New Tampa Isssue 21-09 by Neighborhood News

Volume 17 Issue 21

Inside: Karaoke, Comedy, Wine Tastings, Speed Dating & More!

October 16, 2009

The Direct-Mail Newspaper Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key • K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • West Meadows WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge • Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg

Local Fund Raisers Include Aid For Injured Wharton Star Intro By Gary Nager We again salute the people of New Tampa who continue to show that even in the face of a struggling local and global economy, you are willing to do whatever you can to help others. And, we also salute that same spirit alive at high schools throughout Hillsborough County, which quickly mobilized an effort to help try to send a seriously injured Wharton High football star to college. Although we know there are more than just the efforts outlined below happening in our community (and we want to give as many of them as possible as much ink as possible in these pages), here is a brief rundown of some of the fund raisers we’ve already told you about — as well as some new ones we haven’t mentioned before.

Football Programs To Help Wharton’s Fisher

Sometimes, it only takes a split second to change a promising future into

one that is now much less certain. That’s the case with Wharton High football player Xavier Fisher, a standout wide receiver and defensive back who suffered what appears to be a career-ending injury in a game earlier this season. Fisher, a 6-foot, 170-pound junior, was returning a kick during the Wildcats’ game against Armwood High on September 25 when a hard tackle left him with not one, but two, fractures in his neck. He was somehow able to walk off the field, and is now recovering from his injury, but his doctors say that he will likely never be able to play again. That means that Fisher, who was being scouted by a number of Division I schools, also will miss out on receiving a scholarship that could have guaranteed him a college education. In order to help make up for that loss, high school coaches and their teams from around the county have stepped up to try and raise enough

money to fund a scholarship for Fisher. “That was most likely his only way to get to college,” says C.C. Culpepper, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Tech Titans, who led the effort to start the fund drive for Fisher. The Titans Hillsborough County high schools have joined forces to benefit donated their team pregame meal money injured Wharton High star Xavier Fisher. Photos by Barb Collins. for their Oct. 2 game, clearinghouse for donations for Fisher. totalling about $300, to get the drive Information about the account had started, and Culpepper said he also had not been finalized as of our press time, gotten pledges from all of the coaches but anyone who would like to make a at the county’s other high schools to donation can send it to Wharton High chip in as well. School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs In addition, Wharton High assisBlvd., Tampa, FL, 33647. tant principal for administration and For more information, call the athletics Mike Rowan says that the school at 631-4710. —Michael Smith school has set up an account through See “Fund Raisers” on page 6. the National Football Foundation as a

tion of Arbor Greene before they managed to gain access to a home at 10218 Timberland Point via an unlocked sliding glass door at around 3 a.m. on October 1. Once inside the home, they gathered up a number of items, including a Nintendo DS video game, a Wii video game system and a Star Wars DVD collection, which detectives say they put into a pillowcase that they took from the bed where a 3-year-old child was sleeping. The child did not wake

up, nor did two other children, ages 1 and 6 years old, who were also asleep in their bedrooms. The homeowner did wake up, however, when the thieves attempted to make off with a flat-screen TV from the screened-in pool area. He immediately called 911, at which point the thieves took off in the family’s 2007 Honda Odyssey van, the keys to which they also had taken from the residence. Although TPD conducted an extensive search of the area with mobile units and a helicopter, the thieves managed to slip away. The next day, a pair of suspects — a dark-skinned male, approximately 5’-9” tall with Old-English-style letter tattoos on the insides of both forearms, and a young Hispanic woman, about 5’-7” with dark hair with blonde highlights — used or attempted to use the family’s credit cards at several stores along Hillsborough Ave., including the Beall’s

Brazen Burglars Hit Home In Arbor Greene While Family Sleeps

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

City Of Tampa Receives Grant To Build New Fire Station, HH Gregg Now Open In Tampa Palms, High School Hockey & Youth Football Round-Up & More!

Recapping Reeves BMW’s Preview Of 2010 Models, Halloween Happenings Offer Frightening Fun & Your Chance To Win In Our 2009 Dining Survey !

See pages 3-26!

See pages 27-48!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

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

Detectives with the Tampa Police Department (TPD) are still on the lookout for the thieves who broke into a home in the Arbor Greene subdivision earlier this month and used a pillowcase from a sleeping child’s bed to carry their ill-gotten loot out of the house. According to TPD Det. Lisa Bishop, the burglars attempted to break into nine other homes in The Reserve sec-

department store at 2738 W. Hillsborough Ave. and the Ross Dress for Less store at 22nd St. and Hillsborough Ave. Video surveillance tapes show the couple buying shoes, clothing and numerous other items from the Ross store (see photo on page 4), where the couple was accompanied by a young girl approximately 2-3 years old. Both of the suspects spoke Spanish, according to clerks at the stores, and were driving a late-model blue or gray Mazda Millenium four-door sedan. (Those videos can be seen at the TPD website, Tampagov. net/pio). The family’s van was recovered from a parking lot at Hillsborough Ave. and Airport Blvd. on Oct. 6. See “News Briefs” on page 4. Dated Material Please Rush!

By Michael Smith

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 โ ข Volume 17, Issue 21 โ ข October 16, 2009 โ ข www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Plazas & Businesses Still Hanging In There, Despite The Economy Although we recently have seen our advertising revenue improve somewhat (which is one indication to me that economic recovery is coming to our area, however slowly), there is no doubt that most retail and office plazas in our area have multiple vacant spaces. Perhaps the poster child for the troubled local retail plaza market is The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (next to Stonewood and behind Olive Garden and Red Lobster), where only three tenants (the Coffee Beanery Café, Quality Plus Cleaners and a nail salon) remain from a lineup that once also included Avalon Salon & Spa, Casa Fina Realty, Maggie Moo’s, Let’s Eat! and several others. The good news is that The Shoppes will soon have a new anchor tenant, World of Beer (see page 27), which has an existing very successful location in the Westchase area and five others, including Tampa Palms, opening this fall. Considering that other than a failed kitchen and bath store and later, a failed restaurant (neither of which stayed open even a year), the plaza has never truly had an anchor, the hope here is that World of Beer’s 500 bottled and draught beers, fine wines and cigars will help generate not only some more traffic to the plaza, but get some other businesses to join the party.

An editorial by Gary Nager Meanwhile, another New Tampa plaza has lost three major anchor tenants, even though it’s also the one with the most visibility from Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. — The Walk at Highwoods Preserve. Despite the fact the Muvico theaters, Panera Bread and even mom-and-pop businesses like Salon at The Walk (and others) are, to their credit, still doing well there — and with the more attractive TGI Friday’s already bringing people back to the former Bennigan’s location — the plaza that once also included Circuit City and Linens & Things has added former City Plaza at Tampa Palms tenant Oliver’s Cycle Sports, a temporary Halloween costume shop and the new Seasons Fresh Market/Café. It’s a similar story up and down BBD and across Cross Creek Blvd., although some of the older, established plazas with either virtually all momand-pop stores (like the Pebble Creek Collection) or a mix of solid national chains and family-owned businesses like the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center, actually have a pretty stable mix of tenants. Many of the restaurants in these plazas will tell you that August was worse than July and September was, for some, maybe even a little worse than August, but that the start of October has shown signs of life. I hope it’s true because I feel so

lucky to have so many of my favorite places to eat located within 5-10 minutes from my office. I also appreciate having great doctors and dentists, hair salons (and barber shops), real estate companies and wine bars (see page 33) right around the corner, too. My hope is that, as the national and global economies continue (begin?) to improve and local consumers start having a little more confidence that they’ll still have a job by the time the holiday shopping season kicks in, business for all of us in New Tampa will continue to bloom and ultimately kick

Correction

A couple of alert readers pointed out that in our last issue, we incorrectly identified Ames, IA, as the home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, when the university actually is located in Iowa City. We apologize for the error. into high gear by 2010. I’m no economist, but I have done business in New Tampa for 15 years and I still believe it’s one of the best places to live and do business, not only in the Tampa Bay area, but anywhere in this country.

New Tampa Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Advertising E-mail: NewTampaNN@aol.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Kate Kramer • Melissa O’Brien

Advertising Sales & Billing Manager Julie Rinaldi Advertising Account Executive Sandra Nelson

Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Designer Sandra Nelson Office & Marketing Assistants Jacob Glenn • 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 17, Issue 23, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, October 26, 2009. 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. © 2009 JM2 Communications, Inc.

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES..............................Pages 1-28 New Tampa News Briefs (cont. from page 1)...............4 City Receives Grant For Cross Creek Fire Station Fund Raisers (cont. from page 1).............................6-7 New Tampa Community Calendar..................10-11 Luz Hernandez, DDS, Offers Caring Dentistry....14-15 New Tampa Business Briefs.......................................18 HH Gregg Opens In Tampa Palms New Tampa School News..........................................20 Clark Elementary Update & Car Control Clinic For Teens Offered New Tampa Sports Updates.................................22-24 Youth Football & High School Ice Hockey Updates

Neighborhood Magazine Reeves BMW Previews New Models.............................27 Wood-Fired Pizza Celebrates Grand Opening...............32 Wine Tastings All Over Our Area...............................33 Ciccio’s/The Lodge Now Serving Karaoke...................34 Our Exclusive ‘09 Dining Survey & Contest...36-37 Halloween Happenings Offer Frightening Fun....40-41 Cub Scout Safety Day Draws A Crowd......................42 Miss New Tampa Pageant Winners Announced.........42

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSFIEDS..............46

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“News Briefs”

Continued from page 1 Anyone who may have seen the suspects or who has any information about the case is asked to call Tampa Bay Crimestoppers at (800) 873TIPS (8477). You also can make an anonymous report through the Crimestoppers Tampa Bay website, Crimestopperstb.com. Bishop also reminds residents to keep their home, auto and garage doors locked at all times, since the thieves were thwarted by locked sliding glass doors at the other homes before they found the one that was unlocked.

City Receives Grant To Build New Cross Creek Fire Station

Despite the lean economic times, the City of Tampa can now move forward with the construction of a new fire station in the Cross Creek Blvd./Morris Bridge Rd. area, thanks to a federal grant that the city received for more than $1.6 million. According to Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) spokesman Capt. Bill Wade, the grant received by the city was one of only 96 that were awarded nationwide under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Fire Station Construction Grant program, which is part of the fed-

This image, taken from video surveillance tapes at the Ross Dress For Less store on Hillsborough Ave., shows the suspect couple using the family’s stolen credit cards. eral economic stimulus package passed by the U.S. Congress earlier this year. One of the requirements for receiving the funds was that the projects had to be “shovel-ready” and able to be completed within two years. The city purchased the land for the new station, just under eight acres located at 10871 Cross Creek Blvd., for $750,000 last year, and had planned to build the new station with funds from the Community Investment Tax (CIT) program. Now, however, Wade says that

the federal grant money will cover nearly all of the construction costs for the new station, with the exception of approximately $70,000, which will still come from the CIT. At 8.660 sq. ft., the new station will be similar to the existing TFR Station #21 at 18902 Green Pine Ln., with three drive-through truck bays, and it will be staffed by 15 employees, including three fire captains, three driver-engineers and nine regular firefighters. Wade says that most of those positions will be filled by firefighters from other stations around the city, and their salaries will be paid from another grant that the department also recently received, totaling $4 million over five years, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Wade says that the new station is expected to help reduce response times in the Cross Creek Blvd./Morris Bridge

Rd. area, since it currently can take upwards of five minutes for units from Station #21 to respond to fires or medical emergencies in that area, or even longer, if the units from Station #21 are already responding to another call. He says that the department is currently in the process of reviewing bids for construction of the new station, and that work should get under way by the end of the year. The station is expected to open in early 2010. Meanwhile, the city also has land for another new fire station near the intersection of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., but, due to a lack of funds, construction of that new station is not expected to begin for at least another year or more, Wade says. Because of a mutual aid agreement between the city and Pasco County, that area already receives service both from TFR Station #21 and from Pasco County Fire Rescue Station #26, located at the entrance to Meadow Pointe.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Fund Raisers”

Continued from page 1 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Kickoff Social

On Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., the Team Development Committee of the 2010 New Tampa Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society will host a New Tampa Relay Kick-Off Social at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (8310 Galbraith Rd., across from Muvico). Aaron Wetherington of MetLife, the chairman of the Team Development Committee, says that although the social is open to anyone interested in participating in the New Tampa Relay, he hopes local businesses will attend and enjoy complimentary food and beverages poolside as they find out how they can help more people stricken with or caring for those battling cancer enjoy more birthdays. For more information, e-mail awetheringto@metlife.com. — GN

New Program To Help Homeless Students

Students nowadays are already under a lot of pressure to succeed in school, but unfortunately, a growing number of young people are facing a problem even greater than getting good grades – homelessness. According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in January 2008, there were more than 750,000 homeless Americans at that time – before the full brunt of the recession – and of those, roughly 300,000 were families that included minor children. Locally, the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) identified 823 homeless students that were attending the county’s public schools last year, and that number has grown to 1,477 students this year. A report by the National Center on Family Homelessness indicates that homeless students can suffer from a variety of issues, including hunger, insecurity and depression, and studies also show that they have a hard time

performing at their grade level and are about 50 percent less likely to graduate from high school than their peers. Now, however, one local couple has stepped in to give the county’s homeless students and their families a helping hand. Last year, Vicki and Joel Sokolik of Tampa Palms started a nonprofit organization called “Starting Right, Now” (SRN), that not only helps homeless high school students stay in school, but also helps them get into college and assists their families with getting back on their feet, finding jobs and most importantly, giving them a place to call home. Vicki says she was got the idea for SRN after she and Joel participated in the School District’s Homeless Education & Literacy Program (HELP), providing holiday meals to needy families. One of the families included a talented high school student who was enrolled in the District’s International Baccalaureate program, but who was going to have to drop out of school after her family became homeless. “I felt like that was God telling me that I needed to re-start at least one family per year,” she says. This year, however, with such a great need in the county, SRN currently is already assisting 10 families and Sokolik is reaching out to the community for assistance so they can help even more. She’s already gotten enthusiastic support from Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and county superintendent of schools MaryEllen Elia, both of whom are on the SRN Board of Directors, and has also gotten a number of other area organizations and businesses involved — including the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), The OASIS (Outreach Assisting Students in Schools) Network, Target stores and even the Kane’s Furniture company, which has graciously agreed to provide furniture for the families to use in their new homes. Still, however, Sokolik says that SRN has a need for basic household items, such as small appliances, linens, kitchen and bathroom supplies, and

more. There is a link on the SRN website, www.startingrightnow.org, that lists many of the most-needed items. Personal donations may also be made through the website. One of SRN’s success stories is 19year-old Gidget Benitez, who is now a sophomore at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Two years ago, however, when she was a junior at Hillsborough High School, she and her mother Catherine Bristol found themselves moving from motel room to motel room after Catherine lost her job and then had to give up her apartment. With help from the Sokoliks and SRN, Catherine got a new job and apartment and Gidget was able to graduate from Wharton High in 2008. Sokolik also helped her with getting into college and applying for financial aid, including a Bright Futures scholarship, and she now faces a future that surely is much brighter than before. “[Vicki] truly helped us,” Benitez says. “[Being homeless] was really very frightening, because we didn’t know how we were going to be able to pay our bills or even how I was going to get to school every day. I cried almost every night. If she didn’t step in when she did, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.” To find out how you can get involved with SRN, visit Starting RightNow.org. — MS

Aimee Lucas (far left) and “The Real Housewives of New Tampa” raised more than $2,000 at the event to benefit the High Heel Hike.

Real Housewives & Funny Divas Help Raise $2,000

I was proud to be among the packed house on 9/11 at The Brass Tap in the Shops at Wiregrass when the Funny Divas brought their fun, funny, sometimes raucous brand of comedy to Wesley Chapel for the first time. The Divas (already New Tampa favorites) were the featured entertainers as Tampa Palms resident Aimee Lucas and her friends, nicknamed “The Real Housewives of New Tampa,” were able (thanks to Brass Tap owner Jeff Martin) to retain all of the $7-per-person admission fee for the event — and a share of the beverage sales proceeds for the evening — all to benefit the High Heel Hike, an annual fund raiser created by Plant City-based artist Jules Burt, the proceeds of which, this year, will benefit actress Jenny McCarthy’s Generation Rescue for children with autism.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

an upscale beer and wine bar featuring 40 import, micro brews and domestic beers on tap (and 200 more in bottles), was a great backdrop for the Divas, most of whom have been known to put away a few adult beverages themselves, and the appreciative crowd, although loud at times, Artist Jules Burt (pink hair) and Funny Divas (l. to definitely enjoyed the r.) Susan Saiger, Robin Savage, Catherine Larson show. The evening also and Long Island Mary Tischbein at The Brass Tap. featured great giveaways and raised more than This year, Burt actually hosted $2,000 for a truly great cause. three Hikes — including the one in As we went to press with this issue, which the Real Housewives and Funny the Divas were onstage at The Palms Divas took part last month at Tampa’s Lounge adjacent to Peabody’s and had Westshore Plaza (Note-I also attended multiple upcoming shows, both as an Burt’s truly Glam Ball to benefit the ensemble and as individuals. Hike on Sept. 28 at Floyd’s at Tampa’s For a complete Funny Divas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.) show schedule and more informaBurt herself, Lucas and several of tion, visit FunnyDivas.com. For the other Real Housewives were on more info about The Brass Tap, visit hand for the comedy show at The Brass BrassTap BeerBar.com or call 991Tap sporting pink wigs and divas Susan 4343. For Jules Burt’s High Heel Saiger (a New Tampa resident and one Hike, visit HighHeel Hike.com. of my closest friends), Long Island And, for Jenny McCarthy’s GeneraMary Tischbein, Catherine Larson, tion Rescue, visit GenerationRescue. Robin Savage and Aniria Wilson gave org. — GN the packed house more than their Tee Up For Our Troops, money’s worth of laughs. Casino Nights & More The Brass Tap (2000 Piazza Ave., Several other fund raisers also were Unit #110, in The Shops at Wiregrass),

being held at or around our press time, including the New Tampa Evening Rotary’s first-ever Casino Night (photo) and the original Rotary Club of New Tampa’s own casino Night the following weekend. I also enjoyed lunch during the “Tee Up for Our Troops” golf tournament held at the Macdill Air Force Base Golf Course. We will recap those events next issue. Feel free to The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club’s first0keep submitting info about ever Casino Night was held at Hunter’s Green any charitable effort we can Country Club on October 3. help promote. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

New Tampa Noon Rotary

Wednesday, October 21 – The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Circles New Tampa Bistro (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection shopping plaza). For more information, including upcoming guest speakers, call Ralph Argen at 994-7522.

New Tampa Kiwanis Club

Wednesday, October 21 – The Kiwanis Club of New Tampa meets every Wednesday at 11:45 am at the Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd). For more information, visit NewTampaKiwanis.org.

New Tampa P.A.R.

Wednesday, October 21 – New Tampa Professionals Achieving Results (P.A.R.) is a professional networking group that meets every Wednesday at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 5:30 p.m., for networking and nine holes of golf. There is a one-time $35 membership fee, and weekly greens and cart fees are $20. E-mail Chuck Lewandoski at clewandoski@westcoastfinancial.com or call him at at 269-7100.

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, October 21 – 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 the Heritage Isles Country Club Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.). For more information, call Matthew Riddell at 907-6565.

‘Relay For Life’ Social

Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — The Team Development Committee of the 2010 New Tampa Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society will host a New Tampa Relay Kick-Off Social at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites on Galbraith Rd. (across from Muvico). See page 6 for details.

New Tampa Evening Rotary

Thursday, October 22 – The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:15 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, October 23 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday,

7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). For more information, visit NewTampaRotary.org or contact Matt Palmer at 972-9235 or matt.palmer@earthlink.net.

NOPE Candlelight Vigil

Thursday, October 29 – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Narcotic Overdose Prevention & Education task force (NOPE) will host a candlelight vigil in memory of those lost to and suffering from substance abuse and addiction, 6:30 p.m., at the Faith Outreach Center (7607 Sheldon Rd.) in Tampa. The emcee for the event will be ABC Action News reporter Don Germaise, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit NOPEtaskforce.org.

Zephyrhills will host the First Annual Wesley Chapel Family Health & Wellness Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Wesley Chapel District Park (7727 Boyette Rd.). The fair will include a variety of free pre-screenings for all ages, health seminars throughout the day and more. For more info, call 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Holiday Extravaganza

Sunday, November 8 – Get a jump on your holiday shopping with the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s “Holiday Extravaganza,” 1 p.m.-4 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (8310 Galbraith Rd.). Local businesses will offer

special products, services and gift certificates and other holiday gift ideas. For more information, call 2932464 or visit NewTampa.org.

Senior Resources Fair

Saturday, November 14 – New Tampa Marketing & Concierge Services will host a free Senior Resources Fair, noon-3 p.m., at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). Aimed at those age 55 and older and their families, the fair will feature ocal businesses and professionals with information about health care, home and financial services and products. For more info, call 765-8113 or visit NewTampaMarketing.com.

‘Treats 4 Troops’ Buy Back

Monday, November 2 – If you don’t want your kids to eat all of the candy they collect on Halloween, or if you would just like to help support our troops, pay a visit to Dr. Rodney Holcombe at Advanced Dental Associates (15303 Amberly Dr.) in Tampa Palms, where Dr. Holcombe will be offering $1 per pound of candy, which will then be sent to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. There also will be door prizes, and parents can register for a chance to win an I-pod Nano. For more info, call 972-9077 or visit BestTampaDentist.com and please tell ‘em we sent you!

Open House

Thursday, November 5 – Independent Living-Pediatrics, a new outpatient therapy clinic that provides occupational, physical and speech therapy for children, located at 27650 Cashford Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel, will host an Open House, 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. The event will include balloon twisting with Mr. Fudge, snacks and other activities for the whole family. For more info, call 963-6923 or visit IndependentLivingInc.com.

Community Garage Sale

Saturday, November 7 – The residents of the Quail Hollow subdivision in Wesley Chapel will hold a community garage sale, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. To get there from S.R. 54 (Wesley Chapel Blvd.), turn north on Old Pasco Rd. and then left on Quail Hollow Blvd. Then, just look for the signs at the participating residences.

Health & Wellness Fair Saturday, November 7 – The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Florida Hospital

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Players Players Present ‘Footloose!’ The New Tampa Players (NTP), New Tampa’s community theatre troupe, will continue to present its own rendition of the 1999 Broadway smash “Footloose,” the stage musical based on the 1984 film that made Kevin Bacon a star, at the University Community Center, Saturday-Sunday, October 24-25 (the show Let’s hear it for the boy! Check out the New Tampa opened on Oct. 16). Players’ production of ‘Footloose’ Oct. 24-25. The NTP production of “Footloose” is directed son he lost and of a young man by local actor and director Seth aching for the father who walked out Travaglino, with musical direction by on him. Frank Meekins, both directly from the Featuring an Oscar- and Tonysummer’s smash performance of “The nominated top-40 score (including Music Man.” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and the “Footloose,” one of the most title song), augmented with dynamic explosive movie musicals in recent new songs for the stage, the last two memory, bursts onto the live stage NTP performances of “Footloose” with exhilarating results. When Ren will be presented at 8 p.m. on Sat., and his mother move from Chicago Oct. 24, and at 2 p.m. on Sun., Oct. to a small farming town, Ren isn’t 25 at the UCC (14013 N. 22nd St., prepared for the rigorous local edicts, off E. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613). including a ban on dancing deterFor reservations and more mined to exercise control over the information, call 386-6NTP (6687) town’s youth. The heartfelt story that or visit NewTampa Players. org. — emerges is of a father longing for the GN

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Luz Hernandez, DDS, Offers Personal, One-On-One Approach To Dentistry By Melissa O’Brien When Tampa Palms resident Wendy Baughman began looking for a new dentist after moving from Arizona to New Tampa, she wanted someone she could trust. “I was looking for a dentist who was honest,” Wendy says. “Someone who had integrity and who would tell me the about the procedures I needed to have done as opposed someone who is just trying to add on services. I found that dentist in Dr. Hernandez.” Luz Hernandez, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), PA, recently opened her Dental Arts Center in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (located off Commerce Park Blvd., across from Freedom High). “My goal is to educate my patients about the condition of their teeth,” Dr. Hernandez says. “I don’t try to push treatments on patients if they don’t need them. If someone is happy with their smile and the color of their teeth, I am not going to tell them they need to make them straighter or whiter. While I do offer these cosmetic services, my goal is to make sure each of my patients have good overall dental health.” Dr. Hernandez says she also believes that in dentistry, there is a difference between wants and needs.

“I try to be very conservative with my treatments and always try to get the most out of options that are affordable for my patients,” she says. “Dentistry can be expensive. Most Luz Hernandez, patients have that in DDS their minds before coming here and might hesitate to go to a dentist because they think it will cost them a lot of money. This sometimes prevents them from receiving the treatment they need to correct a problem early and it can end up costing them more in the long run.” At a typical office visit, Dr. Hernandez presents her evaluation of what she believes are the needs of a patient. If the patient desires extra services such as Zoom Whitening or other cosmetic treatments, she will offer those services as options. “With my clinical knowledge, I go through with them what should be done to maintain good dental health,” she says. “I want to ensure the end result is always satisfactory.” In addition to routine cleanings and preventive dentistry, the office uses

state-of-the-art, low-radiation digital Xrays, to provide both the doctor and the patient with detailed information about that patient’s dental health. The office also offers cosmetic dentistry procedures and services, such as veneers, Invisalign (a clear alternative to traditional braces that can straighten the teeth) and whitening. Restorations such as crowns and bridgework also are available. Dr. Hernandez was born in Pereira, Colombia, but came to the U.S. when she was a teenager, and she says that it was during high school that she was inspired to become a dentist. “Most of the people who wanted to enter the health profession wanted to be a medical doctor in high school,” she says. “I had a friend who wanted to be a dentist. She got me thinking about it and then I talked to my personal dentist, who really encouraged me to pursue it as a career.” After high school, Dr. Hernandez received a scholarship to the City University of New York (CUNY) where she attended for two years. She then transferred to the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, where she finished both her undergraduate degree and her DDS degree. “I performed a one-year residency at University Hospital at Stony Brook,”

says Dr. Hernandez. “I then worked at a dental office on Long Island for the next a couple of years, but being from Colombia, and wanting to be in a warmer climate, I decided to move south. I moved to Tampa, where my parents had already lived, and I really like it here.” When she first relocated to our area, Dr. Hernandez worked for both a private practitioner and for a dental group, but soon decided to branch out on her own, opening her New Tampa office three months ago. “Everything is brand new and computerized,” she says. “The walls are neutral and calming and I have massage chairs to help patients take their mind off the fact that they are at the dentist. But, more important to me is that I take time with my patients. I never make them wait more than ten minutes in the lobby, because I know that my time is valuable, and so is theirs.” She adds that patients also feel more comfortable when they aren’t being rushed. “I always take time to explain everything,” she says. “My goal is that every patient who walks in feels comfortable and feels a trust in me.”

Helping Those In Need, Too

Another important element of Dr. Hernandez’s life, in addition to her two

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

children (Adam and Nia), is her volunteer work. Last year, she traveled to the Dominican Republic with the Nativity Church as part of an effort to provide dental services to people in need and says she plans to return in 2010 to help again. This year, she also will work at a clinic in Hillsborough County through the Hillsborough Dental AssociaDr. Hernandez and assistant Agnes Rivera work tion to provide free with a young patient. dental services to people who otherwise might not be able to nitely recommend her to other people.” Wendy Baughman adds that one of get or afford them. the reasons she visits Dr. Hernandez is Gary Lifshin of San Antonio, FL, because she goes the extra mile. was recommended to Dr. Hernandez “I feel like I can totally trust her by his wife Karen’s colleague. and she is such a kind and gentle per“We had just moved back to the son.” Baughman says. “I’m thankful New Tampa area from Massachusetts that I found her.” and I had not been to the dentist in a The Dental Care Center of Dr. while,” says Lifshin. “Dr. Hernandez Luz Hernandez, DDS, PA, is located made the process very easy. She is very at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct., Ste. A (off nice and her staff is very friendly. She Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa takes the time to go over everything with you and recommends to you what Palms). The office sees patients of all ages and accepts most major insurshe believes is necessary. I wanted to ance plans. Office hours are Mondayhave a cosmetic procedure done, and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more she did a great job. I am very happy information, call 903-8888. with the outcome, and I would defi-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Electronics Retailer Opens In Tampa Palms

Last week, national electronics chain HH Gregg celebrated the Grand Opening of half a dozen new stores in the Tampa Bay area, including this one at 6250 Commerce Palms Dr., in the Market Square plaza in Tampa Palms (next to BJ’s ). Call 4023211 or visit HHGregg.com and please tell ‘em we sent you when you call or visit!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

Harold H. Clark Elementary 19002 Wood Sage Dr. 631-4333 Principal: Brenda Griffin PTA President: Shannon Ferreira

Calling All 1998-99 Cougar Grads!

Clark Elementary is asking all former students from the school’s charter fifth-grade class of 1998-99 and staff members from that year to help celebrate entering the school’s second decade, with a special party that will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m.5:30 p.m., in the school Media Center. Call the school office for more information.

A+ Celebration Gets Wild!

On September 25, Clark students were rewarded for their hard work in helping the school attain its A+ state ranking for the tenth year in a row with a special show provided by Wonders of Nature of St. Petersburg. The interactive animal show was both educational and fun, as students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of critters like Jedi the hawk, Scooter the snake, Stitches the squirrel, Nova the owl and

Scooter the snake was just one of the stars at Clark’s A+ celebration. others, who, along with Wonders of Nature director Matt Edmond, performed and helped the students learn about life in the wild.

Fifth Graders Raising Dough With Cookie Fundraiser

Clark Elementary’s fifth-grade students are getting ready to help support their school and upcoming activities with a catalogue cookie dough and coffee sale that will start Monday, Oct. 19, and run through Monday, Nov. 2. Ordered items will be delivered before the Thanksgiving holiday. So, please support Clark’s 5th grade activities by ordering your fall/winter treats from the students during the sales drive.

Jewish Film Festival Offers Contest For Student Directors The 14th Annual Tampa Bay Jew-

ish Film Festival is now taking entries for its new Short Film Contest for aspiring filmmakers in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Middle and high school students are invited to participate in the contest, which is open to the entire community, and filmmakers do not need to be Jewish to participate. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each category and their films will be shown during the 14th Annual Jewish Film Festival in March 2010. Also, the schools of the first-place winners in the middle and high school categories will each receive $250. Videos may be up to five minutes long focusing on one of two topics: 1) Judaism, the Jewish people, or being Jewish or 2) interfaith issues and opportunities. Filmmakers also are invited to attend a free pre-production workshop that will be conducted by area industry professionals on Sunday, October 25, 5 p.m., at the Tampa Jewish Community Center (13009 Community Campus Dr.) in Tampa. The workshop will provide an overview of this year’s theme and provide tips on pre-production elements such as casting, locations, shoot schedules, production and post-production techniques. Everyone is welcome to attend the workshop, including camera, sound and other crew members, but participation in the workshop is optional.

Car Control Clinic Offered

Teens can learn essential information about safe driving and how to avoid accidents by attending the Florida Suncoast BMW Tire Rack Street Survival Clinic, SaturdaySunday, November 7-8. The clinic will be given in two parts — Day 1 in the classroom at Reeves BMW (109 E. Fowler Ave., see page 27) and the other behind the wheel at Hernando County Airport in Brooksville. The cost for the two-day program — and you must attend the classroom training to participate in the clinic itself — is $60 per person. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit fscbmwcca.org.

Finished films will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2009. They will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winners will be announced and their films screened at the Film Festival in March 2010. For more information or to register, visit www.tbjff.org or contact film contest coordinator Pamela Behar at pamela.behar@jewishtampa.com or 769-4703.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Youth Football Updates

The New Tampa Wildcats, New Tampa Sharks and New Tampa Patriots all participate in the Foundation for Youth Development’s Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading Program, with the older Wildcats and Sharks programs in FYD’s Division I and the area’s youngest football program, the Patriots, in Division II. On the field, at least as of this writing (prior to knowing the results for the games played on October 10), the competitive age groups of the Sharks had enjoyed the most success, with three teams sporting .500 or better records, including the Sharks’ 5-1 Jr. Midget ages 10-12), 4-1 Pee-Wee (ages 9-11) and 3-3 Midget (ages 11-14) squads (the Jr. Pee-Wee [ages 8-10] Sharks were 2-4 at our press time). The third week of the season, the Sharks also won all five games against the Wildcats in the first-ever on-field matchup between New Tampa’s two oldest football programs, although two of the games were decided by two points or less. In the rain on a muddy field, the Sharks took the Mighty Mite and Pee-Wee games over the ‘Cats by identical 30-0 scores, the Jr. Pee Wee Sharks won 7-6 in a defensive struggle, the Jr Midget Sharks won 8-6, with the two point conversion kicked from 15 yards out and the night game between the Midget squads was won by the Sharks 25-13.

Sports Briefs In their most recent action, the Sharks Midgets topped the Fishhawk Wolfpack Blue squad 33-16, the Jr. Pee-Wees lost 40-0 to the South Shore Longhorns Black, the Mighty-Mites lost 20-0 to the Carrollwood Hurricanes, and the Jr. Mighty Mite, PeeWee and Mighty Mite Sharks all beat the West Pasco Prowlers by at least 21. Meanwhile, all four of the ‘Cats squads have had at least two victories so far in 2009. In their most recent action, New Tampa went 1-2-1 against the Palmetto Trojans, winning the Jr. PeeWee matchup 20-0, losing close games (18-6 and 8-6, respectively) to the PeeWee and Midget Trojans and playing to a tough 13-13 tie for he Mighty Mites. The four competitive Pats teams have had several good games, but at our press time, two of their teams (the Pee-Wees and Jr. Midgets) had only one win and the Jr. Pee-Wees and Midgets had yet to win a game on the season. The good news is that the Mighty Mite Patriots did beat the South Pasco Predators 19-14, for the program’s first FYD Pop Warner win on the field and the Midget Pats came very close, losing 18-14 to the Clearwater Rattlers. We’ll wrap up the season for all three programs in our December issue.

Wharton High Wildcats are both already looking like playoff contenders in the Lightning Division of the local High School Ice Hockey League. Both the ‘Cats and Pats stood at 11 on the season, with both losing close games (Wharton lost an exciting 7-5 hookup and Freedom dropped a 3-2 decision) to Manatee, a new entry in the league this season that is actually an all-star team formed from several high schools in the Bradenton area. The Manatee and “Sarasota” combined teams in this year’s league get to play their home games this year at JP Igloo, the rink located next to the Ellenton Outlet Mall off I-75. This marks the first time that the local league isn’t playing all of its games at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, but so far, it appears that the quality of the play throughout the league is up. As for their other results so far, Freedom topped Plant 7-0 and Wharton slammed the Wiregrass Icecats 7-1. We haven’t yet attended a Freedom game, but according to the weekly reports filed by the league, the Pats are being led in scoring by Justin Quillen, Shaun Dickinson, Spencer McNabb and Weston Moon and by the rocksolid Chris Burt between the pipes. The ‘Cats are being led in scoring by senior forwards Matt Cazes, Jake Kools, Jake Nager and John Collins,

Wharton’s Daniel Truesdell (#7) digs the puck out of the corner against the Wiregrass Icecats. although freshman Mikey Lozicki has added even more speed to the attack and Wharton’s defese, led by returning senior Connor Castro and junior Ryan Woolley, has been made even sharper with the addition of freshman sensation Filip Akermark and another newcomer, junior Daniel Truesdell. The first of two regular season matchups beteen the 2009-10 ‘Cats and the Pats will be Monday, November 16, at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. — GN

Freedom & Wharton Ice Hockey Squads Both At 1-1 The Freedom High Patriots and

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Reeves Unveils New BMW Models For 2010 & ‘World Of Beer!’ By Gary Nager For this reporter, any opportunity to enjoy a great party that also provides an opportunity to promote one or more outstanding local businesses is very much appreciated. Therefore, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the Oktoberfest party co-hosted by Reeves BMW on E. Fowler Ave. and Tampa Bay Illustrated magazine. Reeves Import Motorcars owner Vivian C. Reeves and her daughter Kim Reeves-Rogers unveiled the beautiful new BMW 550 Gran Turismo and X5 M and X6 M models at a party that not only showed off the beautiful dealership and the three new BMW models, but also gave attendees a chance to sample authentic German cuisine (like grilled sausage with sauteed onions and apples, provided by Catering by the Family) and a great variety of German beers (as well as some delicious wines) from World of Beer. That’s one of the things I love about events like these. If I hadn’t attended, I probably would not have met New Tampa World of Beer franchisees Philippe Theodore and Jason Rappaport before they opened their location in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms early next month. I have been to (and really enjoyed) the existing World of Beer location in the Westchase area and had hoped to be able to get involved with promoting the local franchise. Based on what I’ve seen so far at

The new-for-2010 550 Gran Turismo (left) was unveiled by (right, l. to r.) Reeves BMW owner Mrs. Vivian C. Reeves, a representative of BMW USA and Kim Reeves-Rogers at the recent Oktoberfest co-hosted by Tampa Bay Illustrated magazine. the Westchase location and this event, New Tampa can expect an upscale environment, great beverages and beautiful, attentive servers at the Tampa Palms World of Beer. And, what you can expect from the Reeves family of outstanding auto dealerships, including Porsche, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Maserati, Hummer, Land Rover The unveiling of the new BMW models for 2010 featured German food created by Catering By The and Subaru? Great events (like a Porsche Family (left) and a variety of wonderful German beers (as well as some fine wines) provided by World of Beers (right) which will open in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms in November. release party that I hope to have more Ave. and Florida Ave. in North ties and nonprofit organizations pics from to show you next issue) and Tampa. For more information about throughout the Tampa Bay area. an ongoing commitment to community The eight Reeves dealerships are any of the dealerships, call 933-2811 service to and involvement with charior visit ReevesImportMotorcars.com. based at the corner of W. Fowler

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar Celebrates Official Grand Opening! By Gary Nager Although I haven’t know Peter Taylor very long, we’ve become good friends in a short period of time, brought together by a mutual love of great pizza. Peter and his family, who opened his Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave. (just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) a few months ago, recently took two days to celebrate the official Grand Opening of New Tampa’s first-ever artisan pizza restaurant and fine wine bar. “We were waiting to get our beer and wine license to make our concept complete before we would hold our official Grand Opening,” says Peter. “Now that we have it, you can enjoy fine wines and imported and domestic beers whenever you dine at the Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar.” Taylor, the Tampa Palms resident who studied pizza for most of his adult life and who traces his family’s genealogy back to a country village outside of old Napoli, has brought a truly unique artisan pizza, baked in an 850-degree oven Taylor designed and built himself, to our area. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I implore you to check your biases about the type of pizza you think you enjoy at the door when you visit. And, he’s already winning awards

for his efforts, as Creative Loafing newspaper named Wood Fired the Bay area’s “Best Artisan Pizza” of 2009. “We were stunned to win that award,” Taylor admits. “We’ve only been open a couple of months. And, we’ve definitely had folks from South Tampa finding and raving about us ever since.” Start your meal at Wood (Clockwise, from above left): The Michaelangelo pizza at Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar is a true masterpiece. Fired with a glass or bottle of Peter Taylor worked the oven all night, while his wife fine wine or any of the “careAndrea (far right) and her friend Jayne Bedosky celefully paired” bottled beers brated that the restaurant got its beer and wine license. available (from Bud Light to Stella Artois to Jack’s Pumpkin the Michaelangelo, with pepperoni and Spiced Ale) and any of Taylor’s four caramelized onions and mushrooms. great salads, from a classic Caesar to my You also can’t beat Taylor’s awefavorite Caprese salad, which features some cannolis, or his unique dessert house-made mozzarella, local tomatoes, pizza, made with Nutella spread. organic herbs and extra virgin olive oil. I also was impressed with the You also can start with hummus, a unique classical-inspired folk sounds of cheese plate or appetizer-sized pizzas. Gracie Grieshop and A.J. Topp of the But, you can’t walk into Wood Sunset Bridge band (visit SunsetBridge Fired without immediately noticing the Band.com to hear their music) during oven and the amazing creations Taylor the Grand Opening party. creates in it in less than two minutes. Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar is There’s the timeless beauty of located at 2822 E. Bearss Ave. It’s Peter’s Pizza Sophia or my favorite, the open every day except Tuesdays Pizza Raquel, featuring fresh house(when it’s available for private parmade mozzarella, sweet San Marzano ties) for lunch and dinner. Call 341tomato sauce, organic herbs, grated 2900 or visit Wood-FiredPizza.com. Pecorino Romano cheese and extra virgin olive oil. Or, try the “Carnivore” or

Our editor thinks Wood Fired’s dessert pizza also deserves to win an award.

Gracie Grieshop (left) and A.J. Topp of the Sunset Bridge band helped Wood Fired Pizza & Wine Bar celebrate it’s official Grand Opening on October 1.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wine Bars Offer Different Ways To Experience Fine Wines It wasn’t too long ago that the New Tampa area had zero “wine bars,” even though we’ve always had wonderful restaurants serving fine wines by the glass or bottle. Today, Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar, located in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Brice B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (just south of Tampa Palms) has been joined by WineStyles, located in the separate plaza at the corner of BBD and County Line Rd. in front of the SuperTargetanchored Northwood Plaza, which now also is home to WineHarvest, located in the space previously occupied by Cork & Olive.

Toast’s Upcoming Events

Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar is already known in New Tampa for being the place to meet and enjoy new friends, as well as get great deals on delicious fine wines and craft beers. Upcoming events at Toast include two “Meet the Winemaker” events — on Wed., Oct. 21, when you can sample wines from Montinore Estate in the northern Williamette Valley in Oregon, and on Tues., Oct. 27, when you can try the oustanding wines from Il Molino di Grace, known as the “Toast of Tuscany,” in Italy. Toast will celebrate it’s first birthday on Sat., Oct. 24, 2 p.m.-10 p.m.,

with two live bands and a premium champagne tasting from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. There also will be a Reserve Food & Wine Pairing Dinner with the Toasted Pheasant Bistro on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. on Mon., Oct. 26. Toast is located at 14921 BBD Blvd. For info, call 632-3105 or visit ToastofNewTampa.com.

WineStyles Has Speed Dating

Owner Troy Melquist of Wine Styles, which we’ve told you about in previous issues, invites you to check out all of his upcoming events, including Speed Dating events hosted at WineStyles by Dawn Brown of Lasting Impression. The next Speed Dating event will be held Sat. Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m., and will be for the age 35-45 and age 45-55 age groups. Brown says that so far, at the Speed Dating events at WineStyles, “Eligible women have outnumbered the men by almost 2-to-1. You can’t beat those odds, guys!” The cost is $25 per person to participate in Brown’s Speed Dating events, which includes free food and your first glass of wine. WineStyles also has live music, Ladies Nights and more than 100 wines for sale for less than $25 per bottle. WineStyles is located at 1051 BBD Blvd. Call 994-2200 or visit WineStyles.net.

WineHarvest Tastings

I also suggest visiting the new WineHarvest in the Northwood Plaza any Friday at 6 p.m., when Certified Sommelier and TV host “JustJess” Altieri offers free tastings and oppoprtunities to talk/learn about wine. WineHarvest, which bills itself as a “wine website, wine shop and wine bar,” features popularly priced and much more upscale wines in an elegant, casual setting. WineHarvest is located at 1269 BBD. Call 388-6898 or “JustJess” and Josh of WineHarvest in the visit WineHarvest.com. — GN SuperTarget-anchored Northwood Plaza.

WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi

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

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

“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

866-9913

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Ciccios/The Lodge Adds Karaoke & A New Tampa Halloween Bash! By Gary Nager First of all, if you haven’t yet filled out (and submitted to us) a 2009 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest entry, you should. And, if you did fill one out, but somehow didn’t include Ciccio’s/The Lodge (C/TL) as one of your Top Ten Favorite Restaurants (in at least New Tampa, if not the entire Tampa Bay area), you probably have never tried it since C/TL replaced The Lime in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center. So, here’s some incentive for you to start checking it out: C/TL has one of the most diverse and delicious menus anywhere. Whether you crave New Tampa’s “power lunch,” a late night meal that doesn’t have to make you gain weight (unless you want it to), a Sunday football brunch or an exclusive variety of TV dinners, or off-site catering, you’ve come to the right place. And, if you think you might appreciate a little entertainment while you enjoy this cornucopia of eclectic cuisine...well, let’s just say that C/TL keeps adding new reasons to visit the upscale, ultra-premium martini, Scotch and bourbon bar, which also has a nice variety of beers on tap, as well as outstanding wines by the glass and bottle.

For example, on “Superior Sundays,” C/TL offers nine of those aforementioned, now-famous (at least to my readers) Lodge TV Dinners anytime after 5 p.m. On Mondays, C/TL offers a dozen of its own cooked “American” and traditional sushi rolls for just $5 each — you can even get CeCe (left) and Jodi rock out at Ciccio’s/The Lodge. them with sticky brown rice upon request. Tuesday nights, try any of nine of C/TL’s “Almost Famous” Sliders for just $2.50 a pop. And now, on Wednesday nights, starting at about 8:30, Ciccio’s has brought in my good friends CeCe and Karen While you enjoy the entertainment from CeCe Productions at Ciccio’s/The Lodge, sample some Karaoke and it’s already awesome seared tuna slices (top) or catching on. Have dinner, a this decadent brownie sundae. drink, sing a couple of songs John Cortez (right), who does an R&B show of his and top it off with one of the more drink specials. own at Ciccio’s/The Lodge on Thursday nights, had best brownie sundaes ever. And, don’t forget never sung with his equally talented new friend On Thursday, check out live R&B that C/TL also is hostmusic with John Cortez on Thursday, ing it’s third annual Hal- before the restaurant’s first-ever Karaoke Night. with ladies enjoying Happy Hour drink loween Bash on Friday, Ciccio’s/The Lodge is located specials all night, including $5 martinis October 30, 9 p.m.-close. DJ Reign at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. and is and $4 margaritas. There’s also live will host the costume contest and open seven days a week for lunch music on Friday and Socialite Saturdays there’ll be great door prizes and more and dinner. Call 975-1222 or visit with a $5 to dance to DJ Reign and still “scary” fun. CicciosTheLodge.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Your Chance To Win & Help, Too! Our annual Dining Survey & Contest (right) offers anyone who enters a FREE opportunity to win one of at least 10 great dining prizes worth at least $20, including the Grand Prize of a $100 gift card/certificate to the restaurant you pick as your favorite in the entire Tampa Bay area! This is the first time we’ve offered the opportunity to enter two ways — by filling out the entry form on the next page or by going to our website, NTNeighborhoodNews.com. But, whichever way you choose to enter the Survey & Contest, please do so. Local restaurant owners tell us all the time how important it is that our readers recognize their efforts. They say that just being named in the Survey is a big help to them, but winning one or more of the categories is something they can post in their places of business, so their customers can tell everyone they know that their favorite place made the “big time” in our Survey. In these difficult-at-best economic times, businesses of all types need your support more than ever, but perhaps none moreso than local restaurateurs. When you see big chains like Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and others offering deeply discounted prices and other “stimulus specials,” it’s even

harder for local eateries to compete with such offers. In other words, whether you prefer Circles or Ciccio’s/The Lodge, fill out an entry form and let us know who YOU think should get this year’s bragging rights!

Advertise On Our Website!

Speaking of local businesses, we know it’s expensive to advertise in this publication. It costs us a significant amount of money to print and direct mail nearly 20,000 copies of this all-glossy news magazine (and 15,000 copies in Wesley Chapel) every month — and we’re the ONLY publication in these areas mailed to that many households in zip codes 33543-45 and 33647 — so we have to charge more than other local advertising media for a similar size ad. However, because we’ve just started our website, we CAN offer great deals on website-only ads. Best of all, we will begin promoting all of the new content we are adding to our website every month in these pages, which we believe is the best local cross-promoting you can do in New Tampa. To find out more, call Julie Rinaldi at 910-2575 or visit NTNeighborhoodNews.com!—GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Our Dining Survey & Contest has a whole new format — simply tell us your ten favorite restaurants in New Tampa, your 10 favorites in Wesley Chapel and your ten favorites in the entire Tampa Bay area (you can even include your favorite coffee houses, sandwich and smoothie shops, etc.). The bottom line is still the same — all entries have a chance to win one of at least ten $20 (minimum; it could be more!) gift certificates to a local dining establishment AND an equal chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area! If your name is selected at random to be our Grand Prize winner, we’ll give you $100 to the restaurant you selected as your “#1 Favorite in the Tampa Bay Area!” Enter by fax, U.S. mail or e-mail (don’t forget to include ALL of your personal information — name, address, community you live in, zip code & daytime telephone number — on all e-mailed entries) or enter at our website (NTNeighborhoodNews.com) by Friday, October 30, 2009, to be eligible! — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Halloween Happenings Offer Lots Of Frightening Fun For All Ages While we already have plenty to be nervous about, with the state of the economy, the threat of nuclear arms in Iran and global warming, sometimes it’s fun to be scared for no other reason than to be scared. And, this month, you can be scared out of your wits while having a good time, at fun and scary local events like Busch Gardens’ HowlO-Scream, Lowry Park Zoo’s ZooBoo and the ever-popular Guavaween celebration in Ybor City.

Busch Gardens’ ‘Howl-O-Scream’

This is the tenth anniversary of Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, and this year’s event promises to be scarier than ever, with all new haunted houses, scare zones and thrilling shows. Among the seven Haunted Houses awaiting guests are the “Nightshade Toy Factory,” “Trapped In The Walls,” “Death Row Vengeance” and “Taste of Blood,” while the four scare zones feature “Banshees,” “Werewolves” and more. The stage shows include “Fiends,” a favorite from years past, and an all-new spectacular featuring “The Magic of Jason Byrne.” This year, Howl-O-Scream also introduces Club Envy, a 21-up dance club that includes drink specials, character meet-andgreets, and great music all night long.

The “Fiends” from Busch Gardens’ HowlO-Scream show off their dance moves. Admission to Howl-O-Scream is separate from regular Busch Gardens admission and costs $69.95, although savings are available to Busch Gardens passport members and Florida residents. Special discounts are offered through promotional codes on Bud Light, Domino’s Pizza and Applebee’s products statewide. Howl-O-Scream runs every Thursday-Saturday night during October, 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. on Thursdays and 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information,visit HowloScream.com or call (888) 800-5447.

dren ages 3-11, and children ages 2 and under are free. For info, call 9358552 or visit LowryParkZoo.com.

Lowry Park Zoo’s ‘ZooBoo’

‘Guavaween’

While Howl-O-Scream comes with a disclaimer that the event is not suitable for children, Lowry Park Zoo (1101 W. Sligh Ave.) offers a familyfriendly alternative with its annual “ZooBoo.” While it also includes plenty of haunted houses, animal encounters, music, rides and more, many of ZooBoo’s events and activities are scaled back so they can be enjoyed by children of all ages. The rides and attractions are all rated from one skull for the littlest trick-or-treaters to seven skulls for the older and more courageous. This year, ZooBoo brings back some of the favorite shows from last year, including the Little Tykes Boo House (one skull) and Declassified: Project Alien (seven skulls), as well as some fun new activities, such as the “Hidden In The Mist” horse-drawn carriage ride and the “Sinister Shadows Gothic Nightmare.” “ZooBoo” runs Friday-Sunday (and some Thursday) nights through October, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays. Tickets cost $17 for ages 12 and up, $14 for chil-

Meanwhile, Guavaween, which takes over the streets of Ybor City on Halloween night, is returning to its street party roots by banning all motorized floats from the Stumble Parade that is the centerpiece of the celebration. At the same time, however, organizers have announced that they will be offering more prizes in the Features Costume Contest, including categories like Best Guavaween Spirit, Best Political Commentary, Tackiest Entry, Most Humorous and more, with a top prize of $2,000 for Best Overall Costume. Of course, the Features Costume Contest and Stumble Parade are highlights of the adults-only Guavaween celebration, which begins at 2 p.m.; prior to that is the Family FunFest, which runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and includes family-friendly activities such as the Children’s Parade and Costume Contest, Safe Trick-or-Treating, Spooky Story Time and more. During the evening’s Mardi Gras-style street festival, attendees can enjoy live music from groups like SevenDust, Soulidium and others. There’s no charge for admission to the Family FunFest. Tickets for the

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

evening activities are $17, although discounts are available in advance. Call 242-4828 or visit CC-Events.org.

Universal Studios’ ‘Halloween Horror Nights’

While the Halloween happenings here in Tampa offer plenty of thrills and chills, the month-long “Halloween Horror Nights” (HHN) frightfest at Universal Studios Orlando has been named by Amusement Today magazine as the best Halloween event in the U.S. for the second straight year. This year, HHN features terror “Ripped from the Silver Screen,” and includes the best of the worst villains, creatures and killers from both classic and yet-to-be-released horror films. The three “be-headliners” for the event are “Chucky,” the possessed doll from the “Child’s Play” movie series, Jigsaw, the manipulative puppet from the gory “Saw” movies, and “The Wolfman,” who will be reborn in a new feature film scheduled for release in 2010. The terrible trio preside over all of the frightening fun, which is spread throughout the 125-acre Universal Studios theme park and includes eight different haunted houses, half a dozen outdoor scare zones and a pair of live stage shows. Halloween Horror Nights runs the remaining weekends in October, including Oct. 15-18, 21-25 and 28-

“Chucky” no longer prowls the sidelines at Raymond James Stadium, but he is starring in Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights . 31. General admission costs $69.99 per person, but Florida residents can save up to $30 on certain nights, with advance online ticket purchases and discount codes from Coke and Burger King. Other discount packages and specials also are available. For more information, call (888) 467-7677 or visit Halloween HorrorNights.com. New Tampa Halloween Bash At Ciccio’s/The Lodge Oct. 30! If you’re too old for haunted houses and want to have some Halloween fun closer to home, check out the New Tampa Halloween Bash at Ciccio’s/The Lodge in City Plaza at Tampa Palms on Fri., Oct. 30. See page 32 for details!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Perfect Weather Boosts Turnout Miss New Tampa Is Crowned For Cub Scout Safety Day Beautiful fall weather and a host of fun and educational activities led more than 300 people to come out for the recent New Tampa Cub Scout Round-Up and Safety Day at Compton Park in Tampa Palms. The event was sponsored by New Tampa’s Pack 360 and included a fire truck, informational literature and other giveAbove, Cub Scout Lance Martin ponders a aways from Tampa Fire Rescue, K-9 demonstrations, mounted future career as a firefighter. police, squad cars and more from the Tampa Police Department and plenty of other family-oriented games and activities. If you’re interested in joining Pack 360, visit www.pack360tampa.org. At right, (l.-r.) Scouts Jacob Choronenko, Cobyn Panarelli and Ethan Ross join Tampa Police Explorers in a hard-fought Tug Of War; and below, the Scouts meet one of the Tampa Police Department’s mounted officers and his partner.

The second annual Miss New Tampa Pageant was held at the Pebble Creek Community Center on September 27, and the winners in each age category included: (l.-r.) “Princess” Sofiya Whitehead; “Sweetheart” Hanna Barton; “Pre-Teen” Ariel Owens; “Teen” Brie Edmister; and “Miss New Tampa” Johora Ramotar. At rear left is pageant organizer Vicky McShane. (Photo courtesy Faith Jordan-Masella, www.OurTownFLA.com).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

CLEAN CARPETS, NOT CLEANED OUT WALLETS 5 Mistakes to avoid

and then you won’t be the victim of high pressure tactics Mistake #1 Choosing a cleaner when the technician steps into your home. based on low price. Professional carpet cleaning is not as cheap as some unethical Mistake #3 Not getting comments from other clients. cleaners would like you to The best way to get a reputable believe. Some cleaners offer a cleaner is to ask family, friends cheap price between 3.95 and Most of us in this economy are and neighbors to recommend a attracted by low prices, especially 9.95 per room, then once when it comes to service industhey’re in your home or office, cleaner they’ve been happy tries. Carpet Cleaning services are they pressure you into buying with. Always ask for a couple of certainly not the exception in add ons or tell you your carpet references from the cleaner and these difficult times. check with these clients to see needs a “deep scrub”. Low if the work was done satisfactoprice could also mean the Every morning as I drive down cleaner has cheap equipment or rily. Bruce B. Downs Blvd, one can’t untrained personnel who won’t help but be bombarded by the Mistake #4 Choosing a cleaner do a good job. various carpet cleaning compathat isn’t certified. Competent nies hawking low ball prices to unassuming motorists during the Mistake #2 Choosing a cleaner cleaners invest in their education. Make sure the cleaner based on one call. Instead, morning rush hour. These companies use low prices as the bait invite the cleaner to your home you’re hiring is certified by the for their misleading advertising. and ask for a written quotation IICRC. (Institute of Inspection Certified expert Chris Kallas of BabySoft Carpet Cleaning, put together this consumer guide to help you protect yourself from carpet-cleaning scams: Here are five mistakes consumers should avoid making when picking someone to clean their carpets:

Cleaning and Restoration). Also check with you Better Business bureau to make sure the cleaner you’re hiring doesn’t have a long list of complaints from past customers.

Mistake #5 Choosing a cleaner that doesn’t offer a guarantee. Every cleaning company should be fully accountable for its work. If you aren’t pleased with the job in every way, you have every right to demand that the cleaner returns and does the job to your complete satisfaction. If you have any more questions, or if you’d like to close an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call Babysoft at (813) 991-7545.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • 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.

Classifıeds

Quality Handyman, specializing in Home Improvements, repairs & installations of all types from A to Z, including telephone & computer cabling. 18 years of exp. No job too small. E-mail eddieperdomo@yahoo.com or call 451-6541 for questions or Free Estimates. Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate. 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. Dan Turner Decorating Wallcovering Installation. The most important thing about the wallcovering you select is...the installer. Don’t sacrifice the beauty of wallcovering, turn to the experts. Call today for a free consultation. Licensed & insured. Call 928-2160

CLEANING SERVICES HERE I COME! I specialize in all types of cleaning: houses, apartments, townhouses, garages, etc. Best prices in the Bay area. References available. Call for a free estimate. Call 735-7979. D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710. Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662. LEBOM Cleaning service. Are you tired of cleaning? Call us & let us do the dirty job for you. Residential & Commercial. Move in/Move out. 6 years working for the best. Good references. Great prices. Licensed! Call 325-7904 now for free estimate. A+ Cleaning Service. FSU grad, honest & dependable. Moving very successful business to Tampa Palms area to be near first grandchild. My Tallahassee clients included FSU coaches & professors. For FREE estimate & references call Randi at (cell) 850-509-6615. Yes, I do Gators, too!

L A N D S C A P I N G

P/T Massage therapist. Please send résumé to PO Box 47254 Tampa, FL 33647 or fax to 994-3080. P/T Medical Asst. for doctor’s office in New Tampa. With experience. Good salary & benefits. Fax resume to 632-7114 or call 632-7111.

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 @ 9730194 or 727-2582.

Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-service property maintenance available for residential & commercial. One-stop shopping with licensed, insured professionals. Specializing in landscape design with conceptional drawings & renderings available. Let your imagination & our professionals come together to create dreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120 or visit www.EverydayGardnersClub.com COMPLETE SOD SERVICES. Start to finish sod work including stripping and disposal of existing surface, sprinkler check, pre-plant insect and fertilizer treatment, and sod, all varieties. Professional work, competitive pricing. Call (813) 5452205 for a free estimate.

LAWN MAINTENANCE 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. Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN Lawn maintenance * commercial & residential * rentals * HOA clean ups * investment properties * complete lawn care at prices you can afford! Service that you can depend on. Call Ken 334-3460.

These are the Color Classifieds Your Neighbors R E A D! Call Julie Rinaldi @ 910-2575 to order your ad today! Call Bay Estates Landscaping And Lighting for all your landscaping needs, no job to big or small. We offer landscape design and installation, lighting, mulch, rock, from clean ups to complete renovations. Owner operated. licensed and insured. Please call 813-997-5055.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! Aquatec Pool Service has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. We offer quality WEEKLY full service at an affordable price & follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards. Licensed & insured. Call 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us! Mention this ad and get one month FREE

P E T

S I T T I N G

Clean-outs—abandoned homes, garage cleaning. Pressure washing; odd jobs—painting, tile work, etc. Contact Sure Window Cleaning 926-9943. Trash removal. Trash clean-up, garage cleanouts. Will haul furniture, appliances, yard debris, lowest rates guaranteed; starting at $40. Call 285-4674. Wesley Chapel Taxi, $50 flat rate to airport. Call 464-0264.

M U S I C

L E S S O N S

FREE GUITAR WITH LESSONS! Don't worry about spending money on an instrument if you or your child doesn’t stick with it. Get a new guitar free when you sign up for 3 months of lessons. Offer good while supplies last. For more information visit Bigel Music, 20435 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 813-907-6363.

Professional Pet Care Exp’d. pet sitters. 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.

B U Y I N G

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Town Home for rent in Meadow Pointe, gated 1 car garage, 3br, 2.5 bath, loft—Maint. Free. $1250/mo. Please call 541-3158.

Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not There!” In-your-home pet-sitting svcs, including dog walks, multiple & overnight visits, administering meds, plus love & attention. Licensed, bonded & insured. Call 765-5515 for a free consultation. Or, visit www.animalsbestfriend.net.

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.

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

G O L D

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

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at Club Tampa Palms. Strength, flexibility, balance, awareness & focus are some of the benefits of Tai Chi. Classes geared for all ages & skill levels. Over 28 years of Martial Arts teaching & training. Wednesdays 8-9 pm and Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 pm. $10/per class. Call Peter @ 787-7560.

S E R V I C E S AVA I L A B L E THE GAS DOCTOR. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. Residential * Commercial * Industrial. * New Construction & Remodels * Natural & LP Gas Piping Systems. Gas Appliance Installation, Service & Repair. Providing connections for: Gas Lights, Ranges, Dryers, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Generators, Grills, Space Heaters, Water Heaters, Pool Heaters, Firepits & Tankless Water Heaters. TECO Rebates on Natural Gas Appliances. 5162927 or thegasdoctor.com. License # MG 24668 Beautiful outdoors! Construction superintendent at your service! Landscape design, clean-up & mulching, repairs for roofs, screening, sprinklers, drywall & shelving. Garage clean out, help with moving, packing & storage. Pressure washing, painting inside & out. Professional service at bargain prices! Call Dennis 601-4560.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 21 • October 16, 2009 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com