FOCUS South Tampa 01-07

Just what the doctor ordered.

A new, dedicated orthopedic wing.

We take the stress out of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.

Thanks to our exciting, new renovations, patients can now recover faster and more comfortably in their own specialized, private room. Our 10 luxury rooms are designed large enough to accommodate physical therapy equipment, so therapists can come to the patients. Rooms include flat screen TVs and access to an internet and media café – with computers and ortho-ergonomic furniture. Even fold-out sleeper sofas allow family members to stay over night. It’s the perfect healing environment in every way.

New Orthopedic Wing 301 N. Alexander St. Plant City, FL 33563 southfloridabaptist.com For a referral to one of our orthopedic surgeons, call 813-443-2018

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september 2010 myfocustv.com

table of contents

september 2010 volume 1 issue 6

101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Plant City, FL 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990 Publisher Jim Duke Office Manager Dede Floyd

Family of Community Magazines

Copy Editor Lynne Warren advertising director Brent Simmons Sales Sophia Hyde Holly Far mer Sheryl Vitelli Linda Simmons

FREE

AUGUST

2010 BRANDON EDITION

Lisa

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ra is e od rig u Hon oto be cdo m$31,167 ez ra ry e th Bra n M a y oe r o don f

ontheCOVER 6

james wilder, jr. photo by mike floyd

LOCAL

If it’s hot and happening in South Tampa, you’ll find it in our local section. From great places for vintage shopping, to a pet party, and the best spots for coffee or spirits, we have the scoop on what’s happening here.

FOCUS

Plant City Lakeland Brandon Winter Haven Lake County South Tampa

FOCUSTV

MYFOCUSTV.COM Local Community Stories New Episode Every Wednesday

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Own Your Own FOcus Magazine

Licensed territories are available.

If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine call Mike Floyd at 813-707-8783 ext. 26

Dining profile

The Bungalow Restaurant and Bar on West Kennedy is Floribbean at its best. With a winning combination of great food, atmosphere and excellent service, the Bungalow is one of the jewels of South Tampa.

local dining guide

Our area is one of those lucky few with a variety of quality eating establishments from which to choose. No need for that age-old debate on where to go for dinner here. Check out our local dining guide, grab your keys, and head on over to one of these great restaurants. And tell ‘em Focus sent you.

Spotlight

Plant High School Football standout, James Wilder Jr. has made his choice… He’s going to FSU! This month Focus sits down to talk with Wilder and Plant High head coach Robert Weiner about the path Wilder’s taken to get here, and his plans for the future.

Production Anthony Sassano Tony Cartagena Distribution Doug McGee Belva DeVane Photographers Suzanne Gallagher Billy Friend Lori Blaser Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston Brian West Joe Bowles Phil Neary Derek Maul Kristi Linbaugh Dan Conrod Jane Waters Joy Townsend Mark Page Jenn Sheppard contributors Al Ruechel Bruce Rodwell Gil Gott Jo-An Lusk Nate Davis Natalie Sweet Felix Haynes Editorial Interns Raven Leverett standards of accuracy The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error.

To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@ floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

Readers who wish to respond to an article – not correct facts – can do so by writing a letter to the editor. If you need any other type of assistance, then please view the directory for the appropriate department.

The staff at FOCUS Magazine is committed to serving their consumers and customers to the fullest of abilities. You’re paying attention to our words. Let us pay attention to yours.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

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business profile

Fernandez Florida Law specializes in the areas of foreclosure defense, loan modifications, bankruptcy, real estate and consumer rights. Nicki Fernandez Asmer is the owner of this South Tampa firm, and has dedicated her practice to helping consumers and business owners solve their debt crises.

Letters, questions and comments can be sent to us at editorial@floydpublications.com.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

floyd publications, Inc.

101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Plant City, FL 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 • Fax 813.764.0990

D S

ISCOUNT CREENING Since 1983

Inc.

®

Marty Johnson Licensed • Insured

letter from the publisher

1406 W Knights Griffin Rd, Plant City

813-752-3306

Specializing in Rescreening and Repairs Free 10-Point Check of Pool Enclosure Screen Room Lanais: 1. Screen 10% off All 2. Spline Repairs 3. Gutter 4. Down Spout 5. Floor Track Super Screen 10-year warranty 6. Cable Ties 5-year warranty on all rescreening 7. Doors labor and materials 8. Hardware & Closures 9. Hinges 10. Bug Sweep

Will beat any competitor’s price!

F

or those of you with children, most likely you are returning to a more routine weekly schedule that comes with the return to school. For those of you without children, you may actually be altering your daily schedule due to increased early morning traffic or other minor nuisances that happen this time of year. As summer begins to fade, I hope that you and yours were able to get all your summertime travels, vacations, camps, and adventures in before school came calling.

At our house it seems like just yesterday that we were trying to determine how we were going to get it all accomplished before the boys had to return to school. I would like to be able to tell you that with precision focus and detailed planning, we made it happen. In reality, thanks to good luck and constant chaos management we were able to get most things done.

It seems like a daily occurrence that someone asks “did you guys have a good summer”? My answer?....”Well, I think so....It happened so fast, I’m really not sure!”

With school back in session, here comes September. It is rolling in, bringing with it the excitement of football season. I love baseball...and the Rays are playing very good baseball.

They are positioned for a run at the playoff ’s. But around here, football is king and the best high school football in the state is played right here in our backyard. Plant High Coach Robert Weiner has his Panther team are at the top of most everyone’s preseason Top 10 list and favored to repeat as state champions. Our cover story this month features Mr. Everything and Plant Panther, James Wilder Jr. Hopefully our story will bring you something new on this amazing young man and athlete. I really think you will enjoy the story.

This September also brings big changes for me, my family and this magazine...your magazine.

After two plus decades in the same industry, I have decided to take on the publishing role of the South Tampa edition of Focus Magazine. This leap of faith was made after much soulsearching and many deep “what-if ” discussions with my wife and our family. It is exciting, yet terrifying as I leave my secure cocoon within corporate America and open a new chapter of my life that is sure to be filled with ups and downs, joy and pain, but most of all will come with the challenge and excitement of building something that I believe will be great.

We have a great vision for this magazine. We truly want to be a part of the community and provide a place to share positive stories, stories about community leaders, stories about everyday heroes that go unnoticed, and stories about all the people and places that make South Tampa unique and special. We look forward to getting to know you and look forward to allowing you to get to know Focus Magazine!

Jim Duke Publisher

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september 2010 myfocustv.com

FOCUS Magazine south tampa september 2010

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Local » Focus

Support The Spring If you like vintage boutiques, visit The Spring of Tampa Bay, Inc. at 3418 Swann Ave and ask Julie about The Spring’s mission to prevent domestic violence, the single leading cause of injury to women in America. The store has some incredible deals, and all proceeds go to victims of domestic violence. Summer specials include high-end shoes starting at $9.99, business suits are half-off and books are buy one, get one free.

Visit thespring.org or call 350-0530.

Hair salon expands services

Hair Studio 1, right in the heart of SoHo at 3016 W Swann Ave. just started offering esthetician, facials, permanent makeup and massage, in addition to the full-service hair salon. Lisa Malone and her husband Claudio Fasano will give $20 off on your first visit, which can go toward anything.

Check out Hair Studio 1 on Facebook and learn about daily specials, like a free highlight with a haircut.

Walk-in Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. or visit hairstudio1.net and call Lisa at 728-0449.

Make a purchase at The Spring vintage boutique and help support the survivor families.

Photo by Jenn Sheppard

Hair Studio 1 offers a warm welcome and a great getaway in the middle of the city.

Photo by Jenn Sheppard

Welcome, Wine-Os!

The Cru Cellars wine bar will soon be open at 2506 S. MacDill Ave. in the former Gianpiero’s Pick Of The Vine. The retail shop at Cru Cellars will be closed during the month of September for the re-design and the grand opening slated for mid-October, said Jennifer Bingham, the owner and certified sommelier. “There’s going to be something for everybody,” Jen said. “There will be a $7 corkage fee and a table of 50 quality wines under $13.”

Jen, who specializes in small production, is planning for $15 Fridays where customers can sample four to six featured wines for the night, along with artisanal cheeses, prosciutto and salami along with desserts. “I’m working with a pastry chef, and we’re going to have a wine of the month club, too.” All that, and if she has time, she wants to hold classes where she can teach about wine. She’s also using social media to promote her new business, so follow @crucellars on Twitter. “It’s a great tool!”

Jen Bingham, a specialized sommelier, is a wine expert and qualified taster Photo by Jenn Sheppard

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september 2010 myfocustv.com

Local » Focus

Pet Party!

A neighborhood Block PAWty is scheduled for September 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. outside of Downtown Dogs Boutique at 1631 W. Snow Circle in Hyde Park.

Admission is free to the luau-themed PAWty, and all proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Every $10 donation receives one raffle ticket for prizes from Downtown Dogs and other pet-friendly business. Enjoy live music, drink and food samples while your pet cools off in the PAWty pools. There’s also pet CPR demos and goodie bags. Parking at the event is free.

Call 251-3500 for more information.

Join the Beer Club!

School is back in session, and so is Creative Loafing’s Beer Club. Each month, the club meets at a Bay Area bar.

The first sampling event is scheduled for August 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dubliner Pub, 2307 W. Azeele St. This year, the sponsor is Blue Moon, and Creative Loafing’s Joran said the mission is to bring new beer to the people. “We try to schedule/support as many local bars and brewpubs as we can,” Joran said.

In South Tampa, locations could include establishments like Cheap, The Race, Datz, MacDinton’s, and Four Green Fields. Become a member of Beer Club by texting the word BEER to 50618 or visit tampa.creativeloafing.com/beerclub.

It’s free to join, and you can show up and receive tickets for free sample pours.

Break your fast

Nature’s Table, at 1622 Snow Ave. in Hyde Park, is now serving breakfast. Stop and grab a coffee and try one of the breakfast sandwiches or burritos from 7 - 11 a.m. during the week and 8 - 11 a.m. on Saturday.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa september 2010

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Local » Focus

A couple of Coffee Connoisseurs

Dave, Dave, pictured pictured right, right, pours pours today’s today’s coffee coffee for for his his customers customers to to taste taste Photo Photo by

by Jenn Jenn Sheppard Sheppard

More than a coffee shop, the Buddy Brew Coffee shop is your new second home. The shop, at 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd. is owned and operated by Susan and Dave Ward.

The couple started roasting their own beans and giving them away as Christmas presents. Friends from all across the country raved about the beans, so they installed a roaster in their garage in Hyde Park before opening the shop. “We searched for the best green beans,” said Susan, from countries like Indonesia, Costa Rica, Columbia, Tanzania and Bali.

The bags of green coffee beans surround the roaster at Buddy Brew Coffee waiting to be roasted Photo by Jenn Sheppard

Outside, the steady flow of traffic on Kennedy Avenue gives the coffee shop a big-city feel, but at $2.00 a pop for a bottomless cup, it’s cozy and relaxing inside, customers can take advantage of the self-service. “We have a big passion for fresh roasted coffee,” Susan said. The 250-lb pallets of beans are delivered and then each batch of coffee is roasted in house. “We roast the profile and then tweak it. Coffee is only at its peak flavor for two weeks. It’s kind of like wine,” she said. “There’s an art to bringing out flavor.”

They call themselves artisan roasters. “It’s fun,” she laughed.

The couple hopes to expand the wholesale side of the online business and can ship most orders within 24 hours. Dave utilizes social media and tweets about specials from @ buddybrewcoffee on Twitter: Show us this tweet and we’ll give you a $1 off! There’s free wi-fi inside the shop, too, and they’re still working on a grand opening.

Hours on the front door: M - F: most mornings. (7-12) Sat – Sometimes. (They race triathlons.) Sunday – Never. Call to make sure: 258-BREW (2739)

On The Other Side

For John and Mary-Ann Benton, owners of The Other Side Antiques at 308 S Howard Ave., life is good. “South Tampa is the place to be,” John said. “Everyone comes to South Tampa.”

For 25 years, the couple has operated the antique shop, moving from Palma Ceia to SoHo where they’ve seen the neighborhood really change. “It’s better than it used to be,” Mary-Ann said.

“There’s more traffic.”

Now, Mary-Ann sits at an antique table, in a bright welcoming room under a wall of vintage stained glass, updating the company’s Web site. “The Internet has opened eyes and changed the antique business,” she said.

The site links to What’s New, a Retrofitting ideas page and a Restoring and Refinishing page. John repurposes and transforms antique treasures into unique uses like converting buffets into elegant kitchen sinks. “The only limit is your imagination,” John said.

“We have the abilities and the people to do anything.” Visit othersideantiques.com or call 254-8799

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september 2010 myfocustv.com

Driving Driving by, by, you you can’t can’t miss miss the the bright bright side side of of The The Other Other Side Side Antiques.

Antiques.

Photos Photos by

by Jenn Jenn Sheppard Sheppard

Mary-Ann Mary-Ann and and John John in in front front of of aa detailed detailed carving carving inside inside The The Other Other Side Side Antiques.

Antiques.

Photos Photos by

by Jenn Jenn Sheppard Sheppard

Local » Focus

Jump on the Relay

Preliminary plans are already in place for the 2011 Relay for South Tampa 2011. Judy Gay, director of South Tampa Chamber of Commerce stopped by Dishtopia & The Anytime Tea Bar at 3401 Henderson Blvd. for a meeting with Lauren McQueen of the American Cancer Society. Gay is a frequent visitor to the Dishtopia shop that specializes in vintage dishes with teas on tap. Check out the Dishtopia page on Facebook, and you can find out about the visitors along with weekday specials on teas, eats and a calendar of events.

Check out www.dishtopia.biz or 874-3474.

HOPEWELL Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Coffee Construction Starbucks is remodeling its SoHo location, if you haven’t noticed. When a store is 10 years-old, it is in need of a remodel, and the South Howard Starbucks opened in April of 2000. The barista said there’s a limited menu, which means no Frappuccinos - one of the companies trademarked signature drinks. The construction crew should be done with the new setup in six weeks.

The Starbucks patio is a nice place to relax while the inside is being renovated.

Photo by Jenn Sheppard

www.hopewellfuneralhome.com 6005 County Rd. 39 South 1/2 Mile South of County Road 60 813.737.3128 FOCUS Magazine south tampa september 2010

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dining & entertainment » dining profile bungalow restaurant 813-253-3663 Located at 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Sun-Thurs. 11am-1pm Fri-Sat 11am-3am Monte Cristo,” he said. “It’s delicious, meaty and crispy-crunchy.”

Bungalow The restaurant on Kennedy offers an authentic Charm array of everything T Written By: Jenn Sheppard

he Bungalow Restaurant and Bar is Floribbean at its best. The Caribbeanthemed menu includes flavorful dishes, from yucca fries, BBQ chicken and pineapple salad to coconut tequila shrimp tacos. Since it was my first time dining at the Bungalow and I was alone, I grabbed a seat at the bar and smiled back at the friendly bartender. The Bungalow, which was built in 1919, was stocked with beers and alcohol content ranging from around four percent to up to 15.07 percent. Sure, you pay $15 for the bottle, but it’s literally like four beers. The bar is filled with the traditional European beers and Belgians, but about 70 percent is all American microbreweries. I ordered a Magic Hat No. 9 and asked about the bar while I waited for my food to arrive.

In 2009, the Bungalow was voted the Best New Restaurant and Best Brunch by Metromix.com. The General Manager, Ryan Carmody, said the brunch is simply amazing.

“We open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It’s packed in here, too,” he said.

Ever since Carmody became GM in 2009, he moved from Puerto Rico where he studied under Chef Roberto Treviño, he’s been hard at work to change the menu and the bar. “It’s definitely more authentic,” he said. The restaurant can seat 110 people inside and 90 outside. “It’s a family atmosphere, first and foremost,” Carmody said. “We do get a college crowd during the

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fall, but I’m gearing more toward the lawyers and the 30 or 40-somethings. We do Kids Eat Free on Sundays after 5 p.m.”

While nodding along to a mix of Jack Johnson and today’s country music, I noticed the 17 flat screen TV’s and the new outside bar area that’s perfect for football season.

The food came out on square oriental-style plates. I dug into the Tomato Stacks first, $8 for about three tomatoes. The thick tomatoes were layered with huge pieces of buffalo mozzarella and black olive tapenade in between. Topped with fresh basil, the tomatoes were doused with sweet madein-house balsamic vinaigrette which gave it a phenomenal flavor and perfect healthy option, especially for lunch.

A big hearty meal of Grilled Fish Tacos, $11 for three, was served next with fresh cabbage, onions, chipotle sour cream served with soaked-in-house black beans, and jasmine rice – they can also do yellow rice – along with sides of guacamole and salsa. The layers of texture added a unique feel to the chunky fish tacos, which weren’t fishy or plain, but mixed great with the crunchy cabbage. The beans were phenomenal and melted in my mouth, tingling my taste buds. Add the salsa and guacamola the taco and it had a very exotic taste.

I also tried a Bungalow original, the Cuban Egg rolls, $7 for four, stuffed with mojo roasted pork, salami, ham, Monterey and

Swiss cheeses, and served with spicy honey mustard mojo sauce. It’s basically a Cuban sandwich wrapped up and deep fried, and boy, is it good. I offered to share with two guys at the bar. One, Ben Welch, a Florida native, said it was his first time here. “All this needs is some powdered sugar and it’ll be a

I wanted to beat the dinner rush, so I offered the guys at the bar the rest of the food and finished my beer before heading upstairs to check out the skybox and banquet room with Carmody. He’s been hard at work bringing in 100 new bottled beers and 20 new taps.

“We’re putting three taps up there. It’s a $500 minimum for this room, but everything goes toward the product, food. Gratuity is not included, but we can do $300 for luncheons. It’s got its own little hidden poker room. It’s great for football season, and that’s the big thing.”

The Bungalow has everything that anybody would want and the menu’s going to be changing for the fall. “I’m still working with some recipes. It’s kind of a secret,” Carmody said.

Stop by the Bungalow and check out the nightly specials at lunch and dinner. The staff will make sure you get quality service, phenomenal food and your drink of choice.

dining & entertainment » Local Dining Guide

Focus

Best Bets O

f all the tapas to taste in town, Ceviche is great because it’s open late. Located at the old St. Bart’s Island House, Ceviche feels like walking into a Spanish café. There’s so much variety, along with the signature ceviche, try more than 45 different hot and cold tapas, priced anywhere $5 $20, along with paellas. Sit down with your date and grab a few glasses of any of the three kinds of Sangria. Feel like dancing? On Friday and Saturday Ceviche offers live music on the patio. Or, go for brunch on the weekends. Don’t forget about $4 Tapas Tuesday! Every Tuesday Ceviche offers a $4 menu of select tapas and sangria. This is the best deal in South Tampa on Tuesday, for real.

Where: 502 S Howard Ave. in Tampa Hours: Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Dining: 5 – 10 p.m.

Sunday – Monday: 5 – Midnight Tuesday – Saturday

moke Barbeque & Grill takes a fresh spin on traditional barbeque with an upscale menu transforming the most common barbeque fare into something new and exciting for even the most sophisticated pallet. Hey but don’t worry, you wont have to get dressed up to enjoy this upscale menu.

Smoke Barbeque offers much variety with veggie dishes, duck and fish, different varieties of kabobs, but the best part about Smoke is the flavor! The Smoked Brisket tastes like Mama’s home cookin’ and the pork ribs are a hit. You can sit inside or outside on the patio and maybe catch a band every Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Happy Hour is Monday – Friday 4 p.m. – 8p.m., along with Modelo Mondays - $10 buckets and Trivia Tuesdays.

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Kids: Yes Bar: Beer, wine and sangria

f you’ve ever been or lived in South Tampa you know the name Berns. The famous steakhouse name is synonymous for great steaks, elegant dining experience, and upper level desert room. Well, Sideburns took this same ideology but mixed it with a hipper vision and modern twist. They have the same great passion for food, huge wine selection for pairing ($35), and a great dessert menu, if you can save room. The service is always on point. After work, take a seat at the curvy bar for some $6 appetizers, $5 drinks and $3 beers. Dress to impress!

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5 – 10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturday: 5 – 11 p.m.

Closed Sunday Where: 2209 W Morrison Ave. in Tampa Contact: Call 258-2233 or visit sideberns.com

on’t forget about Bella’s Italian Café. It’s the place to go for a romantic dinner, or a nice lunch if you’re hungry; seven items under $5. Be seated and you’re treated to a complimentary bruschetta and warm rolls for the table. Plus, if you tell them you’re a Facebook fan, you get a free fried ravolli. The nice thing about Bella’s is the pasta is made in-house and they serve your sauce to order. The brick-oven stove perfects their hand-tossed thin crust pizza. There’s weekend special and happy hour is Monday – Friday from 4 – 6 p.m.

1413 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa Call 254-3355 or visit bellasitaliancafe.com

Full Bar: Yes Hours: Open at 11:30 on weekdays Kids: Ages 16+ Monday – Wednesday: until 11:30 Contact: Call 250-0203 or visit ceviche.com Thursay: until 12:30 a.m.

Friday: until 1:30 a.m.

Open at 4 p.m. on weekends

S

Where: 901 W Platt St in Tampa Contact: Call 254-7070 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00 – 9:30 Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.

D

Saturday: until 1:30 a.m.

Sunday: until 11:30 p.m.

Kids: Yes Full Bar: Yes

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ou can enjoy 40 different wines by the glass and the great views of Hyde Park Village while you swirl. The Wine Exchange is a casual bistro where the best seats are often outside. While the entrees can be considered tasty and generic, stop in for a light lunch or happy hour Monday – Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. for $4.25 premium drinks. The appetizers pair well with the wine and the atmosphere is trendy so the crowd’s always interesting to watch. On Wednesday, get 20 percent off bottles $50 and up.

Where: 1609 Snow Ave. in Tampa Contact: 254-9463 or visit wineexchangetampa.com

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11:30 – 11 p.m.

Special: Free Wi-Fi

I

f you’re looking for a great place for lunch, go to Ciccio’s where you can try everything from authentic Italian dishes to $7 sushi bowls, crispy salads and gluten-free pizza. The service is friendly and fast, so you can make that important meeting after filling your gullet. Dinner is also out of control with unbelievable sushi at Water. It’s great for large groups; there’s a private party room and the reasonably priced dishes from $10 - $30 are California-style.

Happy hour starts at 5:30 and lasts until 7:30 p.m. There’s a late night happy hour, too, from 10 – midnight with $5 sake martini’s.

Where: 1015 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa Contact: Call 251-8406 or visit ciccioandtonys.com Hours Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30

and 5:30 p.m. – close Saturday: 5:30 p.m. – close Sunday: 5 p.m. – close Full Bar: Yes

FOCUS Magazine south tampa september 2010

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SEPTEMBER 4

P.J. LEARY & THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS, WITH COVER TO COVER AND KEN BRADY

P. J. Leary & the Las Vegas Sounds, also featuring special guests, Cover to Cover and Ken Brady (Lead Singer of The Casinos), featuring the 1967 hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

OCTOBER 15

RICHIE MERRITT

Richie Merritt of the Marcels will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room with P.J. Leary and the Las Vegas Sounds.

OCTOBER 16 & 22

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

OCTOBER 23

SEPTEMBER 10

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

SEPTEMBER 11 & 17

JOHNNY ALSTON’S

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

SEPTEMBER 18 & 24

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

SEPTEMBER 25

GEORGE GALFO’S MYSTICS

Original founding member, George Galfo brings his Mystics to the Red Rose Dining Room singing their hit song “Hushabye” and many more memorable Doo Wop favorites! DESTINY performs before and after the show.

LOLA & THE SAINTS

Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday – “Forever in Love,” Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.”

PLUS P.J. LEARY & THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS with special guest KEN BRADY (Lead Singer of The Casinos), featuring the 1967 hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

OCTOBER 23

SOUL MUSIC NIGHT

WITH THE DELFONICS AND ARTHUR “SUGAR BEAR” AIKEN

Two Grammy Nominated & Award Winning Groups in one great night! The legendary DELFONICS singing their hit – “La La Means I Love You,” plus much more, and lead singer of The Blue Notes, Arthur “Sugar Bear” Aiken. Hear songs like “If You Don't Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost” & many more. Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock & Roll Revue will perform before and after the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

OCTOBER 29

COVER TO COVER

OCTOBER 1

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

OCTOBER 30

JOHNNY ALSTON’S A dynamite crowd pleaser! DESTINY performs before and after the show.

OCTOBER 2 & 8

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

NOVEMBER 5 & 13

JOHNNY ALSTON’S

NOVEMBER 6

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

NOVEMBER 12

COVER TO COVER

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Ralph Allocco & Second Wind before and after the show

NOVEMBER 13

“LET’S HANG ON” – A TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLIE AND THE FOUR SEASO

Here the hits from one of the 60’s top bands - The Four Sea “Sherry,” “Ronnie,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,”“ Ragd “Let’s Hang On,” and many, many more. P.J. Leary & The Vegas Sounds open and close the show. This event benefits t St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

NOVEMBER 19

DESTINY

Put on your dancing shoes as this band features adult contemporary music with tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Ricky Martin.

NOVEMBER 20

“A NIGHT OF LEGENDS” SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES AND BOBBY HENDRICKS

Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead of the Shirelles and Bobb Hendricks, formerly of Bill Pickney’s Original Drifters perfo plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds with Ken Brady of t original Casinos before and after the show in a Supper Club Atmosphere in the Ballroom.

SHOW RESERVATIONS

Please call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red Rose Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with a four course meal (seats also available for the show only – for a lower price!)

NO COVER CHARGE for shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room wit the purchase of dinner. Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates when staying overnight after a show!

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

OCTOBER 9

JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Johnny takes us back in time to an era of great sounds from the Motown period.

No cover charge for show with dinner purchase

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds also performs before and after the show.

TEL: 813.752.3141

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w By: Joe Bo interview

I

f there is one person that is on track for greatness, it is James Wilder Jr. The five-star running back and defensive end from Plant High School committed to being a Florida State Seminole on August 18 at a news conference held at his high school auditorium. His announcement ended a recruiting process that left more than 60 Division I schools disappointed as Wilder chose FSU over Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Wilder is the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer all time leading rusher James Wilder. His all-pro father owns most of the offensive rushing records for the Buccaneers that spanned a career from 1981-1990.

I was able to interview James Wilder Jr. less than a week before his announcement and though he hinted that he was leaning toward FSU, he never tipped his hand of his intention. In fact, many recruiting sources announced that he was headed to Georgia just a day before he committed to play in Tallahassee.

Wilder’s decision to attend FSU had everything to do with his passion to run the ball. You see, in the past his forte’ has been on the defensive side of the ball. Most colleges wanted James for his ability to wreak havoc on most offenses he has faced. He plugs ups holes, runs down running backs from behind, creates turnovers, sacks the quarterback (19 sacks last season), and disrupts almost every play just by his presence. On special teams, he also made his mark by blocking four kicks this year.

Wilder, however, has a passion to run the ball. Last season, in his first year as a starting running back, he rushed for more than 1000 yards and he filled up You Tube videos with unbelievable runs. In one video, he carries multiple defenders ten additional yards as they grapple to

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september 2010 myfocustv.com

him down. In another, he knocks down continued from page 14 asbring many as three defenders at the same time on the way to score another touchdown. He has done so many incredible things that his coach, Robert Weiner, calls him a “freak.”

Wilder plays like a man among boys. He is 6’2” and 220 lbs, without an ounce of body fat. He looks like one solid muscle from head to toe with veins exploding from his arms. He is polite, unassuming, articulate and quietly charismatic. He is also having the time of his life at Plant High School and in the community of South Tampa, where he has become quite a celebrity.

That close-knit area of Tampa has dedicated Friday nights during the fall to be wherever Wilder and the Plant Panthers are playing.

interview

Plant, after capturing three state championships in the last four years, was recently selected

by Rivals.com as the Preseason #1 High School Team in the nation and they chose James Wilder Jr. as the nation’s #1 rated high school football player. A major part of Plant’s success can be attributed to its head coach. Robert Weiner is a teacher, a leader, a philosopher, and a master motivator that can, as a former coach of his has said, “take ordinary talent and turn it into extraordinary talent.”

With the recruiting process over, Wilder can take his extraordinary talent and focus it on his final season at Plant High School and winning another championship. Then, onto College, the Pros, and finally the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If there is anyone that can make it to Canton, Ohio (the home of the Hall of Fame) it will be Wilder. By the way, he’ll be rushing to get there… it’s his passion.

Interview conducted prior to James making his decision to attend FSU.

FOCUS: Congratulations on last year’s state championship. What do you remember most about that game?

Wilder, Jr.: Just the feeling that I had when the buzzer went off and the clock said 0.00 and the scoreboard said Plant 21 and Manatee 14. Man, that gave me goose bumps. Everybody was going wild. Fans were jumping the fence. It was just crazy. I was hugging Ely. It was my high school dream.

It was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life.

FOCUS: I watched your 42-yard touchdown run against Manatee over and over again. It was pretty amazing. Have you seen the video?

Wilder, Jr.: Yeah, I saw it but honestly, I didn’t know that I ran over three defenders.

I thought it was just two. After the play, I cramped up and laid down for a minute.

When I got back to the sideline, they showed the replay and I said, “Whoa!, I ran over three people?” I don’t even remember getting spun around and going backwards for about five yards either. It was crazy.

Everything was happening so fast. It was good… it was one of my favorite plays ever.

FOCUS: It’s been an interesting summer for you. You had offers from dozens of schools. I understand that you are going to announce your

college choice in a few days. Will that take some of the pressure off you?

FOCUS: Has your family tried to influence your decision in any way?

Wilder, Jr.: Yeah, I think it’s going to take a big load off my shoulders. You know, it’s good to have a lot of attention, but when it’s announced, I can just focus on the season. I’ll feel good knowing that I have my next four years planned out too.

Wilder, Jr.: No… no… not really. I mean they always say, “Why don’t you stay in Florida. That way we’d be able to come to all your games. Maybe we can drive an hour or so and come see you play.” But other than that, they haven’t put any pressure on me.

FOCUS: After you announce, is there a possibility that you’ll change your mind?

FOCUS: Talk about your family? What was it like to grow up as James Wilder Jr.?

Wilder, Jr.: Nah, I’m positive I won’t change.

Wilder, Jr.: Uh…kind of like… a lot of pressure, you know. I mean everybody knows my dad. My brother played football. My sister broke high school basketball records.

Mom was a track star in high school. So, I had no choice. I couldn’t be just a regular kid.

It was like, “Hey, you’re next. What are you going to do?” So, I just stepped up and I‘ve let all of them train me. They’ve all helped out. I run Bayshore Boulevard with my mom.

She’s athletic. My dad is kind of getting out of shape, but he’ll watch me and coach me.

But it was pretty fun growing up in a family like mine. I am truly blessed to have these genes from my mother and father.

FOCUS: You want to tell me where you’re going?

Wilder, Jr.: Honestly, for me, I’m still not decided. It’s between three schools and I’m trying to throw a fourth one in there now… ‘cause, you know, Ely just decided on Alabama, so I’m trying to throw them back into the picture. But right now, I have Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and Alabama. All are SEC schools… well, FSU isn’t a SEC school but the head coach from Florida State, Coach Jimbo Fisher is from a SEC school. He knows what he’s doing.

I mean, he’s going to run the ball and I’m a running back, so it could be pretty good there. But everyday I have a different school that I’m going to pick… but I’ll be okay.

FOCUS: Tell me about Coach Weiner? What has he meant to this program? To You? Wilder, Jr.: Coach Weiner is the “P” in the program. It all starts with him. No other coach gives as much time as he does.

Sometimes I’ll watch film after the games for an hour and then we’ll go as a team to a restaurant for two hours and then I’ll come

back here and he’s like one eye open and the other eye shut… but he’s still watching film.

And then in the morning, I’ll come early to watch film and he’ll be in that same chair watching film. I mean, he gives so much time to the program. I thought no one loved football more than me, but I met Coach Weiner and I found someone who loves it more than me. He’s given his whole life to this program and it’s paying off.

FOCUS: I understand he is a little unorthodox in some of the things he does. Does the team understand where he is coming from?

Wilder, Jr.: I mean… I think the players that have been here longer really understand. But you know, we have a lot of young players that don’t understand. They just know that he is successful.

FOCUS: Do the older players mentor the younger players?

Wilder, Jr.: Oh yeah. The seniors do. Coach gives you people. He sometimes assigns you to someone. He says, “Hey watch out for that guy. That’s going to be your guy. Get him right.” I think that’s what it’s all about. The freshmen and sophomores coming in… they pretty much look up to us, and we try to play that big brother role. Sometimes they’ll listen to us more than they’ll listen to anybody else.

We’re trying to take a leadership role with

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continued from page 16 the young players and I think it’s working out pretty good.

FOCUS: You are one of the top three high school prospects in the nation. How has all the attention you’ve received affected you? Do you enjoy it, is it something you endure or is it just part of the process?

Wilder, Jr.: It’s just part of the process.

I mean, when I was a freshman or a sophomore I didn’t think that I was going to be one of the top-of-the-line players like this. It’s just part of the process, but I’m definitely going to enjoy it while it lasts because once you get to college you’re back at the bottom. You have to start all over again.

So, I’m enjoying it. It’s been a lot of fun.

FOCUS: You are a two-way player. As effective on defense as you are on offense. There are some analysts that think you would do well to concentrate on defense, but from watching you on film, I can tell that you like to run the football. Does it matter to you where you play?

Is there a preference?

Wilder, Jr.: For my body size and my body structure and from my experience, I think that I am better at defense. Defense is just instinct. Coach can call plays, but on defense, a lot of it is instinct. I just, sort of, know where the ball is going and I react to it. You have to have that instinct to play defense and some people don’t have it.

But, I do have more passion as a running back. I’m pretty good at it. I’m developing and I’m getting better at it. I’ve been playing running back my whole life but not at this level. This is the first year that I’ve started at running back, I’ve been behind other really good backs my freshman and sophomore years. I was like a third down back or a fourth-and-one back. But now, I’m the main guy. I definitely have more experience at linebacker but my passion is to be a running back. My passion will definitely have a factor in deciding which college I’ll go to.

FOCUS: I assume that you are enjoying your high school experience. I understand that the Plant high school community is a close-knit group. You’ve become quite a personality around town. Are you going to miss that?

Wilder, Jr.: Yeah… I mean we have so much back up in this community. We got fans, neighbors, alumni… I mean the whole South Tampa community comes to the games. You can go to Wal Mart or Best Buy and You’ll hear, “Hey James Wilder, how you guys doing? Good luck on the season.” I mean we have our own little South Tampa town here… that’s pretty awesome. Everybody out here is at the game and are behind us. You’ll see every teacher in the stands, all the students, the janitors… everybody comes and supports us.

Our team moms are putting in a lot of time and they’re a big part of our program. I’m going to miss it a lot. But college is going to be a lot more of the same. But I’m definitely going to miss everybody here.

FOCUS: Your schedule this year is pretty challenging. What would it mean to you to three-peat as State Champions?

Wilder, Jr.: Yeah, our first five games are tough. We have Manatee, Hillsborough, Tampa Bay Tech, Abilene, and Armwood. Theses are great teams… some of the best teams in the nation. But that’s what we want. That’s what we’ve been preparing for. To win another State Championship would be great. I mean, that’s our goal every year.

FOCUS: Do you have a dream?

Wilder, Jr.: Yeah, my dream, hopefully, is to get to the NFL. After I get to the NFL, I think I can take care of my business. The next part of my dream would be making it to the Hall of Fame and to be a leader and role model that a lot of kids can look up to.

interview By: Jo

e Bowles

FOCUS: First of all, congratulations on last year’s state championship. You won the 4A State Championship in 2008 and the 5A title last year. Moving up in classification is usually a problem for most teams, but you won the title again against even tougher competition. Has that ever been done before?

Coach Weiner: I don’t know. I don’t think it has. If it has, it hasn’t been done in a while. It’s kind of funny, in the beginning of the year, people were saying, “You’re in 5A now, let’s see how you do.” My response to them was, “Who do you think we’ve been playing.” We played Booker T. Washington when they were at their best. We’ve played Armwood every single year. I don’t care where you go in the state you’re not going to play a better team year after year than Armwwod.

FOCUS: Is there anything that happened last year that made you believe that you may have the talent to win it all again?

Coach Weiner: Maybe just from the standpoint of the development of our offensive line. Two seasons ago, our

Continued on page 18

FOCUS Magazine south tampa september 2010

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Continued from page 17 offensive line gave up only three sacks over the last nine games. Coming into this year, we were hoping that we would get that same kind of protection, but we weren’t sure. But, as time passed, our offensive line began to gel. They were determined that Philip Ely wasn’t going to be touched. They also began to create holes for our backs. In the last seven games, the offensive line only gave up two sacks.

I also think that the development of our defense was a big factor in our success. Our offense gets so much acclaim… we put up big numbers, but it has really been our defense that has held us together.

FOCUS: I took a look at your schedule this year. It’s pretty brutal.

Coach Weiner: It is brutal. We start off playing a preseason game against Manatee on ESPN in front of a million people. Then we have Tampa Bay Tech that beat us last year. We follow that with Hillsborough, our archrival. That will be exciting for us as we open our home schedule on our new artificial turf.

Then we play Abilene High School in Texas. And depending on the poll you look at, Abilene is, at least, one of the top three teams in the country. Once again, we will be on ESPN with about 30,000 people in their stands and another million on TV. Then we play Riverview at our place and the following week we play Armwood. If we’re still kicking after those first six games, we’ll be all right.

But there’s no time to rest because the second half of our season we’ll be facing our district opponents.

FOCUS: I’m sure it’s an honor to be named the Rivals.com Preseason #1 Team in the nation.

What kind of pressure does that put on your program?

Coach Weiner: I don’t think it puts any pressure on us. We don’t look at things that way. These kids play the game exactly right.

What I mean by that is this… we’ve always taught them that there are a lot of things in life more important than going out on

a football field and trying to win games.

We like to think of these football games as an oasis that helps us deal with the other struggles of life. Football takes that pressure away.

We also talk about football as a game.

You have to focus on the game like a man because it’s a physical and violent game.

But you’ve got to play the game with a kidlike enthusiasm. We’ve never lost that enthusiasm. We’ve never been in a game that our kids haven’t played loose. Our kids are very disciplined, but if you were to walk into our locker room, you’d realize that our kids are loose and are having fun.

I don’t think something like a ranking puts any more pressure on us. We talk about it… it’s not like it’s taboo or something. But the only reason that we talk about it at all, is that we are constantly trying to tell our kids that they are part of something much bigger than themselves.

The fact of the matter is, when you’ve done well in the past and you have a couple of big names, that’s when you get thrown into the national spotlight. But it is an honor and we’re happy to be ranked number one.

FOCUS: Give me your comments on three of your top players. I’ll say their names and you tell me what comes to your mind.

James Wilder Jr.?

Coach Weiner: Uh… freak. He does things that you’ve never seen before. And just when you think that you’ve seen him do it all, he does something different. His motor is always on. He is nonstop enthusiasm, nonstop leadership, and nonstop effort. If there is a better player in the United States of America, someone is going to have to show me the film. He is good at a lot of things. He’s one of the best special teams players… he blocked four kicks for us last year. He’s a big time defensive end and a big time runner. He can do it all How about Tony Posada?

Coach Weiner: Tony Posada is a grinder down in the trenches. What I like most about Tony is his personal development as

a player and as a kid who has matured a lot.

Right now, he is on the upswing of being a great player. He is one of our captains and he asks all the right questions so he can learn to be the best player he can be. There is a lot of great football ahead for Tony. I think we’ll see him move up to another level this year.

Philip Ely?

Coach Weiner: Philip is probably the most humble, most modest, most unassuming athlete that I’ve ever been around… almost to the point of being oblivious to the things that go on around him. That is what makes him a great leader. His teammates are attracted to him because he never draws any attention to himself. He is the greatest statement that I have ever known for a team player. All his life he has never had an individual goal. There is nothing wrong with setting individual goals, but his goals, all his life, have been team goals.

His dad played at Plant and all Philip wanted to do was play football at Plant. He never thought about playing somewhere at a college like Alabama, the number one ranked college in the country. The greatest thing we can learn from Philip is this… if you do what you are supposed to do for the right reasons and you do it the right way everything that you could possibly want in life is going to come your way.

FOCUS: How is this team different from last year’s team?

Coach Weiner: I don’t really know yet.

The best thing about coaching is that every year we get to watch each team develop.

The cool thing is that every team has its own identity… its own chemistry. I don’t really know what this team has yet, but what I do know is that this team, without any prodding, works their butts off. During the off-season, we’ve never had a group work as hard as this group. They have set high standards and they hold one another accountable. As coaches, we can just go out and focus on coaching football, because these kids are taking care of the things that are really important.

FOCUS: Here is a quote about you from someone who used to coach with you. “Weiner is

a man that takes ordinary talent and turns it into extraordinary talent.” What do you think about that quote?

Coach Weiner: I think that whoever said that probably deserves more of the credit than I do. I think that as a head coach I just try to put all the pieces together. It is the pieces themselves that make something extraordinary out of the ordinary.

I have an amazing group of assistant coaches and if I have learned anything from them, it is loyalty. Loyalty is having a vision for the process, it’s believing in that process, and it’s caring about the kids along the way. We are loyal to the vision, and to one another.

Listen, I believe that everyone of these kids have something extraordinary inside of them and as coaches we have to provide them with the environment for them to explore that extra something that is that they have not yet discovered.

FOCUS: How involved are you with making sure that these athletes keep up their grades?

Coach Weiner: I am extremely involved.

We started our academic program about five years ago and I have to say that we have the most comprehensive high school football academic program in the country.

We have three academic coaches on our staff that work with our players on Mondays, and Tuesdays. Some of our players that are excelling often end up tutoring other players.

We have peer tutoring, faculty tutoring, and outside volunteers who come in.

We are working on a program this year entitled Train-Up. It will be good for everybody but particularly for our students that are struggling. It is often not a matter of intelligence, it is a matter of organization.

We hope this program provides a structure that will help them to be organized the rest of their lives, as well.

We won the state academic award the past two years. It’s probably pretty unusual for a team to be the state football champions and also be the state academic champions. It is something that we take a lot of pride in.

business » business profile Fernandez Florida Law 4805 S, Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 813-412-5605 www.fernandezfloridalaw.com out there. They wait until they’ve spent everything they have and come to see me as a last resort when I could have done so much more to help them maintain their retirement, had they not waited so long.

Because every case is completely different, it’s important to consult an attorney as early as possible. “This is too big of an issue to deal with alone,” said Williams. “You need a team behind you. If you’re struggling, the best thing you can do is get good, confident advice and pay for it. It’s worth it no matter what the outcome. I like Nicki because her fees were fair and reasonable and she helped the process move more quickly and efficiently than I could have alone. Anyone going through this needs to be prepared for it to be a long and frustrating process, but dealing with Nicki helped me get through the bank maze and understand my legal rights and options.”

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very week between 500 and 800 foreclosure cases are filed in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties combined. Even though this number is down nearly half from where it was last year, the market is still being overwhelmed with cases. Most people affected by this epidemic go into it blindly, not fully understanding the options available to them.

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Niurka (Nicki) Fernandez Asmer is the owner of Fernandez Florida Law, which practices in the areas of foreclosure defense, loan modifications, bankruptcy, real estate and consumer rights. She attended the University of Central Florida and then simultaneously finished her law degree and MBA from Nova Southeastern in Ft Lauderdale. In 2000 she moved to New York where she was the director of legal affairs at Media Serv Corp. Following 9-11 she returned to South Florida and practiced insurance defense litigation for eight years.

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She is a resident of South Tampa and her practice is located at 4805 S. Himes Ave, Tampa, FL.

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