The Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News by Neighborhood News

Volume 19 Issue 26

Inside: Wounded Hero & His Family Get New Digs!

December 17, 2011

See Page 25!

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

S.R. 54 Should Be Six Lanes Wide In Time For Christmas! By Sean Bowes By the time this issue of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News arrives in your mailbox, the section of S.R./C.R. 54 from west of I-75 to just east of Curley Rd (CR 577) should finally be six lanes wide, allowing travelers to enjoy their ride on the section of road which has been under construction since April 2010. The original completion date for the widening project was April 2012 and although the road should be six-lanes (three lanes in each direction) wide by December 16, Pasco County officials say there will still be some finishing touches that will need to be done on the stretch of road which has been called Wesley Chapel’s busiest. State traffic counts from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) show that roughly 38,000 cars travel between S.R. 54 between I-75 and Curley Rd. every day. “During the holidays, work will be suspended from December 23 till Janu-

ary 3, but all six lanes will be open during this period,” says Pasco chief project manager Robert Shepherd. “After the holidays, the work that will remain will be the placement of the remaining final asphalt surface and cleaning up any damaged work.” The portion of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. that intersects According to Shepherd, the with S.R. 54 was open at our press time. The rest of last stages of work should still be the S.R. 54 widening between I-75 and Curley Rd. done by mid-late January, more should be open by the time this issue reaches you. than two months ahead of schedule. happy to see the construction come a to Pepper Contracting Services, the finish, especially those with “lead feet.” contracting company for the project, The number of speeding tickets handed originally offered the bid to work on the out on the 3.2-mile stretch was not project start to finish for $28 million. readily available from the Pasco Sheriff’s Shepherd says Pepper’s efforts are the Office (PCSO), but public information primary reason that the project will be officer Kevin Doll confirmed that done ahead of schedule. deputies and Florida Highway Patrol “They (Pepper Contracting) (FHP) troopers already have been crackbrought in a ton of equipment and man- ing down on speeders on that section of power and put in some long hours (to S.R. 54. finish the project),” said Shepherd. According to Doll, the presence of construction workers, heavy machinery Slow It Down! and a reduced speed limit to 35 mph Most of the community will be

(from its original 45 mph) were the reasons PCSO has been pulling over speeders on S.R. 54. and the last mile or so of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. The speed limit will be raised back up to 45 mph after 54 opens back up to six lanes. “When the road opens up and the speed limit goes up, it doesn’t mean we still won’t be out there (writing tickets),” Doll warns. In addition to the road work, Pepper Contracting worked to improve storm drains, add new street lights, sidewalks on both sides as well as bicycle path on both sides of S.R. 54. Also, new traffic signals have been added on S.R. at Old Pasco Rd., Gateway Blvd., I-75, Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Porter Blvd., Saddlebrook Way and Curley Rd. Private utility companies such as Brighthouse and Verizon have upgraded the area’s phone and cable services in during the construction and Pasco County Utilities also upgraded its water, sewer and reclaimed water lines.

‘I Lacrosse My Heart Tournament’ Raises Money For A Great Cause

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Updates On The Dougherty Siblings, Changes To The I-75/BBD Overpass, The Fields At Wiregrass Gets A Green Light & Much More!

Our Annual Holiday Gift & Dining Guide, Petsburgh Dog Grooming On Wheels, Visits To Euro Pilates & Acropolis Taverna, ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’ & More!

See pages 3-24!

See pages 25-36!

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

to win the tournament (the Tribe is a competitive team of girls ages 12-18 years old) but for some, it had a special meaning, as two of the girls’ coaches had children who had been treated at the Heart Center. From tournament fees and donations for admission, the girls were able raise $1,800 to donate to the hospital. On the field, the Tribe, which had enough players to fill two teams, Tribe Carolina and The members of the Tampa Tribe Navy girls Tribe Navy, showed the compe- team hold up their championship trophy from tition that they wanted to win the ‘I Lacrosse My Heart’ tournament. at-home. Both teams battled through their brackets over the twoday tournament, winning the majority of their games and battling it out in See “Lacrosse” on page 23. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

Thanks to the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) Tampa Tribe, a group of girl lacrosse players who play hard and give generously, St. Joseph’s Children’s Heart Center now has an extra $1,800 in its coffers. On October 29-30, eleven teams from around the state, some from as

far away as Jupiter, gathered at the lacrosse fields at Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. to play the "fastest game on two feet” during the inaugural “I Lacrosse My Heart Tournament.” The event’s purpose was to raise money for the Heart Center during the last days of October, which is “Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month.” All of the girls obviously wanted

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Sean Bowes

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Finding The Chamber Office Is No Laughing Matter & More! An editorial by Gary Nager So, I was driving on S.R. 54 last week, checking out how much better the ride already is between I-75 and Curley Rd. — even though the widening of that stretch of Wesley Chapel’s most traffic-snarled roadway is not yet quite completed — when I noticed a phenomenon that really surprised me. I was heading east on 54, which already has no more bottleneck in front of Applebee’s, but as I passed the entrance to Saddlebrook Resort, I noticed that there was still a sign telling me to turn right to visit the office of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC). No biggie, I thought. That is where the Chamber’s office used to be located (in the Brookside Professional Park), so I assumed the county, with all the road construction going on, simply didn’t yet find the time to move that sign to the area west of I-75, where the Chamber’s new offices are located in the separate building facing The Grove shopping plaza off of 54 and Oakley Blvd. But, because I was there to check out the entire S.R. 54 project from I-75 to Curley, I continued heading east on 54 when, to my surprise, I noticed yet another sign (see photo) saying “Chamber of Commerce,” with an arrow telling me to turn right in front of the First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel. I wondered to myself if perhaps I had missed the news that the Chamber had moved its office again. Otherwise, was someone at the Pasco County Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Senior News Writer Sean Bowes Correspondents Camille Gillies • Alicia Pack • Sheryl Young

Art Director Tony Sica Advertising Customer Service Manager Nikki Bennett

Website & Marketing Manager Ashley Knoblach Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 20, Issue 2, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2011 JM2 Communications, Inc.

offices in New Port Richey playing a trick on us or was it just some sort of totally random mistake? I quickly cut the first available Uturn (which are MUCH easier to make on 54 these days, by the way) and headed towards the Chamber’s digs (which are still at The Grove) to tell my friends Carla Griffin, Mary Adele Cluck and Christine Hope about the obviously misplaced sign. “We know they need to move the signs to this side of I-75,” Carla said. “But, no one told us about the sign pointing towards the church.” There’s no doubt that for anyone who has never been there before, the Chamber’s offices can be a little bit tough to locate, even if there was proper signage. T’s Boutique, Noel’s Jewelry and a nail salon are the only other businesses in the truly pretty (but otherwise vacant) office buildings facing Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods and the other businesses in The Grove. In fact, if not for the annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival and the more recent Health & Wellness Festival (see page 32), precious few locals would have any reason at all to visit these sparsely-filled office

buildings. I know the Chamber folks really are doing everything they can to attract businesses and local residents to the plaza, so I knew I wanted to help when I saw the misplaced sign. “We have had quite a few complaints about having no signs directing you here,” Mary said. “But, we’re working on it.” Of course, the Chamber has no standing to erect its own signs, so it has to go through the county to get the signs moved. “One sign is supposed to direct eastbound traffic on 54 and the other is supposed to direct westbound traffic here,” Mary said. “We’ve been told that they’re working on it.” “They” are Tom Rice of the county’s S.R. 54 project design office and Red Nicolasora of Pepper Contracting (which is constructing the 54 widening project). Obviously, completing the S.R. 54 widening is more important, but in order for the Chamber to properly do its important work, it would be nice if the average person could find where it is located! The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce office is located at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite #103. Call 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

More About What’s New On Our Website!

I am genuinely excited about the additional attention our website — WCNeighborhoodNews.com — has been attracting since we first started promoting it in this space and since many more of you have been checking it out for all of its exclusive, new information and content. Between senior news reporter Sean Bowes’ daily news items, my own “Gary’s Neighborhood Blog” and marketing and website director Ashley Knoblach’s amazing web-enhanced Holiday Shopping Guide (see page 28 for the print version) and other webexclusive contests and content, there really is a lot to get excited about. Since we’re on the subject of contests, this issue was supposed to be where we named our winning restaurants and our readers who won prizes in our annual Dining Survey & Contest. But, due to an unexpected surge in entries the last week of the contest (it ended Thanksgiving weekend), we will first post those winners on-line, rather than do so in this very-packed issue. All of the winners should be listed on our website as of now, so check us out! We love feedback, so we’d love to hear from you, on the site or by email.

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, & EDUCATION UPDATES........................................................Pages 1-25 Wesley Chapel News Briefs ...........................................4-5 Wesley Chapel Man Charged After Bizarre Death Women Arrested After ‘Breakfast Beat Down’ Wiregrass Ranch High Teen Charged With Rape New Tampa Teen’s Death Ruled A Suicide Updates To Dougherty Gang’s Charges.................................6 Changes To BBD/I-75 Overpass...........................................8 New Fire Station In New Tampa.............................................9 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar.......................12-13

Local Business Updates..................................14-21 Wells Endodontics.................................................................14 American Wood Flooring......................................................16 Petsburgh Mobile Pet Grooming.........................................18 CPR Can Repair Cell Phones & More.................................20 Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Business Briefs................21

Local Sports Updates.....................................22-23 Nikita Shah Brings Home First Ever State Medal For WRH Commissioners Support Fields At Wiregrass

Neighborhood Magazine Welcoming Home Sgt. Joel Tavera, An American Hero.....25 Getting Boot Camp Fit At Euro Pilates................................26 Our 2011 Holiday Dining & Gift Guide!......................28 Some Things Never Change At Acropolis Taverna..............30 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’.......................................................31 Wesley Chapel Health & Wellness Festival Recap.................32

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS........34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL Wesley Chapel Man Arrested After Bizarre Death At our press time, Tampa Police Department (TPD) detectives were still trying to unravel the details of what has been called the “suspicious death” of Henry Hilliard Shell, III, 79, a Tampa-based insurance company owner and real estate developer. On November 15, Kirby Mack, a convicted drug dealer, borrowed a 2006 gold Grand Marquis from James Monroe Sheets II, 35, of 4433 Chase Dr. in Wesley Chapel. Police say this same 2006 Marquis was registered to Shell, who was reported missing a day earlier by his coHenry Hilliard workers, who were worried when their Shell, III boss didn’t show up for work that Monday morning at Shell Henry Realty & Insurance in downtown Tampa. Mack told police he drove the car south until he smelled a “a foul odor coming from the trunk of the vehicle.” According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Mack stopped the car, popped

News Briefs the trunk and found a body inside. He then called 911 and drove to the District 3 TPD office at 3808 N. 22nd St. The human remains were then taken to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, where it was confirmed, through dental records, that the person inside the trunk was indeed Henry Shell. Shell was last seen alive on November 12 at 6 p.m. at his insurance office. He was with Sheets at that time, according to a TPD report. A widower since 2002, Shell reportedly kept to himself. His wife, Joann Hixon Shell, was the daughter of former Tampa mayor, Curtis Hixon, who has a downtown Tampa city park named after him. “(Shell) would often reach out and hire homeless people,” TPD spokesperson Janelle McGregor says. Detectives are still working to determine the relationship between the victim and Sheets, a TPD report said. They believe the pair traveled in the victim’s car that night sometime between 6:20 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. to the Wesley Chapel area. Detectives identified Sheets as a suspect in Shell’s death on the same day Mack drove the car to the police

station. Sheets was then arrested at the Shaw Motel at 1509 E. Hillsborough Ave. A video surveillance tape from the motel shows Sheets opening the trunk of James Sheets the Marquis about 8 inches and crouching down to feel the inside while he looked around the parking lot, says a recently released search warrant. At our press time, Sheets was still in the Hillsborough County Jail, without bond, on a charge of grand theft auto, possession of a controlled substance (Xanax) without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheets was previously released from Florida State Prison on May 13 after serving 14 months for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. The Medical Examiner’s Office has run an autopsy on Shell’s body and has said that his death was suspicious and that his body was likely in the trunk for several days. Public records show that Sheets has previously been arrested for crimes in Hillsborough County, some of which have been violent offenses, 19 times since 1997. Mack’s record is no better, with at least 20 arrests, mostly for cocaine possession, since 1996.

Police have named Mack a witness in the death and Sheets as suspect, although no further charges had been filed at our press time. The investigation is continuing, however. Any person who saw the victim, his vehicle or the suspect is asked to call TPD at 231-6130.

Local Woman Arrested After Breakfast Beat Down Some siblings just don’t like sharing and it seems that a Wesley Chapel woman and her teenage sister are no exception, even if it is over a piece of bread. On November 28, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Deputy Andrew Daniels arrived at the Wesley Chapel home of Maria Acevedo, 21, at 30300 Hatz Way, where he had been dispatched after several calls to 911 from Acevedo’s home phone. According to a PCSO report, Acevedo got very upset when she found out that her 16-year-old sister was using her bread to make toast. Acevedo’s other sister, a 13-yearold who also lives at the home, told deputies that the 16-year-old remained calm and apologized for taking some of the bread, but Acevedo got more upset and allegedly attacked her sister with a six-inch cooking pot. During the fight, the two girls fell to the floor, where Acevedo slammed

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

her sister’s head into the ground after delivering two blows with the metal pot. After some hair pulling, the 13-yearold was able to separate her two sisters Maria Acevedo long enough for the 16-year-old to escape to her bedroom. The PCSO report says that Acevedo followed her, kicking and screaming at the door before grabbing a knife and slamming it against the door. The 16year-old pushed her bed up against the door to stop her irate sister from getting in. She also logged on to Facebook.com to send an instant message to her cousin to say she needed help. By the time Dep. Daniels arrived, Acevedo had already calmed down and returned to her own room. The 16-year-old girl suffered some minor injuries from the attack, which included a bump on her head and a cut on her right shoulder. Acevedo was arrested and charged with one count of domestic battery and taken to the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, where she stayed for one night. It is typical for first-time domestic battery offenders to be released after 24-hours without having to post bond, says PCSO public information officer Kevin Doll.

Acevedo’s nine-month-old son was put in the custody of his grandmother (Acevedo’s mother), who arrived at the home shortly after the altercation.

Wiregrass Ranch High Teen Arrested On Rape Charges A Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) student has been charged with the sexual battery of a woman six years his elder. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), on August 24, Antonio Alphonso Brim, a senior at WGRH, sexually assaulted a 24-yearold woman just 22 days after he turned 18 years-old. Authorities are not releasing the location of the assault in order to protect the victim’s identity. A report from the PCSO said that on the same day of the alleged rape, deputies interviewed Brim at his Wesley Chapel home at 31855 Tally Ho Ln. During the interview he denied ever having had any sexual contact with the female victim. The woman then completed a sexual assault exam, which is typically conducted at a physician’s office, where a doctor will search for physical evidence and sustained injuries from the assault. On November 18, the results from a DNA sample taken from the female victim during the exam came back matching Brim’s DNA, said a report

from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Brim agreed to a DNA sample after the interview with PCSO deputies. On November Antonio Brim 22, Brim was arrested at his home and taken to Land O’ Lakes Detention Center where he was still being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond at our press time. According to Summer Romagnoli, spokesperson for the Pasco County School District (PCSD), disciplinary action for a felony that takes place outside of school, which was the case in this instance, is taken only after the student has been convicted of a crime. She says punishments are judged on a caseby-case basis and range from temporary suspension to expulsion from public schools, for more serious crimes.

Missing New Tampa Teen's Death Ruled A Suicide The death of New Tampa resident Noah Kushner, 16, has been ruled a suicide by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, after he was found lifeless on Nov. 15, near the University of South Florida (USF), just one day after he was reported missing by his parents, Beatrice and Bruce Kushner. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), Noah Kushner was found between a basketball court and a vacant apartment complex formerly known as Fontana Hall, at 13605 E. Fletcher Ave., at 7 a.m. on November 15. Sometime after his parents filed a missing person report, Kushner went to the 13-floor empty apartment building, which is currently closed for renovations, and tragically ended his life, said a HCSO report. According to HCSO public information officer Larry McKinnon, the construction site for the apartment building is fenced off; however, it could easily be scaled over. Once Kushner entered the property, he walked up the steps of the emer-

gency staircase on the northeast side of the building before leaping to his death; it is unknown from which floor he jumped. Kushner was last seen alive riding his silver-and-blue Gary Fisher road bike around the 18000 block of Cozumel Dr. near his parents’ home on Martinque Isle Dr. in Cory Lake Isles. Noah was a junior at C. Leon King High, where he attended the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. His peers described him as a funny, bright and sociable student who you could easily point out in a crowd with his wild curly hair, thick glasses and a toolbox in his hand that he carried with him daily. On the day of his death, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) sent out the Crisis Intervention Team, a group of specially trained psycholoNoah Kushner gists, social workers and health nurses, to King to help students cope with the loss. Team members provide short-term assistance to schools when school administrators request it. The team is dispatched to public schools for crises, which may include events such as the death of a student or staff member, natural disasters and other traumatic events that impact the school community. Many students at King also have been sharing their grief over Noah’s pasing through social networking sites like Tumblr and Facebook, says HCPS spokesperson Linda Cobbe. “Noah Kushner was King’s sunshine,” one student wrote on her blog. “He was the kind of kid that wore capes to celebrate holidays no one even knew existed. He was the kid that held the door open for everyone in the hallway because he didn’t want to close it on someone. Noah was a quirky, sweet, smart boy no one really understood, but everyone laughed along with.” More than one student mentioned that Kushner suffered from seizures, as well as depression.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Hearing Delayed Until January 30 For The Dougherty Siblings By Sean Bowes Dylan Stanley Dougherty and Ryan Dougherty, of Lacoochee, a small town about 30 miles north of Wesley Chapel will wait until Jan. 30 to enter their pleas for charges that include five counts each of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, vehicle theft, theft by receiving and displaying fictitious or altered license plates. The brothers appeared before a judge on November 28, in Walsenburg, Co. However, because the courts are waiting for DNA results, the hearing will be delayed two months. Lee Grace Dougherty, their sister, plead not guilty earlier this month to the same charges. On Aug. 2, the three Dougherty siblings led a high-speed car chase with multiple shots fired from their

21, the youngest of the group, admitted to authorities that they were headed to Mexico. In the end, only one person was injured during the chaos, a bullet wound to Lee Graces’s leg after she The Dougherty siblings (l. to r.) Lee Grace, Dylan & Ryan pointed a gun at Colorado detectives after vehicle through Wesley Chapel, which their car flipped in a police chase. started an eight-day, nationwide manCourt documents say that Lee hunt. Grace told authorities she "deserved “During the attack, I was conto get shot" because she had pointed cerned about civilian safety,” said Zephyhills Police Department (ZPD) Ofc. Widener. “More than 20 shots were fired (at his cruiser).” After the trio shot out Widener’s tires, police say, they sped north where they robbed a bank in Valdosta, Georgia (then stole license plates and two cars in Utah) and went into hiding in Colorado. However, Ryan Dougherty,

a gun at a police officer. Chief Shears of the ZPD says that since the Dougherty’s committed crimes all over the U.S., he is unsure of where they will be charged. Robbing a bank is a federal crime, so the trio could be charged in federal court. Shears has said he doesn’t care where the Doughertys are charged, whether in federal or state court, as long as they receive the maximum punishment for the crimes. Each of the Dougherty siblings is being held on a $1.5 million bail at Huerfano County Jail in Colorado.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

I-75 Widening Will Include Changes To Bridges Over BBD By Sean Bowes Over the next several months, drivers will see even more temporary traffic shifts on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in addition to new work on the entrance and exit ramps for I-75, as part of the widening of the interstate between Fowler Ave. and S.R. 54 in Pasco County. Also, new traffic signals, drainage construction and utility work will also be taking place between Commerce Palms Dr. and Dona Michelle Dr., which could mean temporary lane closures (at night) near the interstate. During the improvements in the area of the I-75 overpass, drivers will notice a new temporary on ramp onto I-75 southbound from BBD, as well as a traffic shift on the current northbound I-75 exit ramp. New bike lanes and pedestrian walkways are being constructed on the east side of BBD under I-75. After the pedestrian lanes are completed, which should be sometime in the third week of December, drivers will see a shift in traffic to temporary pavement on the south side of BBD for construction work in the median. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is handling all of the construction for the BBD widening project between Commerce Palms Dr. in Tampa Palms and Dona Michelle Dr. The widening of that section is included in FDOT’s $95 million budget to widen I-75 from four to six and/or eight lanes from Fowler Ave. in Tampa to north of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. The project also includes a new I-75 overpass bridge over BBD. The widening of this 11.4-mile stretch of the interstate should be completed by the spring of 2016. The demolition of the current

overpass bridge from BBD southbound onto I-75 southbound also is a part of the BBD widening project. The reconstruction of the northbound and southbound I-75 bridges over BBD will mean some big changes for drivers traveling over BBD. The new bridge will be about 8 ft. higher than the current overpass, with a 6-ft. and 8-ft. shoulder in each direction. According to FDOT public information officer John McShaffery,, the new bridge will be higher than the current overpass in order to allow for the possi- In this screen shot from a video on the Florida Department of Transportation’s website, you can see the separate north- and soutbound bridges over Bruce B. Downs Blvd., as bility of light-rail transwell as the bridge from BBD southbound onto I-75 southbound. portation service along BBD in the future. weather conditions and other factors. Once the southbound I-75 McShaffery says, “In In order to keep traffic flowing bridge is complete, southbound traforder to facilitate the on I-75 with the new Acrow bridge, fic will be shifted onto the Acrow southbound I-75 traffic will be shiftbridge and the existing northbound replacement (of the current overed onto the existing northbound bridge will be used for northbound pass), a temporary steel bridge, manlanes and northbound traffic will use I-75 traffic. Once both the new ufactured by the Acrow company, the Acrow bridge. The southbound north- and southbound I-75 bridges will be constructed.” I-75 lanes over BBD will be the first over BBD are completed, the Acrow The two-lane Acrow bridge will to be demolished. bridge will be removed. be erected on the east side of the existing northbound I-75 lanes. Delivery of the Acrow bridge components is expected in January 2012 and it should take approximately 30 days to assemble. The contractors for the project (Prince Contracting Company) are planning on shifting the interstate traffic onto the new Acrow bridge in the spring of 2012. The temporary bridge is expected to be in place for a little less than two years, with both widened sections of I-75 opening in early 2014, although McShaffery stresses that the dates are approximate and can be affected by any number of changes in

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Fire Station No. 22 Coming Soon To Cross Creek Blvd. By Sean Bowes The construction of New Tampa’s newest home for local fire fighters is currently under way and if all goes according to plan, Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Station No. 22 will roll out its top-of-the-line Advanced Life Support (ALS) truck sometime in mid-February 2012. This means that Pasco County Fire Rescue (PFR) Station 26, located in Meadow Pointe will have extra support, if needed, says PFR assistant chief Chief Cynthia Holland. This is good news for residents in Meadow Pointe, as well as Seven Oaks, Northwood, Williamsburg, the Lakes at Northwood and even Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills residents who live near Morris Bridge Rd. “Since the New Tampa station isn’t in our county, they won’t receive calls that come through in Pasco County,” explained Holland. “But, if we ever needed assistance, or can’t get to a location that they’re closer to, we could call them in.” Drivers may have noticed the walls of the new station going up at 10817 Cross Creek Blvd., a previously undeveloped eight-acre plot of land located just east of the BP gas station on Cross Creek Blvd., less than a mile

(L. to r.) Driver/engineer Danny Herrerd was joined by firefighters Jacqueline Bennett, Erick Cribbs and Brian Sawyer during a recent visit to the under-construction Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. west of Morris Bridge Rd., which began construction on March 20 of this year. Pillar Construction Group was contracted to build the firehouse on Cross Creek Blvd. for about $2 million, which includes labor, materials and equipment. The project was originally scheduled to take 240 days to complete, however, it looks as if the completion is behind schedule by about a month at our press time. According to Nick Locicero, Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) assistant chief of administration and rescue, the new firehouse was built to improve response times for Tampa station No. 21, located almost 3 miles west on Cross Creek Blvd, and Station No. 20, on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa Palms, which is 7.3 miles away. The City of Tampa also owns 2.2 acres of property on Bruce B. Downs

Blvd. near County Line Rd., which will eventually be home to TFR Station 23, New Tampa’s next fire station, to serve communities and busi-

nesses in New Tampa which border Wesley Chapel, such as Grand Hampton, The Hammocks and Live Oak Preserve. That station, if it does get built, will also provide additional assistance, if needed, for calls in “southern” Wesley Chapel. However, there is not yet any money budgeted for the construction of that firehouse. There will likely be a ribbon cutting, which the community is invited to attend, at TFR Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. in mid-February, when the construction is expected to be completed, says Locicero.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, December 19, 8 a.m. — Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lex Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

MOMS Club Of WC

Monday, December 19, 10 a.m. — The Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) Club of Wesley Chapel, a non-profit social group for stay-at-home mothers, meets the third Monday of each month at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54) for activities, field trips and more. For more information, e-mail Heather at WCMoms@yahoo.com.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Monday, December 19, 6:15 p.m. — The “Wesley Chapel Speaks” Toastmasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetings are open to all interested parties. For more information, call 4065931 or visit Toastmastersd84.org.

WC Wind Ensemble Thursday, December 22, 7 p.m. — The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a community group of brass and woodwind players, meets every Thursday at Crossroads Community United Methodist Church (26211 County Line Rd.). New members are encouraged to join. For additional information, call Glenn at 746-4821 or e-mail him at Trombonegww@juno.com.

WC Sunrise Rotary

Friday, December 23, 7:15 a.m. — The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, December 20, 7:30 a.m. — Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets Tuesdays at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, contact JD Lane at 391-5018 or by e-mail at

Jdlane@benchmarkbusiness.com.

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club

Wednesday, December 21, 12:15 p.m. — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at at Dempsey’s Steak House at Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way). For more information, call 8628989 or 391-3895.

WC Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, December 21, 6:30 p.m.— The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol squadron meets every Wednesday at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54). For additional information, visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

CBC Networking Group Thursday, December 22, 7:30 a.m. — The Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking Group meets every Thursday at Organic Life Coffeehouse (1900 Oak Grove Blvd., off S.R. 54, in Lutz). The group is open to all business leaders and professionals in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities. CBC members’ core philosophy puts God first and bases business decisions on Christian values,. For more information, call Jeff Hanneken at 600-9200.

Networking For Success

Thursday, December 22, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. — The Networking For Your Success group meets every Thursday at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off S.R. 54). For additional information, call John Anglada at 298-3232 or visit NetWorkingforYourSuccess.com.

Celebrate Chanukah At The Shops At Wiregrass

Monday December 26, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. — The Chabad at Wiregrass Jewish synagogue invites you for a delightful evening that includes a Grand Menorah lighting. There will be live entertainment, stilt walkers, games and more. Plus, be sure to check out the arts & crafts, as well as the tasty latkes and doughnuts. For more information, call the Chabad at Wiregrass at 642-3244 or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Women Of Wesley Chapel

Friday, January 2, 7:30 a.m. — WOW, the Women of Wesley Chapel, meets the first Friday of every month at the Branch of Christ Building, Cypress View Sq., 27223 S.R. 56 (next to Boardwalk Frozen Custard). For info, email Debbie Yoerg at Debbie@DesignedForAPurpose.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, December 27 — The

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Little Jan’s Casino Night A Final Mayor’s Race Event As I noted in our last issue, the timing of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s annual Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel race couldn’t be worse for the timing of our issues. The December 15 announcement of the Chamber’s Honorary Mayor for 2012 was still taking place after this issue went to press, but before we hit mailboxes in zip codes 33543-45, so we weren’t able to give that announcement the prominent space it deserves in this issue. We were, however, able to attend the final fund-raising event hosted by East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday, 9 a.m., at Beef O'Brady's (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza). For more information, contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

WC Republican Club

Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m. — The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets the second Thursday of each month at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). Visitors are welcome to attend.

Honorary Mayor candidate “Little Jan” Roberts, a fun Casino Night (photo) held at Pebble Creek Country Club in New Tampa on December 6. Check our website (WCNeighborhoodNews.com) when you receive this issue to find out if Jan, John Negley of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel or Mitze Richeson of Cypress Creek Chiropractic won this year’s title!—GN For additional information, call Mike Moore at 777-6171 or email WCRepublican@att.net.

Youth Wrestling Clinic

Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m.11:30 a.m.— A youth wrestling clinic for kids ages 5-14 for all levels of wrestlers is starting up this winter at the Family of Christ Church & School on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Tampa Palms. The course lasts 8 weeks. For more info, call Rich Helm at 777-6171 or email Rich@WrestleNationUSA.com. You can also visit WrestleNationUSA.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Wells Endodontics Doesn’t ‘Skate Around’ Quality Dental Care! By Sheryl Young Dr. Brian Wells, DMD, is more than just the talented dental specialist who runs the Wells Endodontic Center in the Redfern Professional Park off bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. He’s also a renowned former figure skater with a big heart. Endodontics is the dental specialty that includes the process known as “root canal.” Nobody likes to think of having a root canal. In fact, the procedure is often the brunt of many jokes – “I’d rather do this than have a root canal,” and so on. But, Wells Endodontics, located about a mile north of the Wiregrass Mall, deserve a second look. Each year around this time, Wells hosts special events to thank his patients and the dentists with whom he associates. Earlier this month, he hosted a lively Charity Fund Raiser and Appreciation Party at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum. Wells’ events have another important purpose besides celebrating his four-year-old endodontic practice: he raises money for “Let’s Cure CP,” a cerebral palsy organization. “I have a special heart for the cause,” he explains. “My late sister, Jean-Marie, had cerebral palsy. All funds

raised at the event benefit people with the illness, like a local child named E.J. Costantino.” At the party, the Let’s Cure CP table was manned by E.J.’s mom, Erika. Invited guests were encouraged to bring more friends to meet Wells, raise more money for the cause and as a way of networking to spread the word about his outstanding services. During the special Saturday afternoon, guests were treated to a meetand-greet and snack lunch buffet with Dr. Wells, and some great gift baskets were raffled off for the charity. Everyone who dared was invited to put on skates and get out on the ice, while Dr. Wells casually joined them on the frosty white surface. There were ice skating exhibits by local skaters who train at the rink – several of them already medal winners in area competitions.

Some Facts About Endodontics Endodontists specialize in maintaining teeth through procedures involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, also called the pulp. Pulp damage is sometimes, but not always, caused by a traumatic blow to the mouth. Endodontists like Dr. Wells are

trained in replanting teeth that have been knocked out of their sockets, and can diagnose and treat pain from one tooth that spreads to another tooth or to the head, neck, or ear. Wells graduated cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry degree from the prestigious Harvard University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, and completed his clinical training at Tufts University, also in Boston, where he earned his Endodontic Certificate. Patients are in good hands Endodontist Dr. Brian Wells and his family with Dr. Wells, who is a Boardrecently hosted a fund raiser to benefit “Let’s eligible Endodontist with the Cure CP” at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. American Board of Endodontics. The office staff includes my life,” he says, “I love being a (denpersonnel who are bi-lingual in English tal) specialist and helping people and Spanish, to efficiently service the through their pain.” diverse population of Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and the surrounding areas. A Frosty Second Home? Does Dr. Wells’ name sound familWells and his wife of five years, iar to you? If so, you’d understand why Maggie, currently live in Lutz with their daughters Olivia and Eva, son Ian, he’s decided to hold fund-raising events at a local ice skating rink. Figure skating and the family’s Boston terrier, Stella. “While my family is number one in fans from the 1980s and ‘90s might

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

remember Wells as a U.S. National and world-class pairs figure skater. Wells first competed with his sister Ann-Marie Wells as a Junior level pair. They represented the U.S. at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 198889. His first adult skating partner was Laura Murphy. Together, they won the gold medal at the 1990 U.S. Collegiate Championships. His most memorable partnership was with Shelby Lyons, with whom he won a U.S. Figure Skating Championship bronze medal in 1996 and silver medal in 1998. In those years, they also placed 10th at the World Figure Skating Championships and were close to qualifying for the U.S. in the Winter Olympics. So, how did a champion figure skater get interested in dentistry? “When I was a teenager, I had a lot of dental problems,” Wells explains. “I always seemed to be in the dentist’s chair. There was an oral surgeon whose daughter I knew from skating. I told him, ‘I could see myself doing dentistry for a living,’ and he told me to look him up when I was ready for guidance into the field.” When Wells seriously began to consider what he would like to do as he neared retirement from skating, he did contact that oral surgeon, who was

instrumental in guiding him toward his medical career. “Although I did skate professionally and coach some pairs skating when I first retired from competition, I just didn’t see myself staying in the skating world as a lifelong calling. So, I moved to New York City and started medical school.” That’s where he met his wife Maggie. “We met on our first day of medical classes,” he recalls fondly. “We were both taking pre-med courses at Baruch College in New York.” Maggie went into internal medicine. Wells studied all the dental specialties and eventually chose endodontics. He’s still on the Board of Directors for U.S. Special Olympics’ figure skating, again to honor the memory of Jean-Marie. He also started a program while at Harvard teaching other dentists how to deal with special needs children. “Smiles for Miles,” is still going strong at Harvard today. Ann-Marie, now Ann-Marie Dorsey, currently works in Dr. Wells’ office along with another of his sisters, Mary Beth. Dr. Wells also has three brothers. Wells specializes in painless techniques with tranquil surroundings. “There’s a bird conservation area right outside the window, and the office

has massage chairs,” says Ann-Marie. “People are so relaxed, we’ve had some fall asleep during their procedures.” If left untreated, root canal problems can be But, Wells extremely painful. Endodontics also offers nitrous oxide for patients who remain uneasy about visiting any dental office. We caught up with patient Bev Zichy at the recent ice skating party. She says she was referred to Dr. Wells by her dentist when in need of not one, but two root canals. “It’s obvious the precision Dr. Wells had in his skating is something he’s brought with him into his dentistry,” Bev says. “He approaches everything with accuracy and makes you feel so comfortable before he starts. Plus, his whole staff is personable, calming and comforting.” Bev’s had a lot done to her teeth, and says that although she previously has had some awful experiences, “I would highly recommend Dr. Wells to anyone.” More testimonies like Zichy’s are

available on the Wells Endodontics web page at CitySearch via Facebook. Just enter Wells Endodontics to see some truly five-star reviews. For patients with latex allergies, Wells’ office is exclusively latex free (none of the surgical gloves or instruments used are made with latex). And, he says he stays current on the latest sterilization methods, so that his record exceeds the highest standards of infection control advocated by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In other words, if you’ve been told you need a root canal or other procedure involving the dental pulp in your mouth, you should definitely consider Wells Endodontics. Wells Endodontics is located at 3757 Maryweather Ln., Suite 101, in the office park located behind Dunkin Donuts off BBD in the Seven Oaks area. The phone number is 907-7668. For more information about endodontic procedures and Dr. Wells, see WellsEndo.com. You also can “Friend” him on Facebook to see YouTube videos of his favorite pairs skating routines. For more information about “Let’s Cure CP ,” visit LetsCureCP.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

American Wood Flooring — Family Owned & Operated For 20 Years! By Gary Nager If you’ve ever had flooring installed in your home, apartment or even your business, you know that it can be a stressful experience. Between the cost, having to tear out the existing carpeting, tile or floor and having to move your furniture, you know you want the job done right the first time. That’s one big reason why you should visit our friend Andy Dunning of American Wood Flooring, located in the SuperTarget-anchored Northwood Shopping Center (next to Marshall’s), if you’re planning to take the plunge and replace those old, pet-stained carpets or cracked tile with a new hardwood or laminate floor. “A lot of people are definitely looking to replace the existing flooring in their home with hardwood or laminate,” says Andy, who looks even younger than his 30 years but who has been involved in his family’s business since before he was old enough to actually work in it. “This is an independent, family-owned company that has been selling and installing floors in the Tampa Bay area for about 20 years.” Andy’s family’s first store, on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, moved to the corner of Mitchell Blvd. and Little Rd.

in what is now called the Trinity area 15 or 16 years ago and is still there. The Wesley Chapel/New Tampa location is significantly newer, only a few years old, but Andy says it also is doing pretty well these days. “With the economy the way it is,” he says, “a lot of people are trying to invest in their existing homes, whether to make them more saleable or because they know they have to stay in them a few more years. And, there’s no doubt that adding a new hardwood or laminate floor can add value to your home, as well as give it a whole new look.” He says that all of the foreclosures in the Tampa Bay area have helped his business, too. “A lot of people these days have been able to pick up some really nice homes for pennies on the dollar,” he says. “So, they can afford to make some investments into these foreclosed homes that add value to them, like a new exotic hardwood floor.” Andy says that American Wood Flooring specializes in both real hardwood and laminate flooring and has access to literally hundreds of colors and styles from all of the major manufacturers, including Armstrong and Bruce, and higher-end companies like Mirage and Robbins, which provide a variety of exotic Brazilian hardwoods,

Andy Dunning of American Wood Flooring in the SuperTarget-anchored Northwood Plaza has great selections of hardwood floors by Armstrong & Bruce. such as Brazilian cherry, Santos mahogany and amendoim (also known as Brazilian oak).

Noticeable Differences

“We’re not the only local company you can find that carries the major manufacturers,” he admits. “But, not only are our prices at least competitive with other companies, we also offer a lot of extras most of the others don’t.”

For example, all of the prices per square foot quoted at American Wood Flooring include delivery, installation, moving all of your furniture for you, removal of your old carpeting, tile or flooring (with no charge for disposing of it) and, “all of our installers are inhouse and have been certified to install Armstrong, Bruce and other major manufacturers’ flooring. We also give you a free cleaning kit and free felt pads

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

to keep your furniture from scratching the floor. A lot of places charge extra for many of those same services, so our prices really are even better than they seem.” Oh, and there’s never sales tax charged on the floors (because the government doesn’t collect sales tax for major home improvements), as long as American Wood Flooring installs it. “We also warThis amendoim (Brazilian oak) hardwood ranty all of the floors we install for floor can add a touch of class to any staircase. as long as you own your home.” Those warranties can be important, always being offered specials like these by the different manufacturers.” especially with laminate floors, which Part of the reason Andy is so (unlike hardwood floors) are not glued knowledgeable about all aspects of the to your concrete slab, but are actually business is that he also spent some time interlocked into place. (in 2007 and 2008) as a territorial sales “Yes, gaps can easily develop in your laminate floors,” he says. “Usually, manager for a flooring distributor covering Alabama, South Carolina and all it takes is a trained installer to fix Georgia. “It was a great experience for those gaps, but a lot of people try me to be on the distributor side,” he unsuccessfully to do it themselves.” says. “I really learned a lot about which As for pricing, you can get what floors sell and why.” Andy calls a “base laminate” floor And yes, Andy does carry and installed for as little as $3.99 per square install both carpet and some tile (mainly foot, with all of those aforementioned small tiles for bathrooms), although he extras included. A base real wood floor admits there isn’t nearly as much starts as low as $5.99 per sq. ft., and demand for either these days. American Wood Flooring has a current American Wood Flooring’s Wesspecial on an exotic hardwood floor ley Chapel location is at 1285 Bruce that normally sells for $8.99 per square B. Downs Blvd. For more info, visit foot for as little as $7.25 per sq. ft. AmericanWoodFlooringFL.com or “That’s even less than the highestcall 991-7999. See the ad on page 26 priced laminate floor we sell (which is of this issue for more great deals! $7.50 per sq. ft. installed.) and we’re

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Petsburgh Mobile Pet Salon — Pretty Pooches & Convenience! By Alicia Pack Dog owners know the trials and troubles that come with taking their babies to a groomer. Between the loading, the unloading and the time spent in cages, the whole experience can be traumatic for you and your pet. But now, dog owners have a different option when it comes to grooming. After five years of working at a traditional grooming salon, Julie Gentry decided it was time to go into business for herself. The end result for the Pittsburgh, PA-area native was Petsburgh Mobile Pet Salon, which provides onsite grooming services for dog owners (nail clipping is the only service provided for cats. Julie says she wanted to provide a more personal service for her customers by bring her mobile grooming van to her customers’ homes. “It takes about a third of the time it takes to bring your dog to a grooming salon,” Julie says. “It is a lot more comfortable for the dogs, and more convenient for the customers.” She adds that mobile grooming services are highly desirable to busy pet parents in a multitude of ways. The services are performed at the dog’s home, saving on driving and reducing separation anxiety. After an initial

When you see the Petsburgh Mobile Pet Salon trailer, you’ll know your dog will receive top-quality grooming services. meeting between the groomer, the pet and the parent(s), grooming can be done even when the owner is at work! All the grooming vehicle needs is access to the dogs and a place to park, as no hook-ups or electricity from the home are used. Julie says, “It’s always nice for dog owners to have one less thing to worry about.” Your dog will be groomed in the vehicle and then returned to his or her home. Petsburgh groomers will not keep your dog in a cage at any time. Clean, fresh, heated water is used for baths and the water is never recycled. Elderly and disabled pets are accommo-

dated in every way possible. Petsburgh is devoted to providing grooming services in a secure, enjoyable and stress free environment. And, Petsburgh offers reliability and a variety of different services. The salon Your pooch will enjoy his or her bath in the Petsburgh Mobile Pet offers a nice variety Salon almost as much as you’ll appreciate the convenience! of grooming packown and she is trained in all of the latages, depending upon the needs of the est techniques. Pet owner and Petsowner and the dog. Basic services burgh customer Suzanne Elliott says, always include a brush out, ear clean, “Julie loves my dogs as much as I do. toenail trim, optional tooth brushing, My dogs are always excited to see her warm water bath, towel dry with a and she is always friendly, on time, folhand blow dry, another coat brushing lows up ahead of time to remind me of and deodorizing, finished off with a appointments and, most of all, she is cute bandana or a pretty bow. the best groomer ever!” Upgrades include full body hairPatty, another outstanding Petscuts, customized haircuts, blueberry facials with massage and even deep coat burgh groomer, has more than 20 years of experience that began when she conditioning, among others. owned and operated a boarding kennel. Petsburgh Mobile Pet Salon proShe trains police dogs and shows Engvides outstanding services not only lish bulldogs. Julie says Patty is known because of the company’s exceptional for her excellent scissoring ability and groomers, but also because of the Neighborhood News office manager mobile pet salon’s pet-friendly set-up. Nikki Bennett raved about her beagle Julie prides herself on treating Dakota’s experience with Patty. every pet she meets as if it were her

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Dakota enjoyed his grooming experience with Petsburgh groomer Patty. “The setup inside the salon is so convenient,” Nikki says. “And, Dakota was comfortable with Patty from the very beginning.” Kris is a professional bather at Petsburgh who can transform even the dirtiest dog into the prettiest pooch. Like Julie and Patty, she provides loving attention to all of her newfound friends. At Petsburgh, it really is all about the animals and the company strives to give to pets in need. The Petsburgh groomers often can be found at “yappy hours,” where all proceeds from nail trims or brush outs are given to local charities. Julie says that, “Sometimes, different apartment complexes or busi-

nesses will have their own yappy hours. It’s nice to do something nice and give money to charity.” Petsburgh Mobile Pet Salon travels around the neighborhoods of New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Zephyrhills, Northdale, Lutz, Odessa, Town ‘n Country, Hudson and surrounding areas. Pet owners must book appointments and Petsburgh tries hard to accommodate even the busiest of schedules. All groomers keep detailed records of your pet’s grooming history. And, in the rare case of a pet emergency, the owner will be contacted and, if the owner cannot be reached, Petsburgh has access to a local veterinarian who will be contacted. To Suzanne, “Petsburgh Mobile Grooming is the best idea yet… It’s a top-dog service at my doorstep. My dogs are my babies, since my children are grown, and I trust Julie implicitly with them. She makes the experience easy for me.” For customers in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Zephyrhills, Odessa, Hudson and surrounding areas, call 928-1494 or email patty@petsburghgrooming. com. For more information about Petsburgh Mobile Pet Salon, visit PetsburghGrooming.com. Customers living outside of these areas can call Petsburgh at 928-1392.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

CPR Cell Phone Repair Can Fix Your Broken Electronics! By Gary Nager Considering a statistic I have heard quoted recently (in ads for a local cable TV company) that the average U.S. family now has at least four internetconnected devices (and still growing), you would think a business like the new CPR Cell Phone Repair in the same plaza as Verizon Wireless just off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. near I-75 would be an instant hit. Local CPR franchise co-owner Brian Kirk, who has a degree in electrical engineering but was looking a for a new career after being laid off (after 12 years) by Ford Motor Credit less than two years ago (when the U.S. economy tanked), thought so, too. So, he and his wife Marinella opened New Tampa’s only CPR location (there are 88 stores across the U.S., including two in Orlando and one coming soon to Brandon) in July of this year and the business is starting to attract some attention. “Our location is a natural,” Brian says. “We get a lot of Verizon customers whose phones are either out of warranty or the owners don’t have insurance or even if they do, the deductible on their insurance policy is so high, they will come to us to see if they can’t get a better deal.” Although the Verizon store does employ repair technicians, Kirk says that most of the time, he and his team of electronics “techies” can usually repair most any problem with not only cell phones, but also all of the top video game systems, laptop and other computers and even broken cameras. “We had one lady whose cell phone fell into a lake, but we brought it back to life for her,” says Kirk. “We were able to get it working again a week later, too, after she dropped the same phone in a swimming pool.” Kirk notes that whether your smartphone is an iPhone, LG, Blackberry or any other make or model, whether it has 3G or even 4GS speed or your service is with Verizon, Sprint

(Above) Even if your cell phone looks like this, CPR Cell Phone Repair, located next to the new Tijuana Flats, in the same plaza as Verizon Wireless, can make it look and work like new. The store also sells a variety of top name-brand phones (right), including HTC, Blackberry and more. or another carrier, “It doesn’t matter to us. We usually can fix it in short order.”

Buy, Sell Or Trade, Too!

Kirk notes that customers also appreciate the fact that if his technicians can’t fix a problem with your phone, CPR also is able to buy, sell and trade top makes and models, with phones on sale at the store from as little as $70 to top-of-the-line options costing as much as $250. Video game system repairs also are a big part of CPR’s business. “Game systems like Nintendo, Xbox and Sony PS3 collect a lot of dust, which is what causes the most problems with them,” he says. “We have made quite a few kids happy to be able to walk out with a working system again, usually while you wait!” CPR can even repair iPods, iPads (and other tablet-style computers), as well as digital and film cameras, laptop and desktop computers. “We don’t see too many tablets yet, but because most of the tablet screens are secured with glue, it’s really important that you don’t try to fix those yourself. They’re really easy to break.” “We offer a six-month warranty on all repairs,” he says. “And right now, we’re offering 10-percent-off all repairs, as well as 10-percent-off all phones and accessories we have for sale, if you mention the Neighborhood News.” Kirk also notes that, as part of

CPR’s “green” approach to business, cell phones that can’t be repaired are donated to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, which can at least make “dead” phones able to dial 911. CPR Cell Phone Repair is located (Above left) CPR Cell Phone Repair coat 17501 Preserve Walk Ln, Suite owner Brian Kirk and his outstanding #104. For more info, call 972-0585 technicians, like Jaime (above), can repair or visit CPR-Tampa.com. your video game systems, too.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Business Briefs — Simple Floors, Hammer Fist & Soap Factory! By Gary Nager On this page are three more new businesses that have opened recently in our distribution areas.

Simple Floors Cuts A Chamber Ribbon

Congratulations to Ben and Lisa Bee and their family, the New Tampa residents who recently opened a Simple Floors franchise on Whitaker Rd. (just off U.S. 41) in Lutz. Simple Floors offers a wide variety of hardwood (including exotic wood) and laminate floors and the spacious showroom definitely allows you to picture what the floors will look like in your home. The store has been open for a few weeks, but the “Working Bees” hosted a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening celebration with great food and beverages for about 100 people earlier this month. Simple Floors is located at 103 Whitaker Rd., Lutz. For additional information, call 435-5579 or visit SimpleFloors.com.

Hammer Fist Martial Arts & Krav Maga Opens On S.R. 56 Whether you’re looking for a

Cathy Bickham of the Wesley Chapel Chamber shakes hands with Ben and Lisa Bee of the new Simple Floors in Lutz. great way to keep yourself or your kids physically fit, or you want to learn selfdefense, we suggest visiting Hammer Fist Premier Martial Arts & Krav Maga next to Café Fresco on S.R. 56. Owners Jason and Ashley Carrio invite you to check out the studio for the latest in martial arts training, including unique fitness classes for adults and Krav Maga training for you and your kids. Krav Maga is the official self-defense system of the Israeli Armed Forces. For more info about Hammer Fist Premier Martial Arts (27213 S.R. 56), call 907-9544 or visit PremierMartialArtsWesleyChapel.com.

If you’re like me, you probably never thought of soap making as a possible hobby. But, after visiting the new Handcrafted Soap Factory, located in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (just south of I-75), I have to admit that I’m intrigued. Owners Dina and Michael Good are long-time Tampa Palms residents who decided to open this unique business, which specializes in offering custom-designed soap-making parties for children and adults, as well as selling “slices” and “loaves” of soap. “Our soap is 100-percent natural,

hypo-allergenic, detergent-free and is all handmade on-site,” Dina says. “It’s wonderful soap with great fragrances and making it is a lot of fun.” You can step up to the “Soap Bar” as an individual or throw an awesome soap-making party for a birthday party, bridal shower, girls night out, parent groups, graduation and holiday parties. The Handcrafted Soap Factory is located at 17024 Palm Pointe Dr., in the plaza behind Olive Garden and Red Lobster in Tampa Palms. For more information, call 971-1511 or visit ShopSoapFactory.com.

The Soap Factory Opens Next To Coffee Beanery

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Lady Bulls End Great Season With Cross Country State Medalist By Sean Bowes If you asked some high school students to run 55 miles week, they might get a little upset, but for Nikita Shah, a junior at Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH), coaches have to beg her and her cross-country teammates to take a week off to rest their legs. “It’s hard to get these girls to not run,” says WRH girls cross-country coach Don Howard. But, for Shah, it’s just part of being one of Florida’s best high school runners. This year she was voted North Suncoast Runner of the Year by the St. Petersburg Times. She also was voted Pasco County’s Runner of the Year by high school coaches in the area her freshman year and she recently became the first runner at WGH to come home with a State cross-country medal. On November 19, Shah traveled with the rest of the Bulls to Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City to compete at the State Class 3A meet against 23 other schools, which Howard said was the toughest of Classes 1A-4A in this year’s State meets. “The class we were in was stacked

with competition,” said Howard. “I’ve never seen anything like it before.” Shah says she went into the race with a positive attitude and was ready to give it everything she had. “I just tried my hardest,” Shah says. “It was the last meet of the season and the State meet, so I didn’t want to have any regrets about not trying hard enough.” And, her upbeat approach paid off. Shah finished fourth place in Class 3A (which would have been first in any of the four classes that day) by running 5 kilometers in an impressive 17:53.96. For those who don’t know, any girl running a 5k in under 18 minutes is smoking fast. She ran the hilly, all-grass, 3.1-mile course in an average time of 5:45 per mile. This season is a different story than last year (Shah’s sophomore season), when she dropped 10 places (from 17th to 27th) in State rankings from her successful season as a freshman. According to Howard, the more she trained, the slower Nikita got. It turned out she was not yet diagnosed as having anemia, a common low-iron blood disorder which causes extreme fatigue. Fatigue can be disruptive to any

Nikita Shah running in the Sunshine Athletic Conference meet, where she placed 2nd. athlete, but for a distance runner like Shah, it can be disastrous. Luckily, the problem was diagnosed before the 2011-12 season started. Shah now takes iron supplements and is stronger than ever, she says. Her resurgence is a big part of the success the Lady Bulls have had this season. Howard also says this year has been his most satisfying season in his six-year history with the school, in part because of the entire team’s overall work ethic. “It just really surprised me the success we’ve had,” says Howard. “We

lost four seniors last year, plus another who wanted to focus on basketball. So, basically, (aside from Shah) our team was mostly made up of a cheerleader, a soccer player, a freshman and girl who had never run cross country before.” This season, the team took firstplace at the Sunshine Athletic Conference (for the fourth time in a row), as well as the District 3A-6 title and a runner up finish to Saint Cloud High at the Class 3A, Region 2 meet on November 2. At the State meet, Shah’s time was faster than any girl in Pasco, Citrus, Hernando or Hillsborough County this year. The girls who were faster that day were Olivia Ortiz from Lakewood Ranch High in Bradenton, who was 14.61 seconds faster than Shah at the Class 3A meet, but who also had the fastest time of any girl this year in Florida, at 17:13. Lilly Williams and Carly Thomas, both from Chiles High in Tallahassee, finished 5.67 seconds and 0.93 seconds faster, respectively, than Shah at the Class 3A meet. “I just want to keep working hard and having fun,” says Shah. “I’m having fun. That’s why I do it.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Sportsplex Coming To Wiregrass? By Sean Bowes It will be the first of its kind, says J.D. Porter, treasurer for the Porter Family Trust, of the proposed “Fields of Wiregrass,” a $25-million, 120-acre sports complex which would be able to host a number of tournaments for various sports year-round. On November 30, Pasco’s Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted 5-0 in favor of Porter’s Request for Proposal (RFP). The sports complex would include 12 multi-purpose fields (for field hockey, football, lacrosse and soccer) as well as nine fields designated solely for baseball and softball. Porter says the Fields at Wiregrass also would feature a kayak/canoe launch, trails and even an area for fishing. The plan would be for Pasco County to use some of the $11.6 million it has accumulated in tourist tax revenue since 1991 to use as an investment in the community. The commissioners tentatively agreed to invest $6 million of that total in the Fields at Wiregrass. “This facility would have a huge impact on the area,” says District 2 Pasco County commissioner Pat Mulieri, whose district includes all of Wesley Chapel. “It would be a catalyst for economic development with more hotels, retail and the like. “ The Fields at Wiregrass is expected to hold at least 20 major youth tournaments in its first year, which could be as early as spring 2014. According to Porter, the Fields at Wiregrass would be Wesley Chapel’s answer to monstrous multi-use sports complexes in Florida, such as the Cocoa Expo Sports Center in Cocoa Beach and Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando. In fact, the Porters have hired Steve Daugherty, a former manager at the Wide World of Sports, to run Wiregrass Sports, a company which was started earlier this year to run the sports complex. A unique part of this deal is that Pasco County would have a one-third

joint ownership and control of the park, while the Porters would retain ownership of two-thirds of the complex. Neither the Porters nor the BCC could say with certainty how the specifics of the project would work with the legalities of spending public money on privately owned land, which would ultimately be run by a private company. “There are concerns about the legality of the BBC investing in private property,” says Mulieri. “The premise has been that tourism money would be used to build a facility on countyowned land and it would be run by a private entity. This company (Wiregrass Sports) would have a contract to run the facility.” To maintain operational costs for a top-notch facility, which the Fields at Wiregrass aims to be, outside food and beverage will not be allowed to be brought in (it must be purchased from one of the four concession stands) and spectators would have to pay an entrance fee for tournaments and games, which is likely to be in the neighborhood of $4. “The concept (of building a sports complex in Wiregrass) is on target,” says Mulieri of the Fields at Wiregrass. “The legalities would just have to be worked out.”

“Lacrosse”

daughter received care from the Heart Center for many years. Continued from page 1 In addition to the tournament games, activities included informational the championship game. booths, equipment vendors and lots of When the Tribe Carolina played lacrosse exhibitions. As an extra treat the Tribe Navy, it was a battle between for the Tampa Tribe, NCAA Division the Tribes' top goal scorers - freshman II women’s lacrosse teams from St. Michaela Diaz, of the Carolinas and Leo University near Dade City and sophomore Nichole Sarginger, of the Florida Southern College in Lakeland Navy, who each put in seven goals in played a scrimmage at the tourney and the final game. hosted a clinic where the young players The game was neck and neck the players got to practice their moves with entire match. The Carolinas would pull college players. ahead by one goal and the Navy would Some members from Parent answer right back until the score Heart Watch, a parent advocacy group reached 9-9. In the final two minutes, that is solely committed to protecting Sarginger buried the ball in the back of children from sudden cardiac arrest the net. Leading by just one point and while playing sports, were also in with only a minute remaining, Navy attendance at the tournament. They midfielder Ariana Wenglarski, an eighth helped educate coaches and the public grader, fired a shot that bounced off at the tournament about the importhe Carolinas goalie and into the goal. tance of being trained to use automatThe final score was Navy 11 - Carolina ed external defibrillators (AEDs) in the 9. event of an emergency. On December 1, the girls present“Lacrosse, like many sports, is a ed the check to the St. Joseph's Chilvehicle for teaching young people critidren's Heart Center at the lobby of cal life lessons, instilling core values, the pediatric center; the girls and the creating higher self esteem and providhospital's staff were all smiles. ing a healthy body image,” WCAA “We are thrilled to support St. program director Joe Palermo says. Joseph's Children's Heart Center “It's also about giving back to our because once you have a child with a community which is teaching our heart condition of any kind, you realize youth life's greatest lesson.” how precious each day is for that WCAA lacrosse is a not-for-profit child,” said Renee Diaz, the Tampa organization dedicated to the growth Tribe girls' coach, whose youngest and integrity of girls and boys lacrosse. The monies generated through fund-raising efforts and hosting local tournaments goes to the support of student athletes. For more informaqtion about the Tampa The members of the Tampa Tribe present a check for Tribe, visit Tam$1,800 to the St. Joseph’s Children’s Heart Center. paTribe.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Welcome Home To Grand Hampton,’ Sgt. Joel Tavera & Family! An editorial by Gary Nager Congratulations to U.S. Army Sgt. Joel Tavera and his family, who recently became the recipients of the ninth home given away to wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars by “Building Homes for Heroes” (HFH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is as amazing to me as the stories of the wounded soldiers and their families. I feel fortunate to have been one of more than 1,000 people who gathered on November 19 in a still-beingdeveloped subdivision in the beautiful Grand Hampton community along County Line Rd. to see Sgt. Tavera, his mother Maritza and his father José be led inside their finished 4,200-sq.ft. William Ryan Homes home for the first time. I arrived at Grand Hampton about a half-hour before the Taveras did and I saw magnificent new houses in a pristine neighborhood where, for the event, there were American flags literally every ten feet or so, with not only outside visitors like me, but also the residents of the subdivision lining the streets to give a true American hero a true hero’s welcome. I don’t know how anyone who attended got through the day without shedding a few tears and I certainly was no exception. I first felt them welling up as I waited for Joel and his family to arrive, thinking to myself that although I believe I try to help

(Left) Homes For Heroes (HFH) mission leader Kelly Hallman (left) and HFH founder Andy Pujol were proud to take U.S. Army Sgt. Joel Tavera and his mother and father on a tour of the family’s new home in Grand Hampton, the ninth HFH home dedicated to a wounded member of the U.S. armed forces since 2004. people as much as possible with what I do with the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, that some causes make you realize that there is so much more we all can do, whether to help sick children, battered wives, injured soldiers and so many others. I watched not only regional presiSgt. Tavera and his family were treated to a beautiful parade. dent Jeff Thorson of William Ryan share to help these wounded warriors, like Sgt. Tavera’s family now owns their Homes but also generals, admirals and there is still so much more to be done. home. It would give those who protect other top “brass” from all branches of Considering how many home fore- and serve us something of real value for the U.S. military, his own sergeant and closures there are nationwide these their service and would likely stimulate an FBI agent all pay tribute to Sgt. days, it makes sense to me that instead the U.S. economy more than any Tavera, who was the only survivor of a of hanging onto them, the banking spending cut or tax programs, while rocket explosion. Joel has had 73 surindustry — which sorely needs a public giving the banking industry legitimate geries, with more scheduled, since he relations boost — should donate every writeoffs instead of more empty homes. was injured in 2008 at the age of just last one of them to members of the What do you think? Write me 21. This sad truth kept coming back to U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, here or on our website to let me me: that while HFH and the home Coast Guard and yes, police and fire know! For more info, please visit builders who provide these homes are fighters who need them, free and clear, Building HomesForHeroes.org. likely doing even more than their fair

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Euro Pilates Helps Tanya With Her ‘Pursuit Of The Suit!’ By Tanya Burroughs Every woman should have a little black dress that makes her feel fierce. In the world of business, you also need a go-to suit that makes you fearless. This is the story of my “Pursuit of the Suit.” In 2010, I started a new job and I knew it meant lots of hard work and dedication to my career and family, with little time for me. After some time in the position, I decided to focus on my health and well-being. I started Pilates at Euro Pilates on Bryce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa because two of my girlfriends had started taking classes there and they both looked absolutely amazing. Plain and simple, my jealously kicked in! My first class at Euro Pilates was March 28, and I quickly completed my private lessons and signed up for owner Maria Ivanova’s Pilates “Boot Camp,” which I started on April 4. I thought Maria Ivanova was literally going to kill me! Thankfully, I was in a class with amazing women, which made it easier to deal with the pain my neglected body was feeling. I was not alone! During this same time, my company asked me to film a “how to” video on our sales model. I was flown to Kansas City to make the video that

would be aired at our National Sales Meeting in May. Feeling good about my work, my family and my workouts, I got ready that morning with enthusiasm. I felt like everything was aligning just right. I took my black suit from the closet, where I had carefully hung it the night before, and attempted to slip into the impeccablly pressed pants. They glided easily over my calf, slid past my knee, reached a little resistance at my thighs, and hit a slightly tougher obstacle at my backside and then it happened — a complete and undeniable barricade at the button. Staring in the mirror at my perfect suit straining at every seam, I lost my confidence and my excitement over making the video. It was heartbreaking for me to see the pockets bulging out, the zipper stretched beyond recognition, knowing that even with Spanx, I couldn’t get them closed. How did this happen? I knew I had put on some weight since starting the job but not until putting on my suit did I realize how much. I fought back tears and called my husband and told him that things had to change immediately. I knew there was nothing I could do at that moment, so I regained my composure and put on the cotton skirt I had planned to wear on the plane ride

home and set out to the studio to film. I returned to my Pilates classes and told the ladies my story. Maria encouraged me to weigh in for the next Boot Camp. She saw the changes in my body in just the short time I had been working out, and the ladies all agreed. However, Tanya Burroughs (front) had trouble fitting into her still smarting from favorite power suit before becoming a regular at Euro Kansas City, I Pilates on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa. couldn’t face the number on the day when I attended the national sales scale. Over the next week, Maria was meeting where my video aired with relentless about weighing me in. On great success. I started weighing myself the final day of my first Boot Camp ses- on a regular basis to monitor my sion, Maria said I could not come back progress (or lack thereof). All of my if I did not weigh in. I am still not sure hard work paid off when I won the if she meant it but I didn’t want to take weight loss class challenge for the May the chance…so I stepped on the scale. Boot Camp. Even with that success, At that point, I was determined to however, I still couldn’t bring myself to reach two goals — weight loss and get- try on that suit. ting back into my favorite power suit. In June, I decided to add a new I worked extra hard during the goal to my living healthier list, I wanted next Boot Camp session and was very to look my best for our upcoming famimindful of what I was doing and eating ly vacation. This was going to be the during the day. I even worked out every first time my husband’s family and mine

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

the second month in a row, I won the Boot Camp weight loss challenge. I was on a roll and was excited to be on track with my goals. So, I challenged myself further and set a new goal to win the weight loss challenge for the July Pilates boot camp, even though I was taking time out for our family vacation. This month was the toughest and I had some fierce competition from the other ladies in class. The Boot Camp ladies had put a target on my back and wanted to take me out. I can’t say I was confident, especially with my vacation coming up. I enjoy eating and had not starved myself in my prior two victories and was not about to start on my vacation — which ended on Wednesday with our final July weigh-in the following day. I was able to secure my third consecutive Boot Camp weight loss challenge by .03 percent and another showing of my suit. July was my best month! I had won Boot Camp, faced my father’s words with confidence and can now

had been together since our wedding. This is not as shallow as it sounds, as I had been carrying the emotional baggage of a comment my father had made to me years ago about my weight. I wanted to make sure there was no way he would be able to say anything about my weight other than “you’re so skinny.” Plus, I promised myself I would try my suit on before July, weight loss or not. As July drew closer and closer, I would sit in my closet and stare at my suit. It took me a week before I got the courage to try it on. I pulled the pants on and they glided easily over my calf, slid past my knee, soared past my thighs, shot past my backside, and buttoned with great ease and relief! I immediately walked into the living room with a strut so fierce; I could have taken down the hottest models on a catwalk. By the end of June, I had met the two goals I had set for myself after the Kansas City trip in April. I fit confidently into my power suit and for

totally ROCK my suit again! Euro Pilates has changed more than my body, it has provided me with new friendships, a support network and, with Maria’s guidance, it has taught me to face my fears (the scale) and work hard to overcome them. My confidence is back and I am exploring new forms of exercise with the ones I love, thanks to the new Salsa classes also now being offered at Euro Pilates. My journey has taught me that “we are what we repeatedly do.” I often reflect and am motivated by this quote from Aristotle, “Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit’. I do not intend to break this habit of living healthy and exercising, but if I do veer

off course, I know Maria and my boot camp ladies will quickly push me back on the right track. Euro Pilates is located at 20421 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., on the second floor of the Mid Florida Credit Union building, in front of the Live Oak Preserve development. For appointments and more information about the upcoming class schedule, including Boot Camps, Pilatesstick, salsa lessons and licensed massage therapy, call 7564000 or visit Euro-Pilates.com. Tanya Burroughs is a wife, mother and a Sales Manager for PDI Healthcare. She lives in Plant City with her family.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

This year, we hope our annual Holiday Gift Guide is a little more userfriendly than in years past, organized by shopping category, rather than by a simple A-to-Z listing.

To Give The Gift Of Beauty: Tampa Rejuvenation Purchase 20 units of Botox and receive 5 units free (a $50 value)! Botox costs $10/unit. Offer not valid with any other discounts or special rates and expires December 31st. Limit one per person. Tampa Rejuvenation is located at 15303 Amberly Dr., Suite B. For info, visit TampaRejuvenation.com or call 558-9500.

Bella MedSpa Happy Holidays from Bella MedSpa! Buy 1, get 1 FREE on all Chemical Peels (up to $195), on all IPL Treatments for sun spots (a $275 Value) and on all Microderm Treatments (a $125 Value)! Check out BellaTampa.com for December’s 12 days of Christmas Specials! Or, visit Bella MedSpa at 1821 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd, Suite 120, Wesley Chapel (same plaza as Nutrition S’Mart). Or, call 929-1500.

Artisan Aesthetics Receive $500 OFF any Vaser Liposuction costing $2,500 or more! Restylane, $450; Juvederm, $500; Radiesse, $550 and Holiday Gift Certificates are available! For more information about Artisan Aesthetics, visit DrCastor.com or call 971-2000.

Studio J Holiday special for the month of December: Purchase a $100 gift certificate for only $80! Call Jan at Studio J (14446 BBD Blvd., Tampa) at 505-5337 or visit StudioJTampa.com.

Pebble Creek Family Dentistry Pebble Creek Family Dentistry (across from McDonald’s on BBD Blvd.) is offering a Free Take Home Teeth Whitening Kit. Crown (d2750), special holiday price for just $689. Call Pebble Creek Family Dentistry: (19007 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) at 406-4947 or visit PebbleCreekFamilyDentsitry.com for further information. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans.

Star’s Organic Spa Group

Star’s Organic Spa Group offers gift certificates for that special someone in your life! Everyone would like to have a day at the spa where we “roll out the red carpet and you become our star!” Come and enjoy a chemical-free spa with a waterfront view! For appointments and more info, call Star’s Organic Spa Group (2136 Ashley Oaks Cir., Ste. 101, off S.R. 56, Wesley Chapel, at 973-8787 or visit Stars OrganicSpa.com.

Bliss Facial Spa Bliss Facial Spa is offering discounted gift certificates for the Holidays. Buy $100, get $20 free. Buy $50, get $10 free. The perfect holiday gift for anyone! Everyone loves a luxurious facial, even the man in your life! For more info, please come to Bliss Facial Spa at 1059 BBD Blvd., Wesley Chapel, in front of the Northwood (Target) shopping center. Questions? Call 428-5991 or visit BlissFacialSpa.com.

Avalon Med. Spa & Laser Ctr Avalon, which is under new ownership and management and has an all-new staff, is offering GM Collins products Spa parties starting at $99.95!

Avalon Medical Spa & Laser Center is located at 15347 Amberly Dr., in the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms. For more info, visit MedicalSpaandLaser.com or call 8668400.

The Perfect Gift For Anyone: A Special Rose Florist

A Special Rose Florist is featuring Thomas Kinkade Carolers and Lenox Bags collectibles. The shop on BBD also carries V&M organic candles and bath salts, Harry London Chocolates, Christmas cards and Plush. Receive 10-percentoff your local order if you mention this Gift Guide. You can place orders by calling 979-9453, online (at ASpecialRoseFlorist. com) or stop by and see us at 14546 BBD Blvd. We deliver locally and nationwide. Please support your local florist and “like” us on Facebook.

Peabody’s & The Palms Happy Holidays! Come in to Peabody’s Bar & Billiards in Tampa Palms and receive a FREE $50 gift certificate with your purchase of $100 worth of Peabody’s gift certificates! Limited time only; offer expires 12/24/11. Certificates must be purchased in one transaction.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Don’t forget to join us for our “Ugly Sweater Holiday Party” on Thursday, December 8, 9 p.m.! Show up wearing the night’s ugliest sweater to win a great prize! Visit Peabody’s & The Palms Lounge at 15333 Amberly Dr. , in the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms, or at PeabodysTampa. com or call 972-1725.

Charles Jewelers Fine jewelry and watches are always a big hit for gift giving. At Charles Jewelers in Tampa Palms, you’ll find brands like Pandora, Michelle, Bulova, Ice, Fendi and Simon G. And, if you need some extra CASH, this is a great time to turn in your old gold into holiday shopping $! Call Charles Jewelers (16053 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., in the City Plaza shopping center) for the store’s holiday hours at 972-4653. Or, visit CharlesJewelersTampa.com or on Facebook for recent promotions!

Acropolis Taverna See the story on page 30 of this issue for Acropolis’ holiday specials!

Ciccio’s/The Lodge Book your holiday party now! Whether you want to have it at Ciccio’s/ The Lodge in Tampa Palms or you want to use the restaurant’s famous catering service, Ciccio’s/The Lodge can accommodate your party needs, large or small! For more info, visit Ciccio’s/The

Lodge (16023 Tampa Palms Blvd., in the City Plaza shopping center), call 975-1222 or 295-4663 (for catering) or visit CicciosLodge. com.

Sushi Tsu Japanese Steakhouse Try the unique dining experience of Sushi Tsu in Tampa Palms for any holiday party! Call to book today! Receive $10 off any purchase of $50 or more with the coupon featured in this edition! Good for dine-in only and must present coupon. Not valid with any other promotions, discounts, coupons, early bird vouchers or Restaurant. com. Excludes holidays. Expires 12/31/11. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi is located at 15363 Amberly Dr., in the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms. For more info, visit SushiTsu.com or call 910-9404.

Back 9 Café Receive 20% off your total food bill at the new Back 9 Café inside Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club with the coupon featured in this edition. Beverages and gratuity not included. Expires 12/31/11. Back 9 Café (10630 Plantation Bay Dr., just off Cross Creek Blvd.) can be reached by phone at 907-0267 or visit Back9Cafe.com.

Give The Gift Of Relaxation: Swiss Spirit Massage

Holiday special! Buy three one- hour

massages at Swiss Spirit Massage, get one 30-minute massage free! It’s a great way to treat yourself while buying for others! Must present the coupon featured in this edition. Not valid with any other offers or with Marlen. Expires 12/31/11. For more information, visit Swiss Spirit Massage at 10323 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite B, or at Swiss-SpiritMassage.com or call 325-1296.

Some Unique Gift Ideas:

Book Swap Of New Tampa The perfect gift for the hard-to-get reader! Purchase a $50 gift certificate at Book Swap in the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza and receive $10 in store credit to use on your next visit. Offer expires: 12/24/11. For additional information, visit Book Swap of New Tampa at 1946 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., call 929-7490 or visit online at BookSwapFl.com.

Quest Martial Arts The Quest Martial Arts Center on BBD south of Tampa Palms is mostly an adult student body offering classes exclusively in practical and sensible self-defense. The training also involves an extensive program of personal development and life management. We are happy to enroll children who take the program seriously and offer family discounts. Quest’s Holiday Trial Program gets you started for just $29. The Quest Martial Arts Center

(15049 BBD Blvd., just north of Acropolis) can be reached at 971-5545 or visit TampaQuestMA.com.

Rock ‘n’ Body Pole Studio Know someone who is looking to spice up their fitness routine or try something new? Rock “n” Body Pole Studio in Lutz is now offering holiday gift packages! Call now to find out more! Rock “n” Body, where getting fit is sexy! Rock “n” Body Pole Studio is located at 1850 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz. For more info, call 317-5094 or visit rocknbodypoleparties.com.

You Do The Dishes PaintYour-Own Pottery Studio You Do The Dishes is offering parents a great (and much-needed) afterChristmas gift for the holidays, as kids paint for half-price from December 26January 2. You Do The Dishes: A Paint Your Own Pottery Studio & Coffee Shop!, is located at 15357 Amberly Dr., in the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa palms. Call 975-1700 and ask about party rates and specials today!

Sealed With A Kiss Boutique Seal'd with a Kiss Boutique offers Unique Holiday Gifts & Christmas Decorations. Mention this ad and receive 10% off your total purchase. Located inside Seal Swim School at 19509 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Lutz. Call 229-7946.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

With All The Changes At Acropolis, Quality Is Still The Key! By Gary Nager I have always been a big fan of Acropolis Greek Taverna since the New Tampa location in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (just south of Tampa Palms and just a few miles south of Wesley Chapel) replaced the Tampa Brickyard in the same space four years ago. Even though he couldn’t call Acropolis a “Greek Taverna” when he first opened because the Louis Pappas Market Café was located at the opposite end of the same plaza at that time, owner Sam Waez served the same outstanding Mediterranean cuisine he did for several years in Ybor City in a casual setting that still allowed New Tampa diners to enjoy a fine dining experience. There have been a lot of changes at Acropolis since then, but the old saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same rings true in the case of one of our area’s favorite restaurants, both among USF students and New Tampa residents. “The most important thing is that the quality of our food and our service have stayed consistent,” Sam says of his four locations. “And we know no one beats our prices for this type of quality.” Acropolis has consistently made menu additions, although many longtime customers still order the same Mediterranean and Middle eastern starters they have from the beginning, from delicious hummus, grilled octopus, spanakopita and baba ghanouj to a traditional Greek salad (but with a tasty, but non-traditional creamy Greek dressing), tender calamari and the alwayswonderful spinach and artichoke dip. Utilizing the same menu (and prices) for lunch and dinner, but always offering wonderful lunch specials starting as low as $6 and dinner specials starting at $9, Acropolis continues to add new dishes to my list of favorites. I love the charbroiled whole snapper and have been told the new seafood pasta, which includes shrimp, mussels and

scallops over penne pasta in a creamy red sauce topped with shaved parmesan) is wonderful, too, Calamari (above) or although I’m Greek salad, anyone? sadly allergic to the shrimp. I’m partial to the gyro and souvlaki wrap sandwiches and even the tasty America burger at Acropolis, and my favorite dinner entrées are the chicken, pork tenderloin and filet mignon shish kabobs, awesome grilled lamb chops, the savory filet mignon topped with sautéed onions and mushrooms, the chicken Santorini (in creamy lemon white wine sauce), the mahi plaki (topped with a tomato basil sauce) and my absolute favorite, the Athenian fish, which is pan fried and topped with a dollop of (although I always ask for extra) a zesty, homemade pesto sauce. “We receive shipments of fresh fish five or six days every week,” Sam says. “I know people love our seafood.” You also can’t beat the decadent dessert tray at Acropolis, which features American and Greek specialties, from baklava and rice pudding to a decadent chocolate peanut butter cake.

The friendly bartenders and servers at Acropolis Greek Taverna are always happy to serve you in the recently remodeled bar area, which has more room and more tables.

(Left) The outdoor patio at Acropolis is covered, offers climate control and lots of hookah pipes. (Right) The Athenian fish is one of our editor’s favorite dishes at Acropolis. dinner hour, Acropolis is always entertaining, too. Acropolis Greek Taverna is open late (including the kitchen) seven nights a week, at 14947 BBD. For

more information, call 971-1787 or visit AcropolisTaverna.com. And, if you mention this story when you visit, you can get a $100 Acropolis holiday gift card for only $80!

Changes For The Better!

Sam and his New Tampa managers Tarek and Z are rightfully proud of all of the recent changes at Acropolis, which include a newly remodeled bar area, which is now much more open and spacious, a totally revamped and expanded covered patio area, which is both heated and cooled and is perfect for enjoying hookah (and hand-rolled cigar) smoking, and coming soon, a new wine cellar featuring about 30 great Greek wines. And, with live music seven days a week, belly dancing and plate-breaking all weekend and dancing servers every

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles - Updates On Quail Hollow CC, Café Olé & More Quail Hollow CC To Host Big New Year’s Eve Bash!

If you still have never visited the newly revamped Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (QHGCC, located off Old Pasco Rd., less than a mile from S.R. 54) here’s a great chance to check out the club’s beautifully remodeled restaurant for one of the biggest events of this or any year. Owner Andre Carrollo and Chef Demetrius invite you to ring in the New Year at QHGCC on Saturday, December 31, beginning at 7 p.m., for dancing (until 1 a.m.) and a spectacular fixed-price dinner, which includes your choice of fresh Florida stone crabs or Mediterranean beef carpaccio, a classic Caesar or field mixed green salad, as well as your choice of three outstanding entrées — a filet mignon and Maine lobster tail combo, a garlic and rosemary-crusted prime rib or grouper St. Jacques topped with shrimp, scallops, wild mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. For only $160 per couple, which includes a champagne toast at midnight, taxes and gratuity, you’ll also get to enjoy a “death by chocolate” cake with fresh raspberry chocolate purée-dipped strawberries. We’re betting you won’t be able to beat the food, the venue, the live music

or the price for this awesome evening. QHGCC is located at 6225 Old Pasco Rd. For New year’s reservations and more info, call 333-0033 or visit QuailHollowNow.com.

Café Olé Back Under Original Ownership For those who still have never tried Café Olé in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St., I encourage you to visit New Tampa’s only restaurant providing a “True Taste of Spain.” Café Olé, already one of my favorite restaurants in our area, is once again owned by Frank Aliaga, who is originally from Spain and still spends a lot of time in his native country. Aliaga, who also was one of the original owners/developers of the Cross Creek Center, has major plans under way to not only re-focus Café Olé’s menu, but also to add a separate formal dining room for private parties (perfect for any holiday bash) and busy nights and bring in a unique beer, wine and liquor store that also will carry Spanish-style packaged foods and more. The new dining room and liquor store are expected to open by Friday, December 16. In addition, Café Olé is offering great new Happy Hour and Ladies

Night (on Thursday evenings) specials, in addition to $5 Tapas Tuesdays and a new “Karate Wednesday” special, and will feature music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Also, coming soon is an announcement of the restaurant’s next Flamenco show night. Café Olé also is planning a great New Year’s Eve celebration. Call or stop in for details. Café Olé is located at 10020 Cross Creek Blvd. and is open every day at 11 a.m. For more information, call 907-5242.

County Line Rd. — A Burger Battleground?

When Five Guys Burgers & Fries first opened a couple of years ago in the Sweetbay/L.A. Fitness-anchored plaza at the corner of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and was followed in 2010 by a Red Robin in front of the Shops at Wiregrass mall at the intersection of S.R. 56 and BBD, we had no idea that the pair would be part of a massing of burger-oriented chains north and south of the county line in that area. In addition to Five Guys, Red Robin and Sonic, which already are located within New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s burger borders, several new

burger joints also are joining the fray. Among the newcomers is a just-opened Burger Five Guys Burgers & King located Fries is no longer the between Five only burger available Guys and near County Line Rd. Wharton High on BBD. On the same side of BBD just a little further south, the third link in the Tampa-based Burger 21 chain is expected to open over the next month or two in a new retail plaza a little closer to Wharton than Burger King. And, around the same time frame, just the second location of Burger Monger — which, like Burger 21, also has a Carrollwood store — will open in the space previously occupied by Panchero’s in the same section of the Shops of New Tampa at Wesley Chapel between the county line and 56 as Bonefish Grill. Is all this burger mongering a function of the economy, a sign that people somehow couldn’t get enough of just fast food burgers or both? We will keep you posted on each of the newcomers as they open. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Chamber Hosts A Successful Wellness Festival It’s been three years since the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) has hosted a Health & Wellness Festival at The Grove shopping plaza off S.R. 54 at I75, but WCCC marketing director Christine Hope says the event was much better-received this time around. “We know we made some mistakes three years ago,” says Hope. “But, even though we had much more positive feedback (from attendees and exhibitors alike) this time, we’re still going to listen to suggestions about how to keep making it better.” Held only two months after the Chamber’s annual Awards Banquet and only a month after the WCCC’s rousing Fall Festival success, this year’s Health & Wellness Festival featured more than 80 sponsors, exhibitors and business partners, and although there were no hard numbers of attendees available (there was no admission cost or turnstiles) afterward, I personally estimated the crowd at maybe close to 2,000 in attendance, including everyone on hand to showcase their health, wellness, fitness and/or nutrition-oriented businesses , as well as those who came to see the outstanding local entertainment. Although those numbers seem to

be significantly better than three years ago, Hope says a number of the exhibitors told her they would prefer to stage the event on a Saturday, instead of a Sunday. I also suggested a possible move to another part of the year, like maybe shortly after the first of the new year, when most people are at their most healthconscious. For more information about the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, call the Chamber office at 994-9534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com. Upcoming events include the final Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel Casino Night fund raiser for candidate “Little Jan” Roberts of Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on Tuesday, December 6 (see page 12 for details), and the announcement of the Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel winner on Thursday, Dec. 15. And, for your chance to win a $50 dining or spa gift certificate, identify any of the people in any of

these photos by “tagging” them on our much larger gallery of photos from the Wesley Chapel Health & Wellness Festival on our website (NTNeighborhoodNews.com) and you'll be eligible to win one of at least five drawn-at-random dining or salon/spa gift certificate prizes valued from $20-$50. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, a worldwide distributor of orthodontic products located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following positions: Inside Sales: Experienced Telesales reps wanted to manage and grow established territories. Successful Inside Sales exp in a quota-based environment req’d. Competitive base + commission. Qualified candidates should submit resume citing proven sales track record to careers@orthotechnology.com Visit our website at www.orthotechnology.com for additional information and other job opportunities. We provide a great work environment and excellent benefits package. Physical Therapist or PTA – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a PT or PTA to provide customized, one-on-one care during afternoon and early evening hours for diverse patient population. Fax resume to 813-994-3080.

Foreclosure Homes & Bank REO listings by email at www.TampaForeclosuresToday.com. Team Bohannon, Coldwell Banker 813-982-7512

Classifıeds

FLORIDA FLOOR SYSTEMS INC. COLUMBIA LAMINATE from $2.49SF COLUMBIA WOOD from $4.99SF MOHAWK/SHAW CARPET from $1.99SF MATERIAL, LABOR, INSTALLED CALL DAVID 813-943-4772 FLORIDAFLOORSYSTEMS.COM, FREE ESTIMATES RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & Exterior pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124.

CLEANING SERVICES D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710.

Help Wanted! Looking for an organized, reliable individual to help file, organize, and assist with basic office duties, a few hours, one day a week, possibly more to start. Please contact Brian at blewis816@gmail.com, or 813.973.1417 for more information.

CYD PROFSESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES Residential & Commercial – Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Rates - Flexible Scheduling including week-ends. Green Cleaning Solutions available upon request. We provide all cleaning supplies. Quality Cleaning at AFFORDABLE prices/ 5 years experience. You’ll have the same uniformed cleaning professional every time! CALL CATHERINE AT 813-965-4162.

Well known European hair salon & spa in Temple Terrace looking for experienced professionals. Positions available:Licensed/Massage therapist, nail technician, hairstylist and skin care professional. Applicants must be experienced, with or without clientele. Two possibilities: Booth rental room/commission. Call 813.786.8510 9 a.m., and 6 to 10 p.m.

M.Y. Cleaning Service: Offering Residential cleaning. We offer complete bath & kitchen cleaning, as well as dusting and polishing furniture. We provide our own supplies. Free estimates! Call Mila: (813) 516-3554. Your satisfaction is our priority! With 5 years of experience, we guarantee meticulous cleaning!

MUSICIAN WANTED

SPRINKLER REPAIR

BASS PLAYER or DRUMMER WANTED Jazz/Blues/Rock to practice once a week with SAXOPHONIST (Professor @ USF) & TWO GUITARISTS, start band & do occasional GIGs in the North Tampa area. We have played in numerous bands, jazz, rock, blues 15-20+ years. glenns@usf.edu Glenn w 813 974 7922 h 813 972 9394

Sprinkler Repair with FL Waterworks: We’ve been in the sprinkler repair business for over 5 years! All of our work is 100% guaranteed and we offer written warranties on all of our work! Call us today for fast friendly service! We want to earn your business, and be your local Tampa Bay Sprinkler Repair Contractor for Life! CALL NOW (813) 2397345 or visit FlWaterWorksIrrigation.com.

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST 9am -9pm, Mon, Tues & Wed. $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 727-3726389 Lic # MA47546.

D R Y W A L L R E P A I R Dry Wall Specialist - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate – 813.784.5999.

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Need home maintenance? Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582. Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

ENJOY YOUR POOL, WHILE WE MAINTAIN IT. KJ POOL SERVICE. Servicing pools for over 6 years. FIRST MONTH FREE, PLUS FREE EVALUATION & QUOTE Owner & Operator. LICENSE, BONDED & INSURED. Office: 813.909.9466 Cell: 813.748.9817. kjpoolservice@yahoo.com. Visit our website @ kjpoolonline.com TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. CALL CHRIS TODAY @ 813-857-5400 or visit WWW.TRANQUILITYPOOLSERVICE.COM to see why we are NEW TAMPA’S # 1 CHOICE! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-780-8616 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

S E L L Y O U R S T U F F 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

M I S C E L L A N E O U S NEED EXTRA MONEY...Turn your unwanted, old or broken gold jewelry into CASH! Take advantage of high gold prices which may not last long. Don't sell to the fly by night companies. Take it to Tampa Palms Hometown Jeweler. Jeweler on staff w/ 35 years exp. Charles Jewelers, 972-4653 (next to Stein Mart on Bruce B. Downs).

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few months Thursday evening’s 7-8 pm. Space is limited. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 31 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org. Peter #787-7560 or E-mail chuan-fa@tampabay.rr.com

BRIDGE PLAYERS WANTED Intermediate level, rubber/party bridge. Join an enjoyable, warm, casual, mixed small group in New Tampa. Once or twice per month for three-hour session in selected homes of members. 1-2 tables maximum. Free. No frills. Daytime. Weekdays. Don't hesitate. Call Harry at 813 907-2541 for details.

OFFICE FURNITURE: CHERRY DESK with matching credenza, desk chair and side chair. $900 or make best offer OFFICE FRAMED WORLD MAPS with gold leaf $10 each or 3 for $20 POTTED PALMS ON PATIO- $50 each or 3 for $125. Contact Judi Beck 813-972-3430. For Sale: Cat with blue eyes - mostly Siamese, beautiful and loving, about one year-old. Rescued neutered male; has all shots; tested negative for feline aids and leukemia. Deserve owner(s) who truly love him and will make him a family member. Please call 813.907.8108 for more information.

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS: Neighborhood News will be changing the format of our classified ads in 2012. Please call to inquire about these changes and how they may affect your listing today!

D R I V I N G S E RV I C E Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at 813-966-1530.

P E T

S I T T I N G

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye – we say hello. 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. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit us at www.TampaCatLady.com.

R E A L

E S T A T E

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 26 • December 17, 2011 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com