New Tampa Neighborhood News

Volume 21 Issue 25

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December 7, 2013

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Former Freedom Principal’s Wife Found Dead; Stalker Arrested

By Matt Wiley An affair, a stalker and an unexplained death. While it may sound like a movie plot, these events have transpired right here in New Tampa during the past few months.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), former Freedom High principal David Sheppard’s wife, Donna, 44, was found at the bottom of the family’s swimming pool at their Lutz home on October 29, more than a month after the woman Sheppard reportedly had previously had an affair with was arrested on aggravated stalking charges and released on a surety bond. Donna Sheppard was discovered deceased five days after her husband stepped down at Freedom, citing health concerns.

Deputies say that the episode started more than two years ago, while Sheppard and Tracey Elana Seenath, 40, of the Hammocks community off County Line Rd. in New Tampa, both were working at Paul R. Wharton High on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. — Sheppard as assistant principal and Seenath as Tracey Seenath a secretary. Sheppard

ended their relationship in December of 2011, telling Seenath in March 2012 (one month after taking the top job at Freedom) to have no further contact with him.

The HCSO arrest report states that from the time when Sheppard ended the affair to Seenath’s Sept. 11 arrest, the former Freedom principal and his wife received repeated threats in the form of notes, letters and phone calls to their home, letters sent to Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) officials, as well as thousands of emails to Sheppard and text messages to the couple’s cell phones.

Seenath also reportedly sent books, flowers, CDs, lingerie, magazine articles, song lyrics and nude photographs to the Sheppard household.

HCSO reports that between September 6-8, the Sheppards received more than 500 phone calls from Seenath’s cell phone number, as well as text messages containing nude photographs.

In the days leading up to Seenath’s arrest (between September 2-10), Sheppard received 200 emails from Seenath’s work email, 99 of which were received on September 10. In March, seven emails Sheppard received contained threats from Seenath about sending a letter about their affair to each of

the 29 HCSD high school principals.

“MY PAIN WILL FALL ON YOUR KIDS,” Seenath wrote. “YOU WILL FOREVER HURT…FOR HURTING ME.” Seenath also placed notes stating, “I LIE and CHEAT ON MY WIFE,” on Sheppard’s car while it was parked at his home (as well as on his mailbox) on five different occasions in the two months leading up to her arrest, HCSO reports. Donna Sheppard actually took a photograph of Seenath in the act of putting a letter addressed to the Hillsborough County School Board (HCSB) about their affair into the Sheppards’ home mailbox.

Seenath, of 8552 Trail Wind Dr., was arrested for aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony, on September 11 and released on a $10,000 surety bond the following day.

HCSO spokeswoman Debbie Carter says that a toxicology report is pending in Donna’s death and that it is not yet known whether or not foul play was a factor, or suicide. Since suicide has not yet been ruled out, information was not immediately released to the media, law enforceoment officals sy that sometimes, it isn’t released at all if a case is determined to be suicide. The investigation was still ongoing at our press time, according to Carter.

Five days after former Freedom High principal David Sheppard (shown here at Freedom’s 2013 commencement ceremony) stepped down, his wife Donna was found dead in the family’s swimming pool.

Seenath is scheduled to be arraigned on December 10, court records show. HCSD reports that she was under suspension from her position as property control clerk at our press time. A new principal has not yet been named for Freedom.

HCSD officials declined to comment, but confirmed that there is not an active investigation into Sheppard because he no longer is a principal in the District.

No additional information was available when we went to press with this issue..

Flocks Of ‘Wiregrass Wobblers’ Brave The Cold To Walk, Run & Raise Money

By Gary Nager As a native New Yorker who used to run on cold fall and even winter days in Central Park, the first-ever “Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot” 5K (3.1-mile) race and 1-mile fun run— held at the Shops at Wiregrass mall Thanksgiving morning — was an icy cold blast from the past for me.

Thankfully, I wasn’t running in the event, where the start-time temperature was only 35º, I was just there to shoot it, but a spectacular total of roughly 1,500 deter-

mined men, women, teens and children did come out to compete, burn off a few hundred calories before indulging in their respective Thanksgiving feasts later in the day — and raise money for a number of charities.

The New Tampa Rotary, New Tampa Family YMCA and the FitNiche store in the Wiregrass mall co-sponsored the event, with each sponsor selecting its own charities to benefit, and benefit they did, as approximately 500 of the day’s 1,500 participants (at least 1,100 of which ran the full 5K)

Also Inside This Issue!

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

USAA Bringing More Jobs To New Tampa, City Grill Brings Upscale Tastes To Wesley Chapel, Mysterious Shooting In Arbor Greene, ‘Symphony In Lights’ Illuminates Wiregrass Mall, Freedom Athletes Commit To Colleges, Lots Our 2013 Dining Survey & Contest Results, Of Local Business Features & Much More!

Plus More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 1-44

Pages 45-64

showed up on race day, which was hundreds more people than the organizers were expecting or even hoping would show up for a firsttime road race with limited pre-publicity.

And, even though we went to press too soon after the event itself to find out how much money was raised or to even be able to announce all of the age group winners of And they’re off! The frenetic start to the Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K. the 5K, the bottom line was that a lot of local folks came out to “enjoy” a spirited run/walk on the coldest day in months.

See “Wobble” on page 36.

A Dozen Years Later, The Oasis Network Is Still Working For Kids An editorial by Gary Nager I can still remember that day in 2001 when my friends Lynn Gruber and Terry Wolford and several of their friends in Tampa Palms started the OASIS (Outreach Assisting Students In Schools) Network of Tampa Bay, which today is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the clothing and health care item needs of students in every Hillsborough County public school.

Although the group started its grassroots efforts by collecting school uniforms for needy children in nearby Mort Elementary on E. Bearss Ave., school social workers in other schools started asking for the help of OASIS and within just a few short years, the program had expanded to serve kids at every school in the county.

Today, under the direction of executive director Ginger Bean (who joined the group in its second year), the volunteer-driven OASIS Network is still serving the clothing and health care product needs of the close to 60 percent of Hillsborough County school children who are living in poverty.

“Our mission at OASIS is to provide those children with basic every day necessities,” says the group’s website, Oasis-Network.org, although Bean says, “clothes are probably 90 percent of what we distribute.

We also provide new school shoes (funded this year by The Tampa Bay Rays!), hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, etc.), new socks and underwear.”

(Note-Wolford is now the chair of the OASIS Network Board of Directors and Gruber is the group’s fundraising chair.)

On November 10, OASIS Network held its first-ever “Sunset at the OASIS” fund raiser at Louis Benito Middle School on Cross Creek Blvd.

“Sunset” was a family-friendly movie night, where local families came out to enjoy a beautiful evening outdoors and got to watch the popular movie, “A Dolphin’s Tale” while partaking in great activities.

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Benjamin Carter • John Majeski Bonnie Mason • Lauren Saslow Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lemos

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 22, Issue 1, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, December 16, 2013.

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.

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Neighborhood News

Correction From Last Issue

This big, inflatable screen showed the movie “A Dolphin’s Tale” during the “Sunset at the OASIS” fund-riaisng event sponsored by the OASIS Network of Tampa Bay on Nov. 10.

In our last issue, in the Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes item I wrote about New Tampa Plastic Surgery (located at 2541 Windguard Cir., in Wesley Chapel; 752-7842), I mistakenly stated that plastic surgeon and practice owner Dr. G. Peter Fakhre earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and his M.D. degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, when he actually received his M.D. degree from my alma mater, the University of Florida in Gainesville. Sorry, Doc! — GN

The event may not have been as well-attended or raised as much money as the OASIS folks would have liked, but they are always trying to raise money and donations because the needs of the kids who receive these donations never seem to end, either.

“We had two bins of clothes donated, and there were around 100 people in attendance, plus 45 volunteers,” Bean says. “The primary purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the needs in our community schools and how OASIS helps to meet those needs. We basically broke even, but we hope it was a success because of the number of community members who learned about OASIS through the newspaper articles, radio spots, publicity in the schools and the movie night event.”

With the increased awareness, the OASIS founders hope to continue to improve collections of gently used school clothes. “Within the past year or two, the clothing donated to OASIS has been less usable (more worn out, not appropriate for school wear, etc.),” Bean says, “and this year, it seems like clothing donations are less than normal, so we need to collect more to meet the needs of the students not attending uniform schools. Please consider having a clothing drive and/or cleaning out your closets to help OASIS.” And, if you missed “Sunset at the OASIS,” don’t worry — you can always make a donation. Send monetary donations to: OASIS Network, 16057 Tampa Palms Blvd., #315, Tampa, FL 33647. For additional info, visit Oasis-Network.org.

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES..............................Pages 1-44

USAA Bringing More Jobs To New Tampa & Brandon.....................4 City Appoves Annexation Of Development Near The Hammocks....6 New Tampa News Briefs...................................................................8 Shooting In Arbor Greene TPD Warns Of Bike Thefts Wesley Chapel Man Injures 6 In I-275 DUI Crash Tampa Man Busted While Stealing Fuel In Wesley Chapel New Tampa Man Arrested In Carrollwood Shooting Cypress Creek Town Center Outlet Mall Could Open In 2015.......10 New Tampa Rotary Schedules 2014 ‘PigFest’....................................12 New Tampa Community Calendar...................................14

Local Business Updates.................................18-39

Bliss Facial Spa Offers Blissful Help For Your Face...................18 Best Smoke Shop: Smokin’ Deals For Your Smoking Needs....22 Point Of Care Clinics Introduces Laser Hair Removal.............26 Seven Oaks Pet Hospital Is Here For Your Pets.......................30 New Product Lines Available From Cabinet & Stone Int’l......32

Local Sports Updates....................................40-41

Expectations High For Freedom & Wharton Boys Hoops......40 Freedom Athletes Commit To Colleges...................................41 Sean McNamee Thanks Florida Hospital Staff After Coma.....41

Neighborhood Magazine

City Grill Brings Upscale Tastes To Wesley Chapel...........45, 47 Private Chef Peter Gambacorta’s Holiday Cookie Recipe........46 Symphony Of Lights Illuminates Shops At Wiregrass Mall......51 Our 2013 Dining Survey & Contest Results..............54-55 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’.........................60-61

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS....................62

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USAA To Add 1,200 Jobs Spread Between New Tampa, Brandon Facility ity in Brandon, in addition to adding jobs at its existing New Tampa office, which is located just off I-75 on Commerce Park One of the tallest points in New Blvd. in Tampa Palms.

Tampa, the United Services Automobile According to a November 5 press reAssociation (USAA) Insurance Southeast lease from Florida Governor Rick Scott’s Regional Office facility stands tall above office, in addition to the massive amount the trees in Tampa Palms and can be seen of jobs USAA is adding to the local econfor miles in either direction from I-75. omy, the company also will make an estiSan Antonio, TX-based USAA, mated $164.3 million capital investment which provides financial service products in Hillsborough County by 2019. to past and present members of the U.S. “The expansion of USAA in Hillsarmed forces and their families, has anborough County will create more than nounced that it will be bringing an addi1,200 new jobs for Florida families, meantional 1,215 jobs to the Tampa Bay area, as it plans to construct a massive new facil- ing 1,200 families will have the opportunity to live their version of the American Dream right here in the Sunshine State,” Gov. Scott said in the release.

Currently, the Commerce Park Blvd. facility employs more than 1,900 people. The new facility, which will be located at the Crosstown Center, an office park near the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway and U.S. 301 in Brandon, will total USAA Insurance is bringing 1,215 new jobs to Hillsborough more than 420,000 sq.-ft.

County, which will be split between the existing facility on and is expected to be Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms and at a massive new completed by 2015.

USAA executive difacility that will be constructed in Brandon.

By Matt Wiley

4

rector of public relations Jen Becker says that at least some of the new jobs are likely to be coming to the existing Tampa Palms office.

“The jobs will be spread across our facilities in the Tampa area,” Becker explains, adding that company officials have not yet determined how many of the new jobs will be coming to each location “USAA is growing, as the demand for our financial products and services among the military community increases,” USAA CEO Joe Robles said in the release. “We’ve had a great team of employees in Tampa for 40 years and we

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are excited to grow that team in this great military community.”

Allen Brinkman, the chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation — who also is chairman, president and CEO of SunTrust Bank Tampa Bay — also was quoted in the press release.

“USAA’s decision to invest and expand in Hillsborough County is a statement of confidence in our community, and a tangible indicator of our economic vitality and momentum,” Brinkman said.

For more information, please visit USAA.com.

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Annexation For Taylor Morrison Dev. Gets Preliminary Approval

By Matt Wiley A proposed development in New Tampa is one step closer to becoming a reality, as the Tampa City Council has initially approved annexation and rezoning of the land it will be constructed upon into the city limits, following the ordinance’s first public hearing.

On November 14, the Tampa City Council heard a presentation from representatives of developer Taylor Morrison about annexing 148 acres of New Tampa land from unincorporated Hillsborough County—located east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. behind Paul R. Wharton High and bordered by West Meadows to the south and the Hammocks townhome community to the north—into the City of Tampa.

Busch Junction Enterprises, the owner of the land, asked the City for voluntary annexation, part of a deal with Taylor Morrison, which would buy the land to develop a yet-to-be-named single-family-home community of up to 425 units on 170 acres.

The unanimous vote to annex the 148 acres moves all of the land to be developed into one jurisdiction, the City of Tampa.

The annexation passed unanimously. However, access to the new development will only be possible via the intersection of County Line Rd. and Royal Hampton Blvd.

The community would be marketed

6

toward “empty-nesters,” or those living in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel who have raised their kids and no longer need a large house, but still want to remain in the area.

The development also will feature a community center and parks, city records state.

In addition to the annexation, the hearing also addressed the rezoning of the land for development from both the city’s zoning district of PD-A (planned development alternative) and the county’s zoning designation of AS-1 to solely the city’s PDA (residential, single-family attached, detached and semi-attached). The development will feature 2.5 units per acre.

“The (Hillsborough City-County) Planning Commission (HCPC) staff found the proposed plan would allow for development that is comparable and compatible to the existing surrounding development pattern,” said David Hay of HCPC at the hearing.

As part of the annexation and rezoning negotiations with the city, the developer has indicated that it will install a traffic signal at County Line Rd. and Royal Hampton Blvd. within two years of the final Certificate of Occupancy being issued (or when the development is finished) or when the City of Tampa Transportation department determines that current traffic warrants the signal. The developer also will install a street light at the intersection.

Although no one spoke out against the

annexation of the land, the traffic signal and absence of any plans to install sidewalks along County Line Rd. drew the most concerned comments.

Jeffrey Blank, treasurer of the Hammocks Homeowners Association (HOA) and chairman of the Hammocks Community Development District (CDD), said that making turns onto County Line Rd. at the Royal Hampton Blvd. intersection makes New York City driving seem easy.

“Cars come out (of the intersection) and make a left,” Blank explained. “It is almost impossible, but they do it. I watch near-misses and hits almost every single day.”

He also expressed concern about the addition of construction vehicles to the already busy two-lane road that also includes school bus stops. “(Now there will be) construction trucks going down (Royal Hampton Blvd.) morning, noon and night, with kids standing on the corners waiting for school buses,” Blank explained.

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Grand Hampton resident and former Tampa City Councilmember Joseph Caetano voiced concerns about the lack of sidewalks along County Line Rd., which would have an influx of traffic when the development is completed.

“Every day, there are people walking along County Line Rd.,” he explained to the Council. He described one recent incident in which he spoke with a woman pushing a stroller with her 13-month-old baby along the side of the road on her way to the New Tampa Regional Library, located about five miles to the southeast on Cross Creek Blvd.

“I am not against the development,” Caetano said, explaining that he just doesn’t want to see the money made from the development’s property taxes get spent in other parts of the city.

The second and final public hearing about the planned community was on December 5, which was after we went to press with this issue, but be sure to check NTNeighborhoodNews.com for the outcome.

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N EW T AMPA Suspect In Custody After Arbor Greene Gun Shots

A suspect is in custody, after a quiet New Tampa night was pierced by the sound of gunfire.

According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), at around 7 p.m. on November 25, a male inside an apartment at the Carriage Place Apartment complex (located inside the Arbor Greene community off Cross Creek Blvd.) began firing gunshots, after TPD officers went to check on his welfare at the request of the man’s family.

TPD stresses that the shots were not fired at officers, but a gun was discharged several times inside the apartment. The suspect would not exit his apartment and the TPD Tactical Response Team made entry into the apartment and took the man into custody.

The suspect’s name had not yet been released as we went to press with this issue, as he was still being evaluated.

Charges are pending.

Like Your Bike? Close The Garage, TPD Warns

If you enjoy riding your bicycle anywhere in New Tampa, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) suggests closing your garage door.

According to TPD, bike thefts are a common crime in these parts, mostly due to how easy it is pick one up and ride away.

“We are seeing spurts of this type of crime here and there,” says TPD Det. Katherine Thiel. “The assumption in some gated neighborhoods is that it’s safe to leave garage doors open.”

But, it’s not.

Det. Thiel explains that bikes, specifically, are targets this holiday season, especially if they are left on lawns or in open garages.

“We had a suspect in custody recently who admitted to stealing bikes because of the ease with which it could be done,” Det. Thiel says. “Especially because he didn’t have to cut any chains.”

TPD is trying to get the word out to local Neighborhood Watch programs to let residents know about the problem.

“Bicycle theft is growing in popularity,” Det. Thiel says. “It’s also an easy way to get around.”

Thiel says that bicycles commonly are used as get-away vehicles in similar, small crimes, due to their small size and the ability to travel through wooded areas.

Bicycle owners are encouraged to visit TampaGov.net to register their bikes, in case a theft should occur.

If you see something, say something by calling TPD at 931-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 873-TIPS (8477).

Wesley Chapel Man Injures 6 In I-75 DUI Crash 8

News Briefs A Wesley Chapel man has been charged with driving under the influence, following a crash on I-75 in which his vehicle struck six people.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), John Hegarty, 47, of Meadow Pointe, was traveling south on I-75 in the outside lane, south of the S.R. 56 interchange, in his 2004 BMW sedan.

At the same time, FHP reports, a 1997 Honda Civic was stopped John Hegarty in the outside lane of southbound I-75 with its emergency lights flashing. In front of the Civic was a 1998 Toyota sedan, which had a flat tire.

The six occupants of the two vehicles all were outside, between the two cars, while the flat was being changed.

The FHP report states that, as Hegarty approached the vehicles, he tried to switch from the outside lane to the center lane, but lost control of his car. The front of Hegarty’s BMW struck the left rear of the Civic, propelling it into the back of the Toyota.

The colliding vehicles, the report states, struck all six of the pedestrians.

Each sustained varying degrees of serious injuries. Jerrick Vann, 24, Nagy Ferguson, 24, and Kenneth Collins, 19, were transported to Tampa General, while Brittany Vaughn, 19, Erica Berry, 22, and a 17year-old were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

Hegarty was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.10 and was charged with felony DUI with serious bodily injury, driving with a suspended license with knowledge of it being suspended, failing to drive in a designated lane and violating business-purposes-only restrictions on his driver’s license. Hegarty also admitted to deputies that he took two Xanax pills prior to the incident. He since has been released from the Pasco County Jail on a $3,500 bond.

a.m., Gonzalez pulled up to a Sam’s Club pump in a 1994 Ford F-150 truck. Minutes before, the deputy received information from another local law enforcement agency about the same vehicle having been used in a fuel theft at a Clearwater Sam’s Club the day before.

By watching live surveillance footage, the manager was able to observe Gonzalez swiping multiple credit cards at the pump, which took approximately 16 minutes.

Upon leaving the pumps, deputies pulled Gonzalez over, at which time, PCSO reports, he dropped two Walmart gift cards in an effort to conceal them. An additional gift card was found in his wallet.

The PCSO report says that, with the help of the U.S. Secret Service, it was discovered that the gift cards had been encoded with stolen Chase Bank credit card information from customers in Washington state. PCSO also found a Sam’s Club membership card with information matching one of the stolen credit cards.

The report also states that Gonzalez had pumped more than 90 gallons of fuel into a makeshift “bladder” fuel tank not approved for use by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Gonzalez was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal use of identification, three counts of obtaining fuel fraudulently, unlawful conveyance of fuel and fraudulent use of a credit card. He has since been released from the Land O’Lakes Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. No additional information was available at our press time.

New Tampa Man Arrested In Carrollwood Shooting

Two men, including one from New Tampa, have been arrested following a shooting at a Home Depot located in Carrollwood.

According to the Tampa Police De-

partment (TPD), the shooting occurred around 12:40 p.m. on November 6, following a verbal and physical altercation in the parking lot of the Home Depot, located at 1712 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. TPD says that it all started when Raymond Lindstrom, 35, of New Port Richey, was backing his black Ford truck out of his parking space.

At the same time, Latasha Strong, of Cross Creek, was driving her gold minivan into the parking aisle. The vehicles were too close to pass safely and words were exchanged between Strong and Lindstrom through their driver’s side winDarrell Strong dows.

TPD reports that the argument began to get our of hand when Strong’s husband Darrell Lagrant Strong, 27, also of Cross Creek, and 40-year-old John Henry Christian, III, of Tampa, arrived in a separate car.

The two men confronted and began to fight Lindstrom, who remained in his truck, but pulled out a gun.

Christian and Strong tried unsuccessfully to take Lindstrom’s gun and ran back to their vehicle, while Lindstrom attempted to drive away, but the row that he turned down was a dead-end. As he tried to turn around and exit the parking lot, Strong grabbed a .45-caliber handgun from his car and fired shots at the back of Lindstrom’s truck, which struck an unoccupied vehicle.

No one was injured by the gunfire.

Strong was arrested and charged with burglary for the purpose of battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public. Christian also was arrested and charged with burglary for the purpose of battery. Strong still is in custody in lieu of a $150,000 bond.

No more information was available at our press time.

Tampa Man Busted Stealing Fuel In Wesley Chapel

A man is in custody after being caught stealing fuel with fraudulent credit card information in Wesley Chapel, authorities say.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Carlos A. Gonzalez, 54, of Tampa, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. on November 5 at the Sam’s Club on S.R. Carlos Gonzalez 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Due to a high frequency of recent fuel theft at the Sam’s Club’s gas station pumps, a deputy was conducting surveillance at the time of the offense, along with a Sam’s Club asset protection manager.

The deputy explained that just after 10

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Cypress Creek Town Center Outlet Mall Could Open By Summer 2015

By Matt Wiley With the go-ahead from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the property owners of the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI) have indicated to Pasco County that they are finally ready to move forward with their outlet mall project.

Since 2007, when the more-than-500acre development—which was to include a regional mall, office and retail space, a subdivision and a movie theater, as well as an extension of Wesley Chapel Blvd. — has floated in development limbo since a lawsuit was brought shortly after construction began on the property, located off S.R. 56, just west of I-75. The DRI includes land on both sides of S.R. 56 between the interstate and Wesley Chapel Blvd.

Now, instead of a regional mall, the development is set to be home to an outlet mall, similar to the Prime Outlets in Ellenton, an hour south on I-75. So far, the only announced store is Saks “Off 5th” Avenue, which listed the property as a future location on its website, last spring.

Pasco zoning administrator Carol Clarke says that the Richard E. Jacobs group, which owns the land, Simon Property Group and Sierra Properties are ready to move forward after receiving a building permit from the Army Corps.

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“They have indicated that they are ready to move forward,” Clarke says, adding that, although the developers’ plan is to be open by 2015, no site plans have yet been submitted for the project.

Clarke explains that this is because the developers are examining infrastructure that previously was installed before a lawsuit from a coalition of environmental groups, led by the Sierra Club of Tampa Bay, ground development to a halt, citing a violation of the Clean Water Act because of run-off water draining into Cypress Creek.

After a Federal Appeals Court reversed a decision that almost revoked the mall’s building permit in 2011, the Army Corps was instructed to determine if the mall would affect wildlife in the area, specifically the eastern indigo snake. But, now the development is gearing back up. “(The developers) are looking at the previous infrastructure to see what needs to be updated,” Clarke says. “They want to use what’s there, if they can. But, so far, they haven’t submitted any new materials.”

In the 2004 development order, the plan for the Cypress Creek Town Center originally included a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. regional mall, 600,000-sq.-ft. retail center, 420,000-sq. ft. of office space, 700 rooms of hotel space, a 630-unit multi-family subdivision and a 2,500-seat movie theater.

Hope Allen, the sales and marketing

The long-awaited outlet mall in the Cypress Creek Town Center DRI off I-75 at S.R. 56 may open as early as summer 2015. manager for the Greater Wesley Chapel “All I could tell them was that it was Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), says that nice to see that the outlet mall will finally the day the news broke that the outlet mall be built,” Allen says. “It’ll be a great addiplan was finally moving forward, the Cham- tion to the Wesley Chapel area.” ber office was contacted by Bay News 9 and Our calls to the Simon Property other local TV stations and daily newspa- Group were not returned before we went pers for comments. to press with this issue.

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11

Rotary Announces 2014 PigFest & Wild Game Dinner Feb. 21-22!

By Gary Nager As a primary media sponsor of the event, I am thrilled to be able to announce that the Rotary Club of New Tampa, in conjunction with five other local Rotary Clubs (New Tampa Noon, New Tampa Evening, Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace and Tampa North), will host the tenth annual — and newly expanded (see below) — “Rotary PigFest,” the weekend of February 21-22, at the Primrose Park off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms.

For the first time ever, New Tampa Rotary president and Executive Chef of Private Chef of Tampa LLC Peter Gambacorta and his staff will kick off the Pigfest weekend (on Fri., Feb. 21) by preparing and serving four different types of wild game during the New Tampa Rotary (Morning)’s “Wild Game Dinner Under the Stars.”

Among the delicacies to be sampled that evening are Montana Elk with assorted mushrooms in a hunters’ gravy, mashed red skinned potatoes, with vegetables and salad; Venison Sauerbraten with Braised red cabbage and spaetzel; Wild Boar Bolognese over pasta with side salad; and Florida Gator Tail Chili and corn bread. Assorted wines and beers will be served in pairings with the menu items, as will some sweet desserts — all included in the price of only $50 per person. This will be limited to one seating of only the first 100 patrons.

Then, the tenth annual Rotary Pigfest itself will be held on Sat., Feb. 22, 1 p.m.-8

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p.m. (with food service starting at 4:30 p.m.). The centerpiece of this event will again be the pig-roasting competition for cash prizes.

“At the last PigFest in 2012 (the plans for the 2013 event were cancelled before the date was even set), we had 9 teams competing for cash prizes and trophies,” says Gambacorta.”And, this competition will again be judged by local celebrities and overseen by the Florida BBQ Association.”

The cash prize for this year’s first place pig roasting team is $500, with $250 for second place and $150 for third.

Although samples of the BBQ created by the pig roasters are always available during the event, the six aforementioned Rotary Clubs will be providing a delicious Pulled Pork or Chicken Dinner for each attendee, with sides of beans and slaw.

“And, we again will be having top-name entertainment (see below) and adult beverages, soft drinks and water also will be served,” says Gambacorta, who adds that only 1,000 tickets at $25 per adult (only children under age 10 will be admitted for free) will be sold for the 2014 PigFest.

And, Gambacorta is proud to announce that the PigFest event is, “Going back to its roots this year, as we will bring back our famous ‘Reverse Raffle’ for numerous cash prizes (including a Grand Prize of $2,500), as well as a 50/50 contest and lots of great door prizes.” All net proceeds will be donated to the selected charities of each of the participating Rotary Clubs, as will as to the

New Tampa Rotary Foundation.

Gambacorta says, “With your help, we can be true to the motto of Rotary International — ‘Service Above Self’ — and enjoy some wonderful food, great entertainment and the fellowship of Rotary.”

Among the entertainment already confirmed to appear are the CrabGrass Cowboys, Bob Thompson Vocals and the Freedom High Jazz Band, plus others to be named.

Tickets will be on sale online in late January and February, or contact your friends who are local Rotarians. We also are looking for local sponsors for the PigFest program booklets which will include — also for the first time — great coupons from local businesses.

For more information, please call Chef Peter at 380-4014, email peter@ privatecheftampa.com or visit Rotary-PigFest.com or NewTampaRotary.org.

a fund-raising campaign to raise $25,000 for a New Tampa Dog Park. “We’re reaching out to dog lovers to ask them to support the creation of this wonderful new park,” says Joyce Gunter, New Tampa Rotarian and Chair of the New Tampa Dog Park Committee. “We are offering beautifully engraved commemorative bricks so that dog owners can forever memorialize their beloved pets along the walkway of the new Park.”

To purchase a brick or make a donation in support of the New Tampa Dog Park, contact Joyce Gunter at 528–1557 or email her at JoyceAnnGunter@gmail.com. The Rotary Club also is seeking major sponsors for the New Tampa Dog Park who would like signage opportunities inside the park.

Rotary Unveils Dog Park Plans

The same Rotary Club of New Tampa (morning) also has announced plans to fund and create the New Tampa Dog Park on a parcel of land located in the Tampa Palms area.

New Tampa Rotary president Peter Gambacorta says, “We want to create new parks in our area for the people of New Tampa to enjoy.

First, a dog park, and then progress to a larger family park.”

The dog park is envisioned to include separate areas for small and large dogs, and have water stations and pooper scoopers. Benches and picnic tables also will be installed so that owners may relax while their dogs frolic.

The New Tampa Rotary has embarked on

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November 2013

MOMS Club Of New Tampa - The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of New Tampa is currently open to new members in the New Tampa area. The MOMS Club offers a variety of daytime activities for mothers and their children, opportunities for Moms’ Nights Out and many more benefits.

For more info, or to join the club, email MomsClubNewTampa@gmail.com.

Sunday, December 8

Zen Meditation Group - Enjoy meditation? Looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Arbor Greene Community Center (18000 Arbor Greene Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.) Aerobics Room. People of all faiths are welcome. You only need an interest in meditation and a more peaceful and relaxed mind and life. For more info, call Jeremy at 528-6285.

NTDT Annual ‘Sugar Plum Tea Party’ - New Tampa Dance Theatre's nonprofit company, Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT), celebrates its ninth annual community fundraiser, the “Sugar Plum Fairy Tea,” at 2 p.m., at the USF Gibbons Alumni Center (4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC 100). Appetizers, sandwiches, salads & scrumptious desserts, including a chocolate fountain and the “Land of the Sweets” sundae buffet by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, will be served. Tickets for the Tea may be purchased at the New Tampa Dance Theatre, and cost $35 for adults, $25 for the first child (ages 3-12), and $20 for each additional child. For more info, please contact the New Tampa Dance Theatre at 994-NTDT(6838).

Monday, December 9

Community Acupuncture - A Monday night community acupuncture and discussion group is forming at Ion Medi-Spa (8903 Regents Park Dr., Suite 130), 6:30 p.m. Topics include needle-free acupuncture, facial rejuvenation and stop smoking and customized weightloss programs. For more info, call 960-8833 or visit IonMediSpa.com.

Tuesday, December 10

New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts group bike rides/runs at Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Bridge Rd.) every Tues., Thur.y and Sat. at 7:30 a.m. For more info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com.

GriefShare - This video-seminar-support group is for anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. The cost is $20 for a workbook and 13 sessions, begin any week to find healing and hope. The group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church (2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Room 310). For information/registration, call 963-1555.

Wednesday, December 11

BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club at 7:15 a.m. (10550 Regents Park Dr., off BBD Blvd.). The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Contact Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for more details.

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.). For more info, call Ed Gleason at 299-4475.

New Tampa Noon Rotary - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday for lunch at noon at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are always welcome.

New Tampa Evening Rotary Club - The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club. New members are always welcome.

For info, call Liz DeAmbrose at 956-6487 or email homenet@gte.net.

9-12 Tampa Toastmasters - Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the New Tampa Family YMCA (16221 Compton Dr.). New guests are always welcome. For more information, email LindaBerardi@hotmail.com.

English As A Second Language (ESOL)(ESOL) This group meets Thursdays at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd.), 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Classes are taught by a native English speaker using several ESL and Bible study resources. The cost is $20 each quarter, for the workbook & class materials. For info/registration, call Heather at 753-8567.

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting - The Northeast Tampa Women in Business group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Visit NETWIB.org or call 843-2354.

Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous (FA) - If you’re having trouble controlling the way you eat, FA is a support group with no dues, fees or weigh-ins and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. FA meets at Florida Hospital Tampa at (on BBD) in the Camelot A room at 7 p.m. Visit FoodAddicts.org or call Roz at 355-4197.

Friday, December 13

New Tampa Rotary Club - The original New Tampa Rotary Club meets for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). The guest speaker Dec. 13 will be Dr. Jonathan Phillips, MD, speaking about concussions.

Call Eric Longphee at 202-1105.

Saturday, December 14

New Tampa Dog Pack - Do you have a dog? Enjoy scenic nature walks? Join the New Tampa Dog Pack on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m at Flatwoods Wilderness Park (at the 18205 BBD entrance). For more info, please visit MeetUp.com/New-Tampa-Dog-Pack.

‘We Work’ At Lifepoint Church - “We Work,” meets at Lifepoint Church (8702 Hunter’s Lake Dr.) at 8:45 a.m. and is designed to help you search for jobs, improve interview skills, write a resume, negotiate a job offer, improve your attitude, develop networking skills and discover your gifts. For info, visit LifepointChurch.tv/WeWork or call 907-9818 ext. 14.

Tuesday, December 18

NAMI Support Group Meetings - The Pasco County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a support group for friends & family of those with mental illness the first and third Tuesday of each month at North Tampa Behavioral Health (29910 S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel). For more info, call (727) 992-9653.

Thursday, December 12

CBC Networking - Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group, which meets every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (located at 5338 Primrose Lake Cir. near the New Tampa Community Park in Tampa Palms) for a “meet & greet,” followed by a meeting.

For more info, email Shawn@TPACorp.com.

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Bliss Facial Spa Will Give Your Face The Perfect Holiday Treatment

By Lauren Saslow Photos by Frank Edmondson The price of living in the Sunshine State is the toll the sun can take on our skin. Those who spend extended time in the sun — at work, at the beach, the pool, or at kids’ sporting events — can suffer short- and long-term skin damage that may include wrinkles, dryness and hyper-pigmentation.

The licensed aestheticians at Bliss Facial Spa (located in front of the Super Target on the northwest corner of Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd. and County Line Rd. in Wesley Chapel) will tell you that, in addition to the necessary preventive care of daily sunscreen use, having regular facials and non-invasive skin treatments can add elasticity and a healthier glow to your face.

Regular facials also can benefit teens or adults who suffer from acne.

Bliss offers a wide range of facial treatment options, including LED Therapy, cellulite reduction treatment, waxing services, eyelash extensions, massage therapy and skincare products with competitive pricing.

Owner Vicky Lysenko maintains a spa license for the business and leads her team of five licensed aestheticians — Natalie, Kristie, Brittany, Lauren and Bianca — each with additional product training, and two licensed massage therapists (LMTs) at this 1,400-sq.-ft. spa. While Lysenko does not have a cosmetology license and therefore doesn’t treat clients herself — the Arizona State University (in Tempe) graduate is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by trade — she is proud that the aestheticians and LMTs at Bliss help her maintain a successful business that, she says, “offers the best technology without being a med spa.”

(Note-A medical spa, or “med spa,” by contrast, is an establishment offering advanced medical treatments, which oftentimes include more invasive and, therefore, more costly procedures, for skin and body beautification that under State law, requires licensed healthcare professionals under the direction of a medical doctor, as well as licensed aestheticians.)

Lysenko says she happened into this business almost by chance. In fact, she claims she never even had a facial before opened Bliss, thinking it was only for

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“high-maintenance women,” until becoming more educated about the industry. Her daughter, Shayla Herring, a licensed cosmetologist, was working at the front desk of Face Logic, which was a spa franchise in the same location that Bliss Facial Spa now occupies.

“Eventually, the entire Face Logic franchise went defunct,” explains Lysenko.

“When we moved from Arizona to Tampa in 2008, Shayla suggested I invest in this spa. I called the bank and negotiated buying the assets of this location and hired two of the existing aestheticians. We opened in August 2010, and now I do the marketing and social networking, while the professional skin care therapists run the day-today business of booking appointments and treating clients. We have about 200 members who come every month for services.”

A Soothing Environment

Upon entering the spa, clients will find an attractive lounge area across from the reception desk, with comfortable brown leather chairs and modern dark wood furniture. A mix of calming lyrical music plays gently through overhead speakers, while a flat-screen TV loops videos of the spa’s treatment options with before-and-after photos. The walls at Bliss are lined with their various skin care products, so that clients can continue their skin care routines at home. Some “starter” kits for sale include a sampling of several of the products for clients to try.

“Seventy-five percent of skin care is what you do at home,” insists Lysenko.

“The other 25 percent are the treatments you get at the spa, where facials help to take off the top layer of dead skin to help your skin become healthier. We’re all about taking your skin care to the next level.”

Because some of the treatments require follow-up home skin care in order to maximize the benefits and see more drastic and lasting results, clients are encouraged to try the skin care lines available in the spa, including Image Skin Care, which is the spa’s main product line. Image, founded in 2003, is an international skincare company which designs and distributes scientifically engineered pharmaceutical-grade products.

Lysenko is confident that Bliss offers, “the latest and greatest” in both skin care

products and technology, based upon each product’s reputation among the industry colleagues Vicky has met at trade shows, as well as from the feedback she gets from the spa’s customers.

She also recommends that you try the sunless tanners at Bliss as an alternative to tanning salons. The Xen-Tan self tanners and bronzers available at Bliss have an olive undertone that appears more natural than many competitors’ brands, which often leave you with that fake orange tint.

Owner Vicky Lysenko of Bliss Facial Spa on BBD at County Line Rd. has everything you need to Bliss clients are escorted down a continue your facial treatments at home, includhallway — with low lighting, wood lam- ing outstanding products from Image Skincare. inate flooring, a cool color scheme and the Elite Facial, a one-hour treatment, insoft instrumental music playing overhead cludes the luxuries of the Signature, but — to to the eight treatment rooms, each uses stronger Image Skincare products to with its own privacy curtains. address specific skincare concerns.

The menu at Bliss Facial Spa offers Thirty-minute teen facials, intended clients more than ten different types of fafor clients ages 13-23, address the needs of cials and a dozen upgrades to appeal to young adults battling acne by offering deep each individual’s personal and budgetary cleansing. Lysenko boasts that her teen faneeds and time constraints. The Signature cial rates are “the best around.” All facials Facial, for instance, offers a 50-minute offer optional upgrades to suit the needs of treatment that includes a thorough skin the individual, including the Lightwave analysis, deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, blue-and-red-light therapy, a pain-free alextractions, a treatment mask and theraternative for treating acne. The blue light peutic massage of the décolleté (the chest kills Propionibacterium acnes or “P. acnes,” area below the neckline), as well as shoula bacterium that colonizes in the skin and ders, arms and hands. hair follicles, and is the primary cause of For those on a time crunch or a most acne problems. Those receiving Teen tighter budget, the spa also offers a 30Facials can add this service as an upgrade minute Express Signature Facial, whereas

Affordable Prices, Too!

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Bliss aesthetician Natalie prepares to administer a facial to client Kristen Jacobs. upon request. The red and infrared lights also can be used to heal and polish the skin after plastic surgery or other skin treatments, in 20-30 minute sessions. Lysenko explains that it is the same technology NASA has used to heal astronauts in space where “the light penetrates deep below the skin level to heal from the inside out.”

During the holidays, the spa offers seasonal facials. In November, this author got to enjoy a unique Pumpkin Cheesecake Facial (which smelled as good as it felt), and for December, Bliss is featuring a “Peppermint Twist” facial, consisting of a cleanse, an orange-berry enzyme mask, a winter mint hydrating mask, an optional

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upgrade to a microdermabrasion, extraction and a Vitamin C green tea serum.

Another therapeutic skincare treatment offered at the spa is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Cavi-Lipo, an ultrasound machine that vibrates on the surface of the skin until the fat cells below the skin burst and liquefy, draining through the lymph system, leaving the remaining body tissue unharmed. The term “cavi” comes from cavitation, which is the collapse of a solid surface resulting in the formation of cavities that are commonly known as cellulite. Bliss aestheticians say that Cavi-Lipo treatments are recommended for small, problematic areas on the body, such as cellulite and sagging skin, and can oftentimes result in losing inches in the desired areas. In order for clients to experience maximum results, they must stay hydrated, continue a regular exercise routine before and after the treatment, and return for at least five more follow-up treatments.

Lysenko also reminds potential clients that facials are not only for women. She describes a male military client who recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. He came into the spa for the first time because he had been exposed to intense sunlight and heat in the desert during his deployment, without the assistance of sunscreen, and was concerned about his skin’s pigmentation.

Photographer Frank Edmondson also experienced his first ever microdermabrasion in November of this year. Bliss aesthetician Kristie — a Licensed Paramedical

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Aesthetician and Wax Specialist, who earned her credentials from the Florida College of Natural Health in Brandon — offered him a beneficial skincare assessment and educated him about proper skincare routines during his treatment. While hesitant to try a facial at first (Frank didn’t realize it would be beneficial to an African-American male), he now is considering taking a membership at the spa.

As a former University of Florida football player and now a lead vocalist in many of the Busch Gardens shows, Frank explains that playing sports and performing in outdoor venues has caused some variations in skin pigmentation over time.

“After just one treatment, my skin felt great!,” Edmondson said. “It’s so smooth.

Kristie did a good job removing the ingrown hairs along my beard line with the extractor. It was relaxing and didn’t feel ‘girlie’ at all.”

Rave Reviews!

Wesley Chapel resident Kristen Jacobs boasts of having “tried almost everything on the Bliss menu including: a hydrofacial, a massage, microdermabrasion, peels, facial imaging products, and make-up products.”

Jacobs points to her favorite product on the shelf: Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex, an all-organic product which she jokingly refers to as “lip crack” because it works to hydrate her lips so well she hates to ever be without it. Even when Jacobs moved to Washington for a period of time, she continued to order skin products from Bliss Facial Spa.

In addition to the skin care products, Jacobs says she remains a loyal Bliss client because of Natalie and the other aestheticians who work there. Jacobs says they have all been accommodating and they always take the time to answer questions and educate her about the products and treatments.

In fact, she enjoys the services that Bliss Facial Spa has to offer so much that she says she asks her husband and best friends for gift cards to the spa at Christmas time so she can use them year-round. She is also a member of Bliss Facial Spa’s Skin Care Club which allows her to save money with exclusive members-only pricing and SpaReward Points.

“I work full time and have two little people at home,” Jacobs says of her two sons. “I meet my best friend here for ‘girl time’ because it’s the only peace we get.”

In order to give back to the community and create awareness of her spa, Lysenko contributes gift baskets to local schools and nonprofit organizations; one was donated to the New Tampa YMCA as a prize for one lucky participant of the 2013 Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K (see page 1) and 1-mile fun run road race. The winner of the basket received a $100 gift card to Bliss Facial Spa, along with other skin care products.

Bliss Facial Spa is located at 1059 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and is open Mon. –Fri., 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays. After-hours appointments are available on Thursdays. For more information, call 428-5991 or visit the spa online at BlissFacialSpa.com.

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Best Smoke Shop & Hookah: Smokin’ Good Prices On Everything You Need ply purchase and of his constant plug a liquid-filled travel around the cartridge into the country to attend battery-powered industry convenE-cigarette. tions, where all of “Because they the latest smokinghave the habit of related products are holding something always on display. in their hands, (E“Our inventory cigarettes) still give is always rotating,” them the feeling of Refai says. “If I see smoking without something new at a actually smoking,” show, I get it. I try Best Smoke Shop & Hookah owner Dean Refai Refai explains. to keep up with (above) invites New Tampa residents to take a Of course, if a everything new that drive to S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel for the best comes out.” prices on cigarettes, E-cigs, hookahs & more. customer isn’t interested in quitting Refai says that smoking cigarettes, Refai says, they also products can even change as quickly as have the option of purchasing the carmonth-to-month, as new fads begin to tridges that contain the normal amount of trend. One of the more recent examples, he explains, is electronic smoking. To keep nicotine as a traditional cigarette. He adds that, in addition to not getting the typical up with the popularity of E-cigarettes and cigarette odor on your clothes from smokeven E-hookahs, Refai keeps his shop ing cigarettes and the convenience of still stocked up with all the latest flavors from being able to “smoke” them indoors, E7’s E Cigarettes, some of which contain cigarettes give smokers the option to wean no nicotine. themselves off of their nicotine addiction “(E-cigs) are good for helping people at their own pace. to quit smoking cigarettes,” Refai says. “I The store also carries everything neccarry liquids that contain less nicotine essary to roll your own cigars and cigathan most cigarettes and some flavors that rettes at home, including Raw-brand have little to no nicotine. I’ve had about cigarette-rolling papers. Best Smoke Shop 60 customers tell me that E-cigs have also carries a wide range of different tohelped them quit smoking cigarettes in bacco brands. the past few months.”

Don’t feel like rolling your own? Best Instead of smoking actual tobacco Smoke Shop also carries traditional cigaleaves, E-cigarettes vaporize a liquid and rettes, as well as a variety of premium ciproduce no actual smoke. Customers simgars from popular brands such as Cohiba, Garcia y Vega, Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta.

The store also carries a variety of vaporizers, pipes and water pipes, for tobacco use only. Refai says his topselling water pipe brand is Roor.

If you enjoy hookah smoking, Best Smoke Shop carries several brands, the most popular being Khalil Maamoon, Refai says. Hookahs vary in size from a few inches tall with one hose, to decorative hookahs that are Best Smoke Shop & Hookah has everything you need, whether it’s a new hookah (left) or several feet tall with multiple hoses.

Refai is in the process of adding a even packaged tobacco and accessories to roll your own cigarettes and cigars.

Where there is smoke, there may be fire. And, where there are smoking needs, there is Best Smoke Shop & Hookah, with everything smokers need and more, plus a hookah lounge coming soon.

If Best Smoke Shop & Hookah — located just east of I-75 on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel — doesn’t have it, owner Dean Refai says that he will get it for you.

Since 2012, Refai’s shop has been the epicenter of smoking supplies, carrying everything from hookahs and waterpipes to cigars and E-cigarettes, plus everything in between.

“We know everything there is to know about smoke,” Refai says. “I think Wesley Chapel needed a store like this.”

Refai decided to open Best Smoke Shop after some friends recommended it as a good entrepreneurial venture. Before opening the shop, Refai was working for a car dealership in Tampa, but says he wasn’t happy, so he and his wife decided to open a smoke shop. The doors opened to the original location, on E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa, in 2007.

Seeing a need, and already living in the area, Refai decided to move Best Smoke Shop to its current Wesley Chapel location in 2012.

“We sell everything about smoking,” Refai says. “If customers don’t see what they’re looking for, I will special order it for them.”

However, it’s not often that Best Smoke Shop doesn’t have what its customers are looking for, Refai says, because

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hookah lounge to the shop, complete with couches and even a belly dancer, but he says that he still is working out the details with Pasco County.

Refai insists: everything in the shop is legal to sell.

“It’s a clean smoke shop,” he explains. “We believe in clean business. We don’t sell anything that is illegal.”

Besides the wide range of smoking products, Refai says his customers will come back for Best Smoke Shop’s surprisingly low prices, something he makes a point of checking at other shops when he visits other cities.

“I just went to Houston last month and saw prices that were 70 percent higher than mine,” he says. It was the same thing when I was in Miami. We have the lowest prices in the area. I go out and search shops and online and make a conscious effort to keep our prices low.”

But, don’t just take his word for it.

“I come here all the time and the prices are the best around,” says a Meadow Pointe resident named Scott.

“Dean knows what he’s talking about and always has the newest products. Before I came here, I would always get stuff online, but Best Smoke Shop is cheaper than (shopping on) the web.”

Tracy, a Quail Hollow resident, adds, “(Best Smoke Shop) is a great place. It has lots of good products and is always clean.

I try to support local merchants whenever possible and Dean always has such a great selection.”

And, as if the prices weren’t low already, check the Best Smoke Shop ad on page ## for a coupon that’s good for an additional 15-25-percent off select items.

Best Smoke Shop & Hookah is located at 28411 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

(S.R. 54) and is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Do you want to know if Dean carries a specific product? Call the shop at 991-1188 or visit BestSmokShopFlorida.com.

And, don’t forget to “Like” the shop’s Facebook.com page, where new products are announced as they arrive.

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Dr. Nawaz’s Point Of Care Clinics Introduces Laser Hair Removal

By Bonnie Mason

Body hair is increasingly looked upon as a nuisance by both men and women.

And, although waxing and electroysis still have their place and are recommended for certain body areas and skin types, laser hair removal has exponentially gained popularity. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 1.2 million Americans received laser hair removal treatments in 2012—making the service one of the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S., third to Botox and Juviderm, according to Surgery.org.

To better meet the needs of their patients, the Point of Care Clinics (POCC) Primary Care, located in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. in Wesley Chapel, has extended its comprehensive primary care services to include laser hair removal. Although laser hair removal also is available at spas, walk-in clinics, and even shopping malls, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends laser hair removal treatments be performed by, or at least under the direct supervision of, an experienced physician or health provider who has appropriate training and expertise. With extensive training in dermatology and internal medicine, Dr. M. Aamer Nawaz, M.D., believes the addi-

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tion of laser hair removal at POCC furthers the practice’s mission of providing a holistic care approach for its patients.

Dr. Nawaz, who owns POCC with his partner and wife, Aliya Rathore, M.D., lives right in Wesley Chapel with their 11year old twins (son and daughter) opened their practice on Ashley Oaks Cir. since 2006.

Dr. Nawaz graduated from Rawalpindi Medical College in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in 1986 and later received dermatology training at the worldrenowned St. John’s Institute of Dermatology in London, England. He moved to the U.S. with Dr. Rathore in 1992 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Harvard-affiliated Salem Hospital Massachusetts in 1996. Dr. Nawaz gained vast experience working in various clinical settings, including working as the Consultant Dermatologist at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa from 2001-06. Dr. Nawaz also is affiliated with and a member of the medical executive committee at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and also is affiliated with Florida Hospital Tampa on E. Fletcher Ave. In addition to being an avid tennis player, Dr. Nawaz also is the president and active playing member of the Wesley Chapel Cricket Club.

Dr. Aliya Rathore, M.D., graduated

from King Edward Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan in 1989 and received postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology. She also completed an internal medicine internship at Salem Hospital Massachusetts and completed a family practice residency in 2001 at St. Mary’s Hospital of Nazareth in Chicago. Dr. Rathore’s family practice services and her special interest in women’s health complement the internal Lynda Mattmuller performs laser hair removal on a pamedicine and dermatology tient at Point of Care Clinics, the practice’s newest service. focus of Dr. Nawaz.

“We are providing a censed in electrology and laser aesthetics, highly-sought-after cosmetic procedure in will perform the procedures. Matmuller is a safe environment that ensures our paa graduate of the Beauty and Health Institients receive the best appropriate regimen tute of Tampa and has been practicing for for hair removal, while providing a more five years. She also is a teacher at the Instipermanent solution to unwanted body tute, instructing students about the use of hair,” says Dr. Nawaz. electrolysis, laser aesthetics and ultrasound Patients seeking laser hair removal are cavitation (a new, non-surgical fat removal first screened by Dr. Nawaz to determine procedure). Currently, laser hair removal that there are no contraindications, or is the only aesthetic skin treatment promedical reasons that the laser hair removal vided by Matmuller at Point of Care procedure should not be performed.

Clinic; however, other services may be ofOnce Dr. Nawaz agrees that the patient is fered in the future. a good candidate for laser hair removal, Dr. Nawaz says seeking a physician’s Lynnda Mattmuller, who certified and liopinion ensures the highest level of safety

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powered diode laser system that integrates a contact-cooling sapphire tip to protect the epidermis (outer layer of skin) before, during and after the laser pulses.

“Patients feel gentle heating over the skin, with smooth flowing passes of 10 pulses per secDr. Aliya Rathore & Dr. Aamer Nawaz of Point of Care Clinics ond at a lower fluare proud to add laser hair removal to their already lengthy list of medical services for residents of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. ency level,” says Mattmuller. “The ever, other skin treatment services may be energy causes a gradual thermal disabling offered at the office in the future. of the hair follicle, resulting in reduced Dr. Nawaz says that seeking a physihair growth from the base of the follicle.” cian’s opinion ensures the highest level of Dr. Nawaz explains that the safety and efficacy of your laser hair reCheveux laser system also allows him to moval procedure, explaining that each customize the treatment parameters that skin type may respond differently to the are best for each patient, which he then various hair removal treatments. discusses with Mattmuller to ensure the In order to provide the highest qual- best possible treatment plan is provided. ity services available, POCC has secured what Dr. Nawaz calls the “gold standard” How It Works of laser equipment — the Cheveux Diode Mattmuller explains that the laser Laser 810nm system by Sandstone. A beam passes through the patient’s skin diode is a device that controls the direcand is attracted to the pigment of the hair. tion of the flow of electric energy. The The energy passes down the hair shaft Cheveux system is a state-of-the-art, high- and is absorbed by hair follicles that are in

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the active growth phase — disabling the hair follicles in the deeper layer of the skin.

Hair follicles in the dormant phase are not affected by the treatment. In most cases, minimal pain should be experienced and Dr. Nawaz says no anesthesia is required.

The non-invasive, gentle technique of laser hair removal offers many great benefits, including the ability to treat larger areas effectively (it disables more than one hair at a time) and production of a more uniform skin color and complexion. It also can replace waxing, electrolysis, shaving and bleaching treatments for many people.

Mattmuller says that patients can expect to need three or more treatments to achieve permanent hair growth reduction, with occasional touch-up treatments as needed. Depending upon the area(s) being treated, the laser hair removal process may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to complete.

Also, Mattmuller notes that most patients experience about a 10-25-percent reduction in hair growth with each treatment. The percentage of hair removed during each session varies by the location on the body — thinner-skinned areas, such as armpits and the bikini area, generally respond better than thick-skinned areas such as the back and chin.

The laser hair removal services at POCC are available during weekday evening hours and even Saturday mornings by appointment. Please note that

laser hair removal is a self-pay service, which means it isn’t covered by your medical insurance. However, POCC has made the treatments affordable for patients, ranging from just $30-$100 per treatment. And, gift certificates are available — just in time for the holiday giving season!

Treating The Whole Patient

In addition to hair removal, POCC is a comprehensive practice where patients can expect compassionate and holistic approaches to their health and medical needs. Point of Care Clinics Primary Care provides comprehensive primary care services to manage complex medical problems, including extensive dermatology disease management, diabetic management and complete physicals and well-woman visits and routine gynecological care.

The office is ceasily accessible from S.R. 56 and provides same-day appointments, on-site lab draws, as well as electronic medical records and prescription systems to ensure the highest quality and safety, including a patient portal system online for electronic communications.

Point of Care Clinics Primary Care is located at 2106 Ashley Oak Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

Most major health and managed care plans are accepted. For a medical appointment or for more information about the new laser hair removal service, visit PoCCPrimaryCare.com or call 994-8481.

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Seven Oaks Pet Hospital Offers Traditional & Holistic Treatments For Your Pets

By John Majeski Pet owners place an abundance of trust in their veterinarians when sickness or injury strikes their four-legged friends.

No one locally understands this more, perhaps, than Dr. Sree Reddy, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), of Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, located on S.R. 56 (in the same plaza as Café Fresco). His compassion – and passion – for animals is apparent after chatting for just a few moments with the local veterinarian.

“I love doing this,” he says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I don’t think of this as a job.”

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, which Dr. Reddy opened in 2007, is a one-stop facility, providing not only medical care, but surgical care, too, for a variety of household pets. The S.R. 56 facility provides basic services such as checkups, inoculations, blood, urine and feces tests and laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive technique that places a camera in the abdomen through a small incision), as well as unique, holistic services ranging from acupuncture to anesthesia-free dental care.

New Technologies, New Vet

Improving and expanding the services and technology offered at Seven Oaks is of great importance to Dr. Reddy, who says “state-of-the-art” is not some empty description of his business.

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This year, for example, Seven Oaks began utilizing ultrasound technology.

This imaging technique records echoes of ultrasonic waves, allowing the vet staff to see the internal structure of an animal.

“We use it for a lot of different diagnostic purposes,” Dr. Reddy says. “We have saved quite a few lives (using ultrasound).”

Ultrasound also is helpful in evaluating abdominal organs, conditions related to the heart, as well as diagnosing cysts and cancers. Ultrasound is different from X-rays, which may pose radiation risks and are best used for examining more dense structures, such as bone.

And, just a couple of months ago, Seven Oaks also began offering laser therapy. This holistic, non-invasive technique stimulates cells and tissues to bring about healing. Dr. Reddy says it can treat everything from intervertebral disc disease to dermatological disorders.

In addition to new technologies, Seven Oaks Pet Hospital has a new face in the office. Dr. Kathryn Smith-Gunning, DVM, was brought in to work with the team, which also includes Dr. Lisa Clifford, DVM; and hospital director Jennifer Pullara. While Dr. Smith-Gunning was not in the office during this writer’s visit to Seven Oaks, Dr. Reddy says she is specially trained in canine rehabilitation and acupuncture. “She has more than 25 years of experience,” he says.

Patients Near & Far

Most of Seven Oaks Pet Hospital’s patients are from the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

However, some come from as far away as Clearwater and Spring Hill for holistic treatments, like acupuncture. A few clients even have traveled from Ocala and Riverview for laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Sree Reddy (right) & Dr. Lisa Clifford give Frankie the golden lab says Pullara. his fourth acupuncture treatment, one of the many holistic medical That’s because, treatments offered at Seven Oaks Pet Hospital on S.R. 56. according to Dr. ian in Iowa and Clearwater prior to openReddy, Seven Oaks is the only vet facility ing Seven Oaks. in the Sunshine State that offers single Choosing Wesley Chapel has been a port laparoscopic surgery. good decision, he says.

“Other offices offer multiple-port la“I’ve seen S.R. 56 grow right in front paroscopic surgery,” Dr. Reddy says. of me,” he says. “There was no Shops at “Nobody else does (single port) and Wiregrass Mall when I opened. Since we’ve been doing it here since 2009.”

2007, I haven’t felt any downturn of the Dr. Reddy started his veterinary edu- economy that the rest of the country was cation in his native India, graduating from facing. Being in Wesley Chapel, we just the College of Veterinary Medicine in Hy- saw (our business) grow and grow.” derabad, before coming to the U.S. and The way he sees it, being a veterinarearning his Master’s degree in veterinary ian is the best position a man of medicine microbiology from Tuskegee University in can have. On any given day, Dr. Reddy Tuskegee, AL. He worked as a veterinarsays, he may have an acupuncture ap-

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cat, and we didn’t want to.”

So they didn’t. One of the Seven Oaks vets volunteered to perform the necessary surgery and now this “clinic kitty” lives at the hospital, where he currently is groomed to look like a lion.

“And he has a good life,” Dr. Reddy says.

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital also is a fixture in the community. Dr. Reddy and his staff assist local animal organizations such as Greyhound Rescue & Dr. Reddy says that Frankie has shown great im- Adoptions of Tampa Bay and Labrador provement since he began acupuncture therapy Retriever Rescue of Florida by providfor a neurological disorder that prevented him from being able to walk straight and being able ing at-cost services for their animals.

For Spay Pasco, they help with the to hold up his head. group’s mission for “pretty much pointments in the morning, a bladder sur- free,” says Dr. Reddy. gery after that, some checkups later on Dr. Reddy also often participates in and a dental procedure in the afternoon. the Great American Teach-In, volunteer“I’ve become an acupuncturist, a raing to speak about veterinary careers at diologist, a surgeon and a dentist,” he schools such as Clark Elementary in New says. “It’s very satisfying. Every day, Tampa and Dr. John Long Middle and there’s a variety.”

Seven Oaks Elementary schools in Wesley Chapel.

‘Kennel-side’ Manner The business has attracted a loyal folAbout 60 percent of the animals seen lowing with folks such as New Tampa resat Seven Oaks are dogs, 35 percent cats ident Michaeleen Peterson, who says she and the remaining 5 percent are a jumble started bringing her dogs Lexi and Sophie of others, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and an occasional turtle. One former patient is to Seven Oaks about a year ago. Another vet had suggested surgery for a hip issue now a mascot of sorts. in one of her dogs, but Peterson wanted a “We have our own ‘clinic cat’ named second opinion. After meeting with Dr. Dunkin,” Dr. Reddy says. “Dunkin had a Reddy, her decision was to try acupuncbladder stone and (the owner) wanted us to euthanize the cat. He is such a beautiful ture and other non-invasive techniques.

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“And, they were able to fix the problem,” Peterson says.

Peterson adds that Seven Oaks is always, “very clean, the same few veterinarians are always there so you get to know them and they offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings – eliminating owners’ concerns about something happening when pets “go under.”

“I really can’t speak highly enough of this place,” she says.

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital is located at 27227 S.R. 56, in the Cypressview Square shopping center, which is between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The office can be reached at 929-4100 or at SevenOaksPet.com

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There’s Always Something New At Cabinet & Stone International!

By Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley So, with the local housing market finally showing signs of recovery, isn’t it time you made some much-needed upgrades to your home, whether to get it ready for sale or to make it a more beautiful place for you and your family to live?

Well, our friend Hui You and her staff at Cabinet & Stone International Among the new Santorini white options (located on N. 56th St. in Temple Ter- available now at Cabinet & Stone Inrace, between Busch Blvd. & Hillsbor- ternational on N. 56th St. in Temple ough Ave.), have always had great Terrace are (l. to r.) bathroom vanities, ideas for providing the best-looking office cabinetry and closet systems. kitchen and bathroom cabinets and they look totally different begranite and other stone countertops for cause of the handles, the cabinet configurayour home, and as always, there are some tions and the countertops you choose to go new arrivals you should check out even if along with them. you’ve been through the Cabinet & Stone Best of all, in addition to kitchen cabishowroom before. nets and bathroom vanities available in the For about four months now, Cabinet new Santorini white and Manhattan & Stone — which has its own factory in China which produces the amazing cabinet espresso colors, Cabinet & Stone also can create an entire closet system for your lines designed by Hui and her staff here in home in the same colors and styles.

Temple Terrace — has been featuring two With so many cabinet choices available exciting new all-wood cabinet designs, one being a sleek, Santorini white and the other now at the 30,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and showroom, Hui says Cabinet & Stone has in Manhattan espresso. The styles of the two new lines — which brings the total dif- had to split its existing showroom into two ferent cabinet and color choices available at parts — one just to display bathroom cabinet and stone selections and the other is the Cabinet & Stone up to eight — are the new vanity and closet design center. She same, only the handles are different, but

adds that she didn’t begin promoting the new design center right away (it’s been open for several months) because, “We wanted to make sure everything was perfect with the new designs first. Even without really promoting them, we have still sold a lot of them because when people see them in the showroom, they want to buy them and everybody really seems to love them.”

She says the new designs are skewed towards younger buyers because, “A lot of the people buying new houses are younger families who want a younger, more modern look,” she says, “and all of the colors and styles you see on our website (CabinetnStoneIntl.com) are Cabinet & Stone brands that we’ve designed.”

The deign center is also a great place to see all of the beautiful and popular new vessel sinks and vessel sink faucets that you find in modern, contemporary bathrooms you see in many new model homes. You also will find the also-popular under-mount sinks in the design center.

A Little History & More

According to its website, Cabinet & Stone International has been serving the greater Tampa Bay area as a family-operated business for more than 10 years.

The families involved in the business have been involved with woodworking for more than 25 years in Fujian, China, where they have their factories and gran-

(L. to r.) The Manhattan espresso cabinets at Cabinet & Stone can give your kitchen a whole new look, too. The new vanity & closet design center displays a variety of vessel sinks and vessel sink faucets. With so many granite (and other stone) options to choose from, you’re certain to find something perfect for your home at Cabinet & Stone.

ite quarries. The company directly imports cabinets and granite counter tops, thus eliminating the “middleman” cost and Cabinet & Stone’s prices are very competitive. With a total of more than 70,000 square feet of warehouse space, the company is one of the largest distributors of pre-made cabinets and granite countertops on the east coast of the U.S. Whether the order is from Grand

Cayman or Upstate New York, a single cabinet order or a container, Cabinet & Stone is capable of meeting your needs.

“We believe that no job is too small or too big,” says Hui. “If you need your kitchen or bathroom yesterday, we can do it because everything is stocked here at the warehouse, so unless we’re out of stock on an item, there’s no wait or turnaround times.”

But, with new container shipments arriving from China every month, Hui says that you won’t even be waiting long for items that are temporarily out of stock, either.

“No one is going to get you your countertops or cabinets faster than we

are or beat us for quality,” she says. “And whenever we check other company’s prices we know that we are saving our customers money.”

And, Cabinet & Stone has many customer testimonials to share, including this one from a customer named Anne.

“I just wanted to let you know how good the job looks and how much we appreciate your professionalism throughout the entire process. We will recommend you to all of our friends. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.”

All of the cabinets at Cabinet & Stone are 100-percent real wood, including oak, maple and birch. There are seven unique door styles each with designer selected colors in stock. All of them are solid wood fronts and plywood

boxes and shelves stained in the same color as the front and there are absolutely NO particle boards The hardware also is top-of-the-line: fullextension, heavy duty glides, soft close glides, and six-way adjustable hinges.

The company also specializes in granite in many colors you need in any edges you want, in addition to our instock unique selections. We have both 2cm and 3cm in thickness.

For information about Cabinet & Stone International (6606 North 56th St., Tampa 33610, call 887-5658 or visit CabinetnStoneIntl.com. Bring in the Cabinet & Stone ad on page 48 and New Tampa customers will receive 25-percent-off their purchases.

Ask at the store for details.

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“Wobble”

Continued from page 1 New Tampa Rotarian and local entertainer Bob Thompson emceed the Wobble and FitNiche Wesley Chapel general manager Brian Brink announced the winners, as the runners and walkers were warming themselves on post-race coffee or hot chocolate and filled their empty tummies with bananas, bagels and more.

And, even though we can’t tell you all line photos provided by Overflow of the winners in this space, here are some of Church, visit Facebook.com/Wiregrass the results that were immediately available Wobble Turkey Trot. after the race. I did hear a lot of folks saying Photo captions (clockwise from top left): The race that the cold temperatures actually slowed start time temperature was a frosty 35º. Some famdown a lot of the runners, most of whom ily members made signs to get their loved ones to run say they did not run their personal bests. faster. The Rotary Club of New Tampa was a major sponsor. FitNiche’s Brian Brink with overall female Overall Winner - Tony Walker, age winner Angelique Atlas and Masters winner Vera 39, 18:33 Sanchez. Overall race winner Tony Walker tries to Men’s Masters Winner - Jay Chanpull away from runner-up Jay Chancellor. Turkey cellor (2nd place overall), 41, 18:34 hats were definitely popular apparel choices.

Overall Women’s Winner - Angelique Atlas (11th overall), 15, 20:23 Women’s Masters Winner - Vera Sanchez (70th overall), 50, 24:00 Proceeds from this first Wiregrass Wobble will benefit Feeding America of Tampa bay (the charity selected by FitNiche), as well as the local charities selected by the New Tampa Rotary (which meets Friday mornings for breakfast at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club) and the New Tampa Family YMCA. For more race results, plus finish

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Freedom & Wharton Both Have High Boys Basketball Hopes

By Matt Wiley The season has only recently begun, but both the Freedom High Patriots and Wharton High Wildcats have their eyes set on their respective District tournaments.

Cedric Smith’s Patriots started the season strong at 3-0 (1-0 in District 7A-8) going into the Fall break, with their most recent victory against District rival Gaither High (0-2, 0-1), along with non-District wins against Middleton High (2-1) and the season opener against Robinson (2-1).

“Middleton was a lot better than when we played them last season,” Smith said of the Patriots’ narrow 53-50 homeopener win. “Gaither was good, too.”

The Pats were down 3 points at the half against Gaither, but rallied with 21 fourth-quarter points to seal the 60-47 victory over the Cowboys. Senior shooting guard Michael Keller and sophomore winger Sheldon Odunna led the way with 12 and 13 points, respectively.

“We’ve got a young team,” Smith said. “Our District looks strong. (Despite a slow start), Wiregrass Ranch (1-2, 0-1) always is strong. We’re going to have our hands full this season.”

Although Freedom is off to a solid start, the Pats have managed to do so without key veteran contributors Scott Patchan, the junior center, and sophomore winger Quenden James, who are both out with injuries until at least late December.

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“They’re both key players for us,” Smith explained. “They both have experience and have played under me for two years. These younger guys are having to step up.”

Smith said that his point guards and other wingers have to to play well throughout the season, especially junior winger Miguel Rojas (averaging 13 ppg) and Odunna (averaging 12.3 ppg).

At our press time, Smith said that the Pats were gearing up for an Orlando tournament Thanksgiving weekend, where they would face Winter Park. “This is going to be our first real test,” Smith said.

Wharton Looks To Get Wild

Meanwhile, coach Tommy Tonelli’s Wharton Wildcats (1-1, 0-1 in District 8A7) have a reputation to live up to, after making it all the way to the State Semifinals last season and going undefeated in District play the past two seasons. That streak came to an end quickly this season, however, in the ‘Cats’ second game, a tough 46-40 loss to District rival Plant High (3-2, 1-0) on November 21.

“I was pleased with the season opener against Sickles (a 58-43 non-District win), but disappointed against Plant,” Tonelli said. “(Plant) played well and I give them credit. Our defense was good, but we struggled offensively.”

However, Tonelli said that he is still optimistic about the season.

Wharton senior Chase Litton puts in a layup during the Wildcats’ 46-40 loss to Plant High on November 21, the team’s first District 8A-7 loss in more than two seasons.

“We’ve only had two practices with Tonelli said district games are always the whole team,” he said. “Chase Litton his biggest concern, but that he looks forand Auden Tate just finished up football. ward to the annual showdown against New Once everyone is on the same page, we’ll Tampa rival Freedom High, which will be do well.” on Friday, January 24, at Freedom.

Litton and Tate combined for just 11 “Freedom has improved a lot,” he points against Plant, while junior John said. “They’ve made strides each year. We Christian stepped up with 13 points. expect it to be a dogfight.”

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Three Freedom Athletes Sign Scholarships McNamee Thanks Florida Hospital Docs

By Gary Nager

Although the official “National Singing Day” for this school year isn’t until February 5, 2014, our congratulations go out to Freedom High studentathletes Rachel Carlson, Jimmy Jones, Jr., and Ashley Wilson, each of whom signed scholarships to continue playing their respective sports in college.

Carlson and Wilson, who both play (L. to r) Freedom High’s Rachel Carloutfield for coach Autum Hernandez’s son, Jimmy Jones & Ashley Wilson Freedom softball team — which finished with a sparkling 22-4 record and lost 1-0 3A State Championship tournament for to Ft. Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas the first time ever this season. And, alPrep in the State Class 7A Finals to end though Jones’ 14-over-par 158 (78-80) in the 2012-13 season, signed to attend and the State Finals wasn’t his best scoring play with the University of Maine (at ever, he still finished 33rd of the 96 StateOrono) Bears and the Elon (NC) Univer- participating golfers. sity Phoenix, respectively.

Freedom softball coach Autum HerMeanwhile, Jones, the son of former nandez said that Wilson and Carlson, the LPGA tour star Dawn Coe-Jones and golf team’s left and center fielder, respectively, company executive Jimmy Jones, will play will again be among her top players this his college golf for and attend Florida season. In 2012-13, Carlson led Freedom Southern College in Lakeland. with a .406 batting average and tied for The young athletes and their families, first on the team in runs scored (24) and high school and college coaches, as well as RBIs (20) while going 6-for-6 on stolen Freedom staffers, friends and media mem- base attempts. Wilson, who led the Pats bers (about 100 people total) packed the with 4 home runs on the year, hit her final Freedom Media Center on November 13 homer in the bottom of the 8th inning, for the signings. after making a tough catch in LF and Freedom golf coach Mike Passarelli throwing out a runner at second base, to said that Jones was the “anchor” of the send Freedom to the State finals.

Freedom squad that advanced to the Class Congrats to all three & good luck!

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In front of the medical staff that saved his life and family members during a news conference, Paul R. Wharton High football player Sean McNamee thanked those who both treated and supported him during his recent nine-day coma, from which he awoke in October.

On November 20, McNamee, 16, returned to Florida Hospital Tampa, located on E. Fletcher Ave., to thank the medical staff that treated him and helped him be able to speak from the podium that day.

“I have made great progress,” McNamee said, reading from a prepared

speech. “But, I know I have a long way to go before I am back to where I was before the accident.”

McNamee reportedly hit his head on a paint machine on the Wharton High football fields while playing catch with teammates before practice on October 9.

The injury was severe enough, reports state, that doctors at Florida Hospital put McNamee into a medically-induced coma after performing emergency surgery on his fractured skull.

As reported in our last issue, McNamee came out of the coma on October 18. Welcome back Sean!

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WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi

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

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

“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

866-9913

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Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

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Great Food & Prices Make City Grill Wesley Chapel’s Best New Eatery!

By Gary Nager The hardest thing, for me, about being the dining reviewer for this publication is trying to say enough nice things about places I don’t really love to fill a fulllength feature. But, as those who have read me for any period of time surely know, the best and easiest part of this job is telling you as much as I can — with both pictures and words — about independently owned restaurants in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel that have delicious food, especially when they also offer great value for the money.

Therefore, the only real challenge for me about telling you the food story about the new City Grill, located on S.R. 54 in the Wesley Chapel Village Market (at the corner of Bruce B. Downs [BBD} Blvd.), was making sure I had enough room, both for assistant editor Matt Wiley’s great photos of City Grill’s truly outstanding cuisine (created by chef Kasia Lavigne) and for the ebullient words with which I planned to describe this unique eatery.

Many in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas have fond memories of Winners Grill. Winners was a busy sports bar and grill at the same location in the Village Market and it also was one of the restaurants previously located in the The delicious new City Grill in the Wesley Chapel Village Market (S.R. 54 at BBD) features preparations for City Plaza at Tampa grouper you won’t find anyplace else in our area, like the Tuscan and Mediterranean options pictured here.

Palms (after Boston Cooker). better to start with a fresh concept instead For example, although City Grill isn’t Despite its popularity, Winners of trying to save the bruised image Wina true “sports bar,” it still does offer plenty founder Gerry Malynowsky sold the Wesners got from his predecessors. of TVs, plus dart boards and a pool table. ley Chapel location in 2008 (after previWhat he has created at City Grill is an If you’re looking for wings and burgers, ously selling the Tampa Palms restaurant) attractive, somewhat-upscale-looking (but they’re on the new menu, too, and even and repossessed the Village Market locawithout the upscale price) mix of sports the simplest items we’ve sampled so far tion in 2013. Given the state of the busibar and grill, pub and family restaurant. have been incredible. ness and lack of upkeep when he took it “There is literally something for But if, like me, you’ve been looking back over, Gerry and Kasia decided it was everyone here,” he says and, believe and hoping for something more than just me, City Grill is definitely well worth “pub food” — like truly fresh, local the 15-minute (or so) drive up I-75 grouper (or freshwater tilapia) with your from Tampa Palms to check it out. choice of different sauces and spectacular sides, you can do “Fishing Your Way” six different ways at City Grill, including my two favorites so far, the Mediterranean and the Tuscan.

The Mediterranean style is a 5-1/2-oz.,

Three of our editor’s other favorite dishes at City Grill are the (l. to r.) chimichurri flank steak with a side of grilled shrimp, the zesty “mushrooming” hangar steak (the grilled corn, mashed potato “dollops” and fresh broccoli are definitely winners, too) and the blackened ahi tuna lettuce cups

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See “City Grill” on page 47.

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‘Cooking With The Private Chef’ — Authentic Italian Holiday Sesame Cookies ‘Mama Claire’s Sesame Seed Cookies/ Biscotti’

By Peter Gambacorta, Exec. Chef Private Chef of Tampa LLC. At this time of the yea, as we attend parties and gatherings, we are bombarded by an array of overly sweet and gooey cookies. At this time, I am going to share a part of my culinary history with you.

Last week, my sister, Rosemarie Woodward and I began to discuss our childhood Christmas traditions and we decided to try to recreate my mother’s famous sesame cookies.

As a Culinary Institute of America (CIA) trained Private Chef, the challenge was on between us. After much debate and discussion, we agreed on the proper ingredients and quantities for the recipe.

So, our journey back to our childhood began in my kitchen.

My mother Claire Terranova Gambacorta’s sesame seed cookies and biscotti are crunchy, nutty, with extra spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and, of course, sesame. These cookies are low in sugar and low in overall fat content and they taste and are exactly as we remembered them. Not bad for our first try at copying Mama Claire.

These food traditions take us back to the cold and snowy days in Buffalo, NY, when we would have large family gatherings every Sunday at our grandmother’s house, with many of our aunts, uncles, and cousins running around everywhere.

And, there always was a large pot of red sauce simmering on the stove, with which we smothered the large bowls of spaghetti placed in front of us. I still can remember my white dress shirts dotted with red sauce; and every Italian boy I knew can recall being scolded for this infraction, even when our shirts were covered by napkins tucked into our shirts.

These are the type of cookies and biscotti that go perfectly with coffee, or in lieu of overly sugared cookies — or, as in my family tradition, served with large glasses of red wine from the gallon jug kept under the table.

These cookies are quite easy to pre-

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• Combine in the stand mixer the following: 1. One (1) stick of butter at room temperature 2.Two (2) Tablespoons (tbsp.) of Crisco shortening 3. One (1) cup of sugar (you can substitute with Splenda ) 4. Two (2) extra-large eggs With stand mixer paddle on low, slowly incorporate all ingredients until blended.

Try Private Chef of Tampa Executive Chef & New Tampa Rotary president Peter Gambacorta’s sesame cookie recipe (right). pare for any home cook and the only requirement to make things easier is the use of a stand mixer. To the right is the recipe as we recreated it. Remember that these cookies or biscottis are baked low and slow to increase the crunch. I hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making and sampling them.

I hope you will try this recipe and feel free to post comments about the recipe at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year from Private Chef of Tampa!

Private Chef of Tampa LLC, which is locally owned and operated, can do private parties for 6–75 people in your home. We supply chefs, waitresses, bartenders, vocalists and even local wine experts to make your next party one that is memorable. Our prices are inclusive per person and are generally no more than the cost of a dinner at a nice restaurant. We do all the work and you enjoy your guests and party.

For info, email me at peter@private cheftampa.com, visit PrivateChefTampa. com or find and “Like” us on Facebook. com/Private Chef of Tampa LLC. Or, call 380-4014 to find out more.

parchment paper and baking sheet tray and bake for approximately 30 minutes at 350º F. Remember to check your oven temperature, as cooking times may vary stove to stove.

5. Sift together the following and add these dry ingredients slowly to the mixture in the stand mixer: 6. Three (3) cups of AP Flour 7. Three (3) Tablespoons of baking powder 8. ¼ teaspoon (tsp.) of salt 9. ½ tsp. of cinnamon 10. ½ tsp. ground nutmeg 11. 1 tsp. vanilla extract

15. Remove the cookies from the oven when they have the proper tannish color. Then, place them on a cooling rack and finally, put them in an airtight container for storage.

12. As dough forms, add 1 cup of raw sesame seeds until completely incorporated.

13. On a floured board, roll out enough dough for a one-inch-wide log. The dough will be sticky, so you can add more sesame seeds to coat the outside of the log. Cut the dough log into diagonals shaped pieces, the pieces should be about 2 inches long each.

14. Place the cut cookies on ungreased

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To use this recipe for biscotti, instead of cookies, follow the above recipe and shape the dough into a rectangular shape about 1 inch thick, 4 inches wide and 8 inches long. (See photos) Cut the biscotti into logs that are 1 ½ inches wide and bake at the same temperature and for the same amount of time as you did the cookies. Note that the biscotti may spread out some during the baking process.

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“City Grill”

Continued from page 45 thick cut of fresh grouper, grilled and topped with diced garlic tomatoes, pomodoro sauce, and parsley basil pesto with mashed potatoes. The Tuscan style is herb crusted in a robust caper-tomato sauce, with roasted garlic and fresh basil over linguini. Both melt in your mouth and the sauces couldn’t be more spot-on.

Among the other fish preparation options include the “Big City” (my next to try; it’s baked and topped with lobster and crab and a sherry-spiked cream sauce over linguine), Asian, Creole gumbo and “drunken,” all for just $14 for grouper or $12 for tilapia.

Craving a great steak? City Grill offers three different cuts (the photos of my two favorite steaks on the menu described below appear on page 45), each prepared with any of four different sauces. If you like a good, spicy-but-not-overpowering chimichurri sauce, City Grill’s tender, terrific, chimi-churri-style 8-oz., against-thegrain flank steak ($12) and the truly spectacular 8-oz. hangar steak ($14) with “mushrooming” sauce, which is topped with a zesty truffled mushrooms and red wine reduction Bordelaise sauce. Both preparations are perfect and served with your choice of fries, mashed potatoes or rice, plus great grilled veggies.

There’s also a petit filet available for $16 and all three steak cuts can be topped with the chimichurri, mushrooming,

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cheesy (a decadent bleu cheese and sherry-infused melted compound butter sauce), or my next option to try, the Frenchy (with a peppery and cognac-based “au poivre” sauce).

A note about the hangar steak (I’ve also Other favorites at City Grill include the fresh Gulf oysters (left), seen it spelled the authentic Eastern European, cabbage-wrapped, beef-and“hanger”), aka the rice, “golabki” (top right) & the “drunken chicken” sandwich. “butcher’s steak” beyou’ll want to order extra of this cause butchers used to keep the cut for unique cocktail sauce. Gerry says he themselves, which is so called because it special-orders oysters which are hangs from the diaphragm of the steer. It’s uniquely cleaned to help make them as texture is between that of the flank steak safe as possible, but the next time I and the tenderloin (filet) and City Grill’s visit, I’ll see if I can try them grilled version definitely is full of flavor!

We haven’t had a chance to sample Amazing Starters, many of the sandwiches at City Grill, Sandwiches & More! but assistant editor Matt Wiley says the But, rest assured, City Grill also has grilled tequila-and-lime-marinated uniquely tasty options all up and down its “drunken chicken,” which is topped with menu. Among our office’s favorite “Firsts” cheese, grilled corn salsa, and smoky are the Cuban Cigars (legally hand rolled chipotle aioli, is outstanding, and Gerry wontons filled with Mojo pork, smoked says people also are raving about the fried ham, Swiss cheese and pickles with a muschicken breast waffle sandwich, with grilled tard mayo dip, $6); the ahi tuna lettuce fresh corn salsa and chipotle slaw, spicy & cups (photo on page 45), which include 4 sweet glaze, between cheddar and scallion ozs. of sliced, blackened and seared tuna, waffles. There’s also standards like a Bufserved with a signature mango Asian slaw, falo birdie, corned beef Reuben and I have a ginger wasabi aioli and five-spice wonton to try the City-battered fried soft shell crab crisps), the overstuffed lobster crab cakes, “bug on a bun.” the huge portion of coconut grouper popThere’s also great “Plates,” like lobcorn bites, the spicy ahi poke tartar and the ster mac & cheese, Shepherd’s pie, fish and fresh-shucked Gulf oysters with bloody chips, chicken Cordon Bleu, plus authentic merry cocktail sauce. If you’re like me, Eastern European, cabbage-wrapped, beef-

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and-rice “golabki,” which are full of fresh herbs, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and served with mashed potatoes and truffled mushrooms. And, all six items on City Grill’s kids menu are just $5.99 each.

Had enough? Save room for decadent desserts like a warm donut flambé, creme brulée with fresh fruit and even a root beer float, plus all of your favorite premium cocktails, craft beers and fine wines.

Reservations are never required at City Grill (5429 Village Market), which is open Sun.-Tue., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., & 11 a.m.-midnight Wed.-Sat. For info, call 973-9988 or visit CityGrill.us or Facebook.com/CityGrillWesleyChapel.

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Symphony In Lights Illuminates December Nights At The Shops At Wiregrass Mall Although we may only have gotten a taste of winter with the recent cold front sweeping through the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, there is one place that feels like winter every night, even if happens to be 80 degrees outside: the Shops at Wiregrass mall’s “Symphony In Lights.”

Each night from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., weather permitting, until Tuesday, December 31, the Shops at Wiregrass — located at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel — is alive with the spirit of the season.

In addition to the nightly forecast of snow flurries in the mall’s Center Court, diners and shoppers also can take in the

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tunes of the Trans Siberian Orchestra, a band that recreates holiday classics with a tasteful, heavy metal twist. The music blares in sequence with more than 250,000 lights using 47 miles of wire.

The “Symphony” is truly a sight (and sound) that must be experienced first-hand...as is the mall’s awesome synthetic “ice” skating rink.

For more information, please visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com. — MW The nightly “Symphony In Lights” show at the Shops at Wiregrass mall continues to draw crowds of people each night who get to enjoy the holiday-themed light show shining through the snow flurries (below left) and the synchronized lighting of the Christmas tree to the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra (top right), as well as “ice” skating (bottom right).

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Presenting The 2013 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest Results!

Yes, faithful readers, this is our biggest-ever response to our annual Dining Survey & Contest, as nearly 1,200 entries poured into our offices over a three-month period. The previous record was just under 1,000 entries a couple of years ago. So, thanks to everyone who took the time to enter this year’s contest, which was not only the most difficult for us to tabulate, but also the most difficult for those who did enter to stay within the contest rules.

For the first time ever, we gave you the names of most of the independently owned, non-major-chain restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel and basically asked you to rank your top five favorites in some categories and just one favorite in other categories. We intentionally did not include the names of the major chain restaurants in our area, but allowed you to write in the names of any restaurants not listed on the entry form as”writein votes” in any category.

I had noticed in previous years that many folks would just put the names of the restaurants they know best — the major chains which pay millions of dollars a year on national and regional marketing.

By leaving those names off this year’s ballot, giving you the names of the local

mom-and-pop eateries and the smaller chain restaurants located in our distribution areas — and reducing the number of categories — we were able to find out what you really think about the local restaurants who really need and appreciate your business.

And, the strategy worked. Of all the major chains in our area (and there are literally dozens of them), only perennial local powerhouse Bonefish Grill made the top 20 as a write-in favorite restaurant overall in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel and only Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Cantina Laredo made the top ten in any of the categories that didn’t ask you to list up to five favorites.

Speaking of those favorites, congratulations go out to this year’s favorite restaurant in New Tampa — Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms, which only recently began opening for lunch every weekday and has won those honors a couple of times in years past — and this year’s favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel — GrillSmith, located in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, which is the first time GrillSmith has won that honor in our contest, as well as being named your favorite bar in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel for the first time ever. It’s interesting to me that both

Your Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa 1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 2. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 3. Mr. Dunderbak’s 4. Acropolis Greek Taverna 5. Burger 21 6. Full Circle Pizza & Grill 7. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 8. Las Palmas Spanish Café 9. Oakley’s Grille 10. Mulligan’s Irish Pub 11. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill 12. Café Olé 13. La Cubanita Café 14. China Wok (County Line Rd.) 15. Little Greek Restaurant 16. Thai Ruby 17. Peabody’s 18. Sushi Café 19. Saffron Indian Cuisine 20. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) 54

Stonewood and GrillSmith are smallersized (with fewer than 20 locations total) chains which are based here in Florida.

Other eateries which came up big this year are Liang’s Bistro, your second favorite restaurant in New Tampa and the dominating winner in our “Favorite Chinese” category; PizzaMania, which somehow overcame some major ballot stuffing by a couple of other pizza places (see below) to secure the “Your Favorite Pizza in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel” category for the first time and finish as your seventh favorite restaurant overall in Wesley Chapel; Acropolis Greek Taverna and The Hungry Greek, which were overwhelmingly your two “Favorite Greek/ Middle Eastern” restaurants; and Kobe Steakhouse, which dominated the “Favorite Sushi/Japanese in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel” category and was your seventh favorite overall in New Tampa.

The closest battles came in the “Favorite Thai/Indian” category, where first place Thai Ruby and second place Sukhothai went down to the wire and all six restaurants in the category earned at least 30 votes; the “Favorite Latin” category, where Los Vallartas (which just opened a new location in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center) nudged

past Las Palmas and those two distanced themselves from the rest of the pack; and Mr. Dunderbak’s came in a surprising third as your overall favorite restaurant in New Tampa, by far it’s highest-ever finish in our contest by a wide margin.

As for the ballot stuffing...I just want to say that I appreciate that some restaurants aren’t shy about asking for help from their loyal customers and it’s incredible how many of those customers step up for the eateries they love. The problem is that those of you who put, for example, the same restaurant for #1s-5 in any category would only have the first place vote counted for their favorite and they were disqualified from any possible prizes. And, most important of all, when your ballot is disqualified, only your votes for first-place votes for your favorites and those for restaurants other than your obvious favorite(s) are counted.

And speaking of prizes, here’s this year’s prize-winning entries: $100 to the restaurant of her choice Mary Ann Cintron, Hunter’s Green $50 - Anita Rogers, Cross Creek $50 - Ron Hiestand, Seven Oaks $25 - Scott Hurst, Tampa Palms $25 - Marikay Bernicky, Easton Park Congrats to all of our winners! - GN

Your Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel 1. GrillSmith 2. Wolf ’s Den 3. Los Vallartas 4. Taste of Boston 5. La Prima Pizza 6. The Hungry Greek 7. PizzaMania 8. Burger Monger 9. PrimeBar 10. Bonsai Sushi 11. Café Fresco 12. Bonefish Grill (*Write-In) 13. 900º Woodfired Pizza 14. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 15. Asian Buffet 16. Dempsey’s Steak House 17. China Wok (Village Market) 18. CineBistro at The Grove 19. PDQ Fresh Chicken Tenders 20. Amici Pizza

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Your Favorite Chinese Restaurants in New Tampa (NT) & Wesley Chapel (WC) 1. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 2. China Wok (Village Market) 3. Asian Buffet 4. Ho Wok 5. China Wok (County Line Rd.) 6. Kwan Ming Bistro 7. China Taste 8. New China King 9. Sushi Ko 10. Fushia Asian Bistro

Your Favorite Japanese & Sushi Restaurants in NT / WC 1. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 2. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 3. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill 4. Bonsai Sushi 5. Sushi Café 6. Sukhothai 7. Asian Buffet 8. Tokyo Grill 9. Takari Sushi & Sake Lounge 10. (tie) Soho Sushi 10. (tie) Hibachi Express

Your Favorite Burger Places in New Tampa (NT) & Wesley Chapel (WC)

1. Burger 21 2. Burger Monger 3. Oakley’s Grille 4. Wolf ’s Den 5. GrillSmith 6. Mulligan’s Irish Pub 7. Five Guys Burgers & Fries (*-Write-In) 8. Peabody’s 9. PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grill 10. (tie) Dempseys Too 10. (tie) Red Robin

Your Favorite Burger Places in New Tampa (NT) & Wesley Chapel (WC)

1. Los Vallartas 2. Las Palmas Spanish Café 3. La Cubanita Cafe 4. Café Olé 5. Casa Ramos 6, La Fuente Mexican Restaurant 7. Don Pan International Bakery 8. Cantina Laredo (*-Write-In)

Your Favorite Pizza Places in New Tampa (NT) & Wesley Chapel (WC)

Your Favorite Thai & Indian Restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel 1. Thai Ruby 2. Sukhothai 3. Saffron Indian Cuisine 4. Lanna Thai 5. Top Thai 6. Fine Thai Express

1. PizzaMania 2. Wolf ’s Den 3. Full Circle Pizza & Grill 4. La Prima Pizza 5. Woodfired Pizza (E. Bearss Ave.) 6. Amici Pizza 7. Taste of New York Pizza 8. Bosco’s Italian To Go 9. Biagio’s II 10. Hawkeye’s NYS Pizza

Your Favorite Bars/Taverns in New Tampa (NT) & Wesley Chapel (WC)

1. Acropolis Greek Taverna 2. The Hungry Greek 3. Little Greek Restaurant 4. Pita’s Republic 5. Petra Mediterranean Cuisine 6. Apna Kabob House

1. GrillSmith 2. PrimeBar 3. Stonewood Grill & tavern 4. Mulligan’s Irish Pub 5. Acropolis Greek Taverna 6. Peabody’s 7. PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub 8. CineBistro 9. Quail Hollow Country Club 10. Linkster’s Tap Room

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Your Favorite Greek/Middle Eastern Restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel

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

Ciccio’s To Open By Dec. 10

If you’ve been salivating for the longawaited new location of Ciccio’s California, at 17004 Palm Pointe Way (in the Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms), your wait should just about be over as this issue is reaching your mailbox. Manager Robert Garofano says the totally revamped Ciccio’s, which will open in the former World of Beer location on Tuesday, December 10, will be a fast/casual version of its previous incarnations in it’s old City Plaza location (which closed in january), with a menu that no longer has all of your favorite dishes from the original Ciccio & Tony’s and none of the menu items from The Lodge.

But, Garofano assures, the concept has been streamlined and improved tremendously, as the Ciccio’s Restaurant Group (which also features The Lodge, Daily Eats, The Green Lemon and Ciccio’s/Water concepts) expands its presence in the Tampa Bay area, from S. Howard Ave. to St. Pete, Brandon and now back in New Tampa.

Garofano also says that the new Ciccio’s will not have a full-liquor bar (it will offer beer and wine only), but will once again be open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining.

For additional information, visit CiccioRestaurant Group.com.

Vallarta’s Opens In City Plaza

I hope by now that you’ve checked out the new Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, which has been open in the former Ciccio’s location (at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. W.) in the Publix-anchored City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center for a few weeks.

This newest addition to the Vallarta’s family, which includes locations in Temple Terrace and in the Wesley Chapel Village

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Market (among others) is perhaps the most upscale-looking of this family-owned local chain, but still delivers on the same promise of tasty Mexican fare at very fair prices.

I recently enjoyed Vallarta’s steak a la Mexicana, which is a deliciously grilled steak sautéed with fresh jalapeños, tomatoes & onions and served with rice & beans. Yum! For info, call 978-3761.

Wesley Chapel Chamber Celebrates 15 Years & More

It’s hard for me to fathom that the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month, and even harder to believe the number of ribbon cutting events and Chamber mixers I’ve been to just in the last 30 days alone — too many, in fact, to post a pic of most of them in this space — and yet, I only attended about 2/3 of the 15 available Chamber events since our last issue went to press.

The other thing that amazes me is how many of the 15 ribbons the WCCC has cut since mid-October weren’t held at businesses located in what we call Wesley Chapel at all.

In fact, more than 1/3 of them took place either in New Tampa or the Lutz/Land O’Lakes area.

In other words, Wesley Chapel’s Chamber is one of the busiest, most successful “small” (as in, not located in a major city) chambers of commerce I’ve ever heard of or seen. The “players” at the WCCC may have changed over the years, but if you own a business in our area — new or otherwise — and you haven’t had these folks over to your place to cut a ribbon, you’ve been missing out on a great chance to expose your business to dozens of local business leaders and

One of the four Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremonies held in New Tampa since mid-October was this Nov. 4 event at the new Pure Nail Bar & Spa, located next to Burger 21 on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. north of Paul R. Wharton High. owners. For more info, call 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

D’Alessio’s Now Open!

One of the two new restaurants we told you about last issue that were set to join the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel shopping plaza (located directly across BBD from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) has opened, as the new D’Alessio’s Ristorante (2653 BBD Blvd.) has now been open a little more than two weeks as you’re receiving this issue in your mailboxes Owner and exec. chef Dom D’Alessio says D’Alessio’s is a casual, fine dining, authentic Italian ristorante and gourmet pizzeria, and it does have an outstanding menu, plus fine wines and beer, with great daily specials and free samples of D’Alessio’s deli-

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cious garlic knots served at every table.

And, talk about authentic — Dom himself speaks perfect English, but most of his family/management team speaks little or no English and is right off the boat from Italia — a language barrier that did cause some issues for the largely English-speaking staff the weekend the restaurant opened.

But, those issues are being resolved, so if you’re looking for truly homemade pastas like lobster ravioli or penne a la vodka or the best veal parmigiana I think I’ve ever had in this town (veal lovers like me will rejoice, as there are more “vitello” dishes on the menu than any other type of meat), you have to make a short trip to D’Alessio’s — and tell Dom and his family that the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you! For more info, call D’Alessio’s at 406-4889. — GN

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Former Selmon’s To Be Glory Days Grill For more than a year, it has been sitting vacant on Doña Michelle Dr., but it looks as if new life is destined for the former Lee Roy Selmon’s location on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, according to a press release from the Selmon’s franchise owners.

On November 8, MVP Holdings — the company that also owns PDQ (which has a Wesley Chapel location on S.R. 56) — announced that their com- The new Glory Days Grill will open in 2014 in this pany has entered into an agreement former Lee Roy Selmon’s location on BBD Blvd. with Virginia-based Glory Days Grill to The press release says that the Glory take over the expansion efforts of the Days concept is a sports-themed, family restaurant chain into the Florida market, restaurant that features a variety of dining beginning with the space that previously options for all ages and preferences. The was rumored to once again become home Glory Days Grill slogan, according to the to Lee Roy Selmon’s. company’s website (GloryDaysGrill.com) “We are very excited to have the opis “The Official Food of Hometown portunity to grow Glory Days Grill in Sports” and the menu features everything Florida,” says Sam Tancredi, president of from chicken fried chicken to great steaks, MVP GDG, LLC. “The Glory Days Grill BBQ ribs and more. The restaurants also concept allows us the opportunity to hire feature multiple TVs throughout, with indiover 100 New Tampa residents. We feel vidual speaker boxes at each table so pathis new concept is a perfect fit for the trons can tune in whichever game or community.” channel they want to watch.

The press release says that MVP HoldThere are 18 Glory Days locations opings owners Bob Basham, Nick Reader and erating in Maryland, Virginia and West VirChris Sullivan plan to open Glory Days in ginia, plus two franchise locations, also in the first quarter of 2014. Basham and SulliVirginia. The New Tampa location will van also previously founded the company mark the beginning of Glory Days’ expanwhich is now called Bloomin’ Brands, sion into Florida. No other information which owns Outback Steakhouse, about the planned New Tampa location Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill was available at our press time. — MW under the company’s umbrella.

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D FITNESS & WELLBEING

PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 HELP WANTED – Full Circle Pizza & Grill is looking for an EXPERIENCED pizza maker/line cook. NO phone calls. Walk-ins with resumes ONLY. 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite B2, Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. Ask for Ron. HELP WANTED - -Looking for hairstylists with established clientele. -Relaxing contemporary environment. -Busy shopping center in new tampa -Booth rental available $175/week -Newly furnished private suite w/ shampoo bowl for $225/week -First week free !! Contact Ms.Johnson @ 8139942393 or johnson.christy08@yahoo.com HELP WANTED - Attractive, Personable Sales Person sought by new restaurant located on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Experienced or we can train.

The position calls for the person to contact large local businesses about their catering needs. Apply in person, with resume, at CityGrill (5429 Village Market, S.R. 54 between I-75 & BBD) between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & ask for Gerry.

HELP WANTED - Busy real estate agent looking for dependable, honest, self starter for clerical position. Must have working knowledge of all Windows Office software, reliable phone with unlimited text /email service, and dependable automobile. Part time to full time available with some weekend hours. Please send resumes to davjudjos@aol.com no later than December 20, 2013. Qualified individuals will be notified, for an interview, by phone HELP WANTED - Front desk assistant manager at community center in New Tampa. Week days 8:30 - 4. Pay scale is $12 to $15 per hour Call Chet Benson at 813-977-1160 or email resume to chet.benson@verizon.net HELP WANTED - Multiple position need to be filled at KW mega agent office. Team Bohannon is expending we need additional experienced Buyer’s Agents, and listing Agents. Skilled, highly organized, and experienced Transaction Coordinator…Just list and sell and we do the rest for you.

We will provide you with lots and lots of quality leads. Contact Annette Bohannon Team Bohannon Keller Williams Tampa Properties. today at (813) 431-2840.

HELP WANTED - Plastic surgery practice in New Tampa is seeking a motivated, friendly medical assistant to work full time in both front office and back office capacities starting in January. Candidate must be professional, reliable, and familiar with computer software (Excel, Microsoft Word).

Please send your resume and a cover letter with your qualifications for the position to TampaPS@gmail.com.aqua HELP WANTED - Part-time medical BILLER/CODER needed for New Tampa physician office. Must have experience with Medisoft. Email resume and letter of interest to doctor@floridawoundcare.com

CLEANING

SERVICES

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more information, Call 758-9710.

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Classifıeds TAI CHI CLASSES - open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few months. Adults Course: Thursday evening’s 7-8 pm. Seniors Course: Tuesday afternoons 12-1 pm. Space is limited! Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more.

With more than 30 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org. Peter #787-7560 or e-mail peter@chuan-fa.org LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $55 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab.

References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL (727) 372-6389 Lic #MA47546.

INDIVIDUAL & COUPLES COUNSELING - Over 90 years of personable & experienced therapy & testing services. Better Business Bureau Accredited. With 6 clinicians, we’ll find the best therapist for you. Call (813) 418-7188 or DrP@phonepremier.com.

Website: www.Tampa-Therapy.com

COMPUTER SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT – in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc.

Technical jargon explained in plain English. Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residential & businesses, w/ over 25 years experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank (813) 973-4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com COMPLETE COMPUTER SERVICES "Best in The Bay" Veteran Owned, Wesley Chapel Resident, Microsoft Certified, 25+ Years of Experience. Residential and Small Business. All services to include Networking, New PC Setup, Data Transfers, Performance Tuning, Virus, Spyware and Malware removal, Tutoring, Data Recovery and Backups. CCSVS3@yahoo.com 813-997-6344

P O O L

H O M E

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 a free estimate (813) 784-5999 NEED HOME MAINTENANCE – Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582.

AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee.

Call (813) 312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

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D & D PRESSURE WASHING - licensed and insured. We clean driveways, sidewalks, homes, pool decks, screen enclosures, fences and other items. Free estimates. Call Dina or Doug 813-949-5131 www.ddpressurewash.com

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TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting 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. Call 813-994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com

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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! (813) 420-4465

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 25 • December 7, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting 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. Call 813994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com DOG WALKING; PET CARE - 24-hour emergency visits for existing clientele; Pet Taxi and MORE. Paws in the Palms provides pet care services that fit your lifestyle. We recognize that no two pets are alike and will accommodate his or her unique needs (medication requirements, exercise, food instructions, etc.). Familiarity and consistency are key to a happy, healthy pet and a happy, reassured YOU! Let Paws in the Palms makes traveling paws-ible!

(813) 252-5577 PawsinthePalms@gmail.com

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BABYSITTING

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

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L.I.F.E Academy for Learning, LLC- A licensed in-home daycare located in New River Township.

The daycare is managed by Nora Dudley, who is an experienced elementary Florida certified teacher and is also First Aid/CPR licensed. She is a loving mother of two and is passionate about helping children. Call today to enroll your child and mention this ad to waive your registration fee! Tutoring sessions for grades K-3 are also available upon appointment.

Contact Nora Dudley at (813) 395-8487 or for more information visit www.lifeacademyforlearning.com

CAR SERVICES – Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded..Call Jay at (813) 966-1530.

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DOG WALKING; PET CARE - 24-hour emergency visits for existing clientele; Pet Taxi and MORE. Paws in the Palms provides pet care services that fit your lifestyle. We recognize that no two pets are alike and will accommodate his or her unique needs (medication requirements, exercise, food instructions, etc.). Familiarity and consistency are key to a happy, healthy pet and a happy, reassured YOU! Let Paws in the Palms makes traveling paws-ible!

(813) 252-5577 PawsinthePalms@gmail.com

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Enclave in New Tampa - For Rent (Bruce B Downs @ I75) 2 bedroom, 2 bath split floor plan Mediterranean style condo located in quiet end unit with conservation views. Convenient to shopping, dining, movies, USF, directly across from Flatwoods Park. Newly renovated unit includes new kitchen w/ granite countertops, cherry cabinets and new tile floors throughout.

Oversized bedroom suites with walk-in closets, full baths, ceiling fans,. Washer/dryer in unit.

Available immediately. $975/month. One month security deposit and $75 application fee.

Call 813-957-5880.

RAYMOND PAINTING – Interior & Exterior pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. Your Neighborhoond Arbor Greene Resident. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124.

DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING - Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and 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.

(813) 215-1177

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FOR SALE BY OWNER - Lovely home in gated community Sterling Manor in the heart of Tampa Palms. 3 Bed/2Bath/2Car Garage.

Porcelain floors; Alarm System; Maintenance free community. Close to schools, USF, playgrounds.

Nearby shopping and major routes. Asking price: $159,200. Please call Lenis at 813.972.3939 for more information.

GREG’S PAPERHANGING – For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

S E R V I C E S C A R

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Gareat Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today @ (813) 857-5400 or visit www.TranquilityPoolService.com

I M P R O V E M E N T

CAN’T DRIVE, NO TIME, TO-DO LIST NOT GETTING DONE??? Call: SMILESALWAYS @ 813-263-4244 For: Errands - Transportation - Doctor Appointments - Grocery and Holiday Shopping Assistance - House Sitting - Office Support and Concierge Services/Event Planning. Hourly, Daily & Long Term Rates Tampa Palms/New Tampa Area Friendly, Trustworthy, Responsive, Resourceful, Reliable TURN YOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH ! Garage & estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online! We evaluate & appraise your products then get you top dollar. We do the work you get the cash. Ask me how, contact Mary at 813-428-5793

Neighborhood News

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