FOCUS Brandon 09-02

Culligan Water of Tampa 2703 Airport Road Plant City, FL 33563 Toll Free (888)440-4542 tampaculligan.com

OCTOBER 22ND THRU 25TH

OCTOBER 29TH THRU NOVEMBER 1ST Hwy. 60 - East of Brandon

EXTREME RANCH RODEO

BULLS & BARRELS

TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL

DEMOLITION DERBY

FRI. OCT. 23 & SAT. OCT. 24 7:00PM FRI OCT. 30 & SAT OCT. 31 7:00PM

SUN OCTOBER 25 3:00PM

SUN NOVEMBER 1 3:00PM

TICKETS ARE $10.00 PER EVENT

ADVANCE TICKET INCLUDES FREE ADMISSION TO FAIR ON DAY OF EVENT

For Fair Details, Show Times, Contest, Special Discounts and Event Information Visit

w w w. H i l l s b o ro u g h C o u n t y F a i r. c o m FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON OCTOBER 2015

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can’t miss events

MONDAY – FRIDAY THRU-OUT OCTOBER • Brandon Historical Photographs Mook Gallery at Center Place 619 Vonderburg Drive 9AM – 5PM

3 SATURDAY • Florida Inspirational Writers Retreat 8AM – 5PM Cedarkirk Conference Center 1920 Streetman Drive, Lithia Contact Debora Coty 813-240-6579 • 8th Annual Holiday Cards for Troops Free Event for ages 16 and up 9AM – 3PM Donations at the door Center Place 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon 813-685-8888 E-mail: cpfinearts@verizon.net • ECHO Thrift Sale (each Sat. thru 10-31) 8AM - Noon 507 N Parsons Ave, Brandon October 31st from 8:00am -12:00 noon Laura Young at laura@echofl.org • East Hillsborough Ducks Unlimited Greenwings Outdoor Youth Adventure Day 1:00 – 6:00 PM Gun/archery safety; duck calls/blinds/boxes Finish the day with great food FishHawk Sporting Clays 3505 Hobson Simmons Rd., Lithia $20 first child: $10 each additional Ron Sanders: 813-422-8113 or blufalcon52@aol.com

6 TUESDAY • Synergy Membership Luncheon 11:30AM – 1:30PM The Regent , 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview $12 for members & their guests • $15 at door $150 Corporate tables of 8 Registration 813-689-1221 Online www.brandonchamber.com

7 WEDNESDAY • Johnny Appleseed Make Believe Theater Family show for general public 10:15AM Katie Adams weaves story from early US history. Puppets crafted like old-fashioned toys, a story quilt, and traditional music

10 SATURDAY • Gifts & Crafts Fair The Clubhouse at The Bridges 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. Riverview 10AM-3PM Free admission Contact: Janet Noah 813-413-8900

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14 WEDNESDAY

22 THURSDAY

27 TUESDAY

• Community Roundtable Monthly Meeting 6:30PM Center Place (Brandon Library 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon 813-681-4350 info@TheCommunityRoundtable.org

• PC Local Harvest Farmers Market McCall Park, 100 North Collins St. Historic Downtown Plant City 813-531-1911 4 – 8PM

• Brandon Chamber Coffee Club 8:00-9:30AM General RV in Dover

16 FRIDAY - NATIONAL BOSS DAY • Hillsborough County Job Fair 8:30 AM – Noon HCC’s Dale Mabry Campus 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

813-930-7868 • Football @7:30PM Durant vs Plant City @ DHS • Night of Comedy- A Show Like No Other Last comedy night of Inaugural South Shore Music Festival Comedy Series Food provided by popular area restaurants 6-10PM The Regent 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, 813-571-2494 Contact: Mike Self 813-690-2201; James Pulkowski 813-943-4110 Tickets: 35.00 or 60.00/couple; includes food/ water/tea; cash bar available $275/table includes above http://www.southshoremusicfestival.com

17 SATURDAY • ECHO Thrift Sale (each Sat. thru 10-31) 8AM - Noon 507 N Parsons Ave, Brandon October 31st from 8:00am -12:00 noon Laura Young at laura@echofl.org • Fox Squirrel Corn Maze – Saturdays/Sundays from October 3-25 10AM – Gate closes @5PM Adults $11; Youth $10 (ages 3-17) 3002 Charlie Taylor Road N, Plant City Email: futchentertainment@comcast.net • Strawberry Classic Car Show Historic Downtown Plant City 4 – 9PM

18 SUNDAY • Fox Squirrel Corn Maze – Saturdays/Sundays from October 3-25 10AM – Gate closes @5PM Adults $11; Youth $10 (ages 3-17) 3002 Charlie Taylor Road N, Plant City Email: futchentertainment@comcast.net

20 TUESDAY • Plant City Connection Group Breakfast Speaker: Eric Seidel, Hills.Co. Clerk of Circuit Court Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse 106 E. SR 60 8-9AM; Cost is $5 813-737-4444 or Facebook

• Brandon Christian Writers 7-9PM All are welcome St. Andrews United Methodist Church 3315 Bryan Road Room 305 in Family Life Center Contact: Cheryl Johnston, 813-763-3154

24 SATURDAY • ECHO Thrift Sale (each Sat. thru 10-31) 8AM - Noon 507 N Parsons Ave, Brandon October 31st from 8:00am -12:00 noon Laura Young at laura@echofl.org • 18th Annual Halloween Horribles Parade Center Place 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon 3:00PM *$2 per child - Ages 3-10, must be accompanied by an adult* • Fox Squirrel Corn Maze – Saturdays/Sundays from October 3-25 10AM – Gate closes @5PM Adults $11; Youth $10 (ages 3-17) 3002 Charlie Taylor Road N, Plant City Email: futchentertainment@comcast.net

25 SUNDAY • Fox Squirrel Corn Maze – Saturdays/Sundays from October 3-25 10AM – Gate closes @5PM Adults $11; Youth $10 (ages 3-17) 3002 Charlie Taylor Road N, Plant City Email: futchentertainment@comcast.net

• Plant City Connection Group Breakfast Speaker: Janine Nickerson, President of Community Round Table Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse 106 E. SR 60 at SR 39 8-9AM; Cost is $5 813-737-4444 or Facebook

29 THURSDAY • Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Awards & Showcase Sheraton East Tampa Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa Showcase 4-7PM; Awards 7-9PM Tickets $15 at www.brandonchamber.com Phone Lauren Turner @813-686-1221 or e-mail lturner@brandonchamber.com

NOVEMBER 5 THURSDAY • Community Service Forum Meet/Greet for Volunteers w/30+ Charities Find your fit!

6:30 – 8:00 PM Brandon High School 1101 Victoria Street

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by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. This is a way the newly graduating group can pay forward their training for the incoming community leaders.

Chuck Burgess, Executive Director of Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center and Class of 2015 graduate, shared,

Candice Alford, Chair Elect (L) and Julie Juteau (R)

ANNUAL VEGAS STYLE NIGHT FOR BRANDON LEADERSHIP

BY SHARRON K. COSBY | PHOTOS BY SHARRON K. COSBY

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he Regent at Winthrop transformed into a Vegas-style casino under the chairmanship of Julie Juteau, Executive Director at The Regent and recent Leadership Brandon 2015 graduate.

A crap table lured players like a magnet when the doors opened Friday night on September 18th. Black jack, slot machines and poker tournament tables rounded out the night’s gaming options.

Attendees enjoyed mixed drinks, beer and custom pasta dishes as they moved from table to table taking a chance on the cards and dice. Silent auction items also enticed the crowd.

This event marked the sixteenth annual Casino Night for Leadership Brandon, a fundraiser for the thirty yearold organization that develops leaders within the Greater Brandon community.

Juteau said the group presold 250 tickets and walk-up guests were expected to swell those numbers.

Attorney Leighton Hyde, a recent graduate, explained that Leadership Brandon teaches leadership skills.

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“We have workshops, a textbook and professional coach to help us learn to be better bosses. A second benefit to participating in the year-long class is we meet leaders within our community: military personnel from MacDill Air Force Base, judges and other professionals who help us become aware of what’s good about the community. It’s a great networking source.”

Candice Alford, Chair Elect for the 2016 Leadership Class, is looking forward to serving as chairman and bringing new ideas to the program and to the Casino Night.

Verizon (Brandon location) and Livingstone Academy, primary event sponsors, heartily support the Brandon community through the Leadership classes.

While the Casino Night rakes in lots of fun and festivities, its primary purpose is fundraising for the next Leadership Brandon class. The popular event provides resources that enable non-profit organizations to participate in the Leadership program sponsored

Place your bets!

Readying the cards

“Leadership Brandon allowed me to see how companies are making a difference in our community through inspired leadership. But more than that, I gained lifetime friends.”

For more information, visit www.brandonchamber.com/ leadershipbrandon.

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BRANDON BEER AND BURGER THROWDOWN FIRST ANNUAL EVENT

BY HEATHER DAVIS

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all is right around the corner and fun events are popping up all over the place. One such event happened just this past weekend with the first annual Brandon Beer and Burger Throwdown. Held at the Barn at Winthrop on Saturday, September 19, the first annual Brandon Beer and Burger Throwdown was a huge success with many people attending. With beautiful weather on the horizon, local beer and burger vendors pitched tents on the grounds outside of The Barn welcoming hungry and thirsty visitors.

For only a 5.00 admission price visitors had access to sample some of the finest local burgers and brews in the area.

Coordinator, Sonya Bradley, of Simply Events came together with local craft brewers and restaurants to create an event that not only benefits the community but also the Trey Curry III Foundation. A portion of all proceeds from the event were donated to the Foundation. During the throwdown, burger vendors were busy giving out samples, selling burgers and sliders, and participating in the Best Burger in Bay competition. In the running for Best Burger were local restaurants;

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American Eats, Ducky’s Sports Lounge, Cali Viejo, Longhorn, and Wow! That’s Fresh. Judging began at 4:00, creating a buzz of excitement as judges looked for burgers with best flavor, appearance, and creativity.

Meanwhile, the beer garden outside was in full swing with over seven different local breweries offering free samples of their delicious brews. Local vendors, musicians, and activities for children were also going on to round out the event. At the end of the day the winner was announced for Best Burger in the Bay. American Eats was the winner with their Vincent Jackson Burger.

The Brandon Beer and Burger Throwdown started off with a bang and will continue to be held every year. In addition to The Throwdown another monthly event also organized by Simply Events will be held at The Barn. Boots, BBQ & Brew will kick off September 25 from 5pm-10pm and will continue to be held on October 23 and November 27th.

For more information about these events you can contact Simply Events at 727-674-1464 or visit www.simplyeventsfl.com.

Plant City, fl FRI.-SAT.~NOVEMBER 6-7

madison, fL

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FAIRGROUNDS

DOWNTOWN MADISON

9am - 4pm

289 Ritter Street, Plant City

$5 admission / free parking

✓shabby chic ✓farmhouse finds ✓hand-made jewelry ✓repurposed décor

SAT.~NOVEMBER 14 9am - 4pm

197 Southwest Range Ave., Madison

free admission / free parking

featuring ✓fabulous furniture ✓vintage fashions ✓primitives ✓mid-century

✓cottage glam ✓salvage ✓antiques ✓garden décor

FOR MORE INFO

Photos courtesy of

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and Chance’s Its All About the Butt.

Choices included pulled pork, beef, turkey, mac and cheese, smoked corn, and apple crisp. When asked what he recommended most, a customer departing Pig Butts shouted enthusiastically, “The brisket!” But with savory aromas from every direction, the decision was not so easy to make.

Signs scattered about touted “bathrooms and beer inside” – and yes, while there were some canned American brews to be bought, outside Larry’s Hard Lemonade samples were the real draw. Larry himself handed out samples of the sweet drink and gave out bright yellow shirts sporting their logo. Moving

in from St. George Brewing Co. in Hampton, Virginia (www.stgbeer.com), Larry’s Hard Lemonade will be available in Florida within the next few months.

As the sun began its way down, still more was in store before the event’s end at 10:00 pm: a variety of games to test your skill or just have fun, more music and dancing, unique photo opportunities, and a truck show and contest.

Boots & BBQ is the fourth Friday of each month this fall; upcoming dates include October 23 and November 27, 2015, at The Barn at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview. For more information visit http://www. simplyeventsfl.com/boots-bbq-brews/.

It’s all about the back...and brisket!

BOOTS, BBQ & BREWS FAMILY FUN AT THE BARN AT WINTHROP

Get pumped up at Orangetheory

BY KAT HECKENBACH

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hings kicked off at five o’clock with booths sprouting from the ground, a giant slide and bounce house inflating, and music pumping through the air. The temperature dropped just enough as Boots & BBQ at The Barn at Winthrop moved into the evening of September 25, making for the feel of a true fall festival where even Floridians could tromp around in cowboy boots, the encouraged footwear for this event.

A crowd gathered, looking for fun, food, and even a few bargains. Vendors filled the area, selling purses of all styles, denim clothing, handmade jewelry, leather bracelets, and commercial products from other local businesses. A variety of local honey tempted customers with free samples. Dog and cat lovers could find all they needed to adorn their pets in style with collars, leashes, and hand-sewn shirts. Visitors could even

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have their knives sharpened, learn how to lose a few pounds, or sign up for a serious workout.

Kids had their choice of blow-up structures to play on—or in, if they hankered for a chance to experience crawling inside a spinning water wheel.

Face painting gave them the opportunity to spend the evening as different characters and animals.

Country singer and songwriter Kris Pierce (www.reverbnation.com/ krispsoundz) kept spirits high with an engaging performance of upbeat, toetapping music. With a deep voice the likes of Randy Travis, Pierce has been singing professionally since 2004. His energetic personality came through as he moved about the crowd, not just singing but entertaining as well.

To keep their energy up, patrons visited the booths from Westchase BBQ (www.facebook.com/WestchaseBBQ)

Everything you need to keep your pets in style.”

BILL’S PRESCRIPTION CENTER: SERVICE ABOVE SELF

BY ANDRIA BARRIOS

When it comes time to fill a prescription or buy toothpaste (or both), most people would choose to stop at a nearby Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy. But an alternative right in Brandon offers more personal care and higher quality service.

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Bill’s Prescription Center, located off of East Brandon Blvd near Parsons, has been around for nearly 60 years. This business’s attitude of selflessness and sacrifice began with the man for whom it is named. In October of 1956 it was started by Justo (Bill) Noriega, then a Relief Pharmacist at Walgreens.

“My father, who had a pharmaceutical degree at the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, realized the need for a full pharmacy in Brandon,” explains John Noriega, current store owner and Bill’s son. “He took out a loan with my grandfather, who couldn’t read or write, and they used his house as collateral.”

It began as a dream- Bill’s father thought he was crazy. But he finally acquired $3,500 and began the business with a small amount of inventory and a few hand-built wooden shelves. Bill’s Prescription Center started as one of the first few businesses in Brandon, which had less than 2,000 residents at the time. Now Brandon has grown to more than 200,000 residents and, though Bill himself passed away in 2006, the pharmacy is thriving to this day.

As the pharmacy began to grow, the need arose for more personnel. “Our team has to be bigger since we take care of patients one on one. We brought in smart people to help with the cause. They all do their part and we couldn’t operate without them.” Many

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employees are in the family, such as John’s sister Mary, a UF graduate, who serves as co-owner with him.

“We work as a family, since many of us came right out of high school or UF,” says John, a 1981 graduate.

Jason Beattie, now one of the lead pharmacists, began as a junior in high school and now has a Doctorate in Pharmacy. Raun Spranger, also a Pharm.D., is additionally instrumental in running the business and helps immensely in delivering medication. The center now houses thirty employees, including six pharmacists and seven pharmacy technicians.

A variety of qualities set this family operated business apart from other pharmacies in the area.

One quality is their personal service. “This business is run because patients need service,” explains John. But Bill’s Prescription Center caters to patient’s emotional needs as well as their physical. “People also need listeners.” When patients come in with a load on their mind after a rough day, the staff at Bill’s welcomes them and listens to their concerns. They are adamant about making the patient feel comfortable.

Bill’s Prescription Center accepts most prescription insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, Worker’s Compensation and Auto Accident Insurance Billing, and strives to get every claim approved within a timely manner. Although

money and the proper insurance policy do play a role, Bill’s finds ways to help with no strings attached. This company is not in it merely for the money, but to help those in need. John, who has been with the company for 35 years, sees it as a ministry. “What we stand for is what Christ came here for- love. You can hardly find that anywhere else.”

This facility can do anything CVS can do, but better. With a focus on prescriptions, over the counter medicine, vitamins, supplements and compounding, Bill’s is a full service health center. Though it includes no cosmetics, food, holiday items, photo processing center or tobacco products, this pharmacy supplies every medical need the customer has from before birth to death, from cough syrup to diabetic supplies to toothpaste. Having a private brand of over the counter medicine, including first aid and wound care, allows Bill’s to offer high quality items at an affordable price. Bill’s also houses a wide selection of homeopathic medicines and herbal remedies. “We offer a full variety of diverse services and supplies that very few places have all under one roof.”

Their services include compounding, cholesterol testing as well as bio-identical hormone counseling.

Compounding services for veterinary needs are even available, mainly for dogs, cats, birds and horses.

Fully stocked with a large supply of both over the counter and prescription medication, Bill’s also offers home delivery. Their 25 mile delivery radius spans not only Brandon but Tampa, Plant City, Riverview, Apollo Beach and Ruskin. Questions regarding side effects, drug interactions and dosing can be answered by a knowledgeable and helpful staff, who desires customers to adequately understand and manage their medication habits. The pharmacy’s goal is complete customer satisfaction which gives them a strong returning customer base.

The technology and practices used at Bill’s Prescription Center, as well as the inventory quality and quantity, are standard. But Bill’s clearly goes beyond by listening to and acting on the patient’s needs. “We look them in the eye and listen to their concerns, medical or not. Our accommodation and love to those suffering sets us apart.” People seeking help in this industry often face fast-paced and harsh pharmacists interested in the customer’s money and not truly concerned about their needs. In healthcare, it’s easy to forget about the mental needs. So, more important than medicine, Bill’s provides that emotional help. “When they walk in, our friendly staff treats patients like family; as if they’re walking into our living room. We want to be there for them because we don’t know what they’ve been through.”

It’s difficult to compare that level of compassion to other pharmacies.

The passionate teamwork and welcoming atmosphere found at Bill’s is clearly unparalleled, and will no doubt continue into the future. Bill’s grandson and John’s son, 28, recently became a certified pharmacist who will carry on the family tradition of service over self in healthcare. “As a team and community business, we have a lot of energy and great ideas that will move us into the next century alive and well,” says John.

Bill’s Prescription Center is located at 202 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon. For more information, call (813) 689-3521 or visit www.bills-pills.com or www.facebook.com/billsrxcenter/. Customers may fill, refill or transfer prescriptions online or over the phone, and most refills are available for pickup within 15-30 minutes. Bill’s pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Advanced Diagnostics & Hearing Solutions 522 OAKFIELD DRIVE | BRANDON, FL 33511 | OFFICE: 813-315-9850 | WEB: HEARINGSOLUTIONSBRANDON.COM

Advanced Diagnostics and Hearing Solutions is the private practice of Dr. Lisa Tanner, a lifelong resident of Plant City, Florida. She received her doctorate in Audiology from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Tanner’s passion is to educate the community about hearing and to demystify the selection and purchase of hearing aids.

“The public is bombarded with so many advertisements about hearing aids,” she states. “It’s hard to know what to believe and whom to trust. I care so much about this issue that I’ve spent a good portion of my life trying to debunk myths about hearing and hearing aids.”

Following are several myths she debunks with facts.

Myth 1: We hear with our ears.

FACT: We hear with our brain. The ears are just the mechanics to get the signal to our brain. If that signal doesn’t reach our brain, the brain doesn’t receive the necessary stimulation and atrophy can set in. Surprisingly, untreated Hearing Loss and Dementia have the same symptoms.

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Myth 2: Hearing Loss is an aging issue.

FACT: Multiple causes of hearing loss exist (e.g. heredity, birth defects, noise exposure, diabetes and problems with kidneys, thyroid, or the vascular system, etc.). Even normal aging is on the list, but the list is quite large and covers every age range.

Advanced Diagnostics & Hearing Solutions offers comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative services utilizing the most advanced, state-ofthe-art equipment available. The goal is to find fitting solutions for each client’s personal needs, lifestyle and budget.

Since no two people hear alike, no one particular hearing aid or hearing aid manufacturer will fit everyone’s’ hearing need.

Dr Tanner offers free educational seminars and free hearing screenings.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call the office at 813-315-9850.

Ameriplan CAROLE LENHART | REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR | 813-503-9500 | WWW.MYBENEFITSPLUS.COM/CSLENHART

Ameriplan, a Texas-based company in business for 22-plus years, offers discount medical benefit plans through its network of 100,000 providers across the country.

Discount benefits plans are NOT insurance, but rather monthly membership plans that entitle discounts of 10% to 85% on certain medical services. They are also a good alternative for folks unable to afford insurance or as supplements to those already insured.

Americplan offers three exceptionally affordable plans, and all cover up to 10 people! Thankfully, waiting periods, insurance forms, deductibles, and exclusions or denials for pre-existing conditions are not part of the equation.

Ameriplan is a leader in meeting the

demand of this rapidly growing type of healthcare. The company’s offerings include: DentalPlus - $19.95/month covers up to 10 people for discounts on dental procedures, vision services, prescriptions and chiropractic care.

MDPlus - $29.95/month covers up to 10 people and includes the AmeriDoc feature, Hospital Advocacy, prescriptions and dental services. AmeriDoc allows calls to network doctors 24/7, 365 days a year. Members can consult with the doctor via phone or email, obtain a diagnosis and have a prescription phoned in to a pharmacy. No need to spend valuable time driving to a doctor’s office or enduring long waits once there. This increasingly popular plan is

perfect for minor medical issues (i.e. sinus infections), as well as for obtaining medication refills without an in-office doctor visit.

Healthcare Plan – $49.95/month fee incorporates the DentalPlus and MDPlus plans, PLUS many other healthcare services. These include doctor visits, lab work, testing (such as MRIs and colonoscopies), diabetic supplies, hearing aids, podiatry issues and wellness programs – to name a few!

Regional Sales Director Carole Lenhart, a Plant City resident for 28 years, wants folks to know Ameriplan is the largest fee-for-services program of its type in this country.

“Ameriplan has saved members hundreds of millions of dollars in

discounted healthcare benefits since 1992,” she shared. “It covers more people for less money than the same type of plan offered by the major insurance providers.”

Lenhart adds, “This is one instance where even though it sounds too good to believe, it is absolutely true! And for our members’ piece of mind, Ameriplan backs up their mission of saving people money with a 100% satisfaction guarantee – or your money back! It really pays to shop, and we are here to help you.

Please call today and discover how Ameriplan can help defray healthcare expenses for yourself and your family.

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Smiles Included – South Brandon

DR. JERALD VICTOR WILLIAMS, DMD | 611 EAST BLOOMINGDALE AVE. | BRANDON, FL 33511 | (813)-606-5978 | WEB: SMILESINCLUDED.COM/SOUTH-BRANDON-DENTAL-OFFICE

The friendly professionals at Smiles Included—South Brandon realize many people avoid the dentist, preferring discomfort to a simple visit!

And they are determined to alleviate those fears and replace that discomfort with a smiling patient, and one happy to refer others for treatment.

This “gentle dentistry practice” also understands some may have had negative experiences with other dentists in the past. This is why Smiles Included focuses on its priorities of comfort and health.

Whether you are seeking high quality cosmetic dentistry options, dental implants, or pediatric dental care, Smiles Included can provide comprehensive services to meet your needs.

Dr. Williams has expertise in cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, and family dentistry. He and his staff provide everything you’re looking for in a dental office: • Excellent Dental Care • A Comfortable, Relaxed Environment

• State of the Art Technology • A Caring, Knowledgeable Staff • Accurate, Detailed Treatment Plans • Convenient Payment Options Dr. Williams earned his dental degree from the University of Kentucky in 1998. His 18 years of experience include a wide range of treatment skills, for everything from fillings, crowns and gum therapy to dental implants and orthodontics. He and his family enjoy outdoor activities, the beach, Lightning hockey, Rays baseball, Bucs football, soccer fishing, and community involvement in St. Petersburg, where they live.

“Our practice has the expertise to offer comprehensive dental treatment, from family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry,” he explained. “As members of the Smiles Included network, we have access to the latest research and experience of other experts. If you have a dental need, we can help!”

Perhaps nothing makes a better impression than patient testimonials.

Linda K wrote on a recent review: “I would like to thank you so much for making my 1st visit so nice. Due to a very bad experience with a previous dentist, I’ve not been in over 10 years.

I was so nervous and anxious. But your staff members were so great to talk me thru everything and make me feel comfortable.

Thanks for making me feel like a patient who has been one of yours for a lifetime.”

John C: expressed a similar sentiment when he commented, “Every visit is a pleasure! Yep. Never thought going to the dentist could be so nice. Pleasant and friendly staff with confident and easy to talk to dental techs (as much as you can talk while being tended to.). Doc Williams has a great personality and also very professional.”

In addition to general dentistry, Dr. Williams serves patients needs with root canals, crowns, implants and whitening, too.

Another plus of the practice is the

comprehensive and user friendly website, which offers extensive information about the more common dental issues and how those can be treated. It’s a great resource for those who like to have a little knowledge in advance of their visit.

Affordability is another factor that keeps patients coming back. With fair and competitive pricing, the Smiles Included office in South Brandon offers the most value for your money. Couple that with the very efficient insurance experts and dental health is well within every patient’s reach.

To encourage new patients, Smiles Included offers a first visit special. For only $50, patients receive a dental exam complete with X-rays. This just might be one of your year’s healthiest investments, so don’t hesitate.

Making an appointment to brighten up your smile is as simple as a phone call or keyboard click away. Visit smilesincluded.com/south-brandondental-office or phone 813-606-5978 to schedule yours.

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

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SAM THE SKINNER

BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

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am Skinner, a senior at Bloomingdale High School was raised in an Army family.

He started playing football seven years ago when his father left to go serve in Iraq. His dad always wanted him to play football but Sam grew up as a soccer player. Sam’s dad always pushed him to do better and helped Sam shape into the dedicated person he is today. Switching from soccer to football showed him the differences in qualities it takes in a person to devote so much of your time to one sport as demanding as football, “I think you have to be tolerant of other people, being mentally strong, and being able to accept people for who they are.”

Skinner said.

Sam plays outside linebacker and tight end. His experience in playing both positions has taught him many things but, “Having to suck up being tired and to play through it is the best way in doing do it.” Skinner said. As a scholar athlete it can be hard to balance everything. The day in the life

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of Sam Skinner consists of leaving the house at seven in the morning to school all day and practice until seven at night then going home to do homework, sleep, and repeat. It can be challenging for Sam but it just took dedication and him as a person just to have the want to succeed. To put his dedication for football into perspective, “this year was the first year I’ve ever missed a practice and that was because I had a doctor’s appointment.” Skinner explained. Everyone has priorities and Sam makes football and academics his number one.

When Sam isn’t working on school work or playing football he his hanging out with his team mates. “We are always together and have a great time even when we aren’t on the field.”

Skinner explained.

Sam Skinner is devoted to his team and sets an example for other athletes around the county. Sam, congratulations on being Athlete of the Month! Good Luck on the rest of your season

2015 PLANT CITY, FL 13TH ANNUAL

PIG JAM

FRIDAY NIGHT FEATURES

CLEMONS ROAD Concert Starts @

7:30 pm

3 PRIZES!!

LARGE BIG GREEN EGG OR YETI COOLER

1500 South Park Road For More Information Contact the

Plant City Chamber of Commerce 800-760-2315 or 813-754-3707 www.plantcity.org amy@plantcity.org

SPONSORED BY:

OR $1500 SHOPPING SPREE

SPONSORED BY: All items to be awarded 11/21/15

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TEAM OF THE MONTH

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HAWKS

HAVE GAME

BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

T

he Hawks FC Youth 14 team has the enthusiasm and energy you can only find in navy blue and baby blue jerseys. This group of young men at the Fish Hawk Sports Complex had a lot to say about the game of soccer.

Even at the age of thirteen and fourteen many of them have been playing for a majority of their lives. They have never stopped loving the game. Soccer is a year round sport for these guys and it takes a great amount of devotion and effort to play all the time. Coach Anthony Colletti explained, “I love the game and getting to share it with these kids while they are at such an impactful age makes it easy to enjoy.” At this age it is all about having fun.

All of the boys on this team have

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very unique and different personalities that make them stand out. Taber Pierce is on his eighth season and even though its first year back at the Hawks prior to the past two years being on a different team, he has already rekindled friendships and made new ones with the rest of his teammates. “We play well together and have good team work,” Pierce said. Will Garrity, a striker, and on his tenth season of soccer agreed with Pierce. This team has a lot of charisma all the way from the fast moving feet in their neon cleats to the mental toughness they have acquired in their minds when competing for a win. “We have a fighting spirit, we don’t give up when we play.

We play hard up until the final minutes,” Garrity explained. They all just want to

do their best and strive for the win.

It may seem like hard work for these guys but they didn’t show it. This team is up for any challenge and always up for creating new friendships through

soccer. Congratulations on being Team of the Month Hawks FC Youth 14 and good luck on the rest of your season!

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INFORMATION

D

ISLAMORADA FISH COMPANY OFFERS SHOPPERS OF BASS PRO SHOP A GET-AWAY DINING EXPERIENCE

BY HEATHER DAVIS

I

f you have ever had the urge to jump into your car and drive eight hours away just to get the taste and flavor of some of the surf, sand, and seafood you can find in Key West, your long drive is over. Along with the opening of the Brandon location of the Bass Pro Shop is a restaurant known as the Islamorada Fish Company. Islamorada, located in the legendary village of islands in the Florida Keys, got its start as a marina snack bar in the late 1940’s. Capitalizing on the wide array of fresh seafood hauled in every day, over the years Islamorada’s reputation and its resources only served to increase its popularity among seafood lovers. Today there are over 19 different locations nationwide.

The Brandon location of Islamorada has only been open for two months and is quickly just like the Bass Pro Shop becoming more then just a location, but a destination. Fishing enthusiasts will come from hundreds of miles away to shop at Bass Pro so many plan on making it a big part of their day. The

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OCTOBER 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

added benefit of having the shopping experience that Bass Pro offers is the fine dining experience that can be had at Islamorada.

The interior of the Islamorada restaurant which including the full bar can seat up to 260 people, is special and inviting in itself by the way it is carefully decorated with great attention to detail and authenticity. You truly feel like you have the experience of stepping into a fisherman’s paradise, with its high vaulted ceilings, framed black and white photos of world famous fishermen, and beautiful aquariums.

Staying true to the origins of the original Islamorada, the dining experience is sure to please some of the most discerning of seafood lovers. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood dishes as well as non-seafood dishes for those who may be craving steak or a pasta dish. Most of the fish is sourced as locally as possible in order to guarantee the freshest taste possible.

Our dining experience began as it

usually does with appetizers and fresh bread. I am not usually a bread eater, but when this bread came out there was something unique and appealing about it that made me have to try it. Turns out this type of bread is known as Bimini bread and is a sweet bread that has been egg washed and sprinkled with sugar. I was hooked on this bread. Appetizers came out next beginning with conch fritters, which are accompanied with a spicy chipotle tartar sauce. Mark Hansen, the General Manager explained to us that all the sauces, including the cocktail sauces are homemade in house. Next we had the Wahoo Dip, which is the original recipe of Johnny Morris (who is the founder of the Bass Pro Shops), wife. The Wahoo Dip was served along with slices of cucumber. The ingredients included in the smoked wahoo which is absolutely delicious are simply sour cream, mayo, shallots, and chives. The final appetizer was the Venison-Stuffed Mushrooms, created with mushroom caps stuffed with venison sausage that has been drizzled with cream sauce and smothered in white cheddar cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The waitress described it correctly as “ooey gooey” deliciousness, and she was right.

The appetizers were so satisfying that we could have stopped there and been very happy, but more food was to come, mainly the main courses. Our three main courses we tried began with Islamorada’s top seller the Grouper Portofino, prepared with blackened grouper (perfection) topped with large grilled shrimp in a creamy lobster sauce, plated with Morada rice and a fresh vegetable, which in this case was broccoli. Next came the signature Fish and Chips.

ISLAMORADA FISH COMPANY

10501 Palm River Rd. Tampa, FL 33619 Monday-Thursday 11-10 Friday and Saturday, 11-11 Sunday, 11-9 813-655-2000 Friday 11am – 1am

Considering myself lately a connoisseur of fish and chips this is definitely in one of my top favorites. The secret lies in the batter, which is a house specialty beer batter (the beer being Michelob AmberBoch). The fish is Hoki, a white fish from New Zealand and is served with french fries, coleslaw, and a made from scratch house-made tartar sauce.

Our third and final entrée was the Key West Shrimp Pasta, and talk about ohboy. The shrimp was absolutely flavorful and delicious mixed in with the cream lobster sauce over a bed of linguine. The flavors mingled together wonderfully.

No meal is complete without desert and on this note, the deserts at Islamorada were a wonderful end to a delicious meal. We sampled lightly, because we were all more than full at this point, two deserts. Served in huge oversize cappuccino sized mugs was a Key Lime Pie and a Bread Pudding, which is made with the Bimini bread.

Heaven in a cup is all I can say.

With the new Bass Pro Shop and the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, the Brandon area is well on its way to drawing people from far and near to its shores, so to speak, quickly putting itself on the map as a dining and shopping destination.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON OCTOBER 2015

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