New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 23, November 4, 2016 by Neighborhood News

Volume 24 Issue 23

Inside:

Acropolis Now Serving Greek Brunch!

November 4, 2016

See Neighborhood Magazine!

Now The Only Neighborhood News Publications Serving Hillsborough & Pasco Counties! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of the neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in New Tampa (zip code 33647), see page 58!

West Meadows Mom Shares The Story Of Her Son’s Tragic Passing ‘If you know something, you have to tell, you have to snitch. Would you rather have a friend be angry with you or have to live with a decision you made for the rest of your life?’

By Gary Nager Although we never met until about a month ago, Laura Sun Engelberger and I have a lot in common. We’ve both raised our families here in New Tampa, we’re both divorced and we both were blessed with two amazing sons. But, the reason Laura and I met at her home in West Meadows a few weeks ago isn’t a happy one. Laura’s older son, Brandon Sun, tragically passed away a few months ago, five months before his 17th birthday. Laura still doesn’t know exactly what transpired the day he died, but she waited to talk about what happened until after she got back the autopsy and toxicology report ten weeks after he passed (on June 22), which said her son died from an “accidental drowning,” even though she already knew he also took two “tabs” of LSD that night. “And, unfortunately, I have since learned that this wasn’t the first time Brandon took LSD,” she said. “It’s a nightmare that I never thought I would go through with either of my kids, but certainly not this sweet, wonderful honor student with everything to live for.” Laura says she knows teenagers can be sullen and moody, especially when the family is going through a divorce, and she admits that Brandon’s personality had started to change when she and her now-ex-husband first separated two years ago. “Brandon definitely seemed angry,” she says, but she added that during the weeks before he passed away, Brandon had seemed more like his old self, “and his grades (he was at Freedom High in Tampa Palms) never suffered.”

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates Bruce B. Downs Construction Causing Consternation On North & South Ends, Local Candidates Try To Make Inroads With Voters, Perfect Weather For ‘Making Strides’ Fund Raiser, Lacrosse Tournament Seeks Help, Wharton & Freedom Kick Off Soccer Seasons; Plus, Local Business Features!

Pages 3-40

Neighborhood Magazine

Vuelo Hopes To Succeed Where Others Have Failed, 7 Layers Bakery Offers Up Tasty Desserts, Acropolis Adds Authentic Greek Brunch Menu, PHSC Discuess Cybersecurity & More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!

Pages 41-60

Laura admits that, especially when she was raising Brandon and his brother Austin herself during the separation period, “I was and I guess I still am that over-protective mom. I wouldn’t let Brandon have a car unless he had a job, I made him sign a contract to have a cell phone in eighth grade and I thought I always made sure I knew where he was and who he was with.” She also admits that she had concerns about some of Brandon’s friends, but is quick to say she doesn’t blame the four boys who were with him the night he passed away. “I’ve told the other boys I forgive them,” Laura says. “Now, I’m just hoping that by telling our story, maybe another family might not have to go through what we have.”

Laura told me that Brandon and four of his friends had driven to the rest area located near the north end (in St. Petersburg) of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that night to drop acid together. “Five boys left together, supposedly to go to one of the other boys’ houses, on a Monday night, but only four came home,” she told me through tears. “They left the campground without him around 10:30 the next morning and didn’t tell anyone what happened until I started calling and texting his friends looking for him at 3:45.” The problem, she said, was that the boys all said the same thing — while being interviewed by the police later on Tuesday — that they all took the LSD together that night, but they honestly didn’t know and couldn’t remember if Brandon went walking off by himself or what

(Left): Brandon Sun (November 25, 1999-June 22, 2016) and (right) Laura Sun Engelberger. naldi, whose mother used to work for me, died happened to him at all. “But, they were so afraid of getting in several hours after her eyes rolled back in her trouble themselves that they decided to leave head following a night of partying due to an apand not say anything,” she recalls. “If they parently lethal mix of drugs because her friends would’ve called 9-1-1 as soon as they realized were too afraid to call an ambulance. Laura says that her son did not jump off they couldn’t find him, maybe my son would still be alive today. I don’t know. All I know is that the Skyway Bridge, as his body showed no signs his body was literally “caught” by a high school of that kind of trauma. I also was surprised to kid near the (North Skyway Fishing) Pier while learn that neither she nor her ex-husband had to identify their son’s body in person. he was fishing two days later.” “Brandon’s body was identified from a That’s the lesson Laura hopes other parents photograph, not in person,” she says. “There will tell their teenagers after reading this story. “There is a ‘Good Samaritan 911’ law here was an official autopsy and toxicology report that in Florida (see page 39) that would have protect- we didn’t get until ten weeks later.” She adds, “Some people have asked me ed those children from any possible prosecution if they would have called the police,” she said. how I could not have identified him, didn’t I “But, young people are so afraid of ‘getting in need that closure? The closure is that my son is trouble’ that they will do everything they can to gone. Knowing exactly how he died isn’t going avoid talking to the police or even their parents, to change that.” She cautioned, however, that if you’re the especially when they’ve been taking drugs.” As Laura spoke, the case reminded me all parent of a teenager, don’t just assume you know too much of a similar one about a decade ago, if your child is doing drugs or not. when former Wharton High student Sara RiSee “Brandon” on page 39.

It’s time to dust off your running shoes and consider building up a nice little calorie (and maybe oxygen) deficit that might just let you indulge in an extra piece of pumpkin pie later in the day, as a pair of Thankgiving Day 5K (3.1-mile) races — both of which will be held on Thursday, November 24 — are right around the corner. The fourth annual “Wiregrass Wobble” 5K is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, with 5K runners heading out at 7:30 a.m. and the 1-mile Fun/Run/Walk (which might earn you half an extra piece of pie) will be held at 8:15 a.m. The event has raised more than $75,000 since the inaugural run in 2013, with proceeds this year supporting the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Foundation, FITNiche Foundation and the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s selected charities. The Brass Tap will host post-race awards and festivities, 8:15 a.m.-10 a.m. and Pioneer Medical Group is the presenting sponsor. The pre-registration donation is $30, and can be done online at Wiregrass-

WobbleTurkeyTrot.com. If you register the day of the race, the suggested donation is $35. The event also will feature the School Team Competition (won by the Wiregrass Ranch High boys and Wharton High girls last year) and a Corporate Team event. Looking to be part of an even bigger crowd of runners? The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s “Goody Goody Turkey Gobble” 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will also be held Thanksgiving morning, starting at 7 a.m. Goody Goody, the title sponsor, is providing free breakfast to all participants in the race, which begins and ends at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. The race route takes runners across the Platt St. Bridge and along scenic Bayshore Blvd. Strollers and dogs are welcome. The YMCA says 100 percent of the proceeds raised will support the Livestrong at the YMCA program for cancer survivors and their families. Registration is $35 for the 5K, and $15 for the 1-mile. Prices go up on the day of the race. To register, visit RunSignUp.com. — John C. Cotey

So, What Actually Happened?

The ‘Wiregrass Wobble’ & The YMCA’s ‘Turkey Gobble’ 5Ks...Oh My!

The Wharton girls won the high school team competition at last year’s Wiregrass Wobble.

The WCNT-tv Momentum Is Growing; Plus, WC Jazz Festival Pics! An editorial by Gary Nager As this publication is reaching your mailbox, I’m proud to say that we’ve reached Episode 10 of WCNT-tv — Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Television — which hit YouTube a week ago. The episode features news updates with yours truly and former Bay News 9 reporter Susanna Martinez about restaurants and developments in our area, as well as a local entertainment calendar, Mollyana Ward’s interview with Tom and Patrick Murtha of Murtha & Murtha CPAs in our Wesley Chapel Chamber Featured Business segment and, in our Neighborhood Dining News feature, I’ll tell you about three of my favorite restaurants in nearby Sarasota. Although we didn’t yet have analytics for Episode 10, our reach for the first nine episodes is now close to 150,000 people and we’ve had more than 50,000 actual views of the shows and the individually-released segments on Facebook and YouTube. No, those aren’t staggering numbers, but more and more people are telling me that they’re watching the show almost as religiously as they read our publications — and that’s saying a lot! But, best of all, we’re still really just getting started, because some really big things are coming to New Tampa and Wesley Chapel over the next few months. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) — which has been our Studio Sponsor for every episode of WCNT-tv to date — will soon unveil its multi-million-dollar upward expansion. Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI), which will be the site of the Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel in March 2017 (see below for details), will open in December and more and more restaurants are opening in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets and

New Tampa Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Advertising Sales & Office Manager Mary Dorey Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Anu Varma Panchal • Brad Stager • Andy Warrener Graphic Designers Blake Beatty • Georgia Carmichael WCNT-tv Sales & Production Assistant Gavin Olsen 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 24, Issue 25, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, November 21, 2016. 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, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

Shops at Wiregrass malls (see page 54). And, in Episode 11 — which will debut on Veterans Day (Friday, November 11) — you can watch my exclusive interview with former “Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider, who brought his CineFlix Independent Film Festival to The Grove 16 movie theater in Wesley Chapel last week. We’ll also continue to bring you updates abut the construction along Bruce B. Downs Saxophonist Marlon Boone wowed the crowd (right) at the third Wesley Chapel Jazz Festival at Avalon Park West. (BBD) Blvd. and its effect on local businesses (see pages 4 and 5), both in these pages and on the show. And, with all of the residential and commercial development still coming to Wesley Chapel, I’m confident that more and more of you are going to start watching, liking and sharing this user-friendly show. My goal is to one day make WCNT-tv its own local 24-7 TV station, with not only news and informational programming, but also original music, comedy and more. It’s a lofty goal, but my WCNT-tv partner Craig Miller of Full Throttle Intermedia (see below), our outstanding cameraman/director Brad Hall and production Gavin Olsen and I all believe that we’re going to make it happen, with quality writing, on-air talent and production values from Day One and an eye towards the future. The response we’ve gotten from the businesses who have been featured in our episodes to date all seem excited about being part of this unique, ground-floor opportunity — and about the response they’ve gotten from being on the show. If you’re interested in having your business or restaurant featured on WCNT-tv, email Gavin at ads@WCNT-tv. com or call our office at 910-2575.

Congrats, WC Jazz Fest!

Congratulations go out to Tim Hancock of Jazz Tyme Productions, as his third Wesley Chapel Jazz Festival (photos above), held Oct. 15 at Avalon Park West, attracted an estimated 5,000 people. Look for a recap and more pics at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

Table of Contents Local News Updates.....................3-17

Businesses Feel Burdened By BBD Road Work...........4 Final Segment Of BBD Widening Begins!.............5 Being Unknown Isn’t Easy For Dist. 7 Hopefuls........6 WC Chamber Receives Highest Designation...........8 Making Strides Paints Wesley Chapel Pink..............10 Dick’s Lacrosse Tournament Seeking Help............15 New Tampa Community Calendar..............................18

Local Business Updates..............20-32

The Clinicians Primary & Urgent Care...............20 Nelson Dentistry’s Focus On Helping You Sleep....22 SPOTLIGHT ON: Central Bank!............................23 VIP Pest Control Can Make It A White Xmas......24 Exclusive Clientele Salon Adds Trichology..............26 The Gift Box Makes Holiday Shopping Fun............28 Don’s Dogs Can Train Your Dog To Behave!............32

Local Sports Updates.................34-37

Freedom Golfers Take 11th At State Tourney..........34 Wharton Cross Country Runner Makes It To State...35 Wharton Soccer Teams Loaded Up For Season........36 Freedom Soccer Teams Are Youthful.......................37

Neighborhood Magazine Vuelo Mexican Grill Looks To Beat The Odds............41 Creative Permanent Makeup By Pam......................42 7 Layers Bakery Tantalizes Your Sweet Tooth.......46 Acropolis Adds Authentic Greek Brunch...............50 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........54 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds.........56 Experts Say Cybersecurity Is A Growing Concern....58 @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The WCNT-tv Momentum Is Growing; Plus, A Jazz Festival Recap An editorial by Gary Nager As this publication is reaching your mailbox, I’m proud to say that we’ve reached Episode 10 of WCNT-tv — Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Television — which hit YouTube a week ago. The episode features news updates with yours truly and former Bay News 9 reporter Susanna Martinez about restaurants and developments in our area, as well as a local entertainment calendar, Mollyana Ward’s interview with Tom and Patrick Murtha of Murtha & Murtha CPAs in our Wesley Chapel Chamber Featured Business segment and, in our Neighborhood Dining News feature, I’ll tell you about three of my favorite restaurants in nearby Sarasota. Although we didn’t yet have analytics for Episode 10, our reach for the first nine episodes is now close to 150,000 people and we’ve had more than 50,000 actual views of the shows and the individually-released segments on Facebook and YouTube. No, those aren’t staggering numbers, but more and more people are telling me that they’re watching the show almost as religiously as they read our publications — and that’s saying a lot! But, best of all, we’re still really just getting started, because some really big things are coming to New Tampa and Wesley Chapel over the next few months. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) — which has been our Studio Sponsor for every episode of WCNT-tv to date — will soon unveil its multi-million-dollar upward expansion. Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI), which will be the site of the Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel in March 2017 (see below for details), will open in December and more and more restaurants are opening in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets and

New Tampa Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Congrats, WC Jazz Fest!

Table of Contents Local News Updates.....................3-17

Businesses Feel Burdened By BBD Road Work...........4 Final Segment Of BBD Widening Begins!.............5 Being Unknown Isn’t Easy For Dist. 7 Hopefuls........6 WC Chamber Receives Highest Designation...........8 Making Strides Paints Wesley Chapel Pink..............10 Fisher House Tourney A Success Again...............12 Dick’s Lacrosse Tournament Seeking Help............15 New Tampa Community Calendar..............................18

Local Business Updates..............20-32

Local Sports Updates.................34-37

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

BBD ‘Segment A’ Construction Wearing Down Businesses, As Well As Drivers Story and photos by John C. Cotey Traffic is jammed, as a section of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. just north of Bearss Ave. resembles a dusty obstacle course with barriers and tall mounds of rock and dirt everywhere. Despite a steady flow of cars, it’s a slow Friday afternoon amidst the cuts of beef and fish at the Land & Sea Market in the Oak Ramble Plaza shopping center. Carlos Otero has managed Land & Sea for 16 years, and says that in the last few months, business has fallen as the road outside his shop remains under construction. He’s not alone, as neighboring business owners in the area have expressed frustration at the pace of the widening of BBD Segment A – from Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms – from a divided four- and six-lane road to a divided eight-lane road. “The workers are not fast,’’ says Otero, who estimates his business is down 50 percent the past two months. “You come in every day, and it is the same. It doesn’t seem like there is any progress. And, people who come in, they say the same thing.” Acropolis Greek Taverna general manager Tarek Armoush agrees. “It’s definitely frustrating,’’ says Armoush, who helped open the New Tampa Acropolis location in the same Oak Ramble Plaza in 2007. “The biggest frustration is that I don’t feel like they have put the construction in (high gear). I see days where there is one worker out there, maybe two. It just seems they could speed this up.” Segment A, which spans 3.5 miles and has a pricetag of about $60-million, is the third of a four-segment project that will ultimately, finally transform New Tampa’s congested main artery from four and six lanes into eight, all the way from Bearss Ave. to County Line Rd. Segment A construction includes a 5-6 ft. sidewalk on the west wide of BBD, and a 10-ft.-wide multi-use path on the east side. Also, the southbound side of the small bridge that crosses over Cypress Creek (between the Landmark at Grayson Park apartments and Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms) has been widened, and a new four-lane bridge on the northbound side of BBD has been constructed. Hillsborough’s Public Works Dept.’s project manager David Vogel says that while he understands your frustration, the perception that work is not being conducted as quickly as possible is wrong. Much of the work is done underground, he says — with utilities, electrical and water — and is not visible to the everyday passerby.

Carlos Otero (left) manages Land & Sea Market in the Oak Ramble Shopping Center, while Rose O’Berry owns A Special Rose Florist n the other side of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Both say walk-in business is down 50 percent as construction makes it a hassle for customers to access their businesses. A rolling wall of dirt (below) that obscures some businesses doesn’t help either, say others.

“There’s actually a lot going on,’’ he says, adding that Segment A — which was delayed from a spring 2017 finish to an August 2017 finish because of an elevation issue in one of the critical areas of construction — is smoothly moving forward. That doesn’t mean the effects aren’t being felt, however. Businesses have about another year of construction in that area to look forward to, and Otero and others wonder how they will weather another year of roadwork. Even successful businesses like Acropolis, Land & Sea and Mr. Dunderbak’s, also located in the Oak Ramble center, have seen changes in their bottom lines. “We were down last month,’’ according to Mr. Dunderbak’s owner J.B. Ellis, “and we haven’t been down...ever.” That’s significant for a business that has been at its current location since 2009, when

it moved from the University Mall on Fowler Ave. The percentage loss may have been miniscule compared to what Mr. Dunderbak’s brings in yearly, but Ellis is concerned about a possible trend. A one-month loss is one thing, but multiply that by 11 or 12 months and it would leave a much bigger mark. “The first half, I thought they did a great job,’’ Ellis says. “I watched them build that bridge in no time. I was thoroughly impressed. But, it doesn’t feel like much is being done these days.” Ellis says there are still roads in and out of the Oak Ramble center, but they have changed to accommodate construction. You can’t turn left out of Oak Ramble, and if you turn right, it’s a one-mile drive up to Amberly Dr. before you can make a U-turn. Ellis says the entire area is one big car accident waiting to happen. Changing travel patterns, the plethora

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

of construction equipment and barriers and the congestion caused by it all is a deterrent to many customers who might otherwise stop. Currently, there is a winding 10-foot mound of rocks and dirt roadside obscuring Acropolis (see photo below) and other businesses up and down BBD from drivers. “Another year of this? Seriously?,’’ asks Ellis. Across from BBD, Chevron gas station manager Danny Piguave said the construction has had a “lot of effect” on business. Chevron was a Shell station before a massive overhaul that included new pumps and a redesigned store. However, for the last year, the gas station’s entrance has been a dirt road with barricades and sometimes feels like ground zero for all the construction, Piguave says. “Somedays, it looks like there’s no way in,’’ he adds. And, summer rains often reduced the entrance to a muddy patch. “Who wants to drive over that?” When the gas station was upgraded, Aguave said the expectation was that there would be an 18-20 percent increase in business. But, that number isn’t being close to being realized at the moment. “It’s another year of this I’m worried about,’’ he says. Rose O’Berry, whose A Special Rose florist shop is attached to the Chevron, says her walk-in business is down 50 percent. She does most of her sales through the internet these days. “We have to, there’s no choice,’’ she says. O’Berry also says that customers are complaining, as getting out and then back into traffic is a chore many are just unwilling to endure. “I just sat in traffic for halfan-hour just leaving Tampa Palms,’’ one recently told her. “It feels like they just keep digging right in front of us, like they have dug up the same area three times’’ O’Berry says. “It’s been like this almost a year now.” Vogel says he doesn’t recall if that’s the case, but doesn’t doubt O’Berry. “That may be true,’’ he says. “You do utilities, then you do drainage work, then you have to dig back in for another utility. The underground work always looks like there’s no progress being made.” But, there is. While Vogel sympathizes with local businesses and drivers, he says there is no way to widen a road without creating a disturbance. “We do everything we can to mitigate the effects, but can’t we eliminate them,’’ he says. “All we can ask is that they be patient, it will get better. Eventually, it will be easier for people to access their businesses.”

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@NTWCNews

It’s Hard For New Tampa To Cheer About The Start Of BBD ‘Segment D’ Widening By John C. Cotey Local residents have been waiting more than 20 years for the main thoroughfare through New Tampa to be widened from a four- and six-lane divided roadway to an eight-lane divided roadway to relieve the area’s infamous traffic congestion. And, while it may be premature to say there’s a light at the end of the, well, Boulevard, local residents are a step closer to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) finally being “Bruce B. Done.” Work on the last of the four segments of BBD widening finally began on Oct. 18, and is expected to conclude by the end of summer 2018. Prince Construction LLC’s finalization of Segment D, a 1.44-mile-long stretch between just south of Pebble Creek Dr. and County Line Rd., should conclude the long and sometimes arduous process of the major project that runs from just north of Bearss Ave. to the Pasco County line. According to the county’s website, Segment D is a $24-milion project that is funded through the Public Works Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and was awarded $5 million from the Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The segment will include a landscaped median, drainage improvements, pedestrian safety features, sidewalks, a multi-use path and an upgraded traffic signal system. Segment A, which is still the most congested area of BBD and extends from Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms (see previous page), is a $54-million project that should be finished around August 2017.

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Segments B and C, which bracket the work that was done around the same time I-75 was widened, were considered the most difficult of the segments geographically, but they were finally completed earlier this year. The same night that work began on Segment D, the county held a pre-construction meeting in the Paul R. Wharton High auditorium about widening BBD. If you About a dozen local residents showed up at Wharton High on Oct. 18 to think New Tampa is look at the plans to widen BBD from Pebble Creek Dr. to County Line Rd. tired of talking about the three primary driveways in use at Wharthe traffic on BBD, consider this: the county ton during peak times. set up three stands showing the area of con“We told the principal of the high struction, but the meeting was attended by school (Brad Woods) we will do everything only a dozen or residents. we can to coordinate,’’ Vogel said. “We can’t One of the more vocal participants completely eliminate any impacts, but we will wasn’t even a resident, but rather a bus try to limit them, with things like night and driver for Wharton who expressed a number weekend work.” of concerns about the traffic flow in the Others in attendance wondered how morning and afternoon during construction. the road work would affect the already Cheryl Puelo, who lives in Thonotosassa but congested areas in front of both Walmart and has driven a school bus for Wharton almost Wharton, and asked about additional traffic since the school opened, said long lines in lights to help drivers pulling out from busithe morning at the Oak Preserve Blvd. ennesses along BBD. trance are already an issue that construction One piece of good news – the left turn needs to be careful not to exacerbate. lane in front of the Walmart that causes so Hillsborough Public Works Department many issues with drivers suddenly swerving project manager David Vogel said that every right to exit it will finally be corrected. effort will be made so as not to interfere with “The biggest (problem) is the amount

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of traffic in the corridor,’’ Vogel said. “There is drainage and power lines (that need to be repositioned and considered), and the staging and coordination for something like that is always a challenge. Power lines have to be moved. And traffic has to be shifted to get a 66-inch pipeline in there.”

And So It Begins...

As a result, Vogel warns that for the first year or so, travelers won’t see many changes happening in terms of the actual road. He estimates that the first 400 days (of the 685 estimated to complete the project) will be underground work. Travelers will first notice temporary pavement put in as traffic is shifted over to allow crews to dig and position the utilities and power and water lines. “It’s an urban project, so you have utilities and things like that,’’ Vogel said. “The part people have the hardest time with is the underground work. You’re digging holes, you’re putting in pipe, water and sewer and all that stuff. No one sees any progress. All they see is they are digging here and, a month later, they are digging here again.” Vogel said in many ways, the final segment will be the easiest. In Segment A, a bridge and four retention ponds needed to be built. Segments B and C also involved a bridge and working around construction at the busy BBD exits off I-75. By comparison, Segment D has far fewer challenges. And, while it won’t mean drivers won’t become frustrated as the widening unfolds, Vogel said locals will start to see significant improvements by the end of next summer. “There’s just a little bit of pain involved until you can get the cure,’’ he said.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Getting Noticed No Easy Task For City Council District 7 Candidates By John C. Cotey Avis Harrison says she had no idea what she was getting into when she decided to run for the Tampa City Council District 7 seat, which represents New Tampa. On a Thursday morning in front of the New Tampa Regional Library on Cross Creek Blvd., where she has stood and waved to visitors every day since early voting began on Oct. 24, Harrison was nursing a sore throat and was exhausted from previous days holding signs asking for votes. “It’s hard, but it has also been rewarding,’’ Harrison says. “I have met so many nice people. They have been very open, very receptive to this campaign. But, it’s also been hard, and (campaigning) can really wear on you.” Harrison, an Arbor Greene resident for the past 17 years, is one of six candidates running for District 7 seat, along with Hunter’s Green residents Luis Viera and Dr. Jim Davison, Cory Lakes Isles’ Dr. Cyril Spiro, Tampa Palms resident Gene Siudut and former Tampa police officer Orlando Gudes, the only non-New Tampa resident who lives in the Copeland Park area south of Busch Blvd. With the presidential election seemingly sucking the air out of everything else politically, it is more difficult than ever to stand out. In this election, there haven’t been television commercials or debates, and because it is a special election to replace Lisa Montelione — who resigned the Dist. 7 seat midway through her four-year term to run against incumbent Shawn (no relation to Avis) Harrison for the Florida House

Dist. 63 seat, the whole city council election process has been compressed into six months. So, how does this group of virtual unknowns get noticed by enough people in a six-person race without the benefit of time and mass media to win? Lots of (L.-r.): Tampa City Council candidates Cyril Spiro & Jim Davison & State shoe leather. Rep. Shawn Harrison & other local candidates & their families have spent even “Hard more time together holding signs in front of the New Tampa Regional Library work,’’ Viera on Cross Creek Blvd. since early voting began Oct. 24. says. “The of his campaign would include dropping his harder you son off at school, waving at voters for two work, the luckier you get.’’ hours, getting in a few hours of work at his Viera adds that endorsements, money law firm then walking neighborhoods and and optimism help as well, but at the end making phone calls for another 4-5 hours. of the day the key might be being seen — All of the candidates have attended every candidate has published an op-ed and advertised in this publication, which reaches various forums, hoping to discuss policy and ideas. But, the forums aren’t always well every home in the 33647 zip code. attended and the questions many times have Like the other candidates, Viera spent little to do with their actual district. last week waving to passersby at the busy “If you add them all up, I’d be surlibrary or voting stations in Temple Terrace prised if there were 100 voters from our and North Tampa. Despite a sizable advantage in money raised and endorsements over district at all of them,’’ Davison says. “You just try to make a good impression on the his opponents, Viera has found there is no ones that are there, and hopefully they tell replacement for old-fashioned pavement some friends who are district voters.” pounding. A regular day in the final weeks

Because the City Council race is non-partisan, candidates can’t even rely on picking up votes from people who vote their party line. So, sign placement, eye-catching mailers, ads in this publication –— anything that helps with name recognition — becomes a vital tool. Davison, a 6-foot-3 emergency room physician with a simple, white sign with red letters on a 3-foot-stick who is not shy about walking long distances, has been a fixture on Cross Creek Blvd. During his campaign, Davison has walked down Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., from the corner of County Line Rd. all the way to Hunter’s Green, roughly four miles. “It’s a lot of time, and a lot of sweat,” says Davison, whose also gets lots of help from his wife Diane (treasurer), daughter Ashley (media and digital) and daughter Allie, who despite living in Charlotte, NC still makes calls on her dad’s behalf. “Without a lot of help from my family, I couldn’t have a campaign,” he admits. All of the candidates lean heavily on their families. Some are more fortunate than others. Harrison, widowed in 2014, has a son in the military, a daughter at Florida State University in Tallahassee and another who is a flight attendant. Most of the time, “It’s just me,’’ she says, and a solid group of friends to help her out. For Harrison, she hopes that group grows a little larger with each wave and smile. “It’s been fun, the people have been great, and I’ve gotten so many invites for Thanksgiving and Christmas,’’ Harrison says. “So, that’s good.” Election Day is Tues., Nov. 8!

UNTIL Ken Stoltenberg •

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WCCC Now 1 Of Only 3 ‘Certified+’ Chambers In Tampa Bay Area! By John C. Cotey The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) had confirmed what local businesses already know: The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) does a pretty darned good job. The FACP gave the WCCC a “Certified Plus” Chamber of Commerce designation at it’s annual conference in Orlando Sept. 28-29. “It was great news,’’ says WCCC CEO Hope Allen. “It’s something we have definitely been shooting for.” Being Certified Plus means the WCCC scored better than an 86 on its certification program, which took a year to put together. More than 300 pages long, it includes items like a particular chamber’s strategic planning, procedural information, membership growth and plans for transitioning from operating as a non-profit to a regular, forprofit business. “The Certified Chamber of Commerce program sets standards within the industry and recognizes chambers that have met those standards while offering guidelines for those to improve their effectiveness,” said Tammy C. Bracewell, the FACP president. “In many ways, it is like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for a chamber of commerce.” The WCCC was one of only five chambers to receive the Certified Plus Chamber status this year, joining the Melbourne Regional Chamber, the Charlotte

County Chamber, the Bay County Chamber and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber. The WCCC was the only one in the group that achieved that honored status with their inaugural application. There are 250 Hope Allen chambers of commerce in Florida, and only 14 currently have Certified Plus Chamber designation, including the Greater Tampa and Brandon chambers. The WCCC currently has 545 members, and is having its best year to date. Since last year, the WCCC has added 72 new members. Allen and her two-person staff have helped grow the Chamber while also promoting the Wesley Chapel area. The WCCC gives monthly economic updates to its members via an economic development briefing at Pebble Creek Golf Club and also hosts dozens of free ribbon-cutting and networking events and mixers each year, a monthly business breakfast, a “Lunch & Learn” program, and is hosting an upcoming “Get Down to Business Expo & Lunch” on Tuesday, November 15, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort off S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, featuring Business Executive Coach Jayne Jenkins. For Business Expo & Lunch reservations & more information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call 994-8534.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Another Amazing Year For The ACS’ ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ Pasco! Some photos on this page by Emmercyn Schaeffer & Ashley Wilson

Whenever you have the best weather of the year for your outdoor event, you’re bound to be successful. So yes, when the American Cancer Society (ACS) decided to host its annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pasco” walk on October 22, some people who might not have been planning to take a 2-3-mile walk that day at the Shops at Wiregrass mall may have decided to go ahead and take that morning constitutional in the crisp, sub-70-degree sunshine and crowds of happy people wearing pink. In other words, although the ACS website MakingStridesWalk.org/PascoFL’s “official” online statistics say there were 1,136 registered participants on 126 teams that raised more than $125,000 (not including sponsorship money, which hadn’t been totaled up at our press time) taking a stroll from the mall to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, ACS of the South Nature Coast of Florida (serving Pasco, Hernando & Citrus counties) senior market manager Robyn Liska says the actual number of people on hand that day was closer to 5,000. Of those 126 teams, the three that raised the most money for the event (although donations are still being accepted that will be added to the totals) were the “Clerks for a Cause” team, whose 32 members raised nearly $19,000; the “KBR Pirates in Pink,” who had the largest team at the event, with 65 members, that raised almost $13,000; and the “Jazzercise

Bosom Buddies, which had 34 members (some of whom did a performance during the event) who raised nearly $10,000. The top individual fund raisers at this year’s Strides of Pasco were Diane Ricca of the “RMCBP Volunteers” team, who raised nearly $3,700; Jean White of the “KBR Pirates in Pink,” with $3,500; and Diane Gonyea and Kathy Ritz of the “Walmart’s Ride for a Cause” team, who raised $3,056.50 each. Just like the fight against breast cancer itself, the numbers for the event may not have been finalized at our press time, but a great time was had by all. For more info about ACS, visit Cancer.org.— GN

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Pasco County Seeking Sponsors To Keep DICK’s Lacrosse Tourney Local By John C. Cotey

Pasco County will end up writing a $90,000 check to support this year’s 11th Annual DICK’s Sporting Goods Lacrosse Tournament of Champions but, for the first time, county officials are reaching out to the community to help offset those costs and ensure that the popular tournament stays in Wesley Chapel. Pasco has enlisted the help of the Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) to find supporters of the event, which provides an estimated $3-million economic impact to the area’s restaurants, hotels and retailers, according to Ed Caum, the program director of Visit Pasco. “We have (Florida Hospital Center Ice) opening (see page 42) and we will have an indoor sports complex coming, but we only have a finite amount of dollars,’’ says Caum. “We’ve kept the lacrosse tournament here on our own dime. We’re hoping to share that burden (going forward); it just makes more sense because (of how many local businesses benefit).” The longest-running national tournament of its kind, put on by Colorado-based National Development Program (NDP) Lacrosse, the DICK’s tournament — scheduled every year for Thursday-Saturday, December 29-31— is going on its ninth year of being played at the Wesley Chapel District Park and nearby Wesley Chapel High. It previously was held at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA. Last year’s event attracted 73 teams from 16 different states, including teams

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from New Tampa and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) programs, although, in past years, the number of teams has been as high as 115. The numbers were down 23 teams from 2014, due in part to a nearby lacrosse tournament at Bradenton’s renowned IMG Academy. “We need to win those teams back,’’ Caum says. Pasco spent $100,000 on the tournament last year, and received $13,000 from the Florida Sports Foundation to help offset costs. Caum says the county is again asking the foundation for assistance. “If we didn’t spend the tourism money the last 10 years, we would have lost the tournament,’’ he adds. Last year was the last of a five-year NDP Lacrosse contract with Pasco County, but in May a new two-year deal, with an option for a third year, was announced. According to Hope Allen, the CEO of the WCCC, Pasco had to stave off challenges from other sites hoping to host the event. “They approached us last year when the contract negotiations came up,” says Allen. “We were approached to step in and not let this amazing tournament leave the area, as there were other locations courting the event to host it. We realize the significant economic impact to a lot of our members, and wanted to see if we were able to help.” Caum says NDP Lacrosse is adding a number of activities and events to the tournament, and the Holiday Inn Express on S.R. 56 is opening on Nov. 1, which will provide a new option for players and their

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The Pasco Lions of the WCAA were among the 73 teams to compete in the DICK’s Lacrosse Tournament of Champions last year. families to stay closer to the event. Although there are hotels on S.R. 54 itself that have been utilized in years past, Caum has said that as many as 60 percent of the rooms booked for the event have been in Hillsborough County (many in New Tampa). Wesley Chapel, however, is in the midst of a hotel boom, with plans for a Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, Fairfield

Inn & Suites and Hilton Garden Inn to be completed within the next three years. “It’s going to make the drive time better for the families, so in that sense, it is very good for us,’’ Caum says. “According to industry (analysts), 15-30 minutes is all people want to drive. So, having hotels closer is excellent for us, not only for the bed tax but also the driving.” Because so many of the DICK’s tournament participants turn the event into a Florida vacation, the growth in Wesley Chapel makes it imperative that those vacationers stay nearby and spend their money in our area. “Within two years, that will make a major difference,’’ Caum says. The success, and staying power, of the DICK’s tournament also plays a significant role in the success of another large, local lacrosse tournament — the Derek Pieper Memorial Cup, which was established in 2006, the year former WCAA player Derek Pieper was murdered. The tournament is a qualifier for the DICK’s National Championship and drew 55 teams last year. This year’s Derek Pieper tourney is scheduled for the weekend of November 19-20 and will be played at the Wesley Chapel District Park. For more information about the DICK’S Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, visit NDPLacrosse.com. To learn more about the Derek Pieper Memorial Cup, visit WCAASports.org/ derekpieper. For additional information about Pasco County Tourism, visit VisitPasco.com.

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NOVEMBER 2016

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros dedicated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (10441 Cory Lake Dr.). Call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143.

Rotary Club of New Tampa - The original New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). For additional information, contact Kim Payne at 388-6299 or visit NewTampa Rotary.org.

New North Transportation Alliance Board Meeting - Bi-monthly board meeting of NNTA, a public-private partnership providing a forum for business, local government, residents, and commuters to improve air quality, mobility and livability in the New North Tampa/USF area. Open to the public. Call (813) 974-9801 for more information.

Friday - November 4 - 7 AM

Friday - November 4 - 11:30 AM

Women-n-Charge - Join the vibrant ladies of Women-n-Charge on the first Friday of every month from 11:30am-1:15pm at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). Includes lunch, a feature speaker, and time to network. We share our talents, build relationships, and share our resources with other women in business. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests. Please register at Womenn-Charge.com. For more information, please contact Judy at 813-600-9848 or admin@women-n-charge.com.

Friday - November 4 - Sunday - November 13

Into The Woods Musical - New Tampa Players hits the stage at University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., with the Brothers Grimm’s epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Shows will be held Nov. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13. Tickets and info at NewTampaPlayers.org.

Saturday - November 5 - 7:30 AM

Wednesday - November 9 - 8:00 AM

Wednesday - November 9 - 11:30 AM

Keep It Local - This new seat-specific networking group emphasizes small, local businesses. Meets meets every Wed. at Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper, 10353 Cross Creek Blvd. For more info, call Marino Cecchi at 513-9001.

Wednesday - November 9 - 11:45 AM

Partners In Network (PIN) - Partners In Network is a group of professionals, one specializing in each area of business, who form a connection for the joint effort of networking to share business referrals and attain business prosperity. Meets every Wednesday for lunch at Stonewood Grill, 11:30am. For info, call Georgianna Strickland 813-477-7306 or Ken Fernandez 813-334-6000 or email gstrickland@stragicmarketingarts.com.

Wednesday - November 9 - Noon

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, every Wed. for lunch, noon, at Mulligan’s Irish Pub at Pebble Creek Country cyclists & triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts Club. Guests are always welcome. For more info, call Valerie at 317-8886 group bike rides/runs leaving from Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Wednesday - November 9 - 6 - 8 PM Bridge Rd.; not from the BBD entrance) every Tues., Thur. & Sat., 7:30 a.m. For more info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com. Healthy Weight Loss Presented by Palms Pharmacy - Palms Pharmacy hosts a complimentary lecture by Dr. McElroy from Echelon-Health. Tommy McElroy, Saturday - November 5 - 9:30 AM MD, will speak about Weight Loss and misconceptions. This event will he held at Baychapel Food Pantry - Free food for needy families. Open every Saturday Palms Pharmacy on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 6-7pm. Food and refreshments will from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. behind Christian Brothers Automotive at 20300 Trout be provided. Join us for exciting giveaways and more! Seating is limited. RSVP Creek Dr. (off BBD). For more info, visit BayChapel.com/foodpantry. to info@ThePalmsPharmacy.com. (Details at www.thepalmspharmacy.com.)

Saturday - November 5 - 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Monday - November 14 - 6:30 PM

Tuesday - November 8 - 7:30 PM

Visit NTNeighborhoodNews.com to add your upcoming events that are open to the public to our online calendar. Once approved, they appear in the “Events” section on our home page. With enough advanced notice (at least 3-4 weeks), events that happen in our readership areas may also appear in print, as space allows.

3rd Annual Connerton Challenge 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run - Participants GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club - The GFWC New Tampa Junior show their support for the military to benefit Operation Helping Hand (Op HH) of Woman’s Club meets the second Monday of every month at the New Tampa Tampa, which assists severely injured and medically retired service members and YMCA at 16221 Compton Dr. For info, visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org. their families who are being treated at Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The 10K and 5K courses are USATF certified. More info at Connerton.com. Saturday - November 19 - 6:30 PM A Jewish Night on Broadway - A musical and theater program featuring Monday - November 7 - 6:30 PM Broadway shows written or composed by Jews or with the theme of Jewish Life. Wesley Chapel Speaks - The Wesley Chapel Toast Masters meet on the first and Cocktail party, Show, Silent & Live auctions, Dinner and Dancing. Held at Congrethird Monday of every month at 6:30pm at Wesley Chapel Hyundai (2700 State gation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Rd., Tampa. For more info, visit KolAmi.org. Rd 54) to teach the community public speaking and leadership skills. Arrive at 6pm for networking opportunities. For more info, call Martin at 813-693-0969. Thursday - Nov. 24 - 7:30 AM Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K and Tuesday - November 8 - 9:30 AM Fun Run - The 4th annual event will be English As A Second Language (ESL) - The ESL group meets Tuesdays at Tam- held at The Shops at Wiregrass with a pa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd.), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Classes 5K run at 7:30 a.m., Register online and are taught by a native English speaker. The cost is $40 each semester for the get more info at WiregrassWobbleTurworkbook & class materials. For more info, call Heather at 753-8567. keyTrot.com & see the story on page 1. Zen Meditation Group - Looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. People of all faiths are welcome. For info, visit MindfulnessSangha.com or contact Parker at 813-382-2216 or mindfulnessmeditation@verizon.net.

Wednesday - November 9 - 7:15 AM

BNI Millionaire Makers - Check The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets Weds. at Heritiage Isles Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.), at 7:15am. $13 to attend includes hot breakfast. Call Lisa Jordan for info.

Wednesday - November 9 - 7:30 AM 18

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

For Urgent Or Routine Health Care, The Clinicians Are There By Brad Stager One moment you’re toiling in the garden on a sunny weekend afternoon, preparing the soil for a bumper crop of organic zucchini and suddenly, there it is, a trickle of blood coursing through the freshly tilled dirt on your hand, indicating a puncture wound. When was your last tetanus shot? The thought of spending hours in a hospital emergency room to get one can make you weigh the odds of infection with the bacterium Clostridium tetani, risking lockjaw, violent muscle spasms and (according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website), a 10-percent chance of dying. Fortunately, New Tampa has its own neighborhood extended hours health care provider — The Clinicians Primary & Urgent Care, located at the intersection of Cross Creek Blvd. and Morris Bridge Rd. Seven days and six evenings a week, tetanus and other vaccines are available on a walk-in basis, as are a range of urgent and primary care services, such as taking X-rays and mending broken bones or conducting routine physical exams. The Clinicians Founder and Medical Director Dr. Masood Ansari, M.D., FACP (Fellow of the American College of Physicians), says his practice also provides an option for someone who is in medical distress but is not requiring immediate emergency room treatment. Providing convenient and expeditious treatment of urgent health concerns and a high level of routine primary care that pro-

Dr. Masood Ansari is the founder and medical director of The Clinicians Primary Care & Urgent Care medical clinic on Cross Creek Blvd. at Morris Bridge Rd. (photo on next pg.) motes patient wellness is a balancing act for moving to Tampa in 2002 where he has which Dr. Ansari is particularly qualified. worked primarily in urgent care settings. He is certified by the American Board Dr. Ansari says he also keeps up with of Internal Medicine and also has certificathe latest emergency medicine techniques tion by the American Board of Physician and trends by working shifts in the emerSpecialties to practice emergency medicine. gency room of Leesburg Regional Medical After graduating with his medical degree in Center in Leesburg, FL. 1985 from the Dow University of Health “Urgent care is available for patients Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Ansari who don’t really have a life-threatening completed his residency at Mount Vernon emergency, but want to be seen right away Hospital & Westchester County Medical or as soon as possible and don’t want to go Center (both affiliated with New York Medi- to the ER,” he says. “That’s the whole purcal College in Valhalla, NY) in 1995. pose of having an urgent care facility.” He In the 20 years since, he has practiced adds that patients can come anytime during internal medicine and emergency medicine the clinic’s operating hours (listed below) in Utica, NY, and Pensacola, FL, before and avail themselves of its services, includ-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 •Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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ing X-rays, EKGs (electrocardiograms) and common laboratory tests, “so they can avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.” “On the urgent care side we can treat any age for asthmatic attacks, bronchitis, lacerations, fractures or even if they need intravenous fluid therapy,” Dr. Ansari says. He also notes that sports-related injuries and accidents are common reasons for patients to seek urgent care. Other ailments include respiratory infections, the common cold, flu, sore throat, ear pain and upset stomach. The Clinicians also has an on-site lab to facilitate quick diagnoses of blood tests. Oxygen and nebulizer therapies for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also can be administered. Office manager Mark Wroblewski helps direct the patient traffic in the clinic. He says the staff is ready to assist anyone who needs medical help. “The practitioners here are pretty well equipped to take care of anything that walks through the door.” Wroblewski adds that the ease of access is a big reason people choose The Clinicians for treatment. “We have the capability for the people to just walk in, so a lot of times it’s just easier to come to a facility like ours.”

Communication Is The Key

While someone’s first experience with The Clinicians may occur because of an unexpected medical event, Dr. Ansari treats his urgent care patients with a view toward the long term through effective communication. “Our main goal is to keep the patients

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out of the emergency room as much as we can on an urgent need basis and provide them with information so that they are knowledgeable and informed before making any medical decision.” Urgent care services are available to all patients, young and old. The Clinicians’ family health care options include care of children older than five years of age and women’s health care services such as contraception and prenatal care also are provided. Much of the routine primary care is focused toward the treatment of The Clinicians Urgent & Primary Care office. adult afflictions such as for urgent and primary care treatment, but heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, presome policies may only provide coverage at and post-menopausal symptoms and pain The Clinicians for urgent or primary care, management. Dr. Ansari says his focus is on not both. Dr. Ansari says the office is a good helping his patients avoid health crises. choice in situations where patients are pay“The main goal of primary care is ing out-of-pocket for treatment, preventive medicine,” he says, “so that the “We also have very competitive rates patients don’t develop complications of the for self-pay patients,” he says. illnesses that they already have, and prevent Examples of those self-pay costs are them or pick them up at a very early stage if $100 for a patient evaluation and uncomthey develop diseases like cancer, especially plicated treatment, $145 for an X-ray or flu colon or breast cancer.” test and $195 for an injection or foreign The Clinicians Primary & Urgent Care body removal. offers a wide range of medical screenings While the variety of ailments and medisuch as for cancer, diabetes, high blood prescal situations he has to deal with are widesure and thyroid disorders. ranging, Dr. Ansari says he and Dr. Siddiqui abide by a basic philosophy to guide the A Top-Notch Team Keeping a medical clinic open every day work at The Clinicians: “Relieve patients of their illnesses, their pain and suffering and with extended hours requires a good mediprovide them good customer service and cal team and Dr. Irshad Siddiqui, M.D., is a quality medical services when nobody else is Board-certified family physician who also is available.” on The Clinicians staff, ensuring that a docIt’s an approach to practicing medicine tor is available when patients need one. Dr. that patient Bhaskar Pulikal says he greatly Siddiqui practiced emergency room mediappreciates. cine for four years after graduating from “I was very pleased with the care proRajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences vided by Dr. Ansari and his staff,” he wrote. in Mysore, India, and completed his Family “The physicians, Dr. Ansari and Dr. SidMedicine residency at Advocate Lutheran diqui, are quite knowledgeable and always General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. right on diagnosis and treatment.” Other services provided by The The Clinicians Primary & Urgent Clinicians Primary & Urgent Care include Care is located at 10970 Cross Creek immigration, school, sports, employment Blvd. and is open Monday–Saturday, and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals and medical weight loss. The office 9 a.m.–9 p.m., and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 369also provides consultations and vaccinations for those who travel to foreign countries. 5969, visit CliniciansUrgentCare.com, or Many insurance plans are accepted see the ad on page 26.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Call Dr. Jay Nelson Of Nelson Dentistry! By Brad Stager There are a lot of good dentists out there, but few combine the ability to maintain your oral health and improve your ability to sleep without snoring like Dr. Jay Nelson, D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and his Nelson Dentistry & Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Nelson’s practice, located in the Highland Oaks Medical Center off S.R. 54 (west of Livingston Rd.) in Lutz — no more than 20 minutes from most New Tampa residents — provides an extensive list of services that has grown over his 35-year career, as dental research and technology have created more patient options and his expertise to deliver them has grown. Building on what he learned while earning his D.M.D. (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, Dr. Nelson earned advanced certifications from professional organizations such as the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Dr. Nelson says his practice is the only AADSMaccredited facility in Florida. Nelson Dentistry is a full-service dental practice, offering procedures that can help you have attractive, healthy teeth that are capable of chewing and grinding food. General dental services include teeth cleanings, fillings, root canals, periodontal therapy, dentures, veneers, whitening and even fullmouth reconstruction.

Dental Sleep Medicine

Dr. Nelson says that just because someone spends eight hours a night in sleep mode, it doesn’t guarantee their body is getting the rest it needs to be recharged for the waking hours to follow. Dental sleep medicine is a practice area that addresses some of the health issues affecting sleep quality, such as obstructive sleep apnea (a condition whereby sleep-time breathing is interrupted, depriving the body of a steady flow of oxygen), and it’s one way Dr. Nelson says he can deliver a higher level of patient benefit. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, “moderate-to-severe sleep apnea is independently associated with a large increased risk of all-cause mortality, incident stroke, and cancer incidence and mortality.” “In general dentistry, we’re saving teeth and helping people get healthier,” Dr. Nelson says. “With dental sleep medicine, we’re saving lives.” Dental sleep medicine uses FDAapproved oral appliance technology and dental expertise to relieve sleep-disturbing problems like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Nelson says the severity is wideranging in terms of how often a sleeper’s breathing pauses. “People with sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep from five to one hundred times an hour,” he says. According to Dr. Nelson, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to developing high blood pressure and heart disease and

Jay Nelson, DMD (center), and his amazing staff at Nelson Dentistry on S.R. 54 in Lutz. can increase your risk of having a stroke. He ists after undergoing an evaluation at a sleep also says that besides the risk of chronic distesting center. “There are two ways a patient ease, people who don’t get enough quality might enter our (dental sleep medicine) sleep are less alert and increase their risk of practice,” says Dr. Nelson. “One is referinjury from car or work-related accidents. ral by a physician, or we sometimes have Snoring is sometimes a symptom of or patients (with other issues) and refer them a precursor to obstructive sleep apnea and for a sleep study, where a sleep medicine can disturb the sleep of others. Dr. Nelson physician would evaluate them.” says dental sleep medicine offers a way to The standard treatment for obstructive help bring relief not only to the person snor- sleep apnea has been to pump a continuous ing, but also those who are sleeping within stream of air into a patient’s nose or mouth hearing distance of the noise. while sleeping. This method — using a “Someone snoring doesn’t just affect Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) them, it affects their bed partner,” Dr. Nelsystem — is effective but many people find son says. “We’re saving marriages, allowing the CPAPs ugly and uncomfortable to use, couples to sleep in the same bed.” Dr. Nelson says, resulting a high failure rate Obstructive sleep apnea is a mediusually due to patient non-compliance. cal condition that requires a physician’s Instead of the unwieldy, scary-looking diagnosis. Patients become candidates for CPAP machine, today’s dental sleep meditreatment by American Board of Sleep cine uses an FDA approved oral appliance Medicine-certified Sleep Medicine specialthat is adjusted to position the tongue and

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jaw to allow greater airflow to the lungs while sleeping. Treatment effectiveness is evaluated and adjustments are made, if necessary. “Many people find the oral appliances more comfortable than the CPAP,” Dr. Nelson says. “People with mild to moderate sleep apnea often prefer an oral appliance to using a CPAP.” Dental sleep medicine professionals have only been using oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea for about 10 years and Dr. Nelson has been doing so for seven years. It is another dimension to his practice, which Which would you rather wear to help with your snoring — the has served the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities from traditional CPAP (left) or the oral appliance on the right? Joyce Miguel echoes those sentiments: his Lutz office since 1987. “Dr Nelson and his entire team know how “It’s just something different, to to create a positive experience for their help people in a different way than I usupatients,” Miguel writes. “ Their caring and ally do,” says Dr. Nelson, who is a New compassion are evident in all they do.” Tampa resident. And, sleep apnea treatment reviewer Whether he is easing the pain and disRosemarie Rohatgi writes, “Dr. Jay Nelson comfort of a patient with a dental cavity, or is a genius at helping people solve their sleep helping someone get more restful sleep, Dr. Nelson abides by the same guiding principle: problems. Not only that, he is absolutely tenacious in making sure you get what you “We treat everyone as an individual, need. I highly recommend him.” with respect, and do the best we can.” Nelson Dentistry also received 5 out of 5 stars from 148 reviewers at HealthSome Glowing Reviews A survey of online Google reviews sug- Grades.com, which scores medical practigests Dr. Nelson’s dental practice has a lot of tioners on items ranging from level of trust to waiting times. satisfied patients, with 38 reviews unaniDr. Jay Nelson’s Nelson Dentistry mously giving the office 5 out of 5 stars. & Dental Sleep Medicine is located at “Dr. Nelson and his staff are great,” 1928 Highland Oaks Blvd. in Lutz. For wrote patient Traci Jurek. “I have been additional information, visit DrJayNelgoing there for over 10 years and really apson.com or SleepBetterFlorida.com, call preciate the professional and personal way 333-9265 or see the ad on pg. 14. they treat you.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON...Central Bank Of New Tampa! New Tampa and Wesley Chapel consumers who like to support their neighborhood businesses by shopping locally can also bank locally at Central Bank, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just south of County Line Rd. According to President and Chief Executive Officer John Thompson, there’s a big difference between a community bank and a branch office of one of the national financial institutions. “The policy of a community bank is set by the management in that community,” Thompson says. “The community banks are much closer to what’s going Central Bank Vice Chair of the Board Nilesh Paon in their communities than larger tel (left) & President/CEO John Thompson. banks.” According to Vice Chairman of financial) storm very well.” the Board Nilesh Patel, the Central Bank For consumers looking for a place to team of financial entrepreneurs saw a need conduct routine personal banking business, they could fulfill. The New Tampa location Central Bank – which has current assets is Central Bank’s only full-service facility, totaling $121-million, about twice what it although there is a plan to open a loan pro- started with — offers a variety of services, cessing office in Dade City in August. such as savings, checking, IRA and CD “In 2005 and 2006, Florida had treaccounts (including a new Advantage Plus mendous growth,” Patel says. “New Tampa CD, which affords greater flexibility on was chosen (as our headquarters) because deposits and rates of return). there were not that many banks.” Central Bank uses the Presto network Central Bank opened the doors to of ATM machines, which means customers its standalone headquarters building on can withdraw money from any Publix store the south side of the Hillsborough/Pasco ATM without paying a fee. county line in February 2007. A free Central Bank app also is availWhile the recession that started in able for both Apple and Android devices. 2008 rocked many banks, Central Bank You can learn more about Central stayed on its course. Bank by checking out their ad on page “Our Board oversight has been on 52, calling 929-4477, dropping by for a maintaining a well-capitalized institution,” visit at 20701 BBD Blvd, or by visiting says Thompson. “We weathered the (local CentralBankFL.com.

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Dreaming Of A White Christmas? VIP Pest Control Can Blanket Your Lawn In ‘Snow!’ By Celeste McLaughlin

On Thanksgiving night, when Meadow Pointe resident Vicki Hutto has her yard set up for Christmas and flips the switch to light the decorations for the first time this season, not only will her lawn be ornamented with reindeer and snowmen, but also with a white sparkle that is reminiscent of northern winters. She’ll have a dusting of “snow” on her lawn, thanks to a service now being offered by her company, VIP Pest Control. Hutto is both the owner and operator of VIP Pest Control, which is celebrating its tenth year in business in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. While the company’s specialty is keeping homes, businesses and lawns free from nuisance animals and insects (including termites, mosquitoes, ants, roaches, bed bugs and more), Hutto has developed a creative way to help those who have been dreaming of a white Christmas experience it here in Florida. The VIP Pest Control lawn care technicians will actually paint your lawn white (photo on next page), providing the perfect backdrop for seasonal decorations. “We even figured out a way to make it sparkle, if you want,” says Hutto. Hutto recalls an elderly customer who wanted snow in her yard, like she had up north, “and she sang Christmas songs from her wheelchair while she watched her lawn being painted,” she says. Hutto tells of another customer who wanted to propose marriage with a white Christmas backdrop. Now, Hutto is offering a way to make that happen, too.

“We use an organic paint that is kid- and pet-friendly,” she explains. “Dogs can play on it and kids can sit on it for pictures.” How does it work? “We spray the lawn three times, so that all sides of each blade of grass are completely covered. It won’t rub off, wash off, or wear off, but it is removed after about three grass clippings.” She says that since grass is dormant in the winter, VIP Pest Control owner Vicki Hutto (with her pomeranians Chloe, left, and that usually takes Bailey) can promise you a White Christmas (photo on next page) this year. about three trol works to keep lawns pest-free, which months. helps them stay green and healthy. In the Especially for northerners who may winter, when grass is dormant, you may have miss the white beauty of winter, but not brown patches that take time to correct. VIP the cold, Vicky says, “Here’s your white Pest Control offers a service to paint your Christmas.” lawn green until the brown patches grow For videos that show the treatment back healthy. If your home owners associabeing applied, and the results of one tion requires you to have a green lawn, call home’s snow application, visit VIPPestVIP Pest Control to learn about painting it ControlLLC.com/snow. green for the winter. Like all of VIP Pest Control’s treatGreen Lawns, Too! ments, the green lawn treatment also is Year-round, the team at VIP Pest Con- environmentally friendly and can be used on

lawns where both pets and kids play.

In Your Home...

This is the time of year when VIP Pest Control gets many calls about roaches and rodents, especially as people get boxes out of their attic with holiday decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. “If you see signs of rodents (such as droppings or noises), call us right away,” says Vicki. “Rodents can be dangerous, because they can chew through wires and can set your whole house on fire.” Hutto says people often see roaches, especially palmetto bugs, which like to live in cardboard, and German roaches, which can be transported into your home as eggs on boxes delivered by shipping companies. “German roaches are the ones that will make you sick,” she says. “They’re much smaller than the big palmetto bugs, but they carry diseases.” And, while termites don’t typically swarm in winter, Hutto says that all Floridians need to be aware that both drywood and subterranean termites can cause damage to your home year-round. With the drywood termites, sometimes people get a “false swarm.” When you turn on your heat, termites may think it’s swarm season and fly out of the walls of your home to mate. There’s nothing “false” about what they do to your home behind those walls, though. “When that swarm is gone and you no longer see them, you still have termites,” Hutto explains. “They eat the wood of your home 24 hours a day, and there’s nothing you can do to get rid of them yourself. You

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have to call a professional.” When a VIP Pest Control technician comes out to your home to inspect for termites, they’ll help you determine what conditions in and around your house might lead to termites. For example, termites have easy access to your home when you have mulch up against your house, tree branches or plants that touch your house, or woodto-wood contact. Hutto says you can help keep termites away from your home by reducing these “conducive conditions.” When Hutto established VIP in 2006, she says it was her goal to provide a higher level of customer service than other local companies. She says she chose to name her business “VIP” to indicate that to her, customers are, “Very Important People.” That’s why, for example, you’ll always talk with a live person when you call VIP’s office. “We give our customers personal attention,” explains Hutto. “No two people

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are alike, and no two houses are alike.” Same-day service is often available, especially if you have a serious issue that needs immediate attention. “If you call us in the morning,” says Hutto, “we can usually work you in that day.” One of the company’s VIP customers is April Saland, who called Hutto when she discovered flying insects in her home. “VIP came right out and told me I had subterranean termites,” says Saland. “It was a horrible issue, but Vicky held my hand and walked me through the process. She was awesome, and made us comfortable knowing she could save our home.” VIP Pest Control is located at 119 Flagship Dr., in Lutz. It is open Mon.Fri., 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. For info, see the ads on pages 21 & 57 or visit VIPPestControlLLC.com or call 234-8888. Also, check out VIP Pest Control on Episode 1 of WCNT-tv on YouTube.

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Exclusive Clientele Salon Adds Breakthrough Technology To Analyze Hair! By Brad Stager Christy Johnson has been using her talent as a hair-styling artist to enhance the appearances and lift the spirits of her clients for more than 30 years. Now, the owner of Exclusive Clientele Salon, located in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St., wants to use state-of-the art technology and knowledge to promote hair and scalp wellness here in New Tampa. Exclusive Clientele Salon has gained a reputation in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities as an upscale, full-service salon offering a wide range of services, from basic cuts and colors, blow drying to weaves, in a comfortable, clean and friendly environment. She and her staff take the expression, “Look good, feel good,” to a higher level. “I want all of my clients to feel like they are exclusive,” Johnson says. “We’re all about making people feel good from the inside out, spiritually and beautifully.” That approach has earned Exclusive Clientele Salon a loyal customer base and plenty of positive online comments, such as Dana Barnes’ Google Review. “Christy is my stylist at Exclusive Clientele Salon,” Barnes writes. “Her customer service is always great when I am there. I highly recommend (this) salon.” The ambiance of Exclusive Clientele Salon is more like a relaxing spa than a bustling hair cuttery. Paintings illustrate natural scenes throughout the salon and the subdued lighting in the dryer room com-

(L.-r.) Asia Wilson, Ashley Glover, Kenya Bryant-Long & Christy Johnson want to style, color, extend and analyze your hair at Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Cross Creek Center plaza. plements the “Quiet” sign posted there. Johnson says her focus has always been on promoting healthy hair, and that has a lot to do with why she’s venturing into the field of trichology — the scientific study of human hair and related disorders, including hair loss and scalp problems.

How Trichology Can Help You “We know that a lot of people are suffering from hair loss from alopecia, chemotherapy, radiation and medicines, and that there’s also a lot of elements in the environment that affect skin and hair,”

Christy says. She also cites improper maintenance of some hair styles as causing scalp and hair problems. Christy and stylist/hair wellness consultant Kenya Bryant-Long have earned certificates for completing trichology courses taught by Rodney Barnett, a pioneering practitioner and teacher of trichology. “He’s known all over the world as one of the best trichologists and teachers,” Christy says. In addition to learning trichology, Christy is outfitting her hair restoration and wellness center with the latest technology

to put that knowledge into practice. A client’s introduction to trichology begins with an extensive consultation in a private room. Christy says it’s important to have a space that’s conducive to discussion and analysis of what might be affecting someone’s hair and scalp health. “Everything we do will be behind closed doors,” explains the 14-year New Tampa resident. “You don’t have to worry about anyone else knowing your business.” And, Kenya says a lot of the conversation will resolve around the client’s lifestyle and health habits. “We’ll do an in-depth consultation with them about what they eat and what kinds of medications they’re on,” she says. Clients will able to get a good look at their hair and scalp with a digital scope that magnifies a view of their head surface and transmits it to a 50-inch monitor. To find out what’s going on inside the body that may be affecting their hair’s health, a biochemical assessment will be conducted using a trichological device known as a compass which, according to Kenya, “reads biomarkers in the body.” One of the treatments administered at Exclusive Clientele Salon uses what is called an “oxygenator” to hydrate and cleanse the scalp and hair follicles with a nutritional solution. Trichology is sometimes characterized as a para-medical practice, bridging the fields of dermatology and cosmetology. One way that relationship comes into play is with platelet rich plasma (PRP) hair restoration therapy administered by a der-

OPEN ON HOLIDAYS 26

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The digital scope in this private room at Exclusive Clientele Salon can help analyze your hair. matologist. PRP therapy works by injecting platelets from a patient’s blood into their own scalps. Human blood contains stem cells and other products that assist in tissue regeneration and healing. The therapy is based on the principle that growth factors in the platelets stimulate hair growth in follicles that are not producing hair but are still viable and capable of doing so. Post-procedure monitoring and maintenance of the scalp and hair is done by a trichologist.

But Wait, There’s More!

Other technologies used by Exclusive Clientele Salon are cool, low-laser treatments which Kenya says, “will help stimulate hair growth,” a micro mist treatment that she says will, “restore the moisture and help retain it,” and an exfoliating mask that loosens and removes scalp debris. In cases where hair rejuvenation in bald spots does not occur, Johnson offers a non-surgical hair replacement option with hair prosthetics. A hair (or cranial) prosthesis is a more exact fit than a wig and often incorporates considerations in terms of material allergies and scalp sensitivities such as the sensitivities cancer patients may have. It’s a family affair at Exclusive Clientele, with Christy’s daughter, Ariel Glover, and Kenya’s daughter, Asia Wilson, both working at the salon. The two daughters have spent their young lives following their mothers’ careers and finding not only inspiration, but also their own professions, from the experience.

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Ariel, who does a lot of the hair coloring and extension work, shares her mother’s holistic approach to the business. “We make people feel good on the inside by making them look good on the outside with an exclusive experience,” Ariel says. “It creates confidence in the client and brings out the best in them when they feel beautiful.” Like Ariel, Asia decided at an early age to follow her mother’s example of a career in the beauty industry and according to Kenya, “[Asia] can pretty much do anything” in the salon, including hair coloring, highlighting and extensions. Christy adds that, “Asia has a warm spirit and makes everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.” As a family business, Christy credits her husband Thomas for much of Exclusive Clientele’s success. Thomas is the CEO of Capital Financial Services and, according to Christy, “really motivates me and gives me that push I really need.” Whatever the motivation, Christy says Exclusive Clientele Salon’s venture into hair restoration reflects the approach she takes toward personal and professional growth. “We’re not just stuck behind the chair,” she says “We’re keeping up with technology to help men and women with their hair problems.” Exclusive Clientele Salon is located at 10026 Cross Creek Blvd. For more information, visit ExclusiveClienteleSalon.com, call 994-2393, or see the ad on page 54.

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The Gift Box Boutique Gets Ready For Another Holiday Season! By John C. Cotey The Gift Box isn’t anything like your typical big box “department” or mall store. It’s quaint and warm, with a variety of items that belies it’s just-the-right-size corner location in the The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, between Ciccio’s Cali and Stonewood Grill & Tavern. But, what owner Jennifer Colon says really sets her shop apart is the customer service. You won’t want to hustle in and out, and you are invited to stay as long as you need to in order to find the perfect gift items. “We have spent the last 2-½ years listening to customers every day tell us what they like, Jennifer Colon what they would like to see more of and what they just can’t live without,” Jennifer says. “We always strive to take our customer service to the next level, know our customers on a first-name basis and provide a pleasurable shopping experience.” It must be working. Colon says she has roughly dozens of regular customers who stop in every few weeks to see what is new, and there’s always something. Colon makes sure the store brings in new items frequently, especially around this time of year, as the holiday season cranks up with Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations, trinkets and clothing for just about everyone.

Your Holiday Headquarters

Save yourself the hassle of finding a parking spot at the mall and check out The Gift Box Boutique, where owner Jennifer Colon (left) promises that there is something for everyone. Photos by Stephen John Photography. Spade, Lokai, Pura Vida, Judith March and “These days, it’s every day we get a endless new options in ladies apparel. delivery,’’ Jennifer says. “It’s rapid fire in Some of the more well-known and here right now.” popular brands the store carries are Veronica The store continues to be current and M., the slim-fit NYDJ (Not Your Daughters continually updated — from adding the Jeans), and Lacey Leggings, to name a few. personal touch of monogramming on eve“I think we offer the uniqueness of rything from Corkcicles, cups, compacts, keychains, notepads and holiday ornaments the items that we carry,’’ Jennifer says. “We don’t offer a ton of any one item. to embroidery on totes, hats and scarves. You name it, and Jennifer and her crew will That makes it a more special, personalized customer experience. In women’s apparel, monogram or embroider it. we only buy about six of any one items. So, The shop is always adding new items you’re not going to see yourself, your outfit, and brands. This year alone, The Gift Box walking down the street.” has added Spartina, Simply Southern, Kate

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Colon is looking forward to her third holiday season in New Tampa. She says that virtually any gift you are looking for, from home décor items, on-trend women’s apparel and accessories, and gifts for kids, babies and a wide variety of special occasions can be found at The Gift Box. This time of year, the store can be an especially nice shopping experience if you are afraid of fighting the mall traffic or just want something less stressful. “So, why not do your holiday gift shopping at The Gift Box?,” Colon says. “Not only will you find something unique, but we will also wrap it so it is ready to give,’’ she says. “That’ll be one less thing you have to worry about!” Last weekend, the Gift Box Boutique transitioned from fall to winter, so it could be ready for the weekend Holiday Open House that it hosts every year. Today through Sunday, November 6, The Gift Box is previewing all of its new Christmas items. Jennifer and her Santa’s helpers will personalize Christmas ornaments for you, offer holiday treats and snacks and a few specials and deals as well. “We have so many options for your Thanksgiving and Christmas needs, and many great hostess gifts for everyone, whether it’s Christmas-related or a general gift,” Jennifer says. And, don’t forget about the sweet little ones, she adds, as the shop is currently stocked with adorable little outfits and fun gift items for them as well. “We have a lot of serving dishes and

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platters and outdoor home décor items for your front porch,” Jennifer says, as well as many other whimsical gift ideas. The Gift Box even has tea kettles, Christmas picture frames and high-quality Stonewall Kitchen food and snack items.

Go Team!

The Gift Box also currently carries a “ton” of collegiate items, because after all, the holidays have to share their season with America’s most popular sport. So, whether you’re stopping by for a new outfit or to accessorize your personal look, why not grab something for the sports fan at home. While maybe not football-related, you can find plenty of University of Florida, Florida State and Univ. of Georgia (yes, Jennifer says, the Bulldogs are a big seller in

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the New Tampa area)adorned items like ornaments, cosmetic bags, cutting boards and drink coozies. The same goes for other Floridathemed items unrelated to the colleges. Jennifer credits her many regular customers for their loyalty and honesty as the business was getting started a few years ago, and she and her team, a group she calls “amazing,” has taken that feedback to improve the boutique every year. The Gift Box also continues to support local Tampa businesses, such as Toffee to Go, which has been endorsed by the Media Maven for selling her favorite toffee; Seventh Avenue Apothecary Candles, with candles that are made with 100- percent soy wax; Tipsy Candle Company, which makes candles in re-purposed wine bottles; and items from the Columbia Restaurant, one of Tampa’s most famous eateries. The Gift Box is located at 17032 Palm Pointe Dr. In November, the boutique will be open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sun. And, in December, there will be extended hours — until 8 p.m., Mon.-Sat., and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. For more information, visit Facebook.com/The Gift Box Boutique, see the ad on pg. 27 of this issue or call 284-5986.

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If You Have A Dog Who Needs Training, Check Out Don’s Dogs! By John C. Cotey

Don Grady says he was a whiz in the kitchen back in the 1990s and early 2000s. In Washington, D.C., he studied the culinary arts and worked as a chef, and after moving to Florida in 2004, he worked at several restaurants in Tampa. He had yet to discover his true calling, however, even though his wife Valerie already had a pretty good idea of what it was destined to be. Unbeknownst to her husband, she saw that a local pet store was looking for dog trainers. Don may have been hesitant about a career change, but his wife had seen him train their dog as well as some of their friends’ dogs, and decided to apply for him. The rest, as they say, is history. “They called, she took the phone call and said, ‘Yeah, he’d love to meet with you guys,’’’ Don recalled. Two interviews later, he was offer and accepted the job. Today, he owns Don’s Dogs, a come-to-your-home dog training business, at least until he can find a place to call his own in Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. Don currently has about 20 clients, which is just about the maximum he can fit into a busy schedule turning unruly or shy dogs into well-adjusted and well-mannered pets. “I was a classic chef, and I thought that was the greatest job in the world,’’

Would you be confident about your dog in this situation? Don Grady (on next page) will make sure your dog — whatever breed — will obey your commands.

Don says. “My wife for years told me I should be a dog trainer, but I told her she was crazy because I had no formal experience like I did in culinary.” But, as it turns out, Valerie wasn’t crazy. She was just prescient. For years, Don had been asked by friends for tips on dog training, because his dog, Zoe, a Border Collie mix who is now 16, was so well-behaved. After four years of honing his skills at a pet store, Don felt he was ready to branch out and start his own business. He said he was successful working in a shop, and has parlayed that — with the help of word of mouth, social media

and advertising — into a busy career. He says he would like to one day open his own dog training school so he can do puppy socialization classes and teach agility skills, to name a few. Until then, however, he is staying mobile.

Puppy Season Upon Us

It’s puppy season, Don says, and while pets do make great gifts, they also come with a lot of responsibility. If you’re a parent running your kids all over town or traveling a lot on business, you don’t want to leave training the new household member to chance. Puppies are the easiest to work with, and

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it is best to train them young, something not everyone puts the right amount of time or effort into. That’s when you call Don. In fact, Don encourages you call him before before pick out that new pet. He can give you advice on what kind of dog would fit your family best, based mostly on temperament and activity level. Far too many people start out with a bad match by not doing their research, and there is nothing sadder than having to return a pet. Don will usually make an appointment with a new client at their home, to interact with the dog in its own environment for its first session and see how the dog’s owner reacts as well. Every dog is different, Don says, and they often require different training methods. Puppies are the easiest to work with, with adult dogs a little harder to train. The level of training depends upon what the client is looking for — most just want a dog that behaves well at home — but 20-30 percent, Don says, desire further training so their dog can become a therapy pet, able to spread joy while visiting schools and hospitals. When it comes to turning dogs into perfect pets by teaching them to walk nicely, come when called, drop things they shouldn’t have in their mouths and greet people without jumping on them, Don says his success rate is sky-high.

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Depending upon what his clients are looking for, Don crafts a specific course for each dog. “I tell people it’s like college courses,’’ he said. “There’s undergrad, Masters and Doctorate.” Simple obedience can take six hours of training, spread over 4-6 weeks, with

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the owner having plenty of homework in between lessons. The skills Don tries to teach each dog are sitting on command, leaving items alone (“Don’t look at that,” he will tell a dog), giving the owner its full attention and not jumping up on people when it meets them. For more advanced training, he says, another six lessons are sometimes required. Don is a regular at the Lowe’s in Land O’Lakes, as well as at the Tampa Premium Outlets mall, where he will take dogs to practice what they learned in the first course. Sometimes, it’s a morning trip when the locations are usually less crowded. As the lessons get tougher, lunchtime trips on weekends, when both places are at their busiest, are scheduled. “He doesn’t just train in the house, he takes you out into real-world situations,’’ says Moran, who hopes Bo will take the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test when he turns 1 and go on to become a therapy dog. “I just like knowing I can take him anywhere in any situation and he’ll be able to handle it and I’ll be able to handle him.” By the time Don is done giving a dog its second course, they are usually ready for the 10-step American Kennel Club (AKC) CGC test — the gold standard for dog behavior. Don is an AKC-approved CGC Evaluator, and can administer the CGC, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and AKC Community Canine programs. Don often takes his own dogs —

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Zoe and Abby, a 4-year-old Pitbull mix therapy dog — to retirement centers to interact with residents as part of his Canines For Christ program. Abby also helps out with his training, by helping soothe the fears and aggression other dogs may be feeling. Don trains 4-5 dogs a day, five days a week. He leaves one weekday open and one weekend day open for emergencies and schedule changes. He has built dozens of relationships over the years with his business, which is why he calls it Don’s Dogs. Even after training is complete, he says he always feels connected to his furry students. He will organize dog walks with some of his graduates just to touch base, or get a

group of his former pupils together for a “Yappy Hour” on some restaurant patio somewhere. Today, the classically trained chef can’t imagine doing anything else for a living. Sure, Don can still whip up an elegant dinner in his kitchen, but only after doing what he loves most during the day. “No matter if I had a good day or a bad day, I still played with puppies,’’ Don said. “People should be jealous. It’s the best job in the world.’’ For more information, visit DonsDogsTraining.com, visit his Facebook page, or email donsdogs@ yahoo.com. Don can also be reached at 784-2698, or see the ad on pg. 53.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Freedom Golf Finishes 11th At States By John C. Cotey

After four consecutive District championships, the Freedom golf team took the next step and finally made it back to state, finishing 11th out of 16 teams at the Class 3A State Championships Oct. 25-26. Playing on the El Campeon Golf Course at the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL, the Patriots got strong outings from Cy Storlien, Cooper Smith and Tyler Bray to finish with a twoday team total of 646 strokes. Nick Mitchell and Sam Smith both had big rebounds from Day One, shaving a combined 17 strokes from their scores. Only six strokes separated the sixthplace team and the 11th-place team. Tampa’s Plant High won the title with a score of 606. The Patriots, who won their fourth straight District title under coach Mike Passarelli on Oct. 10 at Hunter’s Green Country Club, then took second at Regionals at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor a week later. Storlien was team medalist at both tournaments, shooting 73s while winning his second straight individual District title. At State, the team started out strong. On the opening day, Storlien, one of three seniors (along with Mitchell and Bray), birdied Nos. 2, 3 and 10 to go minus-1 after 10 holes on the 6,764-yard, par-72 course. Storlien bogeyed the final two holes to finish the day with a 3-over par 75. Cooper Smith was just as hot early,

The Freedom boys golf team is the closest thing to a high school sports dynasty New Tampa has, with four straight District titles and two trips to the State championships since 2013. with five birdies in his first round, but struggled with consistency, mixing in three double-bogeys to finish with a 7-over 79. Bray shot an 80 in the first round, which he duplicated in the second round. Mitchell struggled with a 91 on day one, and Sam Smith shot a 95, but both Patriots came back strong on day two. Smith knocked 12 shots off his first round with an 83, and Mitchell shot an 86. Storlien continued his consistent golf. He picked up birdies on the 420-yard No. 5 hole and the 347-yard No. 16, both par 4s. Smith birdied the par-3 holes at No. 8 and No. 15 to finish with an 80 on the second day. The trip to states was the second for Freedom. The Patriots also advanced to States in 2013, finishing last.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Samhouri The Only ‘Cat To Compete At The State Cross Country Meet By Andy Warrener The Wharton Wildcats put together the best cross country team in the Tampa Bay area in 2015. The Wildcats took third place at the Class 3A State championships behind then-sophomore Alisha Deschenes, who finished 21st overall. The team’s next best finisher was junior Rania Samhouri, who was 30th. With such key runners expected to return, the future of Wharton cross country looked good for 2016. But, head coach Anthony Triana did not know at the time that only one of his top state finishers would ever run again for the Wildcats. The one that has, however, has seamlessly stepped into her role as the team’s No. 1 runner. Samhouri, who was the team’s No. 5 just two seasons ago, is headed to the State meet as an individual after finishing fifth at the Class 4A, Region 2 meet on Oct. 28, finishing the difficult 5K (3.1-mile) course at Holloway Park in Lakeland in 19 minutes, 13.82 seconds, 34 seconds slower than her personal best (see below). The 2016 Florida High School Athletic Association’s State championships will be run tomorrow at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, and Florida State University is the host. Samhouri will begin her quest to top last year’s finish at 9:40 a.m. The Wharton girls team did not qualify for a return to state, finishing eighth in the Region. Only the top six teams and top 15 individual finishers qualify for state. Deschenes, a soccer player first who stars for both the Wharton side and one of

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Rania Samhouri, a senior, is the only Wharton girls cross country runner to advance to state this year after a breakout season as the team’s leader and top runner. She runs tomorrow in the Class 4A championships in Tallahassee. (Photo: Andy Warrener) the top club teams in the state, decided that her junior year, the most important from a recruiting standpoint, was too important for her not to focus on soccer. After trying to balance it all over the summer, the gruelling club schedule just presented too much of a conflict and Deschenes stepped away from the cross country team. The good news, however, is that Samhouri was ready for the challenge. “When you lose your number one, you have to have a backup plan,” Triana said. “But, even before Alisha left, Rania was already starting

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to step up to that number one spot.” As a sophomore, Samhouri made dramatic improvement all season long. She was the team’s number five runner, with a top time of 20:58 early in the season, but by the Pre-State meet at FSU towards the end of the season, she was well under 20 minutes, posting a 19:44. This season, she already has run 18:40 at the North Port Invitational. That ranks her in the top-10 in her classification heading into States. Samhouri had a great rabbit to chase

this season in defending State champ and State meet record holder Bailey Hertenstein of Riverview. It was chasing Hertenstein, Tampa Bay’s best cross country runner, that helped push Samhouri to the 18:40 she ran at North Port, and chasing Hertenstein again at the Hillsborough County Championships helped Samhouri run her second-best time of the season, covering the 3.1-mile course in 18:48. “When there’s someone in front of you, you can’t help but try and close the gap,” Samhouri said. Gaps have been just what Samhouri has been closing all season. She broke through for the Class 4A, District 6 title on her way to qualifying for state. At Al Lopez Park in Tampa, she broke from the start line and raced to the front, and despite some competition midway through by a pair of Steinbrenner runners, she managed to pull away and finish first by nine seconds. If you ask Samhouri about her individual accomplishments, she’ll deftly defer you to what her team has accomplished, which included a third-place finish at Districts. “At the end of the day, it’s about what can I do to make the team better?,” Samhouri said. Proof, perhaps, that Samhouri has grown as both a runner, and a leader. “She wants that leadership role, we have trust and a confidence level with each other,” Triana said. “She knows and speaks to every girl on the team, she supports (not only) the varsity girls, but the kids on JV, too.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wharton Soccer: Girls Look To Climb Higher, Boys Seek A Rebound

Deschenes, who made the All-Conference team along with DeLisle last season, is the top returning scorer after netting 10 goals in 2015-16, while Sidonne Vickers had four scores. But, Vukorep is hoping Deschenes can approach 20 goals this season, and that Vickers can return to her freshman year form, when she led the team with 17 goals. Midfielder Sydney Hubbard will fill in for departed sister Tyler, now at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and Noble will be asked to shore up the defense, which lost two starters to graduation. Vukorep is also excited about some newcomers — midfielder Payton Jones and forward Avery Damjanovic, a pair of freshmen that Vukorep says will add some punch to his offense. “We’ve been to the Region semifinals a few times now,” Vukorep says, “and it would be nice to break off and make it to the final, and maybe even the (State) final Wharton girls soccer coach Denis Vukorep looks on during a recent practice. His Wildcats are four. That’s what we’re shooting for.” looking to repeat last year’s success, when they reached the Regional semifinals. By John C. Cotey soccer programs in the state, and have be- Boys Hoping To Bounce Back come, for the moment, Wharton’s primary The cyclical nature of high school sports at most schools can drive coaches When coach Denis Vukorep looks out nemesis after handing them three of their six losses in 2015-16. batty. You’re up a few years, then you are at this year’s girls soccer team at Paul R. This year, Wharton has its sights set down, at the mercy of the quality of each Wharton High, he sees plenty of familiar on toppling PHU, although Class 5A, class of players that enters the school. faces, and that’s always a good thing. District 7, is fraught with other challenges, Wharton boys soccer coach Scott He doesn’t return his leading scorer like former state champion Steinbrenner Ware knows all about that feeling. After from last season, midfielder Tyler Huband perennial playoff contenders Wiregrass winning an average of 15 games a season bard, although he does return Tyler’s little Ranch and Plant. from 2006-11 — including the school’s sister Sydney. His second leading scorer, The combined 2015-16 record of first State championship to cap the 2007Alisha Deschenes, is back. So is keeper every team in 5A-7 was 73-35. 08 season -— the Wildcats have managed Caroline DeLisle, midfielder Delaney “It’s one of the toughest districts just 16 wins in the past four seasons. Rowen and defenders Emily Johnson and around,’’ Vukorep said. “Look at SteinWare, though, holds his hand out, Natalie Noble. brenner last year, they were 10-5 and palm down, and then turns it upwards a In all, seven starters from last year’s finished fifth. There’s not a lot of margin little and raises his arm. team that went 13-6-4 last year return. “It’s been tough, but I think we’re It’s enough to keep expectations high, for error.” The Wildcats will lean on DeLisle, back on the upswing,’’ he says. as the Wildcats hoped to follow up one of who had eight shutouts last season in 17 Wharton is coming off a 4-9-2 season, their most successful seasons as the 2016games, with an impressive 1.10 goalsbut is carrying Ware’s largest team in years 17 campaign kicked off this week with the against-average. A University of Central — with 25 players, “And it’s a good 25,’’ 10th annual Wharton Invitational. The Florida in Orlando commitment, DeLisle he says. championship game is Saturday. is a natural athlete who skipped volleyball His seniors, who have been on teams “Every team loses players, but when this fall to focus on soccer, and has elite that have gone a combined 11-41-4 in you return so much talent, you expect reflexes and athleticism. their career, are determined to turn things the team to be in the same spot it was last “She levels the playing field (against around. year,’’ Vukorep says. teams that have big-time scorers),” Vu“I think they are taking ownership For the Wildcats, that “same spot” korep said. “She lets us be more aggressive of this thing,’’ Ware says. “They are good would be the Region semifinals, where out there on offense, and when we get a players. It’s just that their confidence they fell to Palm Harbor University High lead and play a little more conservatively, hasn’t been there. Losing takes a toll.” 2-0 last year. The Hurricanes are five-time it’s just that much harder to score on her.” The Wildcats’ two top scorers, seniors state champions and one of the top girls

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Clifford Adeji led the Wildcat boys with 10 goals last season, and hopes for more during the 2016-17 season that kicks off Monday. Alex Ramirez and Clifford Adjei, are back. Adjei, a strong, physical forward, had 10 goals last season; Ramirez, a midfielder who relies on speed and finesse, chipped in with five. Junior forward Jamal Farhoud scored twice last year and hopes for more, and the midfield will be bolstered by Donovan Quigley (three goals, four assists last season), who Ware says might be the fastest player he has ever coached. Ware is high on a trio of freshmen: Nicolas Vasquez, Sebastian Echeverry and Zachary Godbold, who are all expected to contribute. Defensively, Matthew Hartnell has started every game he’s played since his freshman year, and for the first time Ware is carrying three goalkeepers because the competition has been so fierce. Two newcomers, junior Enrico Dagostino and promising freshman Ethan Hernandez, are challenging Andy Ilken, who played in six games last year, for the starting job. Wharton will once again face a tough challenge with a schedule that is bolstered by the Wharton Invitational starting Monday, and Class 5A, District 7, includes Steinbrenner, Alonso and Wiregrass Ranch (combined record of 46-7-6 last year) as well as Palm Harbor University, the region runner-up in 2015-16. “It won’t be easy, but our goal is to get back into the playoffs,’’ Ware says. “If they play with the confidence they have shown, that’s a possibility. The schedule is tough, though. We’ll need to get some ‘W’s early, and hopefully we build off that.”

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Continuity A Big Key For The Freedom High Girls Soccer Team Story and photo by Andy Warrener

There are always question marks when a new coach takes over. What system will he or she implement? How quickly will they find the best positions for their players? That’s not the case at Freedom, as coach Jennifer DeMik takes over the girls team that finished 5-7 last year. DeMik knows the players and the system very well. She’s a math teacher at Liberty Middle School and she’s had nearly the entirety of the current varsity team on her Liberty school soccer team. “Our chemistry is really good and we have strong, veteran leadership to go with a promising future,” DeMik said. “It’s a good balance and I like (what I) know is coming (up from middle school).” DeMik coached girls soccer at Liberty for eight years and her teams made the District meet six of the eight years, including a trip to the District finals in 2012. The eighth graders from that season have now become DeMik’s senior leaders as she takes over Freedom’s varsity program from Jenna Lamour, who is now in administration. “She (Lamour) built this program to what it is today,” DeMik said. Starting up top in DeMik’s 4-4-2 scheme are senior captains Emily Dabrowski and Emma Eldridge. Dabrowski is typically the team’s top goal scorer. She’s played club soccer, lacrosse, has run on the cross country team and DeMik says she is a phenomenal student. The coach also

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together (at Liberty) and we’ll finish playing together (at Freedom).” A pair of senior midfielders also are the other two team captains at Freedom. Rachel Diioia and Carly McCoy form a dexterous and rangy midfield tandem. DeMik is particularly excited about the “beautiful triangle” formed by Dabrowski and Eldridge along with Diioia. Diioia played for the West Florida Flames club team before deciding to commit more to the school’s team. DeMik likes her vision of the field, as Midfielder Rachel Diioia works the ball around at a recent well as her footwork and Freedom girls soccer practice. Diioia is expected to have a big ball control. impact on the Patriots fortunes this season. “She just slides in credits Dabrowski with helping get the front of you and the ball’s team started. gone,” DeMik said. Next to Dabrowski up top is Eldridge. Even beyond the seniors, DeMik has a DeMik likes her co-captain’s versatility. core of young players developing, includ“She’s a great athlete and can play ing a few that will step in and contribute all over the field,” DeMik said. “We’re right away. Sophomores Kelsey Skendzel stronger at other positions this year, so it and Bethany Green help form a defensive frees her to play up top.” back line for the Patriots. Both defenders The tandem, having played together came up with DeMik through Liberty. going back to middle school, could deDeMik jokes that the pair communivelop into a potent scoring threat. cates telepathically. “Emily and I have a friendly competiThe continuity is just what the tion going between us,” Eldridge said. Patriots need this season as they are in a “It’s so great that we started playing soccer very tough Class 4A, District 8, and their

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regular season starts off with a home stand against State semifinalist Newsome, Regional semifinalist Wharton and Regional finalist Mitchell. “The front end of our schedule is tough,” DeMik said. “We’re going to see what we’ve got early.”

Boys Looking For Goals

The Patriot boys struggled offensively last year on the way to a 3-12 record, scoring just 34 goals, although their top two scorers — Jon Hordeyczuk and Kwame Amankwah — were both underclassmen. Hordeyczuk, a junior forward/midfielder, led the Patriots last season with eight goals and one assist. Amankwah, a junior forward, scored six goals with two assists. Another junior, Ismael Hoare, scored three goals. The Patriots, who have had only one winning season since losing the 2009 Class 5A State championship game to Palm Harbor University, used a handful of keepers last season, the most successful being junior Noah Tenney, who was in net for all three of the Patriots wins last season. Tenney had a 2.60 goals-againstaverage and made a team-best 56 saves in posting a 3-4-1 record. Tenney is currently playing for the Freedom football team as the Patriots kicker. The Freedom boys opened their season Nov. 3 against Carrollwood Day at the Tampa Prep Classic. They host rival Wharton on Friday, November 11.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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‘Brandon’

Continued from page 1 “Every high school in this area has kids who are doing drugs and they usually get them from other kids at school,” she says. “Don’t think you’re not going to be touched by this just because you come from a ‘good family.’ We were that good family, but it still happened to us. Of course, everyone has been through some sort of tragedy. Mine is no better or worse than anyone else’s. Grief is all the same.” So, then why is Laura sharing her story now? “I guess I’m hoping that other parents will tell their kids that when faced with a choice that can change someone’s life, they should do the right thing and not be more afraid of getting in trouble,” she says. “If you know something, you have to snitch, you have to tell. Would you rather have a friend be angry with you or have to live with a decision you made for the rest of your life?” Laura adds that parents also should put GPS trackers in their kids’ phones and in their cars, “because, based on what I’ve now seen in my son’s phone, none of these kids are going where they say they’re going.” And, speaking of Brandon’s phone, she says that it’s obvious that kids are “doing their research” about the different types of drugs — what they can expect if they take them and even where to buy them. “There’s pictures of not only Brandon, but other kids — some of whom I don’t even know — taking drugs in pictures on his phone,” she says. “When I saw the messages about buying and selling and taking drugs and all of these pictures, I literally threw up.” And, the other thing she wants to stress is that Brandon and his friends — some of whom go to Wharton, Wiregrass Ranch, Sunlake and

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SB 278: Preventing Deaths from Drug-related Overdoses

(Known) as the “911 Good Samaritan Act;” (the statute provides) that a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related overdose may not be charged, prosecuted, or penalized for specified offenses in certain circumstances; providing that a person who experiences a drug-related overdose and needs medical assistance may not be charged, prosecuted, or penalized for specified offenses in certain circumstances; providing that the protections from prosecution for specified offenses are not grounds for suppression of evidence in other prosecutions; amending mitigating circumstances under which a departure from the lowest permissible criminal sentence is reasonably justified to include circumstances in which a defendant was making a good faith effort to obtain or provide medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related overdose, etc.

Steinbrenner — are not what anyone would consider to be “druggies.” “These are all smart kids who do great in school, from good families,” she says. “I hope people who read this story will take it to heart and start finding out what’s really going on with their children.” As I was leaving Laura’s home, her friend Jen, who was with her the day she found out Brandon had passed, told me, “Brandon was the one who was supposed to make it big out of all these kids. Smart, talented and loved. No one could believe this happened to him.” Laura also says she appreciates the amazing outpouring of support she has received from the community — at the candlelight vigil at Freedom a couple of days after Brandon died, at his memorial service on June 28 (both of which had as many as 500 people in attendance) and in the months since then. “It makes you feel good, as a mother, to hear so many people say so many wonderful things about your child. I just wish it wasn’t for this reason.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Can Vuelo Mexican Grill Succeed Where Other Restaurants Have Failed? By John C. Cotey Outside, it still looks pretty much the same. Inside, however, things have changed. Walls have come down, leaving a more open, free flowing and — dare we say it — festive design. The staff is friendlier, and already seemingly more knowledgeable. The menu has been carefully crafted and creatively cultivated, with newer, slightly-pricier dishes promising an infusion of fresher, better and tastier ingredients. The bar is serving zippier drinks. “It’s a new restaurant,’’ says Suzanne Deveney, who is handling public relations for Vuelo, a “new” Mexican restaurant located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the same spot as the “old” Señor T’s. Vuelo means “flight” in Spanish, and on Oct. 25, the newest New Tampa food joint quietly took off. Deveney has little interest in talking about Señor T’s, which had a bumpier opening. She doesn’t want to talk about the past, about the no-free-chips-and-salsa opening that seemed to scar Señor T’s from its very first moments in business, or the vicious reviews on Yelp! about everything else from

Vuelo’s is expanding its menu by offering grilled filet mignon with red rice and beans.

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Señor T’s, it’s 150-percent better. “Great food is simple — make it fresh, from scratch,’’ Estee says. “We’ve put some care into turning this puppy around. The flavors are authentic Mexican-Latin, and they are delicious.” The menu is filled with new and different things, but not overCan the new Vuelo Mexican Grill succeed where Señor whelmingly so. T’s and Macaroni Grill have failed previously? There are a dozen appetizers to choose from, bad food to shoddy service. Many things kill restaurants, the major- from simple guacamole and chips or quesadillas to oven ity of which fail before they make it to their roasted shishito peppers and one-year anniversary, and social media can cast iron cauliflower. certainly take some credit for this one. There are seven different Management hopes that menu items like the more upscale taco But, owner Tom Reynolds then decombination plate at Vuelo will attract hungry new customers. kinds of Street Tacos, inserves some credit for Vuelo, which bears cluding Beef Lengua, or cow project, and he started by discarding every only a slight resemblance to its predecessor. tongue, for the more adventurous eater. microwave oven in the kitchen, and there Reynolds’ second try at a Mexican eatery in The Bubbling Molcajete bowls are were many. A wall separating the bar from the former Macaroni Grill location shows the served with bay scallops, catfish and snapper; the rest of the restaurant was removed to touches of someone not afraid to start over, filet mignon or charred vegetables. create a more open design, and the decor has and determined to not fail again. There are burritos and enchiladas, tortas a more authentic feel. Chef and entrepreneur Mark Estee, who Deveney doesn’t see the success of Vuehas opened a handful of restaurants in Reno, (basically Spanish sandwiches) and createyour-own-lunch specials. There’s also a great lo tied to those who were disappointed by NV, where he says the focus was on fresh bar Happy Hour and a new drink menu with Señor T’s giving it a second chance, because food. Estee has made multiple appearances she doesn’t see this as a rebranding. on the Food Network, and has been brought a variety of beers and margaritas, including a in to engineer Vuelo’s new concept. spicy jalapeno margarita with the salted rim But, that’s what a majority of the He heard all about the past failures and of the glass adorned with a jalapeno pepper. customers are likely to believe. Those who even read some of those cringe-worthy Yelp! And,, if you need any more proof that have returned seem to be liking what they Reviews. Estee gets it, consider this: the chips and are experiencing, with unanimously positive But, after weeks of studying the market salsa are not only free, there’s even a salsa bar reviews so far on Yelp! by “looking, tasting and eating” what other with six different fresh, homemade salsas. So far, that makes everyone a winner. restaurants were serving in the area, and put“We’re pretty proud of that,’’ Estee says Customers get their fresh food and ting more emphasis on training a new staff with a smile. “It allows people to customize Vuelo gets its fresh start. and incorporating a new mindset, he says Vuelo is located at 17641 Bruce B. their experience.” he’s willing to stake his reputation on one Downs (BBD) Blvd.,. For more info, visit Estee was brought in for what can best fact: Vuelo isn’t just 100-percent better than be described as a restaurant reclamation VueloMexicanGrill.com or call 972-4800.

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Creative Permanent Makeup By Pam Adds Salon Services & Suites! By John C. Cotey

Pam Edmonson says she loves coming to work every day. With each new customer, she finds the same joy and enthusiasm in perfecting her craft as a permanent makeup artist as, say, a young child grabbing a piece of paper and a fresh box of crayons. She proudly scrolls through her phone showing you the best of her previous work, turning barely visible eyebrows into the perfect complements for your eyes. “I really do love what I do,’’ she says. “I’m passionate about this.” While Pam’s passion is still eyebrows, she now offers a number of other services at her new location, off S.R. 54 in Suite 101 of the Brookfield Professional Park, west of Eiland Blvd., where Home Depot is located. Her Serenity Salon & Spa Suites also currently has three massage therapists, four hair stylists and two licensed aestheticians, as well as Edmonson’s Creative Permanent Makeup by Pam. Pam has enough room in her new location to also offer space for rent for others who offer any number of salon services. In the back corner of the suite, though, is where you’ll find Pam, in a meticulously clean room, ready to hopefully change yet another person’s life. Raised in Tampa and currently living in Lake Bernadette in Zephyrhills, Pam has been a licensed cosmetologist in Florida since 2009. Formerly in the manufactured home business, she decided to make a career turn and studied to be a hair stylist. But, her

Pam Edmonson of Creative Permanent Makeup By Pam will find the way to give you your best possible eyebrows (next pg.) permanently.

eye quickly turned to permanent makeup. In 2010, she studied permanent makeup at the Boca Ta-2 School for Permanent Makeup in Williston, FL, then began providing permanent makeup services in Zephyrhills in 2011, particularly for eyebrows. “Eyebrows completely frame the face,” Pam says. “They are so important.”

The Art Of Eyebrows

Having a set of eyebrows done by Pam takes about an hour and starts at $350, which includes a free touch-up after the first four weeks, to help deepen the color and make them more permanent. Once

completed, clients sometimes don’t need to come back for a year or two, although everyone’s skin is different. Pam encourages clients to set up an appointment for a free consultation. And don’t worry, she says, she’ll be straight with you. Pam says she isn’t going to take on a client who wants her to do something she can’t, or something Pam doesn’t think should be done. But, she says she is all about keeping her clients happy. Recently, a 90-year-old woman visiting from Tallahassee made an appointment to see Pam. When she was finished, Pam says the woman left looking 20 years younger. “I’m so passionate about what I do because of how people feel afterwards,’’ Pam says. She laughs, and adds, “I get so excited doing eyebrows, I sometimes forget to get their money when they leave.” Pam treats clients of all ages, and eyebrows of all sorts, from those that need to be reconstructed to some — on blondeand red-haired people in particular — that tend to fade from view. Young clients come in for the convenience of not having to draw in their own eyebrows, while older ones come in to fill in plucked-over patches or the highlight brows that have faded with age and exposure to the sun. In May 2014, she attended a class called “Browmasters,” when a newer process called microblading was just beginning to take off. With microblading, Pam uses a small blade and ink to create each individual hair. Pam’s penchant for detail serves her

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well, as her steady hands help draw on an eyebrow which she then microblades, with each stroke adding a more natural look to the eyebrow. “Microblading is a big thing right now,’’ says Pam, who is licensed through the Florida Department of Health for permanent makeup, which is under tattooing. But, she says not all microbladers are created equal. Pam has run into a number of clients hoping she could repair a previous job done somewhere else that did not turn out well. She adds that sometimes she can’t help them, due to the amount of scar tissue. Mostly, though, Pam finds a way. Her knowledge of color theory, or the way colors work together, and knowing how to apply the right amount in the right places comes in handy. “You have to get the ink in that sweet part of the skin or it’s just not going to stay,’’ she says. “It’s just not.” No set of eyebrows are exactly alike, which is another reason Pam freely admits that they are her favorite — despite the other services she offers — because it allows her the most creativity. “I have to remind myself that (eyebrows) are sisters, not twins,’’ Pam says. “You can’t (always) make two exactly alike, but I try my darndest.” Pam also says that some people come to her for permanent eyeliner and although she does both, she often advocates for brows instead, because she believes eyebrows will have a greater impact on the way a person looks. Before the permanent makeup applica-

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tion begins, Pam says she draws the shape with a pencil to be sure that the customer gets the shape they want and the right eyebrow color for their skin. If a customer has enough hair to see a pattern, she tries to follow that pattern so that it looks natural.

High Praise...

Pam is proud that she gets a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from happy customers, such as her recent clients, Lydia and Linda. Lydia is a Pebble Creek resident who saw Pam’s ad in the New Tampa Neighborhood News and decided to take advantage of the free consultation. “I had been thinking about having my eyebrows done, so when I saw her ad, I called her,” Lydia says. “I am very happy with the results. It was not painful or even uncomfortable, and I am completely satis-

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fied. It looks very natural.” Linda, also a New Tampa resident, says, “I had wanted to get my eyebrows done for a long time,” but she couldn’t find someone who specialized in it. Then, she says she saw the ad for Pam’s services and went to her website to learn more. “She had a lot of pictures, and I got really excited,” Linda says. “I called her and went in for the free consultation, and she verified that I was a good candidate for the procedure. She answered all of my questions and explained exactly what was going to happen.” Linda adds, “When it was time for the actual procedure, she took a lot of time leading up to it to prepare, especially in choosing the color. She was in no rush and took a lot of time and care (with me).” Linda also says that once Pam started the actual procedure, it actually was very quick and painless. “It felt like she was ap-

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plying makeup, and I would even say it was relaxing,” Linda explains. “It wasn’t at all like getting a tattoo. I have one of those — and that was painful!” Linda says that Pam met all of her expectations, and that not only is Pam personable, but she also is extremely detailoriented, talented and aware of exactly what Linda wanted from the first consultation. “The before-and-after is a dramatic change,” Linda says. “It’s nice to be able to go outside without a full face of makeup and still feel comfortable. And, the microblade technique really looks like hair and not just a drawn line.”

it’s more effective on thinning hair — but women tend to respond well to it. She also offers microneedling, which improves the skin by producing a slight injury to the face with a tiny needle. The body naturally grows new collagen at the “injury” site, which plumps the skin in the treated area and produces cell turnover, reducing scarring, fine lines and wrinkles on the face. “I love how people feel because of what I do (for them),” says Pam. “I’m excited to hear their stories and hear how happy they are. I’m very passionate about what I do.” Pam Edmonson is available for free consultations and procedures by appointment. For more info, visit CreativePermanentMakeupByPam.com, call 9976302 or see the ad on page 41.

Other Services

Pam also offers scalp therapy, a treatment for women who have thinning hair. She says that the scalp therapy doesn’t seem to work well on male pattern baldness —

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7 Layers Bakery — Real NY-Style Baked Goods Made By Real New Yorkers!

Lace Cookies

Evelyn Barreno & William Morello of 7 Layers Bakery By Gary Nager

N CASE you didn’t realize it, I have something of a major sweet tooth. I’m more of a chocolate and peanut butter guy than I am into any type of fruit-flavored treats, but no matter what type of baked goods you prefer, I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll love at 7 Layers Bakery, located in the Grand Oaks Plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54) in Lutz, in the same plaza as Amici Pizza — less than 20 minutes from most of New Tampa. It was easy for me to become friends with 7 Layers owners Evelyn Barreno and her husband William Morello. After all, not only are they fellow transplanted “New Yawkas,” they serve Evelyn’s amazing baked goods, most of which remind me a lot of the great bakery items I loved when I was growing up on Long Island. Evelyn, whose background is in marketing, says she has been baking since she was a kid. “My mom, my grandmother...all of us...

love to bake,” she says. “People have always told me I should open my own bakery, so here we are.” I remember meeting this fun young couple at last year’s Wesley Chapel Fall Festival and being instantly hooked not only on Evelyn’s cake and cookie samples, but also on Will’s high-spirited, friendly approach to getting people to try everything. Since their store opened a little less than a year ago, William and Evelyn have become involved with the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), including holding a WCCC ribbon-cutting ceremony.. “We’ve made a lot of friends through the Chamber,” Evelyn says. “The response since we opened the store has been amazing.” The bakery is also a favorite of Joey Richman’s, the young Wesley Chapel resident we wrote about in a couple of recent issues, who has had some continuing health issues following a recent kidney transplant. There’s no doubt that the baked goods are top-notch. Although the store is named for the famous Italian seven-layer rainbow

Napoleons

cookies that Evelyn and Will grew up with in New York City, I initially fell in love with 7 Layers Bakery’s awesome specialty cupcakes, especially the Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes, which have not only decadent peanut butter-flavored icing, but also... surprise!...a mini Reese’s cup hidden in the center. Other great cupcake flavors include double chocolate, double vanilla, creme brulée, toasted marshmallow, red velvet, cookies and cream and so many more. But, even this man can not live by cupcakes alone. I’m also partial to Evelyn’s hand-piped cannolis with homemade cannoli cream, her amazingly flaky Napoleons, the real NY-style black-and-white cookies (Evelyn says some of her customers call them “half moons”) and the store’s assortment of loose Italian-style cookies available by the pound, especially the soft-baked chocolate chip cookies and the traditional NY-

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style lace cookies (which, according to Evelyn, some people call “Florentines,” even though I never heard that term before). Other items also available at 7 Layers Bakery include homemade tiramisu, flan and tres leches, as well as Italian sfogliatelle pastries (like crispy croissants with custardstyle cream inside), as well as an ever-changing assortment of Leann’s cheesecakes, which are uniquely served in jars and great coffee.

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(L.=-r.) 7-Layer Cookies, Cannolis, Specialty Cupcakes & Black & White Cookies

Custom-Made Specialty Cakes

Holiday Traditions!

Evelyn also says that she is already gearing up for the holiday season. “We’ve already started doing our pumpkin spice and we’ll have apple pie cupcakes soon,” she says. “By the time the holiday season really gets started after Halloween, we’re going to have to bring in an additional oven to handle the holiday orders,” Evelyn says. “We have a lot of very loyal customers.” She says that in addition to Christmas tree-shaped, iced cookies, she will be creating

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some surprises for the holiday season. “But, get those orders in early, because we run out of our cookies a lot now already, so we expect to really be busy this holiday season.” There’s no doubt that Evelyn also creates some amazing custom-designed cakes in your choice of flavors and designs. “If you can dream it up, I can make it for you,” she says. 7 Layers Bakery (26306 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz) is open seven days a week. For more info, visit 7LayerCookieCakes.com

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Acropolis Adds Greek Brunch To One Of New Tampa’s Favorite Places

Waffles with Bacon

Now Serving A Wide Variety Of Brunch Items!

By Gary Nager

VERY year around this time, we always seem to be writing something about Acropolis Greek Taverna, located in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., south of Tampa Palms. The reason is simple — Acropolis is always highly rated among our readers in our Annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest and usually even higher-rated when I tell you my favorites for the year in the issues immediately following the issues where we print those survey results. Never resting on its already-impressive laurels (it also recently was voted the Best Greek Restaurant by its peers in a recent Tampa magazine survey), Acropolis, which now has five Tampa Bay-area locations (including South Tampa, Ybor City, St. Pete and Riverview as well as the BBD location) continues to add new menu items. The most recent additions are a new Ouzo mussels appetizer, a new feta cheese dip called Tirokafteri, a new Castoria chopped salad with chicken (none of which are pictured here) and an all-new weekend brunch menu. I’ll be honest and say that, at our press time, the brunch was so new I didn’t have time to sample any of the new items before we went to press. But, rest assured, I will. After all, this is one restaurant that never disappoints with its Greek cuisine, so I expect that the brunch items — like waffles, omelettes and baklava crepes — will also be outstanding and not overpriced, just like the rest of owner Sam Waez and general manager Tarek Armoush’s New Tampa menu. The brunch, which is served Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., also is offered with bottomless champagne or mimosas for just $15 per person and $5 Bloody Marys. That alone is enough to make me want to sample it this weekend. And of course, Acropolis — which has 50

consistently been ranked in yours truly’s top-three restaurants in New Tampa every year since it opened — still has so many of my favorites (and yours) that it’s always a pleasure to write about the place. The restaurant’s elegant bar area has been revamped a couple of times and of course, there’s what I call Greek-line-dancing servers and bartenders, entertainment and lots of plate-breaking every weekend evening. So, here are some of my favorite dishes. For starters, you can’t beat Acropolis’ Greek salad. Although the zesty dressing is more of a creamy vinaigrette than a traditional oil-andvinegar Greek dressing, it’s a perfect complement for the salad. The spinach dip appetizer is served with these amazingly crisp Lavash crackers and topped with Tirosalata, which is another feta-based dip with garlic, oregano and olive oil. More adventurous tastes will enjoy the grilled octopus appetizer and the delightfully different fried calamari. And yes, there’s still house-made hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh salad, dolmades and even a great Saganaki appetizer, which is grilled Kefalograviera cheese flambéed with Cognac that is as much fun to eat as it is yummy. If you’re into pastitsio, or Greek-style lasagne, Acropolis offers it with meat or without and both are excellent. There’s also mousaka, which is similar to pastitsio, but with potatoes and eggplant.

Athenian Fish

My only “complaint” about these entrées is that they’re always served with the same grilled veggies — primarily zucchini and squash with onions. I’ve asked Tarek to maybe add sautéed spinach or broccoli to the mix or at least offer a few other veggie options to go with these superb main dishes. I’m aslo partial to the steak and chicken shish kabob entrées, especially the tenderloin medallions. There’s also a Greek meatballs entrée, as well as dolmades, a mixed grill (with steak and chicken kabobs, pork souvlaki and gyro meat), as well as the chicken Santorini (sautéed tenders in a creamy Santorini lemon wine sauce mixed with mushrooms, onions, pesto, green and red peppers over penne pasta, topped with shaved parmesan cheese), chicken Manitari (which is sort of Acropolis’ own Alfredo-style pasta) and chicken Rhodes, which is grilled chicken breast in a lemon white wine sauce with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and olives, topped with crumbled feta. My other fish favorites include the Psari mahi-mahi (blackened and topped with pesto and red peppers) and the grilled, fresh, whole

red snapper (although it is messy to eat) . Other seafood entrées include charbroiled Siros salmon, a mixed seafood pasta and shrimp Mykonos (sautéed in a creamy lemon wine sauce), but of course, I can’t eat shrimp because I’m allergic to it, so I can’t personally vouch for these last two choices. There’s also a nice selection of unique wrap and other sandwiches on the menu, as well as gyro, pork and chicken souvlaki platters. I don’t usually order a sandwich at Acropolis, but I have enjoyed their American burgers (there’s even a Crete burger topped with feta), as well as the Athenian fish, mahimahi and fried Fira fish sandwiches. Other sandwiches and wraps on the menu include the Mediterranean chicken wrap (with spinach leaves, onions, grapes and candied walnuts), a (vegetarian) falafel wrap and the Thessaloniki wrap (another choice for vegetarians), which has Mediterranean roasted vegetables, sliced feta and hummus. For those who enjoy a glass of wine with their meal, Acropolis has a nice variety of unique Greek red and white wines, as well as popular choices like a malbec, a chardon-

Favorite Entrées

My two favorite entrées at Acropolis haven’t changed since the place opened. The grilled Greek-style lamb chops are always tender and tasty — they rank up there with the best lamb chops in our area — and the pan-fried Athenian fish is simply to die for. The Athenian fish is flaky and white and comes with a crispy coating, topped by a small dollop of homemade pesto. I always order an extra side of the pesto because, really, how can anyone spread that one dollop out enough to give you pesto in every bite without it?

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Lamb Chops

Tabouleh Combination Plate

Beef Pastitsio

Spinach Dip Appetizer

nay, multiple sparkling options and a cabernet sauvignon. Please ask for samples of the Greek wines; I know you’ll find one to your liking. Acropolis also features a nice kids menu, with options like pizza, meatballs, chicken skewers and a kids gyro or chicken gyro. And, save room for dessert, because Acropolis has some great ones, although my favorite is probably the baklava cheesecake. Acropolis Greek Taverna’s New Tampa location is open every day for lunch (and weekend brunch) and dinner and is

located at 14947 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., at the north end of the Oak Ramble Plaza. For more information, call 9711787, visit DineGreek.com or Facebook/ DineGreekinNewTampa, or see the ad on page 47. Also, check out the story on page 4 of this issue, as Tarek talks about how the construction on BBD has affected his business. And, don’t forget to check the website for Acropolis’ other great locations, including the newest one opening soon in Sarasota.

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The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Now Open!

We have good news for those waiting for the new restaurants to open in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) mall. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse — located at the corner of S.R. 56 and Grand Cypress Dr.— opened its doors on October 17. The food is the same as you’ve experienced in Citrus Park or any of the 183 other BJ’s restaurants in 23 U.S. states. The place is attractive, the drink prices aren’t outrageous, the in-house craft beers are excellent and the ambience is that of a real restaurant. The only complaints from me so far are that there aren’t enough seats in the bar area and the tender steaks seem a little over-seasoned, although I loved the seared ahi tuna salad and the new quinoa bowl. For more info, stop in & tell ‘em we sent you, call 575-1830 or visit BJsRes-

taurants.com. And, here’s more good news: The LongHorn Steakhouse located east of BJ’s is set to open on Monday, November 14. With nearly 450 locations around the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including the closest one on E. Fowler Ave., LongHorn’s prices are a little bit steeper than some of the other chains in the area, but the quality is always there. We’ll keep you posted, but expect big crowds at all of the chains in front of TPO.

WCCC Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is still cutting plenty of ribbons and holding other free events for those who want to get out, network and enjoy some free food and beverages. The four most recent free WCCC events were ribbon cuttings at Goin’ Postal (located at 2653 Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd., across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) on Oct. 12; at The Gift Box Boutique (17032 Palm Pointe Dr. in Tampa Palms; photo on next page & see story on page 28) on Oct. 6; and at Kiran Indian Grocery Store (10042 Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa; photo, above) on Oct. 4. We also attended another great, free WCCC Chamber mixer at Florida Blue at 15030 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in the Northdale area of Carrollwood on Oct. 13, as well

as the Final Friday mixer at Stonewood Grill & tavern in Tampa Palms on Oct. 28. For more info, including a Calendar of Events, visit WesleyChapelChamber. com, call 994-8534 or see pg. 8.

Takara Sushi Closes

Although we still have quite a few very good Japanese restaurants in our area, we were still saddened to learn that Takara Sushi & Sake, located in the Oak Ramble Plaza (the same plaza as Acropolis Greek Taverna; see story on pg. 50) on BBD south of Tampa Palms, had closed. We didn’t have any word at our press time as to why it closed or what might move into the space, but Takara was doing very well again in this year’s annual Reader Din-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 21 • October 7, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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ing Survey. We will announce your favorite restaurants and the winners of our free dining prizes in our next issue.

Peabody’s Hosts ‘Screamers’

On Saturday, November 5, starting at 8 p.m., Peabody’s Billiards & Games (15333 Amberly Dr.) will host the “Screamer’s Ball,” which is an annual post-Halloween costume party for the employees of Busch Gardens who work at Howl-O-Scream that is now also open to anyone who just can’t get enough of being in costume. For more info, see the ad (right) or call 972-1725.

Dr. Raguthu Buys Tendercare Congratulations to Lalitha Raguthu, M.D., for purchasing Tendercare Pediat-

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rics (27432 Cashford Cir., Suite 102, in the Summergate Prof. Park behind Sam’s Club off S.R. 56) from the former owner, Radhika Ranganathan, M.D. Dr. Raguthu earned her BBMS (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Surgery; equivalent to the M.D. degree in the U.S.) degree from the Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in Kalaburagi, India. She also did her residency at Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. She also served a one-year fellowship in Neurology at New York University in Manhattan. Dr. Raguthu also had three years of emergency room experience at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and one year of

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Urgent Care experience at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. She was previously affiliated with Blossom Pediatric Care in Tampa and still also works at Night Owl Pediatrics on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa. Tendercare Pediatrics is accepting new patients and walk-ins, and Medicaid and private insurance plans are accepted. For info, call 973-9900 or see the ad on page 29 of this issue. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 21 • October 7, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional & personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. Call 813-215-1177. GREG’S PAPERHANGING. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING. Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References avail. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 994-5124. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions,cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate: 813784-5999. MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR.Professional Handyman. Cabinet Installation, dry wall repair, tile installation & repair, some plumbing, laminate flooring, light fixtures, interior painting, appliance installation, pressure washing, paneling, window repair, awning installation, carpentry, garbage disposal, fence repair, crown molding, window blinds, seal baths & showers, TV mounting & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TYCOONUNION@YAHOO.COM. CONTRACTOR. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling or any major repairs. Floor, windows & door installation. Licensed, insured & bonded. LICENSE # CRC 1331258 Call Pablo for a free estimate: 813.391.9644. www.innovativeresidentialremodeling.com HC Designs LLC ReUpholstery, Designer Fabrics, Antique Restoration, Custom Upholstery, Quality Workmanship, Call for Free Estimate, Open 7 days a week! 333 Falkenburg Rd #A128, Brandon, FL 33511. FaceBook HCDesigns LLC, (813) 3246789 or (813) 391-8716. hcdesignz2@gmail.com.

SPACE AVAILABLE Serenity Salon & Spa Suites, Wesley Chapel. 1 suite available for rent. Call for details: 813-3125247 or 813-997-6302. Great location!

Classifieds

HELP WANTED NOW HIRING SERVERS. Call 813-907-1688 for more information. Or apply in person at Ginza Endless Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar, 6417 E. County Line Rd. #104. AWARD WINNING REAL ESTATE TEAM with an overflow of serious prospects. Seeking professional full-time real estate agents who want to expand their horizons, make more money and have a fulfilling life. Great training available. Keller Williams Tampa Properties. Contact Annette Bohannon 813-431-2840. HIRING PERSONAL TRAINER. Private Women’s Studio with Boot Camp & Personal Training in Wesley Chapel & Land O’ Lakes owned by Samantha Taylor. Please no phone calls or walk ins.To apply part time: www.lolfitbodybootcamp.com/hire-pt. PIZZAMAKERS & LINE/PREP COOKS WANTED (exp’d. preferred) at New Tampa’s favorite authentic Chicago-style pizza place. Bring resume to Full Circle Chicago Pizza at 19651 BBD Blvd. (in the Pebble Creek Collection). PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT). An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide custom, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080.

COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech with 20 years exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained. Remote assistance available. References available. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate.

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING. Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL & FREE ESTIMATE! For more info, call (813) 420-4465. AMERICAN PRIDE LAWN CARE SERVICE, LLC. Our services include weekly lawn maintenance with mulching decks on all mowers, precision edging, string trimming, hedge, shrub, palm & tree trimming. We also offer landscaping, pruning & sod replacement. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured. We are an Owner/Operator Company built on service and trust. References available. For more info, call (813) 458-4778. HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-quality professional Services: Weekly or bi-weekly year-round full-svc lawn care starting at $90/month: Mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

CLEANING SERVICES ICARE HOUSE CLEANING Free estimates. We use our own supplies, excellent references, cleaning New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 15 years, affordable & reliable, satisfaction guaranteed!!! Family operated, affordable & reliable, local business. Call today for your free, no obligation quote, (813) 531-1917.

POOL SERVICES TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris today @ (813) 8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! ALL-STAR POOL SERVICE & REPAIR. Expert repairs and installations of pumps, motors, filters, timers, salt and ozone generators. Marcite from $2,400. Tile repair and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing, pressure washing and deck repair, paver and eurocote decks. Mention this ad and receive $69 pool service. Call or text for details: 813-244-7077. See our display ad. www.allstarpoolsoftampabay.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

CLEANING SERVICES B CLEANING SERVICES: Over fourteen years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & businesses, more than 25 years exp. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com

PET SERVICES CAT SITTING. Tampa Cat Lady Professional CatSitting Service. Cats are happiest 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. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. You can call 813-994-9449 or submit a service inquiry at TampaCatLady.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 21 • October 7, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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SUNSHINE CLEANERS Top Quality...Great Prices

$5 Oﬀ Any Size Comforter $2.79 Press Only* $3.49 Drycleaning & Press* $1.59 Men’s Business Shirts * Some garments incur additional charge. Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 21 • October 7, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Students & Local Community Get An Update On Cybersecurity At PHSC By Brad Stager

As people spend more of their time working, shopping and socializing online, they’re risking real-life consequences to their financial, professional and even personal well being. That’s the message that a group of experts delivered on Oct. 11 during a cybersecurity symposium at the Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel. Speakers presented information about protecting yourself from identity theft and social media risks, as well as about internetbased crimes such as human trafficking. The event was co-hosted with the Florida Center for Cybersecurity (FCC) at the University of South Florida (USF) and is part of PHSC’s Community Awareness Series. Keynote speaker Sri Sridharan, the managing director USF FCC, told the audience that cybertheft of consumers’ financial information and money has become so common that it is usually unreported by the media and not investigated by law enforcement. “Just because you don’t hear about it doesn’t mean the problem isn’t there,” Sridharan said, adding that identity thieves target public Wi-Fi networks such as those made available by coffee shops, restaurants and stores to intercept personal information from people using those networks. Another trend, called ransomware, allows hackers to encrypt information on a computer or data network, preventing users from accessing their files. Users regain access by paying money to the hackers. Sridharan said one way people can avoid identity theft

is taking personal responsibility for online behavior. “Cybersecurity is a serious problem and people have to practice good cybersecurity ‘hygiene’ to protect their personal information,” he said. Using complex passwords that are unique to each login, shopping at wellSri Sridharan, the managing director of the Florida Center for known commercial websites, not using Cybersecurity, lectures the audience about how to protect their financial information and identities in the “internet age.” unknown USB drives or memory cards technologies we take for granted can easily you’ve found laying around and becoming cause us to lose our identities,” House said. savvy about malicious links in emails and He recommends shredding sensitive websites are some of Sridharan’s suggestions documents before discarding them, positionfor maintaining your online security. ing yourself away from the prying eyes of Dumpster diving (going through peo- people around you when working online or ple’s garbage looking for discarded docu- using bank cards in public and taking a good ments with personal information on them), look at point of sale terminals at registers and shoulder surfing (peering over someone’s gas pumps to see if they appear to have been shoulder to steal a password or PIN) and altered with information-stealing skimmers. skimming (a small device that scans your credit card when it’s inserted at the gas sta- Social Security Protection Staking out your Social Security account tion, ATM or other automatic money machine) may sound like extreme sporting online long before claiming your benefits activities but they’re actually some of the was the advice from Daryl Rosenthal, a pubcommon techniques used by identity thieves lic affairs specialist from the Social Security according to Jeff House, associate director of Administration. He says going online to SoPHSC network services, who also spoke dur- cialSecurity.gov and creating your account (called “my Social Security account”) allows ing the symposium. “The main thing is being aware that the you to review your earnings history for accu-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 23 • November 4, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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racy, learn about benefits and keep someone else from accessing your account and stealing your benefits. Rosenthal said it’s not easy for someone else to access your account, but it can happen if they acquire enough personal information about you. “To get an account, you have to enter information you know about yourself beyond your Social Security number,” he said. Rosenthal also advises that people shouldn’t routinely carry their Social Security cards with them, and that they should resist providing their Social Security number to businesses that request it. The internet has become a virtual playground and shopping center and Corporal Alan Wilkett of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) says there’s a dark side to that activity, with human trafficking taking place online. He says the practice of human trafficking involves economic slavery, body organ harvesting and the sex trade. “The auctions of people are taking place online and it’s one of the most diabolical things around,” Cpl. Wilkett said. “Most of the adults I talk to have no idea this is going on.” According to Cpl. Wilkett, the best way to combat human trafficking is increasing public awareness of the problem and a willingness to get involved. Bullying is the topic for PHSC’s next Community Awareness Series event, which will take place Wednesday, November 16, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. It will be held in the Building B conference room of the Porter Campus, located at 2727 Mansfield Blvd. For more information, you can visit PHSC.edu or call 527-6629.

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