through the third grade. (Raile says she would consider expanding to include fourth grade students, too, however, if there was a demand for it). The school is currently in the process of becoming certified by the Florida Department of Education to accept McKay Scholarships for disabled

children, and they do offer before- and after-school care. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 25, and there is an Open Registration and Meet the Teacher Day on Saturday, August 14, 9 a.m.11 a.m. For additional information, call Christy Riley, center, works on math problems with her 316-6171 or visit son Austin and other kids at the HALO summer camp. HaloAcademy.com.

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“Endorsements”

Continued from page 3 yards. I personally know that such claims aren’t true about us – we’re very busy with work, helping the kids with school and getting to and from afterschool activities from youth sports to visiting the dentist, but unlike the ONLY times in our history New Tampa residents waited in line to vote for anything (the 2008 presidential primary and general elections, of course), there won’t be even a hint of a line at the polls. You’ll even still have time (but only a little), as you receive this, to cast an early or absentee ballot and we all can play a much larger-than-usual (or expected) role in helping decide which of the following candidates will do the best job of helping us get everything we need as we continue to grow. And, to be totally honest, the important thing to me isn’t whether or not you agree with any of my endorsements, for two reasons. On the one hand, if New Tampa has a 31-percent turnout and casts more votes for every candidate I didn’t endorse, I’ll be happy I inspired so many of you. On the other hand, I interviewed twelve candidates in the two weeks before we went to press with this issue on August 7, and I have to say I came away more impressed than I expected with the newcomers

and actually a little more comfortable with many of the “established” candidates I’ve known for years. In other words, with very few exceptions, I don’t believe there are very many “bad” choices for the Hillsborough County Commission or State Legislature.

The Seats Up For Grabs

Those of you who watch Fox News or CNN every day surely recognize that this November’s so-called “midterm” election – which includes electing a new Governor of Florida, a new U.S. Senator, the U.S. Representative from our area (District 9), our State Senator (District 12) and our two local State Representatives (Districts 60 and 61) – will help set the tone of the political climate in this country two years into the term of President Obama. Locally, the November ballot will have New Tampa’s registered voters helping to fill three County Commission seats (our local District 2, plus countywide Districts 5 & 7), as well as deciding whether or not to implement a transportation surcharge sales tax (as we’ve previously reported) to fund road, bus and commuter “light rail” transit projects. Meanwhile, the August 24 ballot will include primaries in most, but not all, of the partisan elections being held in November and also will allow New Tampa voters to help elect an at-large

Hillsborough School Board member (District 6). Unfortunately, if you’re not already registered to vote in Florida by now, you won’t be able to vote in the August 24 Primary Election and you only have until early October to get registered in time to cast a ballot in the November 2 General Election. And finally, let me just say that this issue has more political advertising than we’ve ever had before, because it was the first year I did the ad sales at the same time I did the interviews with these candidates. But, whether the candidate advertised with me or not has nothing to do with why I chose the folks I did (in fact, there’s even one race in which I picked a candidate who didn’t advertise with me over one who did). I had great conversations with everyone I did interview and I honestly believe this is a very strong field of candidates who will influence life in New Tampa for years to come.

Of f To The Races!

State Senate District 12 – Republican Primary – Jim Norman vs. Kevin Ambler Although this definitely has been a hotly contested race between two very strong candidates, it’s also the easiest one for me to choose a winner _ and not only because current District 5 county commissioner Jim Norman has

been such a good friend to New Tampa over the last eight years. Nope, despite his Ivy League education, impressive record as a U.S. Air Force officer and Judge Advocate, and his eight years as a successful conservative Republican in State House District 47 (which includes Lutz and Carrollwood), Ambler also has the distinction of being the only candidate for the State House, State Senate or County Commission who didn’t return multiple calls and e-mails for an interview. He had his law office return my call and even though his assistant said Ambler would call me back, he never did. I could care less about being slapped in the face myself, but to me, this is a slap in the face to New Tampa, saying Kevin Ambler doesn’t care about his constituents in our area. For the Republican nomination for the District 12 State Senate seat, I therefore endorse Jim Norman. State House District 60 – Republican Primary – Shawn Harrison vs. Trey Stroud Local businessman Trey Stroud is a personable guy who also is an admittedly religious Christian who seems to bring an almost fundamentalist point of view to his candidacy for this office. I appreciate the fact that Stroud, the father of an autistic child, wants to be an advocate for special needs children in

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the legislature, but I believe he can better serve that role without being the District 60 Rep. What I didn’t understand was Stroud’s attack on the fact that his opponent doesn’t currently live in District 60, which you may remember, didn’t used to include Hunter’s Green (where Harrison and his family live) at all, but now HG is half in DisNote-Harrison trict 60 and half in 61. (N his family are prepared to rent a house within District 60 when he is elected). If Stroud weren’t running against Harrison — quite simply, the best friend New Tampa had on the Tampa City Council when he served on it — I might be able to support the newcomer on issues like his plan for Florida to adopt an Arizona-like immigration law. But, even though I believe he ultimately has his sights set on Washington, D.C., I also have seen Shawn grow from his days as the voice of reason on the Tampa Palms Community Development District Board to a coalition builder who, for example, maintained a cordial relationship with Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, despite the fact the two often disagreed on many issues. For the Republican nomination for the District 60 State House seat, I endorse Shawn Harrison. State House District 60 – Democratic Primary – Christopher Cano vs. Russ Patterson

This may be the most interesting of the primary races, as two absolute political newcomers and Air Force veterans from entirely different age groups and backgrounds square off for the right to oppose the Harrison-Stroud winner in November. I enjoyed chatting with both candidates, but there’s little doubt I came away more impressed with Cano. Despite his young age (27), Cano, who is studying for his Master’s degree in public administration at USF, has been a campus activist for several years and even though he knows first-year legislators have a learning curve, his energy and focus on bringing money for transportation and other needs in this District will serve him well. Patterson, who opposes off-shore drilling and wants to create more “green” jobs in Florida, doesn’t appear to have the same determination and wasn’t as up to speed on New Tampa’s issues as was Cano. For the Democratic nomination for the District 60 State House seat, I endorse Christopher Cano. State House District 61 – Republican Primary – Will Weatherford vs. Kevin Wright This was one of the easier calls for me, not because I have anything against Wesley Chapel resident and Tampa businessman Kevin Wright, I just feel that Weatherford, a young incumbent

and fellow Wesley Chapel resident who has been intimately involved with helping bring a lot of improvements to our area, has a dynamic personality, is from a large family where all seven boys played college football (which, like it or not, is a big deal when you’re trying to build coalitions in a place like Tallahassee) and is still obviously working every day to ensure that his district (which also includes a sizable chunk of New Tampa) gets what it needs. Like Harrison, who also is his friend, I see Weatherford as the kind of guy who can reach across party lines and get things done. I disagree with Wright’s contention that Weatherford only toes his party line and is part of a leadership void in the State legislature. For the Republican nomination for the District 61 State House seat, I endorse Will Weather ford. Hillsborough County Commission District 2 – Republican Primary – Victor Crist vs. Linda Pearson Of all of the newcomers I am not endorsing, there’s little doubt that Linda Pearson is not only the most likable, she’s also got the most experience with land issues, having worked for years in the county’s land use department. Pearson, who is now the land planner for a private engineering firm, definitely knows the history of and issues facing New Tampa.

Unfortunately, Pearson is running against Victor Crist, a Tampa Palms resident who has served our districts extremely well in his years in the District 60 State House seat and District 12 State Senate seat. Crist, whom I have known as long as I have owned this newspaper, is the most honest, committed, hardest-working elected official I have met while doing this job. His creation of the University Area Community Development Corp. and the improvements he has brought to N. 22nd St., less than a mile from Tampa Palms, speak louder for him than I can. For the Republican nomination for the District 2 County Commission seat, I endorse Victor Crist. Hillsborough County Commission District 7 – Republican Primary – Mark Sharpe vs. Josh Burgin Burgin, who was an assistant to commissioner (and former Tampa Palms Gold’s Gym owner) Brian Blair, is an intelligent, thoughtful family man who admits he got into this race only to oppose Sharpe, the only currently serving elected official who has campaigned for the transportation surcharge sales tax that will be on the November ballot. Plus, Sharpe has been a friend to New Tampa on the BOCC. For the Republican nomination for the District 7 County Commission seat, I endorse Mark Sharpe.

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New Tampa Neighborhoods Celebrate A Night Out Against Crime At Arbor Greene, as many as 100 residents were able to talk to Tampa Police officers, one of whom brought On August 3, residents here in New Tampa and across the country cel- along his K-9 unit companion (and a ebrated the 27th annual National Night member of the TPD motorcycle team also gave away some nice backpacks), as Out (NNO) Against Crime, a crime and drug prevention social event that is well as Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCS) deputies, at least one of organized nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and locally whom was a member of HCSO’s by members of the Neighborhood mounted patrol team. Watch groups in each of several local Arbor Greene Neighborhood communities. Watch co-leads Paul and Holly Boucher Although participation is typically say they were pleased with the turnout pretty strong here in New Tampa, this (despite the inclement weather that year featured a record number of NNO showed up during the event), as several events, including first-time events at a new Arbor Greene residents signed up couple of communities, the Ashmont to join the community’s Neighborhood neighborhood in Tampa Palms and the Watch program. Arbor Greene subdivision on Cross “We even had several people who Creek Blvd. stayed after the officers left to watch a security video we showed,” Paul said afterward. “We also gave out lots of free security information and refreshments and definitely plan to try to do it again next year.” With well over 100 people in attendance (we estimated the crowd at closer to TPD Officers Ferdinand Barbosa (back left) and Curtis 200), Grand Adkins show off their mobile command center to some visi- Hampton’s NNO tors at the Hunter’s Green National Night Out event. event was packed By Michael Smith & Gary Nager

Arbor Greene National Night Out attendees got to visit with members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office mounted patrol. with family fun like a bouncy house, face painting and snow cones, to go along with the free hamburgers and hot dogs. But, co-organizer Kim Gonzalez says the event also featured several representatives from the Tampa Police Department and the Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Department. TFR Station No. 21 on Cross Creek Blvd. brought along a fire engine that attracted plenty of children and their families and the Tampa Explorers also came out in force to fingerprint as many resident kids as possible with Children See “Night Out” on page 50.

At the Grand Hampton NNO event, TPD officers and residents of all ages gave each other high-fives!

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Summer 2010 Is Winding Down, But The Great Shows Go On For the students who will soon find themselves sitting in the classroom once again, thanks to the beginning of the new school year, the summer of 2010 may officially be over, but thankfully, they, and the rest of us, can still look forward to some great concerts and other events all around the Tampa Bay area over the next month or so. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights:

The Goo Goo Dolls, with Switchfoot

Sunday, August 15, 8 p.m., at the 1-800-Ask-Gary-Amphitheatre (4802 U.S. 301 N., at the Florida State Fairgrounds) — The New Yorkbased Goo Goo Dolls were big in the mid 1990s with hits like “Name” and “Iris,” from the “City of Angels” soundtrack, which earned the band three Grammy nominations and propelled them to international stardom. Since then, they haven’t made much of a splash on the charts, but fans are awaiting the release of their newest album, which is scheduled to drop later this month. They are joined on this tour by the California Christian rock outfit, Switchfoot. For ticket prices and other information, call 740-2446 or visit Livenation.com.

Deftones Hit The Ritz

Tuesday, August 24, 7 p.m., The Ritz Ybor (1503 E. 7th Ave.) — The Deftones were formed in Southern California in the late 1980s by a trio of skateboarding friends, and, with hard rock influences like Metallica, Anthrax and others, soon built a strong and dedicated following, although their more recent records have incorporated a variety of other influences as well. Bassist Chi Cheng was seriously

The Deftones bring their melodic heavy rock to The Ritz Ybor. in a car accident in 2008, but The Deftones continue to tour and released itheir latest album, “Diamond Eyes,” in May. For tickets or other info, call 247-2555 or visit RitzYbor.com.

Natalie Merchant

Tuesday, August 24, 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 N. MacMullen-Booth Rd., Clearwater) — Natalie Merchant cut her teeth as the lead singer of the folk-pop outfit 10,000 Maniacs, but beccame evern better known after she left the band, with her 1995 album “Tigerlily,” which featured the Top 10 hit “Carnival.” Her latest album, “Leave Your Sleep,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard magazine folk music chart when it was released in April. For ticket prices and other information, call (727) 791-7400 or visit RuthEckerdHall.com.

Jack Johnson: To The Sea Tour 2010

Wednesday, August 25, 7 p.m., 1-800-Ask-Gary-Amphitheatre (4802 US Hwy. 301 N., at the Florida State Fairgrounds) — Music doesn’t get much mellower than the laidback acoustic style of Hawaiian native and

environmentally-sensitive surfer Jack Johnson, whose biggest hit to date is the 2006 soundtrack album “Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the film Curious George,” which sold more than 4 million units worldwide. This tour is in support of his latest record, “To The The Dive Bar Stalkers are part of the Hillbilly Sea,” which was released in April. Hellfest, Aug. 27 at The State Theatre in St. Pete. For tickets and various members’ post-Beat projects, other info, call 740-2446 or visit which included The Fine Young CanLivenation.com. nibals and General Public. Tickets are

Hillbilly Hellfest 2010

Friday, August 27, 5 p.m., State Theatre (687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg) — Break out your Brylcream and shine up your patent leather shoes for this rockabilly ruckus, which features a hot rod car show, swing dancing and a whole slew of the area’s hottest bands, such as Dive Bar Stalkers, Cash O’Riley and the Downright Daddies, Cadillac Bombers and more, and, with tickets costing only $12, you can’t beat the price. For more information, call (727) 895-3045 or visit StateTheatreConcerts.com.

English Beat

Friday, August 27, 7 p.m., Jannus Live (First Ave. N. and Second St. N., St. Petersburg) — Although they never had much of a following stateside, at least as far as record sales are concerned, the English Beat, aka The Beat, had some success in the U.K. with their ska and reggae infused brand of dance music, and are now riding the wave of 1980s nostalgia that is currently sweeping the land. You can probably also look forward to hearing some hits from the

free for ages 21+ and only $10 for ages 21 and under. For more info, call (727) 5650550 or visit JannusLive.com.

Last Damn Show 12

Saturday, August 28, 6 p.m., St. Pete Times Forum (401 Channelside Dr., Tampa) — The Last Damn Show 12, presented by radio station WLLD-FM (Wild 94.1), features a collection of today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B artists, including the prolific headliner Gucci Mane (who appeared on more than 150 songs on 40 different albums and mixtapes in 2009 alone, including Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed,” Trey Songz’s “LOL” and others), hip-hop heavyweight Rick Ross (“The Boss”), Nicki Menaj, Mystikal, J. Cole, Miguel and John Blu, with even more acts yet to be announced. Tickets cost $25-$150. For more info, call 301-2500 or visit SPTimesForum.com.

Air Supply

Saturday, August 28, 8 p.m., The Palladium Theater (253 Fifth Ave., St. Petersburg) - They may be considered something of a guilty

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pleasure at this point, but the two Russells that make up Air Supply (Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock) had a pretty impressive string of hits back in the day, including all those sappy “love” songs: “Lost in Love,” “All Out Of Love,” “The One That You Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.” For ticket prices and other information, call Relive the softer side of the ‘80s with Air Sup(727) 822-3590 or visit ply, who will perform at The Palladium on SPCollege.edu/palladium. August 28.

Join The New Tampa Players On A ‘Carousel’ Ride! Beginning on Friday, August 20, the New Tampa Players community theater troupe will present its original production of “Carousel,” the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical that has been captivating audiences since its original Broadway run in 1945. Performances will be held at the University Area Community Center Complex (UACC, 14013 N. 22nd. St., between E. Bearss and Fletcher Aves.), with showtimes at 8 p.m. on August 20, 2 p.m. amd 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 8 p.m. on Fri-

day, August 27, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 28. Reservations are available. For more information, or to purchase tickets or make a reservation, call the NTP hotline at 386-6687 or visit NewTampaPlayers.org. Also, the Players will hold auditions for their upcoming production of “Camelot” on Sunday-Monday, August 29-30, also at the UACC. Visit NewTampaPlayers. org for additional information about these and other upcoming New Tampa Players productions. — MS

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Pulse Salon Event Highlights Local Artist, Personal Chef & More! usual meet-and-greet with maybe some refreshments and a chance to get your hair cut or something. I have to admit that when I Wrong! For the evening of the attended the Grand Opening celebraGrand Opening July 29, Pulse became tion of the new Pulse Salon & Spa in a place to sample amazing, unique hors the Redfern Professional Park (located d’oeuvres created by a fantastic local behind the Dunkin’ Donuts on Bruce chef I’ve known for some time, as well B. Downs Blvd. in Seven Oaks) last as a location for a small showing of outmonth, I wasn’t expecting what I saw. standing figure art created by New I had taken pictures, met and Tampa resident Gina Rathbun (the wife reported about all of the stylists and staffers at Pulse (Kori, Alberto, Tisha, of Stonewood Grill & Tavern proprietor Dave Rathbun). Gretchen, Sabiha and Mary) a couIn addition, Pulse even had an area ple of issues ago, so I figured the Grand during the event where local independOpening would be, you know, the ent merchants were able to sell their costume jewelry and other accessories, as well as products being sold by local Pampered Chef distributors. And, although attendees could certainly Pampered Chef consultants Jo Cook and Terese Locash sold meet, talk to some products and gave away some decadent, easy-to-make and make desserts they made using Pampered Chef products (of course). appointments By Gary Nager

with the talented stylists and spa staffers at Pulse, there wasn’t a strand of hair falling to the floor that night. And, it was awesome! In the remaining space on these pages, I will gladly recap what I saw that night for you.

Of Ar tists, Ar tisans & Great Chefs

I have to admit that although I had spoken with Gina Rathbun before and have known her husband for many years, I had no idea that she was such a talented artist. Gina graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master of Arts degree in communications, but has since decided that she can best express herself through fig- Local artist Gina Rathbun’s creations urative art. She has had many show- were on display during the Grand Openings in Ybor City, as well as at the ing of the Pulse Salon in Wesley Chapel. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the Beck Gallery in Lutz and at The jewelry creations from Master Designer Great Frame Up in Wesley Chapel. Caren MacKay (423-725-2534) and I definitely appreciate Gina’s eye even the selection of kitchen products for figurative art and, thanks to my offered by Pampered Chef consultants friends at Pulse Salon, I may be in the Terese Locash and Jo Cook (call 841market to buy one of her creations. 3844 or visit PamperedChef.biz/ For additional information, visit LoveToCookInLutz), who also GinaRathbun.com or call 928-5478. brought along some decadent homeI also was impressed with the Mac- made tiramisu cups that were definitely Stone unique and vintage handmade a great complement to the incredibly

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If these creations by personal chef Adam Frapwell (right) don’t have your mouth watering, Gary’s pictures must not be doing the (l. to r.) mozzarella and tomato on a stick, seared tuna with Asian slaw, shrimp cocktail bites and chicken satays justice. Adam is a true culinary artist — and his food is delicious, too! artistic hors d’oeuvres created by personal chef and caterer Adam Frapwell. Frapwell, the boyfriend of Pulse Salon stylist Gretchen, brought along a beautiful cheese and fruit tray, but the real artistry was displayed in the four hors d’oeuvres he brought to the event that had everyone in attendance raving. I love a good mozzarella, tomato and basil (caprese) salad, but Adam (who previously worked at Café Fresco on S.R. 56 and who still bartends at The Brass Tap in the Wiregrass mall) is the first person I’ve seen take a grape tomato, a ball of fresh mozzarella and a sprig of basil with a drizzle of balsamic dressing all together on a stick. Yum! Next, I sampled some of the most

delicious seared tuna I’ve had (and that’s saying a lot, isn't it, regular readers?), served on some sort of delicious cracker and topped with a sesameinspired Asian slaw. Bottom line? I had eight of them in just a few minutes. Because of my allergy to shrimp, I didn’t get to sample the incrediblelooking shrimp cocktail on a cucumber slice, but I did wolf down quite a few chicken satays, which were not only really delicious (the coconut milk flavor wasn’t overdone, as it is at some Asian restaurants), but which also were served on a banana leaf! If you don’t think the guests at your next party will be impressed with Adam’s culinary artistry, well, let’s just

say I disagree. He can customize your menu to suit your dietary restrictions and needs and will even do hands-on cooking lessons for individuals and groups. For more info, call Adam at 943-8081. For Pulse Salon & Spa (3756 Turman Loop, Wesley Chapel), call 428-6917.

Brusters To Host 2nd Ice Cream Eating Contest August 14!

If you didn’t check it out last year, but saw our review of the first-ever Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (of New Tampa) Ice Cream Eating Contest, you won’t want to miss this fun event this year. Bruster’s will offer prizes in five age categories, from age 0-6 to age 18+) and lots of entertainment and fun on Saturday, August 14, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Call 907-7458 for more details or see the ad below. — GN

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“Night Out ”

Continued from page 39 ID kits. “The weather was hot and the rain was threatening,” said Gonzalez, “but I think it was still a great event for our community.” There were similar sentiments all over New Tampa that evening. At Ashmont, a community of only 26 homes in Tampa Palms, organizer Karen Marker says the community’s Neighborhood Watch program didn’t even start up until November 2009. “The house next to ours was vacant and was vandalized,” says Marker, “and that got us started.” Of the 26 homes in the subdivision, 14 took part in the NNO event and Marker said the program is definitely helping. “We all have each other’s phone numbers and look out for each other,” she said. “It definitely works for us.” Meanwhile, at Heritage Isles, Homeowners Association president William Martello and Neighborhood watch coordinator Barbara Adams agree that NNO is a great way to bring the neighborhood together. “We definitely take it pretty seriously,” says Martello of the 100 or so Heritage Isles residents who attended the event, “but we also get to have fun.” In addition to food and appear-

ances by local emergency officials, Heritage Isles raffled off some great prizes, including a hockey stick autographed by Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning. And, at Hunter’s Green, which has the longest-running (at least 15 years) and best-attended NNO event in New Tampa year after year, the head count was estimated at between 600-700 homes by Neighborhood Watch coordinator James Lombardi. One of the attendees was New Tampa’s District 7 Tampa City Council member Joseph Caetano, who said that National Night is a “great event that really brings people together to help make our neighborhoods safer.”

Thanks to involved folks like these Ashmont at Tampa Palms residents, Neighborhood Watch programs & National Night Out events help keep New Tampa safer.

Getting up close and personal with fire trucks and K-9 patrol officers is both informative and fun for New Tampa residents.

Heritage Isles Neighborhood Watch coordinator Barbara Adams (left) and HOA president William Martello (right) congratulate Joanne Delessio, who won an autographed Steven Stamkos hockey stick at Heritage Isles’ NNO event.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles — Updates On Ciccio’s, Toast & Bella Vita? Ciccio’s /Lodge Adds Br unch (Again)

If you didn’t check it out last weekend, when Ciccio’s/The Lodge in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center began serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday, you have to go check it out this weekend. A couple of years ago, Ciccio’s began serving brunch when the restaurant was in its smaller location adjacent to the existing restaurant that has previously been everything from Boston Cooker to Winners and The Lime. But, when the smaller Ciccio’s closed and reopened with menu selections from both Ciccio’s and The Lodge, another South Tampa favorite from Tampa Palms Ciccio’s proprietor Robert Garofano and his partners, the weekend brunch went bye-bye. But now, Garofano says brunch on Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) is back by popular demand and this reporter already has flipped for the crispy thick-slice French toast (photo) with fresh bananas and strawberries (there are other fruit and topping options, too) and for the create-yourown egg white (or egg) omelettes, the creamy grits and of course, the mimosas and outstanding atmosphere we’ve come to expect at Ciccio’s/The Lodge.

Garofano says he expects the opening of the remodeled Publix (see page 1) to really help Ciccio’s, which (like most of the businesses in City Plaza) stayed open during the plaza’s renovation. So, if you’re looking for the best $6 “power lunch” in New Tampa, Ciccio’s/The Lodge has you covered! Ciccio’s/The Lodge is located at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. Call 975-1222 or visit CicciosLodge.com.

A Truly Free Lunch At Toast!

Now, thanks to Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar in the Oak Ramble plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (south of Tampa Palms), you can tell anyone who tells you there’s no such thing as a free lunch that you know better. Toast, which admittedly already is known as a great little wine bar, has always had food, but now, my friends John Armatas and Hector Gonzalez

and their partners are giving you a chance to sample their great menu options for lunch — for FREE!! Yep, it’s true. Next week (Monday-Friday, August 16-20, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.), you can stop in at Toast and enjoy any single lunch item — including the outstanding selection of flatbread sandwiches and pizzas, deconstructed salads and more — at no charge whatsoever. Beverages are not included and yes, you can come back every day next week to sample a fullsized portion of a different item. Or, just enjoy your same favorite every day; it’s up to you. Call Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar (14921 BBD Blvd.) at 632-3105 or visit ToastofNewTampa.com.

Circles Is Now Bella Vita

As I’ve reported previously, Circles New Tampa Bistro in the Pebble Creek Collection has changed owners and now, even the name has changed. But, don’t be sad, because the new Bella Vita Ristorante & Market promises to serve great Italian and American specialties in Circles’ former fine dining side and great prepared foods, sandwiches and more in the not-yet completed market side. The new menu was not yet available as we went to press, but was expected to begin any day.

Call Bella Vita Ristorante & Market (19651 BBD Blvd.) at 9737703 and tell Sandy and Santino that we sent you!

Violinist To Play At Two Cross Creek Eateries

Café Olé and the Urban Culinary Café, both located in the Cross Creek Center plaza, both have outstanding food and opportunities to enjoy some great entertainment this month. Urban Culinary Café (UCC) has been featuring jazz and rhythm & blues music on Thursday and/or Friday and Saturday nights, although the last Saturday of each month, Chef John Saxton still has his popular “Sensual Side of Food” lecture series. Café Olé has featured live Flamenco shows and other dance music on the weekends, too. Well now, both eateries offer chances to see virtuoso violinist Lemay Olano James — every Thursday in August, 7 p.m., at UCC and every Saturday at 9 at Café Olé. Rose Saxton of UCC says the shows at each locale are different, so stop in and check ‘em out! Both UCC and Café Olé are located in the Cross Creek Center Plaza (at Kinnan St.). Call UCC at 994-3800 or Café Olé at 907-5242 for more details. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

To Keep The Rays In Tampa Bay, Bring ‘Em To Wiregrass! A sports editorial by Gary Nager

The past few months, while our now-beloved Tampa Bay Rays have been jockeying with the New York Yankees for the best record in baseball, Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg has been much more public in his campaign to build the Rays a new stadium long before the team’s lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2025. In late June, Sternberg said that the Rays will consider ALL possible locations in the Tampa Bay area, not just in St. Petersburg or even all of Pinellas County, but in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota if the right opportunity comes along. Well, while listening to his most recent news conference on the stadium issue, I had a brainstorm — why not build the Rays’ news stadium at either Wiregrass Ranch or at the troubled Cypress Creek Town Center site? Now, I know St. Pete mayor Bill Foster “offered” to allow the Rays to move out of the city of St. Pete to locations closer to Hillsborough County, but Sternberg and the Rays said they would consider any viable location in the Bay area because the team can’t make money at Tropicana Field.

On July 31 (yes, the one game we lost), I attended one of the three soldout games against the Yankees — the first time the Rays ever sold out an entire series before it was played — which just happened to be the same day the eastbound extension of S.R. 56 to Meadow Pointe Blvd. opened (see page 1). It was the first time I ever got to meet J.D. Porter of the Porter Family Trust on which the Shops at Wiregrass mall and two schools already are built and the planned hospital, college campus and thousands of residential units will someday be built. I have been to at least four other Rays games this year already. But, I know that not every is able to set their own schedule the way I can and yeah, for a packed game like that, the drive is a bit of a pain in the butt. Usually, however, especially for a weeknight game, the traffic (once you get off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., of course) really isn’t too bad and the entire trip without traffic is only about 45 minutes. But, this isn’t about whether or not the Rays can make their current home work — Sternberg already knows the team can’t get the luxury box revenues he needs at the Trop — it’s about finding the best place for the team’s “permanent” home.

I wasn’t going to write this editorial until I spoke with someone from the Porter Family Trust about it and I had the opportunity to talk to J.D. Porter about it that day. It was so hot that day that I decided to wait until after the event, when Aja Wiregrass opened for lunch specifically to serve those who attended. I asked Porter what he thought of my idea and he said that not only was the site being considered, but that the Porter family would welcome the relocation of the stadium not only to Wiregrass, but even to the even more accessible Cypress Creek Town Center area at the intersection of I-75 and S.R.s 54 and 56. “It’s a long shot,” Porter admitted. “But we’d love it. All of the roads would already be in place before they even start building the stadium and it would surely be a great thing financially for this area.” Porter’s correct that Wesley Chapel is a long shot to get the stadium, considering that Foster and other Pinellas officials don’t even want the Rays to move to Hillsborough, much less skip past our county to Pasco. But, it still makes sense and, as an insane baseball fan myself, I would welcome it both personally and professionally. Even if the stadium would some-

Is Tropicana Field obsolete? Can the Rays move to Wesley Chapel? how be able to be moved to the Cypress Creek site, instead of Wiregrass, Porter and his family would benefit, as it would allow the residential component of their development to become even more attractive to a developer to replace Pulte Homes. Plus, the fact remains that by the time the stadium could be built, I-75 will be widened from Fowler Ave. to S.R. 54, S.R. 54 will be widened to past Curley Rd., Bruce B. Downs will be widened from S.R. 54 all the way to Bearss Ave. and S.R. 56 will extend all the way to Morris Bridge Rd. Placing the stadium here might cost the Rays some Pinellas fans, but would make the drive more attractive to fans in Lakeland and even Orlando. Longshot or not, I’m on board and will send this editorial to the Rays. A guy’s gotta have a dream, right?

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following full-time positions: Distribution Associate: High energy individual needed to receive, restock, pull & pack customer orders. Fast paced environment. Basic math & computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required. QC Inspector: Entry level position responsible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrs exp w/QC responsibilities. Ability to stand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basic color differentiation and basic math req’d. Small parts/med device experience a plus. We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com. PTA position available. Part-time (Tampa Palms clinic). Fax Resume to: 813-994-3080 Now Hiring! LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT. Part time. Outpatient Clinic. Fax Resume to 813-994-3080 or email to Travis Monday @ travis@myf4l.com. Experienced part time receptionist/assistant for upscale hair salon in New Tampa. Must have excellent computer/communication skills, customer orientated, and team player. Please call Arno at 813-991-9299. Part time Medical Assistant. Must have lab/blood draw experience. Wesley Chapel office, family medicine. evening and Saturday hours. Fax resume to 813-994-0085. Office/ Marketing Position. Tampa Bay MatchMakers, a traditional matchmaking and life-coaching company is seeking a part-time professional person to handle general office functions as well as company marketing and customer care. Knowledge of Microsoft office is preferred as well as good phone skills. Please call 813-907-0410 or send resume to Nancy@tampabaymatchmakers.com

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

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Need home maintenance? Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582. RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior, pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124. Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

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

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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. 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.

B U Y I N G

G O L D

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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.

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 and reduced stress. Class Times Tues. 2:30-3:30 pm and 7-8 pm. Also Wed. 8-9 pm. New beg. classes starting every few months. Call for more details. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Fitness training and more. With more then 30 years of training and teaching exp. Call Peter today #787-7560

M U S I C

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O F F I C E

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Lawncare. Residential/Commercial We are a Father and Son Business. Licensed and Insured. Affordable pricing for all. Per cut or with a contract up to you.Call Patrick or Dora anytime. (813)907-1234 (Hauling Service too!) NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825.

P O O L

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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! Aquatec Pool Service **Special Offer: New customers get 1 Month FREE!** We follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards - We do pools right. All technicians are in uniform, drug-free, and background checked. Quality, professional service. Licensed & Insured. Call Today 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us!

P E T

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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 17 • August 14, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com