21-10 NTNN 1-64 web by Neighborhood News

Volume 18 Issue 21

Inside: Win A Cruise In Our Annual Dining Contest!

October 9, 2010

See Page 51!

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

Tax Referendum Is Vital To Regional Transportation Plan

By Kathleen Devine

to training at Euro Pilates, as each client and each small group class gets the personal attention of either Maria or one of her five highly trained Pilates instructors. Training is always tailored to you and how your body feels that day, which is why Pilates is so valuable to both young and old, and for both athletes and those just looking to improve their daily quality of life through exercise. Maria knows that clients want quality, value, variety and personal service, which is why she is intent on providing the best atmosphere, the best equipment and the best instructors in the Tampa Bay area. Over the past three years, she has meticulously worked to maintain a reputation for excellence by continually updating the See “Euro Pilates” on page 34.

The moment you walk in the door you know that something exciting is happening at Euro Pilates, located on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., less than a mile south of the Pasco County line. Owner Maria Ivanova has added new equipment and cutting-edge training techniques that will take the fittest men and

Also Inside This Issue! LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Chiles Teacher Killed In Bicycle Accident, Some Election Day Endorsements, New Signal To Relieve Traffic, Business & Education Updates & More!

A ‘Wild Thing’ Visits Petsmart, Win A Cruise In Our Dining Survey & Contest, MealCab.com To Become GoWaiter.com, Jimmy Z’s Barbecue Bistro Opens & More!

See pages 3-42!

See pages 43-60!

ects and improvements that are planned within Hillsborough County, Ellis says it would set a precedent for the surrounding counties to follow and also help to attract additional funding from state and federal sources. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (above) has been a strong advocate for the tax referendum, and when she arrived about a half hour late to the forum because of traffic, she said it underscores the need for transportation See “Mobility Forum” on page 7.

Owner Maria Ivanova of Euro Pilates can help you get fit, too!

ECRWSS

women in our area to new levels while introducing those just starting out their respective fitness regimens to a variety of Pilates-inspired exercises. Maria, a former rhythmic gymnast from Russia, says her passion is fitness and helping others by empowering them to take charge of their health, both body and mind, through Pilates. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach

Euro Pilates Can Make Fitness Fun For You, Too!

Mobility Forum moderator Jack Harris (left) and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio.

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

ty projects that will be the first to be studied for possible future development. Among those studies are an “alternatives analysis” for light rail between the University of South Florida and Wesley Chapel via Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (which is an extension of the alternatives analysis already being conducted by Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit, or HARTline, of light rail between downtown Tampa and Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa), a conceptual analysis of express bus service in managed lanes on I-75 between downtown Tampa and S.R. 54 and a conceptual analysis of express bus service in mixed traffic and/or managed lanes on State Roads 54 and 56 between U.S. 19 and BBD. While all of those studies already are funded, there is no money yet for construction of those projects, TBARTA spokesperson Amy Ellis said. Which is where the Hillsborough tax referendum comes in. While the money raised by the tax increase, if it passes, would only pay for those proj-

Postal Customer

Late last month, planners and other officials from Hillsborough and Pasco counties held a “Mobility Forum” at New Tampa’s Paul R. Wharton High to discuss the future of transportation in the Tampa Bay region, and they said that a vital part of the planning for that future is the passage of the proposed 1-percent sales tax increase that Hillsborough County voters are being be asked to approve in November. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, or TBARTA, was created in 2007 to develop and implement a long-range transportation plan for the seven-county Tampa Bay region – which includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties – and the first phase of that plan includes several projects that will directly impact the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas, TBARTA executive director Bob Clifford said.

Clifford explained that while local planning groups, such as the Hillsborough and Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), work to solve transportation issues within their respective jurisdictions, TBARTA’s goal is to come up with an overall plan that coordinates all of those individual plans to create a cohesive regional network. “Coordination between all of the various entities is crucial,” Clifford said. “We have to look at the big picture and ask ourselves, ‘What are we looking to achieve long-term?’” Clifford said that the TBARTA master plan calls for a regional network that will be created by 2035 and will include 116 miles of short-distance (or light) rail, 12 miles of bus rapid transit in exclusive (bus only) lanes, 42 miles of bus rapid transit in mixed traffic, 159 miles of managed lanes with express bus service and 226 miles of other express bus service. To get things rolling, so to speak, TBARTA has identified a list of priori-

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Michael Smith

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

L UA T VIR TOUR

Tampa T ampa a Palms $1 $1,125,000 1,125,000 Private, P rivate, ggated ated rretreat etreat w with ith w water ater vviews iews Custom aand nd ssophisticated ophisticated eelegance. legance. C ustom bbuilt uilt Mediterranean M editerranean ppool ool hhome ome w with ith 44BR, BR, sstudy, tudy, bbonus, onus, 44.5BA, .5BA, 33CG CG & 55,579 ,579 ssf. f. Call T Team eam Bohannon 379-9578

MLS## T2432487

L UA T R VI TOUR

MLS## T2422316

L UA T R VI TOUR

Arbor Greene $245,000 G Gated ated ccommunity, ommunity, ppool ool hhome ome w w// 44BR, BR, 33BA, BA, 33CG CG & 22,305 ,305 ssf. f. V Vaulted aulted cceilings, eilings, ppool ool vviews iews ffrom rom m most ost rrooms, ooms, fformal ormal aareas, reas, bbrick rick ppaver aver llanai, anai, pprivate rivate ooutdoor utdoor ppatio atio & ffenced enced yyard ard Call T Team eam e Bohannon 344-5 344-5751 5751

MLS## T2425610

MLS# T2436065

Call Team Team e Bo Bohannon ohannon 344-5751

MLS# T2436629

Easton Park Park $329,000 Q Quality, uality, N Nature, ature, S Space pace & U Upgrades. pgrades. 55BR, BR, bbonus onus rroom, oom, 33BA, BA, & 33,704 ,704 ssf. f. C Center enter iisland, sland, 442â&#x20AC;? 2â&#x20AC;? uuppers, ppers, G Gibraltar ibraltar ccountertops, ountertops, bbuilt-in uilt-in ddesk, esk, fformal ormal rrooms ooms & ssurround urround ssound ound Call T Team eam e Bo Bohannon ohannon 344-5751

MLS# T2419818

MLS# T2421374

Call Team Team e Bohannon 344-5751

MLS# T2 T2437998 2437998

L Oak Live $235,000 $2235,000 C Conservation onservation vviews, iews, 55BR, BR, 33.5BA, .5BA, 33CG CG & 33,465 ,465 ssf. f. S pacious rrooms, ooms, fformal ormal ddining ining Spacious rroom, oom, ggated ated ccommunity, ommunity, G as aappliances, ppliances, Gas bbreakfast reakfast nnook, ook, w alk iin n cclosets losets walk Call Team Team e Bohannon 344-5751

MLS# T2 T2428466 2428466

L UA T R VI TOUR

The Preser Preserve rve at Lake Thomas $180,000 Spectacular S pectacular ppool ool hhome ome iin n ggated ated ccommunity ommunity Open ooffers ffers 33BR, BR, 22BA, BA, 22CG CG & 22,174 ,174 ssf. f. O pen Ă RRU Ă RRU SSODQ ODQ IIRUPDO RUPDO GGLQLQJ LQLQJ UURRP RRP QQDWXUDO DWXUDO wood w ood bbeams eams tthroughout, hroughout, & ffenced enced yyard ard Call T Team eam Bo Bohannon ohannon 344-5751

$225,000 $2225,000 Cory Lake Isles Spacious aand nd bbeautifully eautifully llandscaped andscaped hhome ome Spacious with w ater vviews, iews, pprivate rivate ddock, ock, 55BR, BR, with water 3.5BA & 22,511 ,511 ssf. f. G ranite ccounters, ounters, m aple 3.5BA Granite maple FDELQHWU\ EEULFN ULFN SSDYHU DYHU OODQDL DQDL WWLOH LOH Ă Ă RRULQJ RRULQJ FDELQHWU\

L UA T R VI TOUR

Lexington Oaks $178,500 $178,500 Move-in M ove-in R Ready! eady! IImmaculately mmaculately m maintained aintained 44BR/2BA BR/2BA hhome. ome. 11,956 ,956 ssff w w/partial /partial ppond/ ond/ water cconservation onservation vviews, iews, vvaulted aulted cceilings, eilings, w ater ssoftener, oftener, bbuilt-in uilt-in ddesk esk aand nd eeat-in at-in kkitchen itchen Call T Team eam e Bohannon 344-5 344-5751 5751

Seven Oak Oaks ks $265,000 $265,000 C onservation vviews, iews, uupgrades pgrades ggalore, alore, 55BR, BR, Conservation 33BA, BA, & 22,881 ,881 ssf. f. G ranite ccounters, ounters, m aple Granite maple ccabinetry, abinetry, sstainless tainless ssteel teel aappliances, ppliances, fformal ormal lliving iving rroom, oom, fformal ormal ddining ining rroom, oom, ssplit plit pplan lan

L UA T R VI TOUR

Arbor Greene $369,900 $ G Gated ated ccommunity, ommunity, w waterfront, aterfront, ppool ool hhome ome w w/5BR, /5BR, 33.5BA .5BA & 33,423 ,423 SSF. F. R Recently ecently ppainted, ainted, rremodeled emodeled & rre-landscaped. e-landscaped. T Tile ile rroof, oof, ccrown rown m molding, olding, & aattic ttic sstorage torage Call Team Team e Bohannon 344-5751

MLS# T2414313

L UA T R VI TOUR

Lexington Oaks $$269,900 $269,900 6WXQQLQJ 6 WXQQLQJ KKRPH RPH %5 %5 EERQXV RQXV RRIĂ&#x20AC;FH IĂ&#x20AC;FH %$ %$ & 33,016 ,016 ssf. f. C Conservation onservation vviews, iews, 442â&#x20AC;? 2â&#x20AC;? uupper pper ccabinetry abinetry w w/crown /crown m molding, olding, fformal ormal lliving iving GGLQLQJ LQLQJ UURRPV RRPV XXSJUDGHG SJUDGHG Ă Ă RRULQJ RRULQJ Call T Team eam Bohannon 344-5751

Cross Creek $200,000 Conservation, C onservation, ppond ond vviews, iews, 44BR BR + lloft, oft, 22.5BA, .5BA, 22CG CG & 22,621 ,621 ssf. f. G Granite ranite ccounters, ounters, ccenter enter iisland, sland, lliving-dining iving-dining ccombo, ombo, U Upgraded pgraded hhardardware, w are, ssunken unken oownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rretreat, etreat, & ffenced enced yyard ard Call T Team eam Bohannon 344-5 344-5751 5751

L UA T VIR TOUR

MLS# T2389526

Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hunter â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green $3 $300,000 300,000 M Move-in ove-in rready eady ppool ool hhome. ome. M Must ust SSee! ee! G Gated ated C Community, ommunity, 55BR, BR, 33BA, BA, 22CG, CG, & 22,636 ,636 ssf. f. N New ew ccarpeting, arpeting, nnewly ewly rrenovated enovated P PDVWHU DVWHU EEDWK DWK JJDV DV Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x20AC;UHSODFH UHSODFH IIHQFHG HQFHG \\DUG DUG Call T Team eam e Bohannon 344-5751

MLS# T T2436254

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 18, Issue 21 â&#x20AC;˘ October 9, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Trying To Sift Through The Candidate Clutter For November 2 Many of you likely already know that I have been dealing with some major personal upheaval the past few weeks, upheaval that I will not address until after the situation is resolved. Unfortunately, that upheaval gave me even less time than I usually have to do both the necessary ad sales for this issue and interview the candidates running for the major local offices that will be decided on Tuesday, November 2. I will say this, however. There are four candidates on next month’s ballot who have all been among New Tampa’s best friends when it comes to supporting transportation and recreation improvements for our area, so even though I might like some of their opponents, I would be hard-pressed to NOT support all of the following: State House Representative, District 60, Shawn Harrison (R) — The former Tampa Palms CDD chair and Tampa City Council member may have his sights set on higher offices someday, but there’s no doubt Shawn did more to support New Tampa projects when he was on the Council than anyone else. His Democratic opponent, Russ Patterson, is a retired Air Force officer and a nice man, but Shawn is a hardworking, proven coalition-builder. Hillsbrough County Commission, District 5, Ken Hagan (R) — I feel equally strongly about Ken, whose parents still live in New Tampa, especially considering his Democratic opponent, former Tampa City Council chair

New Tampa Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483

Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Melissa O’Brien

•

Kathleen Devine

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

An editorial by Gary Nager Linda Saul-Sena, has been among the most vocal opponents of several New Tampa projects, including the New Tampa Cultural Center. I was not able to get in touch with No Party Affiliation (NPA) candidate Jim Hosler. Hillsborough County Commission, District 2, Victor Crist (R) — I wasn’t able to get in touch with independent candidate Steven Morris, but even if I had, Crist is a New Tampa resident who has been among the most diligent and honest State Representatives and State Senators we have had. State Senate District 12, Jim Norman (R) — Like Hagan, Norman has been one of New Tampa’s most consistent supporters on the County Commission, so I was saddened to read in the local dailies that Republican power broker Ralph Hughes provided most of the money for a home in Arkansas purchased by Norman’s wife. I did not receive return phone calls from either of Norman’s write-in candidate opponents, but even if I had, while I am now concerned about Jim’s politics, I still believe he will represent our area well in Tallahassee. I do also support Republican incumbent Mark Sharpe for the District 7 Hillsborough County Commission seat, although I did have a nice chat with his NPA opponent and long-time community activist Neil

Cosentino, who opposes the one-cent transportation surcharge sales tax of which Sharpe is the most vocal supporter on the current County Commission. I share Cosentino’s concern that we really don’t know how much the proposed commuter rail line to be funded by the tax will actually cost, but I still believe the tax may be the only way to make up for sagging ad valorem property taxes to pay for the billions in currently unfunded transportation projects countywide, including the final phase of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. widening. I therefore support Mark Sharpe in District 7 and vote “Yes”

for the One-Cent Sales Surtax. State House District 61 — This is the toughest race for me to call. Although the District includes only a few New Tampa voters, I like the dynamic incumbent, Republican Will Weatherford, very much and believe he has done a good job in the office, but I have known his Democratic opponent, retired U.S. Coast Guard officer Elena McCullough, for years and I believe that what Elena lacks in experience, she will make up for with an unfailing desire to serve our area and our state. By the slimmest of margins, I support Elena McCullough (D).

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES................................Pages 1-42 New Tampa News Briefs........................................6 Chile Elementary Teacher Killed On Bicycle Drunk Driver Crashes Into West Meadows Home City Installs Traffic Signal At Regents Park Dr. Mobility Forum (cont. from page 1)............................7 New Tampa Community Calendar......................10 Attorney Rebuts Former NTCC President’s Claims...14 New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce Update.......16

New Tampa Business Updates.................16-35 Foreclosure Defense Network....................................22 New Tampa Business Briefs........................................26 Nails At New Tampa..................................................28 Euro Pilates (cont. from page 1)................................34

New Tampa Education Updates.............38-39 Jasmine Roberts Honored By School District...........38 New Tampa Education Briefs..............................38 Clark Elementary To Hold Book Drive Pride PTA Membership Drive Under Way Nominations Sought For Mayor’s Youth Corps Rising Ring Star Visits Hospitalized Children...........39

Neighborhood Magazine White Tiger Visits Local Petsmart Store...............43 Budget Blinds Offers Blinds For Every Budget..........46 Win A Cruise In Our Dining Survey & Contest...51 MealCab.com Gets A New Name..............................54 Jersey Mike’s Subs Gets A Makeover..........................55 Bruster’s Second Ice Cream Contest A Big Hit..........55 Jimmy Z’s Barbecue Bistro.........................................58 . . NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSFIEDS...............62

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Chiles Teacher Killed While Riding Bicycle To Work

A popular art teacher at Lawton Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms was killed September 9, when he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle to the school. According to a report issued by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Joseph Dyals Office, Joseph Dyals, 46, was riding his bike on Cove Bend Dr., near the intersection of Bearss Ave. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., when he pulled out in front of a 2005 Toyota Sierra that was heading south on BBD. Dyals was transported to University Community Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Ironically, the driver of the Toyota, 48-year-old Mara Lynn Colle, had been a former colleague of Dyals’ at Chiles. She worked there during the 2009-10 school year before being transferred to Forest Hills Elementary. Chiles principal Kim Pietsch called the accident “a double tragedy.” Dyals had worked at Chiles since the school opened in 2001. Prior to that, he had worked at Folsom and Tampa Palms elementaries. Colle, a special education teacher, came to Chiles in 2006, but left the school when the special ed program there was discontinued. Pietsch said that the two teachers had worked very closely with each other. Dyals wasn’t married, but was survived by his parents, a brother and a sister. Chiles students and faculty members held a memorial service at the school the day after his death.

News Briefs Drunk Driver Crashes Into West Meadows Home

It can be annoying when people decide to visit you unexpectedly, but one local resident was surprised by an extreme “drop in” when a drunk driver crashed his truck through the man’s screened-in pool deck and landed in his hot tub. West Meadows resident Marty Culpepper says he was at home with his roommates at around 10 p.m. on September 17 when 36-year-old Eric Mullins, who also lives in West Meadows, drove his Ford F-150 pickup truck over about 105 feet of grass, through a brick retaining wall and into the pool deck, stopping squarely atop the in-ground hot tub. No one was injured in the incident, but Culpepper says that initial estimates for damage to his home range from $15,000-$20,000. He says it could easily have been much worse. “It’s just lucky that there’s no sidewalk there and nobody happened to be walking or jogging on the grass, because there was no sign that (Mullins) even tried to put on his brakes,” he says. Culpepper adds that the accident also serves as an excellent argument against widening New Tampa Blvd., which is a part of the City of Tampa’s plan that also includes building a bridge over I-75 to connect West Meadows with Tampa Palms (see pages 14-15 for more details). “I’ve never been a fan of the widening plan,” Culpepper says. “First of all, there will be no need for people to cut through here once the construction on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. is done. Also, it’s relatively quiet here now, but once they widen the road, there will be a lot more traffic and it will be even closer to my house. {I

The Ford truck driven by West Meadows resident Eric Mullins crashed through the screened pool enclosure of fellow West Meadows resident Marty Culpepper on Sept. 17. believe} that’s going to affect our charged with driving under the influproperty values.” ence with property damage and Culpepper also says that the com- released from custody after posting a munity is home to many deer and bond of $500. other wildlife, which are already City Installs New Traffic endangered by reckless drivers. “That’s part of the atmosphere Signal At Regents Park Dr. and the appeal of living here,” he says. The City of Tampa has responded “But, we already have people who try to one major local traffic issue by to pass other people without regard for installing a new traffic signal at the the wildlife, and you see them on the intersection of BBD and Regents Park sides of the road all the time.” Dr. S. in Pebble Creek. Despite opposition from residents The new signal will allow drivers like Culpepper and others, the widento exit the New Tampa Center plaza ing and bridge project does have its and travel north on BBD (which they supporters, and city officials contend currently are not able to do), which that the project is part of the original city officials say will help alleviate some transportation plan for the area. of the congestion at the other entrance They also say they are financially to the plaza on New Tampa Blvd. obligated to build it, because at least Tampa City Council member part of the $13 million they have set Joseph Caetano, a New Tampa resiaside to build it with was paid for by dent, urged his fellow Council memdevelopers as part of their concurrency bers to approve funding for the new requirements. signal after receiving many phone calls City planners have said that they and letters from area residents. are waiting for the construction on “Getting in and out of that plaza BBD to get further along before they is a nightmare, especially in the commence on the project, because evenings,” Caetano says. “This light they want to minimize the potential will certainly help to alleviate that.” for people using the new road as a way According to Caetano, the cost of to bypass that construction. the new signal, approximately Meanwhile, according to his arrest $90,000, was paid for with funds from report, Mullins was found to have a the Community Investment Tax. It blood alcohol level of .222, nearly should be operational within the next three times the legal limit. He was few months, he said. — MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Mobility Forum” Continued from page 1

improvements, not only in Tampa and Hillsborough County, but throughout the region. “It really does spotlight the heart of the transportation issue,” Iorio said, adding that efficient transportation equates to a better quality of life. “Imagine if when Tampa Palms was built, this light rail would have been built concurrently,” she said. “It would be a different situation now. You wouldn’t have the county widening Bruce B. Downs to eight lanes, which is a mistake, in my opinion, because an eight-lane road doesn’t make a good quality of life.” Besides making life better for area residents, an improved transportation network also would attract jobs and help to make the Tampa Bay area more competitive in the economic marketplace, Iorio said, adding that the area already is lagging behind other comparable cities around the U.S., such as Charlotte, NC, and Phoenix, AZ, which already have built light rail systems and which were looked at by city officials in determining Tampa’s needs. “We are among the last major metropolitan areas to construct a modern transportation system,” she said.

Those improvements do come with a hefty price tag, however. Representatives from the MPOs said that there are about $15 billion in road, rail and other projects that have been identified in Hillsborough County in the short term and about $30 billion in needs going forward to 2035, while Pasco County’s long-term plan calls for about $9.7 billion in improvements between now and 2035. That’s why Pasco officials are very interested in what happens in Hillsborough in November, according to Pasco commissioner Anne Hildebrand, who is a member of the TBARTA Board of Directors and also the vice chairman of the Pasco County MPO. “We recognize that transportation issues do not stop at the county line,” she said at the forum, adding that if the referendum passes, Pasco is likely to try and place a similar initiative on the ballot in the future. “As a region, we must move to our next level.” At least some of the citizens in attendance at the forum were still not ready to support the proposed tax increase, however. “We need a light rail system put into place, but I am very wary about how our money is going to be spent,” Tampa resident Richard Wright said. He gave a list of “demands” for planners to meet, including detailed maps of the proposed projects, more

specifics about how the plan would be implemented and a promise that cost overruns would be paid for by the government, not by additional taxes. Unfortunately, Iorio responded, those demands are impossible to meet. “Even if we were doing plain old vanilla road projects, we could not meet the criteria you’ve set out,” she said. “And, what we have here is a multi-faceted transportation plan, not for the next five years or 10 years, but for the entire 21st century.” She did add, however, that if the tax increase passes, the proposal calls for the money that is generated to be placed into a dedicated trust fund and used only for transportation needs. She

also said that any spending will be closely scrutinized by a citizen oversight committee. “You can apply to be a member of that committee,” she said. Even if the tax increase is not approved by voters, though, it doesn’t mean that the regional transportation planning effort will be abandoned, TBARTA spokesman Ellis said. “It just means that other sources of funding would have to be identified,” she said. For more information about the TBARTA regional master plan, including detailed maps and notices of upcoming meetings and other public events, visit TBARTA.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

Newcomers Coffee Social

Tuesday, October 12 – Tampa Bay Newcomers, Inc., will hold a welcome coffee social for prospective members, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse (30051 County Line Rd.), Wesley Chapel. E-mail csandery@tampabay.rr. com for more information or to make a reservation.

New Tampa Noon Rotary

Wednesday, October 13 – The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club still meets every Wednesday at noon, but the luncheons have been moved to Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr., inside the Hunter’s Green community). For more info, call 910-2575.

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, October 13 – 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 Country Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, October 13 – The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol squadron meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54) in Wesley Chapel. Visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

New Tampa Evening Rotary

Thursday, October 14 – The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club. For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

NE Tpa Women In Business

Thursday, October 14 – The North East Tampa Women in Business (NETWIB) meets at 6 p.m. at Hunter’s Green County Club. The group’s guest speaker on Oct. 14 will be business coach Dulcee Loehn, who is the founder of Focalpoint Business Performance of Tampa Bay. Guests are welcome, but registration is requested. To register, or for more information, call president Kay Dunn at 841-5932 or visit NETWIB.org.

Computer Workshops

Thursday, October 14 – Every Thursday, the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.) offers computer workshops for adults, beginning at 12:15 p.m. The workshops focus on computer techniques and a variety of software programs. Registration is required in person, no earlier than one hour before the beginning of the workshop. Call 273-3652 for more information, or, for a complete list of activities offered at the library, visit HCPLC.org.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, October 15 – 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 Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

‘Food, Friends & Jazz’

Friday, October 15 – The Wharton High Jazz Ensemble will host an evening of “Food, Friends and All That Jazz,” 6 p.m.-9 p.m., at the school (20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Dinner will be prepared by students in the school’s award-winning culinary arts program’s Chez Paul. Admission costs $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and all proceeds will benefit the WHS band program. To order advance tickets, or for

more information, call 991-6441 or e-mail lauriekacz@yahoo.com.

“Under The Palms”

Saturday & Sunday, October 1617 — The Tampa Palms Women’s Club’s annual “Arts & Crafts Under the Palms” festival will be held at the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center on Saturday-Sunday, October 16-17. A huge variety of crafts and fine art will be available for sale both days at the TPWC’s largest annual fund-raising event, the longest-running annual event in the New Tampa area. For more information and application forms, call 977-2261 or visit TampaPalmsWomensClub.com.

WC Fall Festival

Saturday & Sunday, October 1617 — The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Fall Festival (formerly the Arts & Crafts Festival), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, at The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center (located off Oakley Blvd. and S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). In addition to as variety of art and crafts, the free event also will featurethe Ronnie Setser Custom Car Show, the annual Wesley Chapel “Battle of the Wings” contest, live entertainment, children’s activities and much more. For more information, call the WCCC office at 994-8534 or visit

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Kingshyre Garage Sale

Saturday, October 16 – Residents of the Kingshyre neighborhood (off Kinnan St. in the Cross Creek area) will hold a community-wide garage sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. All area bargain hunters are welcome to attend.

Fire Safety Day

Saturday, October 16 – The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club will host its eighth annual Fire Safety & Community Awareness Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Tampa Fire Rescue Station #20 (16200 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa Palms). This free family event is designed to promote and teach fire and emergency safety awareness to members of the community, and will include fire safety demonstrations, arts & crafts and other activities for children and more. Call 276-3638 for more info.

Trash & Treasure Sale

Saturday, October 16 – The annual Hunter’s Green communitywide “Trash & Treasure” sale will be held from 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Capt. Nathaniel Hunter Park on Highland Oak Dr., inside the Hunter’s Green community, but you do not have to be a Hunter’s Green resident to attend. Those coming from outside Hunter’s Green are asked to use the

community’s “side” entrance on Cross Creek Blvd. Call 991-4818.

Miss New Tampa Pageant

Sunday, October 17 – Pageants with a Purpose will host the third annual Miss New Tampa Pageant, which will be held at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. The pageant is open to residents of Pasco and Hillsborough counties, and will include categories from infants to young adults, as well as a special “Pretty in Pink” category. A portion of the proceeds will benefit breast cancer charities. For more information, call Vicky McShane at 714-6513 or visit MissNewTampaPageant.com.

‘Holiday Shop For A Cure’

Tuesday, October 19 – The Tampa Palms “Freedom from Cancer” Relay for Life team will host a special women’s holiday shopping fund raiser, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. Call 972-1991 for more info.

Rotary Ca$ino Night

Friday, October 22 – The Rotary Club of New Tampa will host its annual “Casino Night” fund raiser, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. The event will feature real casinostyle games of chance, including blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold’Em, and craps, plus live entertainment, live and

silent auctions, a complimentary martini bar and hors d’oeuvres, and more, all for $75 per person, which also includes $1,000 in “play” casino chips. Net proceeds will benefit Tampa schools and area charities. Call 295-4663 or e-mail Rob@ ciccioslodge.com for more info.

Moms Club Of New Tampa

Friday, October 22 – The Moms Club of New Tampa, whose membership boundaries include addresses in the 33647 zip code (except for the Tampa Palms, Grand Hampton and Live Oak communities), will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the West Meadows Community Park on New Tampa Blvd. All members, prospective members and their children are invited to attend. Call Jamie Priest at 217-`5567 or visit MomsClubNewTampa.webs.com.

Mayfair Garage Sale

Saturday, October 23 – Residents of the Mayfair neighborhood in Tampa Palms will hold a community garage sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. You do not have to live in Mayfair or Tampa Palms to attend. Contact adiller1@verizon. net for more information.

ORT Used Book Sale

Saturday, October 23 – The Bay Horizons chapter of the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT) will hold a used book sale, 10

a.m.-4 p.m., at the Publix supermarket in the Shoppes at New Tampa in Wesley Chapel plaza (1920 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Proceeds from the sale will support the ORT technical schools around the world and also provide a scholarship for a student attending the Erwin Technical Center in Tampa. Call 907-8329 for more info.

‘CraftoberFest’

Saturday, October 23 – Crossroads Community United Methodist Church (26211 County Line Rd.) will host its first annual “CraftoberFest” celebration, which will feature a selection of handmade crafts, scrapbooking items and a pumpkin patch filled with fall festival fun, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Openings are available for artisans and scrapbookers who wish to participate, and a portion of the proceeds from booth rentals will be used to sponsor the church’s upcoming mission trip to Africa. For more info, call Pastor Jeff Smith at 907-5815 or email Randy Sawyer at craft@CrossroadsUM.com.

Women-N-Charge

Friday, November 5 – 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.). Visit Women-n-Charge.com or call Sue Davis at 435-5128.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Attorney Rebuts New Tampa Chamber President’s Opinion Piece In our last issue, former New Tampa Chamber of Commerce president Scott Estes wrote an opinion piece about the long-planned NewTampa Gateway Bridge and the lawsuit brought by Tampa Palms resident Evelyn Romano to stop the bridge from being built. The piece raised quite an uproaron both sides of the issue, especially regarding some claims made by Estes about the attorney trying the lawsuite, Warren Dixon and his wife. In the spirit of fairness, I offered Dixon “equal time” (even though that is a political term and the piece was not regarding a political campaign or candidate) to respond to Estes’ claims in thisissue. His response appears below. — GN I take this opportunity to respond to factual inaccuracies by Mr. Scott Estes, former President of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce (see page 16), in his “opinion piece” published in the New Tampa Neighborhood News on September 11, 2010.

Part 1:

Regarding the comment that “this donated money [referring to the Florida IOTA Trust account I administer on behalf of my client] was to go to his wife...,” I never paid my wife, Andrea Braboy, a dime, nor did I contemplate doing so, for her testimony. In fact, she is the largest single contributor to the expenses of this lawsuit. Mr. Estes stated that I “needed to raise money to pay for his two expert witnesses, which he introduced to the audience. One of the ‘experts’ was his wife....” This is a fabrication. My wife did not attend the meeting; she was at work. I said specifically that I had sought to use my wife as an expert witness to save the expert witness fees that would otherwise have had to be paid; but because of the hearing officer’s decision, we had to hire another expert. I introduced Mr. George Deakin, who spoke to the audience about his background, and the expertise he would provide. I NEVER said

we were paying my wife. I said we had to pay Mr. Deakin. Regarding Mr. Estes’ statement that Mr. George Deakin is a “professional witness” - a derogatory term implying that Mr. Deakin’s professional opinion is for sale - I noted that Mr. Deakin is a Licensed Professional Engineer with expertise in highway design and safety factors. The “losing” lawsuit mentioned by Mr. Estes in fact resulted in concessions by the City that modified traffic flows in a neighborhood that was dangerously affected by the original design. He has testified for parties in only four cases over a 10 year period, hardly making him a “professional witness” with the negative implications of Mr. Estes’ term.

Part 2:

Mr. Estes said: “I was shocked at the exaggerations and downright mistruths laid out for us all.” Response: There were no exaggerations or mistruths. Every traffic projection, rounded to the nearest thousand, as I informed the audience, were the City’s own projections in documents used to seek the wetlands permit for the bridge, and entered into evidence at the hearing. They show that by 2025, the City projects that New Tampa Blvd. would have a traffic load of 28,000 cars per day, versus approximately 4,000 cars

per day today (35,000 by the shopping center at New Tampa Blvd.); while on Tampa Palms Blvd. in Area 2, there would be 27,000 cars per day, versus 7,000 presently. Simple math shows the traffic in Tampa Palms will be 350 percent of current volume; while in West Meadows it is 700-800 percent. Despite City denials that Tampa Palms Blvd. will be made into an arterial highway (which BBD is), it would be. I pointed out that based on current traffic, the Level of Service (LOS) “D” rating (maximum traffic load that is acceptable even to the City) was 22,800 cars per day, but after the bridge is built, the LOS “D” rating goes to 31,000 cars per day - without any changes to Tampa Palms Blvd. I pointed out that our expert witness Mr. Deakin had identified the reason: The City had used arterial highway figures to calculate the LOS “D” volume after the bridge is built. That is, the City does plan for it to be an arterial highway, not the collector it is currently. By the City’s own admission under oath, Tampa Palms Blvd. is not suited as an arterial highway (meaning its LOS “D” level will actually remain at 22,800 cars per day) but the City plans to put 27,000 cars per day - making the Boulevard LOS “F,” a failed road similar to the pre-widened BBD! Mr. Estes continued, “Dixon and his

supporters stated that city officials claim the bridge is needed for community safety and emergency access, as well as commuter traffic for Freedom High. But Dixon told meeting attendees that Freedom High had only one bus because ‘all of the other students that go there drive their own cars.’” This was a gross misrepresentation. Here is what I said: The City claimed in its application that the Bridge was necessary to provide “safe and efficient” transportation of students residing east of I-75 to the schools west of I-75. However, the City has admitted under oath in deposition that there is no data showing that the existing routes are either unsafe or inefficient. County School Board zone charts show that the ONLY students who reside east of I-75 who attend schools west of it go to Freedom; since the building of Bartels Middle School, no students living east of I75 attend Liberty Middle School, Chiles Elementary or Tampa Palms Elementary. I never said the middle and elementary students drive to school. Of the 34 buses that serve Freedom, only ONE BUS (which departs from Richmond Place) brings students from east of I75; it is the ONLY bus that would use the bridge. Some Freedom students from east of I-75 not riding the bus, do drive. Build-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

ing the bridge would reduce the distance the one bus that would use it by only 1,500 feet, less than 30 seconds of travel time. All of this has been established by sworn testimony. The traffic levels I mentioned will endanger our wildlife and residents. In both communities, sandhill cranes stroll up the middle of the boulevards, without regard to traffic. Drivers who live here stop or swerve to avoid those animals. Such abrupt stopping or swerving, especially with a major increase in traffic from people who do not live in these neighborhoods, will cause accidents; some of those accidents may involve mothers with children in strollers and children going to and from school - especially since, according to a recent study done for the City, 15 percent of existing drivers speed along at an average of 48.5 mph in both the 35- and 40-mph zones on Tampa Palms Blvd. And, it will only get worse. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the chances of pedestrian death in a vehicle/pedestrian collision at 45 mph exceeds 90 percent. Mr. Estes stated “Only about a dozen people attended....if you take out the press and those that walked out when they found out what it was really about” and “My initial observation was that those in attendance were shocked that so few had come out to support their lawsuit.” Approximately 30 people attended the meeting. There were two reporters present; Ken Knight of the Tampa Tribune and and Michael Smith of the New Tampa Neighborhood News. The flyer informing people of the meeting stated “We welcome your attendance if you wish to learn more about

the progress of the case against the ‘Bridge To Nowhere.’” It would be difficult for anyone to miss the purpose of the meeting. We did not anticipate a large crowd would attend a legal case update and we were pleased with the attendance. To date, the residents of Tampa Palms and West Meadows have donated nearly $10,000 to fight this bridge. There were two people, in addition to Mr. Estes, who left the meeting early, but only after getting their questions answered during the Q&A session following the briefing. Mr. Estes asked several questions by which he clearly sought to undermine my credibility. “Dixon said at the meeting that he had already donated $100,000 in attorney fees to the cause and bragged about how the lawsuit has cost the city $250,000 since it was first filed in April of 2008.” I have, in fact, represented Evelyn Romano in this case, pro bono, that is, at no fee. Since I entered the case as counsel in October 2009, the value of my fees has exceeded $100,000 (at this time, over $125,000). The case was filed in April of 2009, not 2008. I did not “brag” about anything. I pointed out that the City, in late 2006/early 2007, bypassed an opportunity to obtain federal funding to build the East-West Connector, the bridge and the New Tampa Blvd. widening, because it refused to perform a Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study on the bridge and New Tampa Blvd. portion of the route. A PD&E Study would require, among other things, 1) consideration of alternative routes (including a “no build” option); 2) impact

on health, safety and welfare in the neighborhoods affected; 3) impact on schools; 4) societal impact in the affected neighborhoods; and 5) environmental impact. I have in my possession a City document stating that the City would not perform the PD&E study because it would cost as much as $500,000 and would delay the start of the project by 18 months. I stated that City officials have testified under oath that when the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT required this study in order to get the federal funding for the bridge, the City dropped the federal funding for the entire East-West Rd. project and began to pursue only the bridge. The City has hired an outside firm using two attorneys and a paralegal to contest this case; and the County has one attorney and a paralegal working on it. My questions was: If my time had already exceeded $100,000, what was the cost to the City and County (in tax money) for three attorneys and two paralegals? I believe it would easily approach the $500,000 required to perform a PD&E study that would have at least dealt with our concerns over the dangers to our public health, welfare and safety. The City seemed more interested in forcing through a bridge that two neighborhoods do not want, rather than spending the money on the public’s legitimate health and safety concerns. With respect to the City’s claims of improvement in emergency response times, I said that Tampa Fire Rescue Station #20, with primary responsibility for Tampa Palms, is located in Tampa Palms. Station #21, with primary responsibility for West Meadows, is less than 1/2 mile from (the

entrance to) West Meadows, just off Cross Creek Blvd. Neither station requires the bridge at all for a primary response! In the event of a back-up response with Station 20 going to West Meadows or Station 21 going to Tampa Palms, the existence of the bridge would shorten the distance by the same 1,500 feet that it does for the school bus, a savings of about 20 seconds. Responding to Mr. Estes’ question about “brush fires on either side of Bruce B. Downs,” which he characterized as an “emergency situation,” I pointed out that such an example was a short-term inconvenience, not an emergency. Most emergencies that would require the evacuation of any part of West Meadows or Tampa Palms would also close the bridge. A true emergency, not merely a driving inconvenience, would involve something like the gas main break on BBD at I-75 that occurred on September 15, 2008. In my experience dealing with actual disasters and exercises directing the emergency responses at three major Air Force bases, and having written the disaster response plans for two of them, the latter would be the case - and the bridge would likely be closed. The route created by the bridge is not suitable because it dumps people back out onto BBD, rather than taking them to Bearss or I-275. Worse, it will dump traffic out into the south end construction zone when that section’s widening begins, instead of bypassing it. It will block access to our shopping centers, making entry and exit from the parking lots extremely difficult and often dangerous, and damaging our businesses. — Warren Dixon

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2009-10 NTCC Board of Directors President-Scott D. Estes

Board Members:

15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 250 Tampa, FL 33647 Information: (813) 293-2464 Fax: (813) 388-4408

Rachel Haviland, VP

Seema Jain

Matt Palmer, Treas.

Regina Ramalheira

Connie Bladon

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

Lesley Zajac

Administrator: Karen Frashier

Recapping The Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Business Expo & More! The New Tampa Chamber was excited to host its much-anticipated Annual Meeting & Free Business Expo on September 30, at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites on Galbreath Rd. (across from Muvico). Fifty New Tampa Chamber members received free tables as part of their membership which allowed these local business owners to connect with each other, as well as with members of the public. Expo attendees explored two rooms filled with exhibitor booths and enjoyed an array of appetizers. Many member vendors offered door prizes, special deals or sponsored giveaways and many attendees came away with more than they expected! The Chamber would like to thank Board member Regina Ramalheira for planning this great event. We especially honor the New Tampa Hospitality Group, which owns and operates not only the Holiday Inn Express, but also the Wingate by Wyndham Inn on Dona Michelle Dr. and the Hampton Inn & Suites located off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel, for hosting this event once again. During the program, Chamber treasurer Matt Palmer and Regina Ramalheira presented the checks to the local schools and groups that volunteered for the 2010 Taste of New Tampa®. Despite terrible weather, the 2010 Taste of New Tampa® was still a success and the Chamber Board would like to express its gratitude to all the local restaurants that took part in the event, as well as the local sponsors and vendors who represented their businesses. We would also like to express our gratitude to the volunteers for helping the event go so smoothly. Congratulations to the winners of the Chamber’s annual awards, which were presented at the Business Expo,

including George Sandona, on behalf of New Tampa Hospitality Group, was presented with the Frank Margarella Award for outstanding and long-standing service both to the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor the New Tampa Community Council. Special Appreciation Awards were given to Stonewood Grill & Tavern and to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills for their continuing support for the Chamber and our events. The Chamber was also proud to award Chamber Member of the Year honors to Kim Martin, representing Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, for her consistent dedication to the Chamber, as well as her hospitality and supportive commitment to members of the Chamber. The new Board members for 2010-11 also were introduced to the membership at the event. The Chamber Board of Directors is pleased to welcome the following new members: Said Iravani (Iravani, PA), Nick Kline (Rapid Refill), Craig Miller (Full Throttle Intermedia), Hal Dunn (Shock Rocket Studio) and Judy Silvasi-Patchin (New Tampa resident). The new Board members join our continuing board members, Rachel Haviland (Social Media Manager & Consultant), Regina Ramalheira (ReMax First in Real Estate), Seema Jain (CPA, PA), Connie Bladon (Synovus Bank), Lesley Zajac (New Tampa resident) and Matt Palmer (New

Upcoming New Tampa Chamber Events:

Monday, October 11, noon-1 p.m.: Chamber Luncheon, “Knock Their Socks Off” Holiday Business Entertaining — at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., across BBD from Super Wal-Mart). Wednesday, October 27, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.: 9 Holes Of Golf & Networking — at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., across BBD from Super Wal-Mart). Thursday, October 28, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.: Chamber Connections Networking Social — at Stonewood Grill & Tavern (17050 Palm Pointe Dr., off BBD, Tampa Palms. For more information about these and other upcoming New Tampa Chamber events, visit NewTampaChamber.org or call the Chamber Hotline at 293-2464.

Tampa resident). The Chamber’s success depends upon the time and effort made by those who step up to make a difference in their community and support local business development. We would like to thank our current and new Board members for offering their time, skills and experience. We’re looking forward to seeing the Chamber grow during the coming year. — Rachel Haviland, New Tampa Chamber of Commerce President

Comments From Our Past President:

I wrote an opinion article in the September 11th issue of the New Tampa Neighborhood News in which I supported the proposed bridge project in New Tampa over I-75. The article was my personal opinion and the content of the article itself was not reviewed or discussed by the Chamber Board in advance, nor was it ratified by the Board after the fact.

Part of the article was misinterpreted by many who read it. For example, I have no knowledge of any payments to Mr. Dixon’s wife for services as an expert witness, or any other function as a result of the lawsuit regarding the proposed bridge. Furthermore, my words were not meant to be taken as a personal attack on anyone. It is the Board’s policy not to engage in this type of behavior, but to deal thoughtfully with all community issues as they arise. I have since resigned my position as President of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce and on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community, my friends and neighbors as a board member over the past three years. While I still feel that the bridge would add to the growth and prosperity of New Tampa, I regret making the decision to write a personal opinion piece about the bridge within the Chamber page in the Neighborhood News. – Scott Estes

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 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

A Photo Gallery From The New Tampa Chamber’s Annual Meeting!

Even though this was the first year that the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce was officially the organization hosting the event, there’s no doubt that the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Free Business Expo gets bigger and better each year. Held again at the New Tampa Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (near Muvico), 50 businesses participated in this year’s free (to Chamber members and all attendees) Expo and at least 200-300 people overall took part in the event. Chamber president Rachel Haviland presented a number of awards at the Expo and treasurer Matt Palmer handed out checks to the many nonprofit and school organizations that provided volunteers at this year’s Taste of New Tampa® (see previous page for details). You have to be a New Tampa Chamber member to have a table at next year’s free Expo, so call 293-2464 or visit NewTampa Chamber.org to join this community- and business-oriented group and please tell ‘em the Neighborhood News sent you! — GN

(Clockwise, from top left) Among the faces in the crowd at the Chamber’s Business Expo were former Tampa City Council member Shawn Harrison (seated) and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO John Harding. Among those with business booths were the Spinner Law Firmand the Metabolic Research Center. Presenting the 2010-11 New Tampa Chamber Board of Directors. Chamber president Rachel Haviland presents George Sandona of the New Tampa Hospitality Group (which hosted the Expo) with the first-ever Frank Margarella Memorial Award.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Business Helps Defend Your Home Against Foreclosure By Michael Smith While the Tampa Bay region was one of the fastest-growing in the nation during the housing building boom of the mid-2000s, it also has been one of the hardest hit in the subsequent economic downturn. Hundreds of homes right here in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas have been foreclosed upon by lenders after the homeowners were unable to keep up their payments, and thousands more are close to the brink of being foreclosed upon today. Facing an imminent foreclosure can be a frightening experience, but thanks to Derek Woryn and the helpful and knowledgeable experts at the Foreclosure Defense Network (FDN), homeowners don’t have to go through it alone. Woryn says he and his wife Christine actually were involved in the home construction industry prior to starting FDN in July. “What we were finding, especially with the Florida market, was that there were a lot of homeowners that were either having trouble paying their mortgages or were being foreclosed on by the banks, and primarily, a lot of people that were trying to get loan

modifications that couldn’t get them.” For that reason, Derek and Christine started their new business, which he says is aimed at helping people defend their homes from foreclosure and trying to come up with an equitable and fair solution for them to keep their homes. “It seems that the scales are tipped right now in favor of the banks,” Woryn says. Woryn adds that despite the fact that many of the country’s largest lenders, i.e., banks, were given billions of dollars by the federal government, ostensibly for the purpose of helping homeowners who are struggling with their finances by offering new lines of credit or reduced interest on existing loans, that generally hasn’t happened. “Instead, they’re using the money to bail out themselves,” Woryn says. They’re also demanding that homeowners keep on paying on highinterest loans, even in cases where the value of the home is thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars less than what is owed on the loan. Then, when homeowners fall behind on their payments, it usually isn’t long before they receive a letter notifying them of the lender’s intent to begin foreclosure proceedings.

The Foreclosure Defense Network includes (l. to r.) Chrissy Rowe, Brandi Railes, Christine and Derek Woryn. Woryn says that under Florida law, What he wants people to know, homeowners have 20 days to respond however, is that they do have options. to those letters, but many times, they The worst option, he says, is to just let are so intimidated by the prospect or the home go into foreclosure, mainly unsure what to do, that they simply because it negatively impacts a person’s disregard the notice. credit for seven years. However, Woryn says, “if they Some homeowners respond to the don’t answer it in 20 days, they will foreclosure notice by writing a “hardhave a default judgement entered ship” letter to the court, saying that against them, at which point the bank they lost their job or had a reduction can basically take over the home.” in wages, or whatever the reason may Woryn says that recent numbers be why they’ve fallen behind on their show that as many as 95 percent of payments. homeowners who receive foreclosure However, “that’s not what the notices do nothing. court really cares about,” Woryn says.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“The court wants to see a person answering each of the complaints that has been filed by the bank in the proper legal format. And that’s where we come in.” As opposed to an attorney who may charge thousands of dollars in retainers and ongoing fees to help a homeowner facing foreclosure, Woryn says that FDN only charges a flat rate of $299 for a professionally prepared legal response to the bank’s complaint. Woryn says that most judges would like to help homeowners if they can, because they know that many people are facing financial hardships, but their hands are tied if the person does nothing or doesn’t respond in the proper legal fashion. “Judges can’t rule based on emotions,” he says. However, once a homeowner does make that initial effort to respond to the bank’s complaint in the proper way, it can buy them the time they need to find an alternative solution. Woryn says that in some cases, the prospect of facing a lengthy court proceeding can even persuade a lender to work with the homeowner or perhaps even give them a loan modification that will allow them to continue making payments. “For less than the cost of a mortgage payment, we can help you stand up to the bank and put pressure on

them to give you a loan modification or renegotiate your loan and accomplish something long-term for you and your family,” Woryn says. FDN also can refer you to a local attorney to help you continue with your case if that becomes necessary. The bottom line, Woryn says, is that it’s important to know exactly what your options are, because the foreclosure situation is literally changing from week to week. For example, Woryn notes that GMAC recently was forced to discontinue filing foreclosure actions in the Florida because the company was caught falsifying documents in some cases. “The other thing we’re offering, beside knowledge, however, is peace of mind,” Christine says. “It’s a very stressful time when you’re going through a foreclosure, both financially and emotionally, and it really impacts your life. So, we’re trying to offer a low-cost solution and the peace of mind of knowing that we’re in this with you and we’re going to help you get a handle on it.” FDN offers a free consultation to help you evaluate your own personal situation and determine exactly what your best options are. To schedule a consultation, or for additional information, call (800) 803-3031 or visit HomeForeclosure-Defense.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Business Briefs

Gunter & Gunter Insurance Opens 2 Locations

Gary Gunter, the president of the New Tampa Rotary Club which meets for breakfast every Friday at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, and his wife Joyce have taken over two local Allstate Insurance offices, one in the Pebble Creek Professional park located off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and the other on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Gary says both Gunter & Gunter Insurance, LLC, locations are fullservice Allstate Insurance offices, providing Allstate’s auto, business and life insurance services, as well as homeowners insurance through several other carriers, including homeowners policies through Allstate’s Castle Key subsidiary in Hillsborough County. Between the two offices, Gary says there are two agents and six professional staffers, who together have nearly 60 years of combined experience in the insurance business. The two Gunter & Gunter Gunter Allstate Insurance offices are located at 8905 Regents Park Dr., Suite 250, behind the Pilot Bank in Pebble Creek (call 973-

Joyce and Gary Gunter of Gunter & Gunter Insurance, LLC, which has two offices in our area. 8680) and at 28955 S.R. 54, in the Westbrook Professional Park across from Saddlebrook Resort (call 9943900). You also can e-mail Gary at GaryGunter@Allstate.com.

Perfect Haircut Salon Open Inside Meadow Pointe!

If you don’t don’t live in Wesley Chapel’s Meadow Pointe community, you may have no idea that the Perfect Haircut Salon has been serving customers at the intersection of County Line Rd. and Mansfield Blvd., in the plaza next to the CVS Pharmacy inside Meadow Pointe. The salon has been open less than a year, but because its location is only a mile or two from both Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

and S.R. 56 (but not far from Long Middle School), it is one of the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area’s best-kept secrets. The owner, Hakim, who previously was with Great Clips, says he and his fellow stylist Cristina (formerly with Supercuts) cater to men, women and children of all hair types and provide not only great styles, but also color jobs, perms, wax- The Perfect Haircut owner Hakim and fellow styling and eyebrow threading ist Cristina offer great cuts and friendly service. services from a professionally day, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., and 9 a.m.-6 trained, experienced staff. Hakim says, “We genuinely enjoy p.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday). meeting the people in this community For more info, call 907-0003.—GN and want nothing more than to make our clients happy.” The Perfect Haircut Salon also is offering some great specials, including $10 scissor or clipper haircuts for men, women and children for mentioning this story. The salon also offers a Customer Loyalty Card that gives you your eighth haircut free when you buy seven. Hakim says he also is hiring stylists who already have a following and promises a great compensation package for those who join him. The Perfect Haircut Salon is located at 30030 County Line Rd., across from the Meadow Pointe 2 clubhouse. It is open Monday-Fri-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Nails At New Tampa Offers Fresh New Look & Services By Melissa O’Brien Nail care in this area is not hard to come by, so when opening a nail salon in New Tampa, a business owner has to create a place that is unique, inviting and above all else, clean. The salon has to offer the little extras – the niceties – if you will, which will make repeat customers of those who enjoy a relaxing manicure and/or pedicure. Nails at New Tampa owner Kevin Tran has done just that. He has an open, attractive and spotless nail and waxing salon that just recently celebrated its Grand Opening in the Market Square at Tampa Palms plaza between HH Gregg and BJ’s Wholesale Club. The salon was formerly known as Sun Nails & Spa when it was located on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. near Panera Bread, but Tran decided to relocate and rename the business and give it a fresh, new look. And, right now, customers can enjoy 15-percent off all services as part of the Grand Opening celebration. “We use a variety of nail colors and application processes that help us to stand out from other nail salons in New Tampa,” says Tran. “I wanted to create an open space and our emphasis is on cleanliness. Our pedicure and manicure stations are constantly sanitized and dis-

infected and all the tools are thoroughly sanitized after every customer. We made sure our entire set of whirlpool jets are clean and kill the germs by using the best antibacterial products.” The “niceties” come in the form of phenomenal foot massages, hot towel hydration treatments, entertainment and refreshments. Nikki Bennett, New Tampa Neighborhood News’ advertising customer service manager, recently visited Nails at New Tampa and received the royal treatment. “I was impressed when I first walked in,” says Bennett, who was treated to a deluxe pedicure. “The first things I noticed were the chairs and the green glass foot basins. The chairs look like comfortable rocking chairs, but they are actually full massage chairs that knead, pulse, compress and vibrate. They were very comfortable and relaxing and the foot basins were very clean and comfortable, too.” Bennett says her deluxe pedicure included a mud and salt scrub that was rubbed onto her legs followed by a minty gel that was then wrapped with a hot — but not too hot — towel. “It smelled and felt very minty and tingly and my legs were very soft afterwards,” says Bennett. “While I was relaxing, I was able to watch the movie

“Snow Dogs” on their flat screen TV. It was nice to see a PG movie. At other places, I have seen movies that are not appropriate for kids. Sometimes, parents like to bring their kids into salons and have them watch while they wait.” Customers at Nails at New Tampa who would like refreshments are offered water, sodas and occasionally a complimentary glass of wine New Tampa Neighborhood News advertising customer service manager Nikki Bennett (right) loved her deluxe pedior a rum and Coke, based upon availability. cure at Nails at New Tampa next to BJ’s Wholesale Club. Magazines of all varithat they can grow without breaking. eties are available to read while relaxing. Tran says the treatment will give your The salon also has more than 500 nail nails a great shine and is virtually colors to choose from, and customers weightless, with a sheer finish that does can ask for special designs and artwork not show the natural nail. It is meant to on their nails. There are six manicure last longer than a traditional nail treatstations and eight pedicure stations and ment, as well. a staff of six people, so customers Other services provided by Nails at should not usually have to wait. New Tampa include lip, eyebrow, bikini In addition to traditional nail treat- and whole body waxing, as well as ments, Nails at New Tampa offers Axxi- acrylic nails. Freedom and Wharton um Gel By OPI. This is a gel lacquer High and University of South Florida that acts as an invisible layer of protec(USF) students who show identification tion for nails, keeping them stronger so will receive 20 percent off their services.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Tran has been in the nail care business for four and a half years. “I am originally from Vietnam and came here when I was 13,” he says. “I attended USF for four years and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Information Systems and Finance. After working in the corporate world, I decided it was not a good fit for me and decided to open a business. The New Tampa area is a great place to start because it is a growing area with a lot of successful young people.” For Hunter’s Green resident Casey Hlavay, visiting Tran’s nail salon has always been a positive experience. “It is always a relaxing, fun treat-

ment,” says Hlavay. “I usually get pedicures and occasionally, manicures. I like the cleanliness of the salon, and it reassures me when I see the nail techs cleaning the tools they use. If they use a razor, they always get out a new one. I always have been treated very well and there is no need to go anywhere else. Most everyone I know goes there now and we really like the look of this new, contemporary salon.” Nails At New Tampa is located at 6270 Commerce Palms Dr. and is open Monday –Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 903-3000.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Tampa Real Estate Guide FloridaExecutiveRealty.com

Marc Stern

(813) 760.0809

Interest Rates Continue to be at an All Time Low. Great time to Buy or Sell!

MARC@ FLORIDAEXECUTIVE.INFO

WWW.FLORIDAEXECUTIVE.INFO

Doug Muehl

(813) 340.7939

DOUGMREALESTATE@AOL.COM

CALL MARC STERN OR DOUG MUEHL FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION. TAMPA PALMS

TAMPA PALMS

Pending Avondale - 1,632 sq ft, 2 bed/ 2 bath/study/2 car. Backs up to beautiful conservation. 18” tile on diagonal, tile back splash, granite countertops. 5 ¼” baseboards, Available in late October. $224,900

TAMPA PALMS

4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2161 sq ft home w/ master suite downstairs. Two options available $194,500 with new roof and carpet or $179,400 without. Great opportunity to live in Tampa Palms!

Sedona - 1,484 sq ft, 3 bed/ 2 bath/den/2 car garage. Granite countertops, home site backs up to a privacy wall. Available in late October. $199,900

Aurora - 2,423 sq ft, 3 bed/2.5 bath/gameroom/2 car garage. Granite countertops, home site backs up to a beautiful conservation area. Available now. $257,900

Newbury - Vented microwave, smooth top range, 18” tile in wet areas, security system, 5 ¼” baseboards, upgraded plumbing/ electrical fixtures, blinds package and much more. $234,900

WEST MEADOWS

TAMPA PALMS

Absolutely stunning villa in West Meadows gated Audubon Landing community. Over 2100 Sq. Ft. w/ 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, den & sunroom. Loaded w/ every upgrade you could imagine. Relax on your screened lanai overlooking beautiful conservation. Make an appointment today to see this special property. $219,900

The Sanctuary - Rare opportunity to live on Tampa Palms championship golf course. Beautiful views of the 1st fairway, conservation and very private location. New kitchen, new bamboo floors, new energy saving windows and doors, new paint and landscaping. A great value at $297,900

WE CONTINUE TO NEED MORE LISTINGS!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Meadow Pointe - Lovely four bedroom, three bath home with a bonus room. Solar heated pool and spa. Three car garage. Granite countertops. Oversized conservation homesite. Many upgrades. $298,500

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. $266,000

Live Oak Preserve - Great Price! 4 bedroom/3 bathroom grand home on cul-de-sac and pond with two bonus rooms & master suite upstairs. 3,120 sq. ft. $230,000. Ready to close immediately!

Arbor Greene Townhomes - 4 Bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 3 story townhome with conservation views, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Maintenance-free living at its best! 2 car garage and 3,040 square feet of living space. $205,000.

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. $209,500

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL DINA HUNTER (813) 404-7867

Meadow Pointe - Open House Oct 10th 1 - 4 pm. Perfect 3/2, updated kitchen, newer a/c, tile throughout & low community fees! Not a short sale. $140,000 DAVE MAKS (813) 679-3445

We’ve Got You Covered • CLOSINGS

• SHORT SALES

• 1031 EXCHANGES 5303 Technology Dr. Tampa, FL 33647 Office 813.961.3391 Fax 813.960.8959 www.ETOTB.com PHIL CLARK (813) 961-3391

• REFINANCES

RELOCATING ACROSS TOWN -ORACROSS THE WORLD... YOUR LOCAL CONNECTION WITH A NATIONAL PRESENCE. Let me connect you to unmatched relocation services anywhere in the world. I welcome the opportunity!

Jane Gowarty, RCC - Relocation Director 1-888-200-6077 • 813-972-3430

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Cory Lake Isles “Buyer Tour of Homes Top Pick”- Gorgeous 2 story, 4/4.5/3 located on an oversized (not zero lot line) conservation lot. Separate formal living and dining w/ decorator niches & custom draperies. Plantation shutters. Downstairs master with his & hers closets, the master bath has his & hers vanity areas, spa jetted tub, separate shower and bidet. Whole house intercom system. Kitchen has 42” glass front and solid maple cabinets + wine cooler. The Pool package includes a custom paver deck, screened, heated pool and spa PLUS Outdoor kitchen. The second floor features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, loft area and sequestered office space. The three car garage provides tons of storage space in the custom cabinetry. Perfect Home forEntertaining!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SEE THIS PROPERTY CALL JUDI BECK (813) 380-3866

Temple Terrace - Great for a first time homebuyer, or investment property, close to University of South Florida, hospital, and I-75 and I-275. Priced to sell. $85,000

Technology Drive - 1,800 SF in Tampa Palms. 6 Offices, a large conference room. Reception area, kitchen, restroom, open work area & lots of parking.

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. $275,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL DIANE ACKEN (813) 299-4758

TINA MARIE ELOIAN (813) 935-9600

FLORIDA EXECUTIVE PROPERTY SERVICES NEW TAMPA

• RESIDENTIAL LOANS • REFINANCE • 100% FINANCING • FHA • VA 3325 W. Bearss Ave Tampa, FL 33618 Office 813.961.3900 Fax 813.676.1989 www.dhmloans.com JANE FLOYD (813) 961-3900

• 2/2, 1088 sq. ft. condo, $900 • 2/2/1, 1166 sq. ft. villa, $975 • 5/4/3, 3530 sq. ft. home, $3000 • 2/2/1, 1058 sq. ft. condo, $1000 • 3/2.5/2, 2548 sq. ft. home, $1900

• 4/4/3, 3816 sq. ft. home, $2950 • 5/3.5/2, 3689 sq. ft. home, $2550 • 4/3/3, 3259 sq. ft. home, $2200 • 4/3.5/2, 2562 sq. ft. home, $2400

RENTALS

To view our rentals online please go to our website www.ferleases.com or email to Irene@ferleases.com

CONTACT IRENE OCASIO AT (813) 632-9452

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Euro Pilates”

Continued from page 1 training methods, techniques and equipment at her studio. “My goal is to put the fun back into fitness,” Maria says emphatically. “Nobody wants to do the same old boring routines. Fitness is continually moving forward and so should you. When our clients walk in the door I want them to be surprised, inspired and challenged by what we do.” Maria is proud that Euro Pilates is often the first or only fitness center in the Tampa area to incorporate cuttingedge equipment and techniques into training. She believes this is a direct reflection of her commitment to her clients and her belief in the power of continuing education, research and professional workshops and conferences.

New At Euro Pilates

So, what’s new at Euro Pilates? Maria has just returned from the largest health and fitness convention of its kind in the world, the IDEA Convention in Los Angeles, and she did not come back empty handed. This month, she is starting a variety of new classes using cutting-edge equipment she tried at the show. “Our clients love the new Pilatesstick,” she says. “With a twist of the

stick, you get all the benefits of a Pilates mat class with the power of private equipment workouts.” Juliana, a ballerina and Euro Pilates client rehabbing from ankle surgery, she says her first workout with the Pilatesstick was just what she needs to get back en pointe. “Without a doubt my ankle is going to heal faster now that I am using the Pilatesstick and other Pilates equipment,” she says. Maria encourages clients to try classes because they are a great way to harness the energy and dynamics of a small group to help reboot your workout and keep you motivated. Like the new Total Resistance Exercise Suspension Trainer (or TRX) classes offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday mornings. In fact, Men’s Health magazine has named the TRX the Best New Fitness Gear and Best Total-Body Tool on the market. Designed by a Navy SEAL for workouts while deployed, the TRX leverages the power of your own body weight and gravity to give a powerful 1-2 punch to your training. Resistance ranges from 5 percent to 100 percent of your body weight by just changing the incline of your body. Other innovative ways Euro Pilates’ keeps training fun and fresh include new classes using “The Wall,” which is a full-body workout using intense, fast paced, low-impact, deep

muscle conditioning movements followed by rewarding stretches to increase range of motion and improve balance. Maria says after 55 minutes on “The Wall” you’ll feel great and look at your body in a whole new way. Also added to the line-up of new classes is Pilates Boot The Pilatesstick is a new, cutting-edge addition to the equipment and classes at Euro Pilates. Camp! Don’t be intimidated by the name because Maria Euro Pilates is “The New Face of Fitness” in the New Tampa/Wesley says Boot Camp is actually a perfect fit Chapel area. Classes are small and perfor those new to Pilates, as she and her instructors step you through four weeks sonal, with no more than nine people in the Pilatesstick class and no more of progressive (meaning they get than four in TRX classes. tougher each class) Pilates workouts. You can call 756-4000 or visit New morning Boot Camp sessions start Euro-Pilates.com for more informaon Saturday, October 16, and on tion or to book a class. Look in this Monday, October 25 — and a new issue for a complimentary coupon evening Boot Camp starts Tuesday, for a Pilatesstick and “The Wall” October 5. The Boot Camp class size is limited to seven people and the eight- classes. There will be FREE demo classes, information on health and class series is offered at $199 for new clients while most individual classes will fitness and a chance to meet the instructors to learn how they can cost between $10-$14 per class. The new equipment, latest training help you put the fun back into your fitness program. techniques, larger selection of day and Kathleen Devine is a freelance jourevening classes and affordable pricing nalist who credits Pilates with helping her are just some of the reasons Maria wants you to come see for yourself why regain her love of fitness.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Motocross champion Chad Reed has been working with Maria (and the Total Resistance Exercise, or TRX, Suspension Trainer) to enhance his high-end performances.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

School Board Recognizes Jasmine Roberts For Science Awards Paul R. Wharton High senior Jasmine Roberts was recognized during the September 28 Hillsborough District School Board meeting on September 28 for her outstanding science awards and other accomplishments during the 2009-10 school year. Jasmine is the 2010 State Champion and was the MVP of the Florida State Science & Engineering Fair held in Orlando, April 7-9 of this year. She won two awards at the State competition: first place in her Medicine & Health category and MVP of the entire Science Fair competition among more than 850 competitors. The MVP award is “Best of Science Fair Projects.” In addition, Jasmine was awarded $1,250. Jasmine is the first Wharton High student to win this prestigious award. In addition, Jasmine completed an eight-week paid summer internship with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. After the internship, she presented her findings to the NIH scientific committee members and other interns. Also this year, she received a prestigious award from the Athena Society of Tampa as a 2010 Young Woman of Promise. Jasmine is conducting “cutting edge” technology research at the University of South Florida (USF) Johnny

Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Center under the mentoring of Dr. Marcia Gordon. Jasmine has been conducting research on Alzheimer’s Disease for the past three years. She is literally conducting surgical (making incisions on top of the scalp & drilling holes into the skull) cutting technique procedures. She is the first student to conduct surgical procedures in the Hillsborough (Tampa) Regional Science Fair. The title of her project is, “The Efficacy Of Gene Cell Therapy Using CD11b+ Monocytes Transfected With Protease As A Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease ” It investigated if amyloid-Beta (AB) plaque, which causes Alzheimer’s disease, can be reduced when transfected cells are surgically (incision made on top of scalp & holes drilled into the skull) injected into the brain of Alzheimer’s Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) mice. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if monocytes can be used as a vehicle for transporting therapeutic genes as a treatment to reduce Alzheimer’s Ab plaque pathology in the brain Jasmine, 17, is a member of Bible Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace. Her mentor at Wharton High is the school’s Science Dept. head Carmen Austin.-Submitted to Neighborhood News.

(L. to r.) Hillsborough School District science supervisor Larry Plank, Wharton High Science Dept. head Carmen Austin, Jasmine Roberts & Wharton assistant principal Mary Dance at a recent chool Board meeting where Roberts was an honored guest.

N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

Clark Elementary To Hold Book Drive

Harold H. Clark Elementary (19002 Wood Sage Dr., West Meadows) will hold its annual book drive Monday-Friday, October 11-October 15. New or gently used books and/or magazines can be dropped off at the main office of the school. Donations should be appropriate for Kindergarten-5th grade readers, so no adult books or magazines, please. All donations will be distributed to students at Clark and Shaw elementary schools. For more information, call the school at 631-4333.

Pride Elementary PTA Needs Your Support

The Dr. Richard F. Pride Elementary (in K-Bar Ranch) PTA sponsors and funds a variety of activities and events for the school’s students. In addition, with the assistance of its members, the Pride PTA has also been able to supplement teachers’ needs and provide extra support for the children. One of the group’s main fund raisers is its PTA membership drive, which is going on now. Membership

costs just $5, and application forms are available at Pride.MySDHC.org/pta/ Forms. The goal is to have every student at the school represented by an adult PTA member. Applications should be mailed to: Pride Elementary (Attn: PTA Membership), 10310 Lion’s Den Dr., Tampa, FL 33647. For more info, call the school office at 558-5400.

Mayor’s Youth Corps Seeking Nominations

Nominations for Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio’s Mayor’s Youth Corps are now being accepted from each of the public and private high schools located within the city limits of Tampa. Applications are available in the Guidance Office of each school and are due by Friday, October 15. Youth Corps activities include team building, leadership development, community service, open forums with the Mayor, and more. For additional information, contact the Mayor’s Youth Corps & Volunteer coordinator Rebecca Heimstead at 274-5909 or email her at Rebecca.Heimstead@tampagov. net. — MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Rising Ring Star Sammy ‘Hurricane’ Valentin Visits Sick Kids Sixteen-year-old Wharton High junior Sammy “Hurricane” Valentin is usually happiest when he is punishing opponents inside the boxing ring, but he recently showed that he has a softer side, too, when he recently brought stuffed toys to patients being treated at the Pediatric Care Center at University Community Hospital (UCH). Valentin, who has been training since he was six years old and competing as a boxer since he was 8, collected the toys through the charitable foundation that he started earlier this year to benefit sick children all around the

Tampa Bay area. He happens to have a special place in his heart for UCH, though, because that’s where he himself was treated after being born prematurely 16 years ago. “I wanted this to be my first stop,” he said. Although patients like little 2year-old Kayden Hankerson were a little shy at first when Sammy came in with an entourage that included his father, Sam, Sr., his boxing sponsor Cooper Krajewski of Rough House productions and several reporters with notepads and cameras, they soon warmed up after receiving one of the stuffed animals and a few kind words from the young boxer. “It really does brighten up their day,” UCH media relations director Will Darnall said. Sam Sr., who was a professional kickboxer in his native Puerto Rico, says that Sammy used Wharton High’s Sammy “Hurricane” Valentin gives a to come with him to toy to Kayden Hankerson while mom Jessica looks on. the gym when he was

young, and eventually started imitating what his father and the other fighters were doing. It soon became evident that Sammy Jr. had potential, but Sammy Sr. still was hesitant to allow him to get into the ring for real. “I didn’t want him to box, but he insisted,” he says. “Now I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished.” What he’s accomplished is a record of 102-13, which includes victories in local Silver Gloves and state Junior Olympics competitions. Sammy says his ultimate goal, however, is to

earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic boxing team for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. Meanwhile, Valentin will be competing in a charity boxing event to benefit his foundation at Wharton High (20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) on Saturday, November 13. The 20fight card gets under way at 6 p.m., and admission costs $10, or $25 for ringside seats. For tickets to and more information about New Tampa’s first boxing event, call 785-0901. — MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Teena Hughes, M.D., P.A. Pediatrics Board Certified

Solo Practice! Practicing 14 years in Tampa Graduate of UF & USF Residency All Children’s Hospital

• Same Day Appointments 4444 E. Fletcher Ave., Suite B

813-903-0060

Most Medical Insurance Plans Accepted!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

White Tiger Cub From Dade City’s Wild Things Visits Petsmart By Gary Nager As a kid and true animal lover growing up in New York, I was lucky to live so close to the American Museum of Natural History, as well as the Bronx and Central Park zoos. Here in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area, especially for those who love big cats like lions, tigers, ocelots and Florida panthers, we have even more great places we can visit for up-close animal experiences — Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens, Big Cat Rescue in Citrus Park and a place I had never even heard of until a couple of weeks ago, Dade City’s Wild Things. I first heard about this non-profit, fully accredited zoo and wildlife rescue center when I got a phone call from Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) executive director David West, who said that the Chamber was sponsoring a visit by the then-9week-old white tiger cub from Wild Things at the Petsmart store located in The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center in late Spetember. The truly beautiful (and rambunctious!) cub named Diamond (you might even call her a Diamond in the rough!) was coming to Petsmart to pick out her first diamond-studded collar (O.K., the diamonds weren’t real, but it sounds better for the story) and to let Petsmart shoppers in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa know that Dade City’s Wild Things has lots of great animal exhibits only 30-40 minutes away, some

of which are interactive opportunities to truly get to know the animals personally. At the 22-acre Dade City’s Wild Things, you can get up close not only with Diamond, but also with a Florida panther cub, a baby snow monkey, lions, bears, alligators, otters and 170 different kinds of animals in total, and now, the zoo is even approved for a “Swim with the Animals” encounter that will allow you to get in the water with Diamond herself! There’s an extra fee for all up-close encounters with the animals, but the regular admission is just $22.95 (10-percent off for those age 55 and older) or $12.95 for children ages 2-12. The WCCC’s West said he was proud for the Chamber to have a relationship with “the closest zoo to Wesley Chapel” and that he hoped “there can be additional community outreach programs like this one in the near future.” He added that he would try to arrange for Dade City’s Wild Things to have an exhibit of some sort at the upcoming Wesley Chapel Fall Festival (formerly the Arts & Crafts Show) on SaturdaySunday, October 16-17, also at The Grove, although Diamond will probably be too big by then to be handled by Miss Wild Things 2010 Harley Redditt, who not only attended the appearance at Petsmart, but also got to give Diamond her bottle! The Miss Wild Things Pageant is an annual beauty pageant that qualifies the age 16-18 winner to compete for

Miss Florida. The pageant, which is held in April each year, is available to girls ages 2-18, with six different age groups, and you do not have to be a Dade City resident to participate. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day (Tuesday-Saturday), you should definitely visit Dade City’s Wild Things’ new location, at 37245 Meridian Ave. (at 17th St.), Dade City. For more information, call (352) 567-WILD (Above) Kathy Stearns of Dade City’s Wild Things, (9453) or visit DadeCitys Miss Wild Things 2010 Harley Redditt and David WildThings.com. For Pets- West of the Wesley Chapel Chamber, with Diamond. mart at The Grove (6001 (Below) Diamond shows off her big, beautiful eyes Wesley Grove Blvd., off (left) and her new diamond-studded collar (right). Oakley Blvd.), call 9947010. For more info about the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Fall festival, call 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Budget Blinds Offers Blinds For Every Budget (And Taste) By Michael Smith When it comes to choosing new window treatments for your home or business, you can either search all over town (or the Internet) for just the right style, color and accessories to match your décor and needs, or you can let the design consultants from Budget Blinds bring the showroom right to your door. And, if you haven’t shopped for window treatments lately, you’re going to be surprised at all of the great new innovations that are now available to help you create just the right atmosphere you’re looking for. Jim and Elaine Trotter of Tampa are getting ready to celebrate their first year as owners of the Budget Blinds franchise that serves both north Hillsborough and all of Pasco County, and Jim says the couple is happy to be able to offer not only a great selection of blinds, shutters and draperies, but also a variety of accessories and other products, too. “We are a one-stop shop,” Jim says, adding that Budget Blinds specializes in “solution-based products” that provide fashion and style, as well

as increased energy efficiency, noise reduction and privacy, security, and protection from heat and glare. “It’s really all up to whatever the customer’s needs are,” he says. And, if you’re thinking that blinds are just blinds, and that they only come in the same old boring, white, pull-down vinyl or plastic that your grandmother used to have, think again, because today’s window treatments come in an almost endless selection of styles, colors, textures and materials. Some of the options that are available include more traditional styles, of course, if that is your taste, but there are also blinds and shades that are made from both real and faux wood, fabrics that come in a variety of colors, and other natural and manmade materials including bamboo, grass, woven fibers and more. You can also customize your blinds and shades with different patterns, trims, hardware and even options like top-down systems or built-in motors that can open and close the blinds with just the touch of a button. Elaine points out that motorization not only helps with controlling

blinds on larger windows or windows that are hard to reach, but also eliminates the need for dangling cords that can be potentially dangerous to children and/or pets. And, in this age of energy consciousness, there are also a variety of different options that not only can provide as much as 30-percent more Sartori shutters are just one of the beautiful alternaenergy efficiency in tives to traditional blinds available at Budget Blinds. both the summer further by the addition of a “blackand winter months, but also help to out” lining that is perfect for eliminatprotect your home’s interior from ing any unwanted light (and the heat damaging UV rays. Jim says that one of the sun) from your bedroom. of the newest innovations in that area Since Budget Blinds is a one-stop is called honeycomb shades, which are made from double or even triple layers shop, the company also offer of material stitched together in a hon- draperies, valances and panels to help you create a beautiful layered look, as eycomb pattern (hence the name). While the air that is trapped within the well as other finishing touches like area rugs, pillows, borders and even honeycomb pattern acts as insulation, life-size wall decals and artwork. the double- or triple-layer construcFinally, since life in Florida tion provides increased light filtration includes the need for protection from as well, which can be enhanced even

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

not only the light and heat from the sun, but also from the threat of hurricane-force winds, Budget Blinds also offers a line of high-tech window films. The films are installed directly onto the glass for an extra level of added year-round protection. When Mary Mason and her family were moving into their new home in the Easton Park neighborhood off Morris Bridge Rd. in New Tampa, they were faced with the daunting task of covering a whole house’s worth of windows. Mason says, however, that the design consultant from Budget Blinds helped them select a variety of window treatments that not only enhanced their home, but also highlighted its best features. ‘Our window in the back overlooks a pond, and it’s a beautiful view, so the consultant suggested 2-1/2inch blinds rather than the regular 2inch width, because there’s more space between them when they’re open,” she says. The consultant also helped the Masons pick out special roll-up shades that complement the furniture in the dining room, and the honeycomb shades for the triple-wide sliding glass door leading to the pool area. And, when one of the shades arrived with a

Elaine and Jim Trotter purchased their Budget Blinds franchise in November 2008. tiny hole that was barely noticeable, it was immediately replaced under Budget Blinds’ exclusive no-questionsasked guarantee. “They were so personable and friendly and they go out of their way for you,” Mason says. “I was very happy with their service, and I would definitely recommend Budget Blinds to anyone.” The Trotters’ Budget Blinds office is located at 2450 Land O’Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41) in Land O’Lakes. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment. For more information, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, call 909-9000 or visit BudgetBlinds.com/NorthTampa.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Win A 4-Day, 3-Night Cruise In Our 2010 Dining Survey & Contest! The good news is that there’s still time to enter our annual Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest, which is your annual opportunity to tell us your favorite restaurants and beverage establishments in our area — and to win some great prizes! The even better news is that, thanks to our friend KirkKirkland at Ameribest Flowers (formerly Flamingo Florist) and AmeriQuest Travel in Tampa Palms (971-9466), this year’s Grand Prize is a 4-day, 3-night cruise for two valued at more than $900! The second prize is a $100 gift card to the restaurant our winner chooses as his or her favorite in the area! We’ll also give away at least 10 other dining prizes valued at no less than $20 apiece! Submit your entry by U.S. Mail, fax or e-mail (you also can download the form from our website) no later than Friday, November 19, 2010, to be eligible to win any of the prizes named above. I believe this is our most user-friendly Dining Survey & Contest ever, so please fill in as many spaces as possible on BOTH sides, but please let us know what you think! — GN

My 5 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 1. __________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________ 5. __________________________________________________________

My 5 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel! 1. __________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________ 5. __________________________________________________________

NOTES - “New Tampa” (NT) is any place in zip code 33647 (Bruce B. Downs Blvd., from Bearss Ave. to the Pasco County line & all of Cross Creek Blvd.) and “Wesley Chapel” (WC) is anyplace in zip codes 33543-45 (BBD from the Pasco County line north to S.R. 54, east to Lexington Oaks, west to New River Township and all of S.R. 56). Votes for Wesley Chapel restaurants as one of “My Favorites in New Tampa” or New Tampa votes for restaurants in Wesley Chapel will NOT be counted! Votes for restaurants located outside of these boundaries (e.g., Benedetto’s, Amici Pizza) will not be counted. Votes for Circles New Tampa Bistro, which is now called Bella Vita, will be counted as being a vote for Bella Vita, even though the ownership and menu have changed. — GN

My favorite Asian restaurant in NT or WC (Chinese, Japanese or Thai) _________________________________________________ My favorite Coffee, Tea or Smoothie shop in NT or WC _______________________ My favorite Italian restaurant in NT or WC __________________________________ My favorite Pizza place in NT or WC ________________________________________ My favorite Sandwich or Sub shop in NT/WC________________________________ My favorite Bar or Tavern in NT/WC ______________________________________ My favorite place for Dessert/Ice Cream in NT/WC __________________________

Your Name_________________________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________ Community (West Meadows, Heritage Isles, etc.) ____________________ Zip Code______________ Daytime Phone Number _______ Valid Email Address _________________________________ Please include all information requested above on your entry form to be eligible, whether you enter by fax, U.S. mail or e-mail. You must submit your entry form by U.S. mail, fax, or email no later than Friday, November 19, 2010, to be eligible to win prizes!

New Tampa Neighborhood News 2010 Dining Contest 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Fax: (813) 910-2483 E-Mail: NTNNedit@yahoo.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Popular MealCab.com Is Now (As Of October 1) GoWaiter.com! By Gary Nager In two+ short years, the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area’s favorite food delivery and restaurant marketing service, MealCab.com, has grown even faster than the communities it serves — and for good reason. Despite construction on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. both north and south of the Pasco County line, owners John and Carmela Brosnan and their small army of food “taxis” have continually found a way to deliver your food when promised and, most important of all in this biz, piping hot. Starting with roughly 20 restaurants in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, the Brosnans have increased their roster of great local mom-and-pop and chain restaurants to more than 40 as of this writing, with more still on the way. “We’ve probably already done business with more than 60 restaurants in this area,” John says, “but, unfortunately, a lot of those places have gone out of business, so we know how tough it is to succeed in this market.” To keep their business not only afloat but growing in the face of the worst economy in years, the Brosnans have begun replacing their MealCab.com “hood lights” with lights that say GoWaiter.com. “But, nothing’s really changing except the name,” says GoWaiter.com president Mike Handy, who actually consulted with the Brosnans before they opened Meal Cab. “John and Carmela already know how to run this type of business successfully. All I’m really bringing to the table is some additional marketing strength, like our ability to print their glossy magazine with their menus at a better price.”

Handy, who owned a food service business before he started his first restaurant delivery service more than ten years ago, says, “ Our mission is to take what is currently a fragmented and inconsistent Restaurant Delivery Service (RDS) industry and help implement efficient operations and profitable business practices from Coast to Coast, while building a national brand that will define the future of our industry which will be represented by franchisees that promote integrity and profitability through deliverability.” Handy and his crew at GoWaiter have helped more than 50 RDSs get off the ground and promises to “provide the consistency and quality our restaurant partners and delivery customers deserve.” MealCab.com already delivers for New Tampa favorites like Acropolis, Bella Vita, Bruster’s Ice (L. to r.) President Mike Handy of GoWaiter.com is Cream, Ciccios/Lodge, Coffee Beanery, Fushia, Jerproud to welcome MealCab.com owners John and sey Mike’s Subs, Lee Roy Selmon’s, Mr. DunderCarmela Brosnan into the GoWaiter.com family. bak’s, Sukhothai, Sushi Tsu and Wasabi, and Wesley Chapel favorites like Texas Roadhouse, Pizza Mania, Cantina Laredo and Remington’s. The Brosnans also own a South Tampa franchise with another 30 restaurants. “We still promise to deliver your food piping hot in under an hour,” John says. “That’s the key to our success.” Our most recent order, from Acropolis, was promised in 45 minutes, but took only 35 — and yes, it was hot! To place an online order, visit When you order from MealCab.com, your food always arrives on time and MealCab.com or GoWaiter.com, or call 907-0222 and please tell them we piping hot. When you can get pan-fried fish Napoli like this delivered from Acropolis, why would you want to have to go out to eat? sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Jersey Mike’s Gets A Makeover You regular readers already know that the roasted-in-house roast beef at the Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Oak Ramble Plaza south of Tampa Palms is my favorite sandwich in New Tampa. What you may not know is that co-owners Brian “B.K.” Kenney, Todd Quinzi and former Bucs linebacker Angelo Crowell and his wife Kimberly recently made an investment in remodeling the local Jersey Mike’s with new booth benches and tables, new artwork and a cleaner, more Jersey Mike’s manager Donnie Tarbutton (left) and coopen look. owner Angelo Crowell invite you to check out the sub “We invite the New Tampa community to come shop’s newly remodeled digs in the Oak Ramble Plaza. check out our newly remodagain next year, but I’d really like to eled Jersey Mike’s,” says Quinzi. “We stay here in Tampa,” Crowell said. still have the same great subs and servI hope so, too, but as long as I can ice, but we think the place just looks still get my favorite roast beef and tuna and feels fresher.” subs at Jersey Mike’s, I’ll be fine. Crowell, who says he doesn’t work Jersey Mike’s Subs is located at in the shop too often, happened to be 14925 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. For there the evening I snapped some new more information, call 910-1118 or photos, as he is still rehabbing a torn visit JerseyMikes.com. See the ad on biceps injury that will keep him out of page 57 for great coupon deals and action this year. vote for Jersey Mike’s in our Dining “I hope to be playing someplace Survey & Contest on page 51.—GN

Bruster’s 2nd Contest An Even Bigger Hit!

The second annual Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of New Tampa (located in front of Live Oak Preserve, a mile south of the Pasco County line at 20303 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) Ice Cream Eating Contest was an even bigger hit than last year. Co-owner Matt Provenzano says there were at least three times as many competitors in the five age groups (from ages 0-6 up to 18+), more entertainment and more fun. We can’t wait until next year! The second annual Bruster’s Real Ice Cream For info about our readers’ of New Tampa Ice Cream Eating Contest favorite ice cream, call 907-7458 attracted dozens of contestants and onlookers! or visit Brusters.com. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Jimmy Z’s Barbecue Bistro—One Man’s Dream Is Another’s Dinner By Gary Nager Hunter’s Green resident Jimmy Zambroski is an Emmy-award-winning former TV and print journalist who says he decided to make a career shift not only because he saw the journalism business going through major changes, but also to fulfill a long-time dream. “I always wanted to own a restaurant,” he says, “and I decided I wanted to give it a try before I died.” Thankfully, Jim isn’t dying and he certainly isn’t taking it easy. He recently opened Jimmy Z’s Barbecue Bistro in the Cross Creek Plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. (about a mile west of Morris Bridge Rd., next to the BP gas station), in a space originally occupied in the small strip center by Café Parisienne. It’s not an endeavor Zambroski and his wife Cheryl (a USF administra-

The North Carolina BBQ pork can be ordered on a sandwich at Jimmy Z’s.

tor) entered into on a whim, however. Zambroski, who says he abandoned the idea of opening a bagel place because he didn’t want to have to wake up at 3 a.m. every day to bake the bagels, studied barbecue concepts across the country on the internet before deciding to visit an extremely popular barbecue joint in Lexington, NC. “I checked into a hotel in Lexington and the owner of Lexington BBQ #1 allowed me to hang out in his kitchen for a week. The lines were out the door at the place every day, so I knew I picked the right spot. I dictated about ten pages of notes about the café’s smoker, the length of time they cooked everything and picked the owner’s brain about everything they did. The only thing he wouldn’t share was his sauce recipe.” But apparently, everything else was fair game, as Jimmy’s “R&D,” which he calls “Rob & Duplicate” (instead of the usual “Research & Development”) had him recreate, almost to the brick, the 18-foot-long, in-store brick smoker from Lexington Barbecue. He also learned how to shovel the embers so the heat cooks the meat, instead of the fire, as well as the length of time each barbecue meat has to be smoked. “I created my own sauce, based on

Hunter’s Green resident Jimmy Zambroski is proud of the 18-foot-long smoker that creates his delicious barbecue at Jimmy Z’s Barbecue Bistro. trial and error, because I wanted a much barbecue anymore, although I sweet sauce, but not too sweet and def- admit I especially enjoyed his fall-offinitely not spicy.” the-bone pork ribs and the barbecue Zambroski, whose most recent TV beef brisket. Also available at Jimmy Z’s gig was with ABC Action News here in are barbecue chicken, the North Carolithe Tampa Bay area, says that other na-style chopped pork barbecue and than the pork shoulder, which is some yummy side dishes, my favorite of cooked the day before because it has to which so far are the thick, homemade smoke for at least eight hours, everybaked beans. Other sides include tasty thing else served at Jimmy Z’s Barbeskin-on French fries and sweet potato cue Bistro is “cooked fresh today and fries, spicy cole slaw, red slaw (with no served fresh today.” mayo), Mom’s potato salad, “cukes & I told Jimmy that I don’t eat too sour cream” and a nice tossed salad (I

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

heartily recommend the excellent ranch dressing). But, Jimmy will advise most first-time visitors to try the outstanding 3-meat combo platter, where you can enjoy any three of the four available meats (ribs, beef brisket, pork and chicken) and any three sides (except the tossed salad or his all-homemade desserts) for just $11.99. And, with the coupon from the Jimmy Z’s ad on page 11 in this issue, Jimmy will even buy you your second combo platter when you buy the first at the regular price. You won’t find a better deal anywhere! Speaking of desserts, my favorite so far is the Texas sheet cake (for chocolate lovers only), although there’s also real Key lime pie and fresh cherry or peach cobbler. You even get free refills of soft drinks, lemonade and sweet and unsweetened tea while you dine, too! Jimmy Z’s Barbecue The smoked barbecued ribs at Jimmy Z’s can be Bistro (10861 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open Mon.-Thurs., ordered in a half-slab with two sides (top), a whole slab 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 11 a.m.-10 with two sides or as one of your choice of three meats in p.m. on Fri.-Sat. and noon- a combo platter (above, with barbecue pork, lower left, barbecue beef, lower right, or barbecue chicken, not 6 p.m. on Sun. (carry out only). For call-ahead ser vice pictured). Whatever way you choose to enjoy his barbecued meats, they’ll be yummy! or more info, call 986-3458.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 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. 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. Best Places to Work Winner seeks FT Front Desk Coordinator. Multi-line phone system for 3 companies, greeting guests, accepting deliveries, sorting mail and admin duties. Exp. with MS Office req’d. M-F 8:30-5:30. New Tampa. Non-Exempt Salary Position with Benefits. Email cover letter w/ sal. req. and resume to FDCNTN@magnetic.com. Hiring prep cooks immediately for our fast growing barbecue business. Bring a resume, come dressed for success and have a great attitude. NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS. Interviewing M-F 2:00-4:00 at the bistro 10865 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa 33647. Top money paid for top people.

11 Cobalt cut to Clear Nobel Excellence Goblets (12th has a small chip) with Tall Decanter & Stopper($325). Paint Sprayer (used once) and 10" Miter Saw (used once). HP IIcx Color Photo Scanner New in box($125). HP Printer $35. Sue/Joe 20 minutes from Hunters Green in Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club 352-668-4333 or 813-426-4723.

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

Classifıeds

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.

CLEANING SERVICES D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710. Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662. CYD PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES Residential & Commericial - Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Rates - Flexible Scheduling - Quality Cleaning at Affordable Prices/5 years Experience You’ll have the same cleaning professional every time!!! Call Catherine at 813-965-4162. (English/Spanish) Images Cleaning Svc. Pressure Washing Commercial/Residential, driveways, walks, decks, enclosures & homes. Gutter cleanout, trash removal, move in/out cleaning. 30 years of experience. Starting @ $50. Call Robin @ 813.240.1981. Bright Cleaning of Tampa Inc. Residential and Commercial. Free Estimates. We are family owned and operated. Good References upon request. Lowest prices Please call us at (813)562-6772.

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

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

P O O L

These are the Color Classifieds Your Neighbors R E A D! Call Dave @ 910-2575 to order your ad today! INSURED. Office Number: 813.909.9466 Cell Number: 813.748.9817. Email: kjpoolservice@yahoo.com. 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

S I T T I N G

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 4163126 or www.FortheLoveOfPetsOnline.com. 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

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

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

D R I V I N G S E RV I C E Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at 813966-1530.

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. Seniors 2:30-3:30 pm and Beg. 7-8 pm. Wed. Adv. 8-9 pm. Also New Beg. 6 week courses starting every few months Thurs. evenings 7-8 pm. space is limited. Call for more details. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more then 30 years of training and teaching exp. Call Peter today #787-7560

O F F I C E

S P A C E

Tired of working out of your house? Is a long commute getting to you? Need space in New Tampa? Cory Lake Professional Center. Office suite available. 950 sf. Call David – 813-494-8654

G A R A G E

S A L E S

Lexington Oaks Community Garage Sale Saturday Oct. 16, 8 to 3, entire community Located at Lexington Oaks Blvd. & SR-54

SWIMMING LESSONS Private swim lessons at your home. Teach safety first and all competitive strokes. Specializing in all preschool ages. 15 years experience. ASCA & Swim America Certified. References available up request. Please contact Teri Doyon @ 813.994.8323.

FOR RENT. 2 BR / 1Bath - 1st floor like new Condo in gated Equestrian Parc . All ceramic tile and hardwood floors. Garden tub, washer/dryer, 10ft. ceilings, water included, 1 mi to I-75 , 10 min. to USF. Non-smoking, credit and background ck.. $825.00 per month - call Chris at 863-287-5454.

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! New customers mention this ad & receive one month FREE! ENJOY YOUR POOL, WHILE WE MAINTAIN IT. KJ POOL SERVICE. Servicing pools for over 6 years. FIRST MONTH FREE, PLUS FREE EVALUATION AND QUOTE Owner and Operator. LICENSE, BONDED &

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 21 • October 9, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com