BECOMES TESLA CERTIFIED TO ADD TO ITS FULL-SERVICE SHOP

HiTech Automotive is a veteran-owned auto repair service that has served the Brandon area since 2004 by ofering their best services available at afordable prices. Now, in addition to a range of services, HiTech Automotive is certified to work on most Tesla models after taking part in an EV Training.

With the new certification, the locally owned business is now able to diagnose, service and repair Tesla models at a reasonable rate to provide better customer service.

“This gives the community another option to have a local and family-owned shop provide the services that are needed without the headache of the dealership and their hefty cost for servicing with these types of vehicles,” explained Denise Olson.

Retired Chief Petty Ofcer of the U.S. Navy Tom Gauvreau and U.S. Navy veteran Gary Olson own the Brandon company. Gauvreau served as an electronics technician for 20 years and served in a management position for 15 of those. Gary served for six years and worked as a structural and hydraulic aircraft mechanic, adding to his experience and knowledge working with automotives.

“We have ‘A Dedication to Excellence.’

By Lily Belcher

The philosophy of HiTech Automotive is to treat every customer like family. HiTech Automotive provides the highest-quality vehicle repair services in our community, through quality workmanship, exceptional customer service and keeping our prices afordable,” said Denise about the mission of the company to best serve its customers.

HiTech Automotive’s 13 employees provide brake, electrical, electronic, undercar, alignment, tire and engine services. They also ofer domestic and import/foreign repair services.

“We love being a part of such a wonderful community and being here year after year to service them. We truly value the support of our customers and fellow local business owners,” said Denise. “Being able to support many local schools and charities is the icing on the cake for us.”

HiTech Automotive is located at 119 S. Montclair Ave. in Brandon between U.S. Highway 60 and Lithia Pinecrest Road. For more information on HiTech Automotive or to make an appointment, visit www.hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com or contact the auto repair service through Facebook Messenger or call 813-684-1556.

Mark your calendars because it is time once again for the Florida State Fair. Held at the Florida State Fairgrounds from Thursday, February 9 to Monday, February 20, the fair ofers food, fun, entertainment and even education for the whole family.

The Florida State Fair, first held in Tampa in 1904, has become one of the largest events in the state, attracting more than 500,000 people during its annual run.

The fair boasts the largest midway in the USA, a robust agricultural program, interactive animal exhibits and new attractions each year.

As the first state fair of the year, the Florida State Fair is the first to debut fun, new foods along with all of the returning fair-food favorites visitors have come to know and love.

According to the fair’s website, a few of this year’s new and unique food items include apple fries, which are Granny Smith apples battered and deep-fried, coated in cinnamon sugar and light, crispy and delicious; the mangonada, a trendy treat with real mango blended into a slushy topped with chamoy (a sweet, tangy syrup), tajin (lime-tangy salt) and a tamarind stick (sweet, chewy, spicy candy); the fried key lime pie, consisting of bite-size pieces of mini doughnuts coated in buttercream frosting, layered with key lime pie filling and fresh whip cream, topped with white chocolate, graham cracker crumble and a fresh lime slice. And with a nod to Tampa and its ties to the roots of the Cuban sandwich, the Tampa Cuban funnel cake sandwich will be a sure-fire hit with Spanish pork, smoked ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard nestled between two traditional 4-inch funnel cakes then heat-pressed and topped with a doughnut glaze.

With the largest midway in the USA, there are rides for all ages of fun-seekers, from thrill rides to kiddie rides and everything in between. Along with the rides, there are can’t-miss shows, live music, agriculture programs and more to provide endless entertainment, all included with admission.

It’s afordable family fun at its best. Armbands for unlimited rides and other advance ticket deals are available online. For more information about the Florida State Fair, please visit www.floridastatefair.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram.

The Florida State Fairgrounds are located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa.

Among my new listings for 2023 is this lovely townhome in Riverview s Avelar Creek! Enjoy low-maintenance living & gated security in a quality community featuring clubhouse, playground, & 2 neighborhood pools close to countless conveniences. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2-story home includes a 1-car garage in addition to more than a dozen guest parking spots directly across the street or just around the corner. A screened back lanai helps the home live larger than 1,700 SF, while attractive amenities range from stone facades & other exterior accents to interior upgrades such as tile, wood, granite and stainless-steel. All bedrooms & both full baths are up- stairs. Offered for sale at $310,000.

In Riverview’s Villa Serena community, here s another way to get that valuable low-maintenance lifestyle! It’s actually a 1st-floor condominium with 2 bedrooms plus an office, 2 full bathrooms, a 1-car garage & a private back yard. It’s also an end unit for additional privacy, & of course there s gated security. Inside more than 1,530 SF you ll find updates to the kitchen & baths. All roofs in this neighborhood are being replaced next month for peace of mind. Perhaps best of all, it’s hard to beat the convenience of this location so close to shopping, restaurants, schools, recreation options & easy routes to Tampa, Orlando, Gulf beaches, etc. Like the townhome at left, it s offered for sale at $310,000.

Over $20 million in sales in 2022

RE/MAX

Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay

Certified Luxury Home Specialist Newsome High, Riverview High parent

“I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!” tenants with allergies. Rent is $2,295 a month with washer, dryer & lawn care included!

A 3-car garage, more than 3,000 SF & nearly 1/3 acre with yard care provided are the keys to this beautiful rental in Belmont! The master suite is upstairs with 3 other bedrooms & 2nd twin-sink bath, while the 5th bedroom & 3rd full bath are downstairs for flexible use. Ready this month at $2,995.

In FishHawk West, this fully furnished former model can be rented for a shorter term than most! It s like your own vacation villa in a gated enclave, from its crown molding & customized finishes to its decorator furniture & all appliances. Available in March. Please contact me for pricing & terms.

Dr. Darcy Bryan Joins Women’s Care In Lithia

Dr. Darcy Bryan, MD, PPA is a physician at Women’s Care in Lithia and a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Bryan completed an OB-GYN residency at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California and a medical doctorate from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. As part of a Galloway Fellowship, Dr. Bryan completed a gynecologic oncology rotation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and holds certifications in total laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic floor prolapse reconstruction. She is a f liated with both St. Joseph’s Hospital-South and Brandon Regional Hospital. Her o f ce is located at 16301 FishHawk Blvd., Ste. 102. Please call 813530-4181 for appointment information or visit www.womenscareobgyn.com.

Local Couple Opens

Code Wiz Learning Center In FishHawk

Coding for kids has gained popularity rapidly in recent years as technology becomes increasingly part of everyday life. Children who learn to code when they’re young can set themselves up for a lifetime of success. Local residents Reggie and April Moore’s son has a great passion for gaming and designing on computers. His parents saw the opportunity to leverage that interest into learning the valuable skill of coding. Unable to identify any local resources, the two decided to research new businesses that would enable them to bring coding classes to their community.

The Moores later came across Code Wiz, and with April’s background in education and Reggie’s technology expertise, the two found the ideal opportunity. Unlike other coding programs, Code Wiz utilizes a Montessori-style approach and classes are project-based, allowing students to explore at their own pace while building confidence and interest.

Code Wiz FishHawk is located at 16132 Churchview Dr., Ste. 105 in Lithia. For more information, visit its website at https://thecodewiz.com/fishhawk-fl.

Traditional Chinese Martial Art Training In Sefner

The Moy Yat Tsun Kung Fu Institute in Seffner, owned by Sifu Ariel Lugo, o f ers training in the traditional Chinese martial art of Ving Tsun, or ‘Wing Chun,’ as it is more commonly known. This martial-art system was developed over a thousand years in the Shaolin temples of southern China and was streamlined 400 years ago so that only the most e f cient and e f ective techniques are considered. “We work on various forms and exercises that help you develop your speed, timing, balance and mental focus,” said Lugo. More information about the classes o f ered can be found on its website at www.mykungfutampa.com or by calling 813-603-7486.

Florida NP Healthcare Clinic

Florida NP Healthcare Clinic is owned by Alicia Grigsby and o f ers a wide range of services including school physicals, B12 injections, annual wellness visits, sick visits, well-woman exams, sports and camp physicals, etc. The o f ce is located at 11317 Elk Mountain Dr. in Riverview.

COMING SOON MARCH 2-12

Please call 813-8980226 or visit its website at http://provider.kareo. com/alicia-grigsby to make an appointment.

Latitudes Tours Ofers

Small-group Bus Tours

Latitudes Tours is now o f ering private smallgroup bus tours. Don’t wait for public transportation, a hired car and forget carpooling. Take a small-group bus tour on Latitudes Tours’ air-conditioned bus to whatever destination you choose. Fifteen passengers can sit comfortably in the round so that they can enjoy each other’s company, and there is ample storage for bags, beach gear, shopping and more. Need an airport shuttle? It can pick up or drop o f 15 people with luggage to Tampa International, Sarasota Bradenton International and St. Pete-Clearwater International airports. For more information and pricing, visit its website at https://latitudestours.com/, email info@ latitudestours.com or call 813-641-1311.

Bryan Hindman Electric Celebrates

Nine Years Serving Te Community Bryan Hindman Electric is celebrating nine years serving the community. “I can’t believe we started out of our living room, boy have we grown,” said owner Bryan Hindman. The business provides exceptional work by licensed, experienced and devoted electricians in the Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Brandon, FishHawk and wider Tampa Bay areas. Whether it’s replacing a panel for insurance purposes or adding recessed lights, it can service your every need.

Contact Bryan Hindman Electric by calling 813-672-4084 or visiting its website at www.bryanhindmanelectric.com.

PetSuites Now

Open In Valrico

PetSuites is a premiere boarding, day care, grooming and training facility that recently opened at 2120 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, behind the Chick-fil-A.

Owned by National Veterinary Associates, it is committed to providing personalized services for you and your furry family member. Stop in and tour the facility, it would love to meet you. PetSuites is open from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit https://bloomingdale.petsuitesofamerica.com/ or call 813-822-0627.

Blue Compass RV Kicks Of Nationwide Rebrand

Redesign With Blue Compass

RV Tampa

Blue Compass RV, one of the nation’s largest providers of sales, service and protection products to the recreational vehicle market, celebrated its recent rebrand with a ribbon-cutting and beginning a series of store transitions throughout 2023, kicking o f with rebrand of Blue Compass RV Tampa (previously RV One Superstores Tampa). Each store will receive both an interior and exterior upgrade to boast the new name and logo of Blue Compass RV. Customers will be treated to an elevated store experience that directly reflects the Blue Compass RV brand. To learn more about Blue Compass RV, please visit www.bluecompassrv.com.

Fields Insurance Is

Here To Protect You

Michael Fields is the owner of Fields Insurance, a full-service independent insurance agency specializing in auto, property, business, farm and life

By Jenny Bennett

insurance. Fields Insurance seeks to provide simple, a f ordable and comprehensive insurance coverage to those who seek its insurance products. It is located at 108 Central Dr. in Brandon and can be contacted by calling 813-651-0094. For more information, visit its website at www.fieldsinsuranceagency.com.

Citizens Bank & Trust Recognized As Fastest-growing Community Bank In Tampa Bay

Citizens Bank & Trust was recognized in a recent Tampa Bay Business Journal article as the fastest-growing community bank in Tampa Bay for 2022. According to the article, Citizens Bank & Trust is the region’s fourth-largest community bank and has more than tripled in size over the last decade. “We are extremely honored for our growth to be recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal,” said Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust. “As a community bank starting our 103rd year, we are thankful to our board of directors and team members who provide local decision making and outstanding customer service, and who have also played a pivotal role in the overall growth of the bank.” Citizens Bank & Trust currently operates 13 o f ces in Polk County with additional locations in Dade City, Valrico and Plant City.

Impact Galentine’s Tea And Fashion Show

Impact will be hosting a Galentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m.12 Noon at New Hope United Methodist Church, located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. A fashion show by Lena Maxey Marketplace will be included, and there will be a variety of ra f es and silent-auction items to win. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Impact’s website at www.whatisimpact.com/events. For more information, email Angie Kagey at akagey@ whatisimpact. com or call 813-264-9368. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Clearwater Marine