Latin TImes Magazine 4th Qtr 2011

Jolie R. Gonzalez

Publisher / Editor In Chief Misha Wong Creative Director Victor Padilla VP/Operations Manager nikko gonzalez Publishing assistant Minerva Rodriguez Office Manager Carmen L Rodriguez Hispanic/Latino Market Liaison Sergio Sodre Hispanic/Latino Market Liaison Al Piña Staff Writer - Al’s Desk Ask The Professionals Fifth Third Bank Staff Writer – Ask el Banker HART Staff Writer – Ask El Transportation Professional Dr. Brian Caez Staff Writer – Ask El Chiro Man Pastor David Murphy Staff Writer – Ask El Pastor Marketing & Advertising Consultants Julio Aviles | Orange & Osceola Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Claribel Levinson | Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres Business Development Specialist Lorenzo Tindal | Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres Business Development Specialist Zanibel Melo | Orange, Osceola, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Carmen Santiago | Orange & Osceola Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Other Florida Counties: (813) 901-5292 Office or BusinessDevelopment@Latin-Times.com Photography / Video Juan Ruiz of Ziur Photography Special Events Reporter/Photographer Al Frederick, Business Photography Zanibel Melo of Higher Dreams Productions.

3rd Quarter 2011 Cover: Designed by Misha Wong Photo Credit: Lindysphotography.com (Mike Salas – Multicultural Festival Flyer) Proud Members of the following Organizations: • Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce • Hispanic Professional Women’s Association • Pasco / Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Puerto Rican Chamber of Central Florida • Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce • United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce

Main Office: 813.901-5292 | Direct: (813) 407-6866, Fax: (813) 489-2422 Websites: www.Latin-Times.com | NEW: www.MyCityOfHope.Org No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent from Latin Times, LLC., 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.

For a one (1) year subscription (4 issues), please send a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 to: P.O. Box 262574, Tampa, FL 33685-2574

Special ThanX to God. Thank you to GOD for the many blessings you have placed in my life! Thank you to Carmen Santiago for being a great mom, Orlando Rodriguez for being a great dad, Carmen Lourdes & Minerva for being great sisters –let’s get close again! To my big brother –I love you, all! Nikko Gonzalez for being the best son in the world. Thank you to my “victor”, you are my hero! Thank you to Zion and Victoria you are the sweetest and most beautiful little girls in the world! To all my wonderful friends, who always seem to be there when I need them the most!

Hola Mi Gente Bonita de la Florida!

Welcome to the new and exciting edition of Latin Times Magazine

I

hope you all had a great summer!

Amigos y amigas the world is ever changing, and because of that we as business people sometimes have to re-create or re-invent ourselves (whichever word you decide to use, I am sure you get the gist of it) in order to “go” with the times, for Latin Times, that “time” is now….

As most of you can probably tell – Latin Times Magazine has a HOT (Caliente) new look and a few less pages! The reason why…we have been re-invented!

The NEW Latin Times Magazine will be print, web AND mobile friendly! That’s right… Latin Times is Going Green!

This is a very exciting time and issue for us, as Latin Times introduces our new “MobiMag” That’s right - You heard it here first…..

Latin Times Magazine is now a Mobi-Mag! The Term “Mobi-Mag” is not a customary term, but I believe that surviving print magazines will gravitate toward this new look and embrace the technology that goes with it! (We are first!)

Our new Mobi-Mag look will feature LESS Pages, but MORE content!

Each page will feature its own unique QR code for people with Mobile devices (Smart phones, I-Pads, and other tablets) to scan and visit our website, view a video, listen to music, read more articles or even view more display ads!

Readers can also now participate in the social media integration, view the e-Magazine, via your computer OR via our Mobile magazine right from YOUR mobile device, and so much more!

Exciting? You bet it is…..

Last year I posted an old issue from 2006 online as an e-magazine, this morning I received notification stating 15,000 people had read the issue! But that’s nothing! Our George Lopez e-magazine has had over 50,000 readers in this past year! All in all, Latin Times Magazine’s e-editions have been read over 500,000 times!

We anticipate that by embracing the mobile audience as well, our per issue readership will be at over 150,000 readers per issue!

More Changes!

One thing about me is that when I embrace change –I REALLY embrace change, so we have also changed the structure and format of our 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Networking Socials.

For the last 7 ½ years we have hosted successful events, first at Mirage Restaurant and Lounge (6 years) and at the Double Tree Airport Hotel (1 ½ ), but as of September 2011 we are now a traveling Networking Social!

Exciting NEWS!!!!

1st Friday is Now the “Traveling” Networking Social!

Our signature event “1st Friday, Latin ConneXions” is now 7 ½ years old, and NOW this exciting event is going “on the road”, spicing things up and visiting all the great venues/locations throughout Central Florida, by hosting each 1st Fridays at a NEW and Exciting location!

Each month, Latin Times Media will take you to a NEW and Exciting location throughout Central Florida to connect YOU “Florida’s Business community” with other great business professionals. Expect these events to be FUN. Expect to make new friends, and GREAT new business connections, while enjoying GREAT food, great LIVE Performances and dancing!

More Exciting News!!!

YES – Our Website is finally up! If you have not checked out the ALL new Latin-Times.com than its time that you did! We already have over 200 members!

What makes Latin-Times.com

so special?

Latin-Times.com was custom built to be a true online community, offering a huge online shopping mall featuring the lowest prices on the web, great articles, video, music, games, chat, online education and access to all our previous e-Magazine editions of Latin Times Magazine for the last 10 years!

Latin-Times.com also offers additional great interactive features and editorials, coupled with complete social media integration, and even Blog Radio shows! Our goal is to unite the Hispanic/ Latino communities.

Latin-Times is a combination of a social media AND editorial website, offering FREE memberships to Florida’s Latino (and nonLatino) community! Visit our website TODAY, and become a member for free!

Multicultural Festival of Florida

I hope you will ALL join us for this very special event it is our hope to be able to unite our minority communities so that we can all work with each other to succeed as one nation, under God! Last, but certainly NOT least!

I have decided that I will be writing a book on FAITH. I have lived a life of miracles, achieved by simply having FAITH in GOD that no matter what I was going through, I would get past it….

I want to share those stories and other great testimonies with our readers, so that it will give each one of you COURAGE and CONFIDENCE in the face of adversity. Greater is HE that is in YOU –than he that is in the world.

If you wish to share your testimony for consideration, to be included in the book please email them to me directly!

Until the next time…

May God Bless You ALL!

Jolie Gonzalez

App-Teasers Get Your Mobile Device out and ready to scan!

Just scan our convenient QR Codes to read the rest of these App-Teasers!

The Age of

Communication…

Who doesn’t have a Smart Phone these days, or some other type of mobile device?

Smart Phones have replaced just about everything from a GPS, to MP3 players, to cameras, diaries, newspapers, portable gaming, texting, viewing or making video, and for some people, it has even replaced the computer! It’s because of this popularity that many businesses are choosing to add mobile marketing to their advertising campaigns. There’s no denying it. Mobile advertising is on the rise.

Mobile Advertising Fast Fact: By 2013, mobile phones will overtake PCs as the most common Web access device worldwide. Merrill Lynch

I Have a Facebook

Business Page, Now What?

If you are reading this article you are probably on Facebook or are wondering what do to with your Facebook business page. One of the most common errors I see when people are trying to use a Facebook page for their business is that they use a profile page instead of a business page. Before you do anything on Facebook, make sure that you are using the appropriate page for your business.

Great Apps to Check-out!

1. Police Scanner; Radardroid Lite is a FREE app that

acts as a speedometer, a map, a compass AND a police scanner!

2. Pocketcloud; For those people that need to have mobile access to their home computers, this FREE app will allow you to log on remotely to your home computer!

3. CamScanner; For those people that enjoy collecting cards at networking events, this FREE app will allow you to scan business cards and enter them into your mailing list!

Para Español visite www.Latin-Times.com To read these articles in Spanish, view video or to read the complete article, please visit our website at www.Latin-Times.com or use our convenient mobile QR Scan!

How many Hispanics in Florida?

T

he number of Hispanics counted in the 2010 Census was nearly 1 million more than expected, based on the most recent Census Bureau population estimates, according to an updated analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. The report includes comparisons of census counts and estimates for all states as well as the District of Columbia, as well as rankings of states with the largest discrepancies between count and estimate.

The 2010 Census count of Hispanics was 50,478,000, compared with 49,522,000 Hispanics in the bureau’s own estimates.

Hispanic Media in the U.S., Faring Better than the Mainstream Media

Spanish-language media remains important to the nation’s growing and changing Hispanic population.

And in the last year, this media sector tended to fare better overall than the mainstream Englishlanguage media, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism.

Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History Chosen as MOSI’s 2011 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, along with presenting sponsor Bright House Networks, has chosen their 2011 honoree, Cristián Samper, Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Samper is responsible for the largest natural history collection in the world and a museum that welcomes more than 6 million visitors each year.

In an effort to combat this type of

disparity in the Hispanic community, proceeds from the event help provide more than 1,300 students from underserved communities and lowincome schools an exciting day of mentoring with Dr. Samper and access to over 450 MOSI hands-on exhibits during Meet the Hispanic Scientist Day, which takes place on Friday, Oct 21st. The mission of MOSI’s National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award is to recognize outstanding Hispanic scientists who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate Hispanic youths’ interest in science.

Interactive Maps, Data and Profiles on the Latino Population in U.S. Counties, States The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, has updated its interactive maps and database on the Latino population in the nation’s more than 3,100 counties. The maps show the Latino population and share in U.S. counties for 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2009 and how its size and distribution across counties has changed since 1980. Accompanying the county interactive maps and database are updated demographic and economic profiles of the Hispanic and nonHispanic populations in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

The interactive maps, county Latino population data and state demographic profiles are available at the Pew Hispanic Center’s website, www.pewhispanic.org.

To read these articles in Spanish, view video or to read the complete article, please visit our website at www.Latin-Times.com or use our convenient mobile QR Scan!

bocadillo latinos continuación

Now YOU can LIST YOUR Property on Latin-Times.com

Visit Latin-Times.com or Mobile device users can scan the QR Code to view more listings!

Beautifully Restored Office Space for Rent: $1,350.00

C

ompletely refurbished new roof, walls, floors, windows, new appliances, microwave, handicap bathroom plus 1 full bathroom, 3 large offices, 1 media room or small office, with washing machine/dryer hook up, conference room, reception area, back deck, entrance from both Howard Avenue and St. Louis. All telephone, and cable wiring, all the electrical, plumbing and Central AC & Heating is new. Commercial zoned. Perfect for professionals, close to downtown, 275, the airport, and St. Pete.

Property is designated as a Hub Zone and an enterprise zone for the State of Florida.

Contact Millie at (813) 446-0144 or Jolie@ Latin-Times.com

Build YOUR Dream HOME here; 1 acre, GREAT LOCATION, close to I-4 and I-75; $69,500

Handy Man Special; HOME FOR SALE; $62,000

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W

oned Residential, this beautiful land has a private road. Underground utilities are already in! Build your dream home here! The house they build cannot be any smaller than 1200 sq ft. $300/per year association fee.

Contact Millie at (813) 446-0144 or Jolie@Latin-Times.com

e will Finance with $20,000 Down 9224 W. Robson Street, Tampa, FL

33615 Target Buyers: Veterans, Low-Moderate Income, Single Mothers. New Roof, Complete New Electrical Wiring, New Walls Kitchen and Bathrooms Need To Be Completed.

Approximate Cost To Complete Rehab: $15,000 Value over $110,000 when Completed.

Contact: 813-598-6361

It’s not that far away…

2012 November Election The Most Critical Moment of our Children’s Future Latinos must vote or allow our children to suffer the consequences of our actions.

By: Al Piña

2010 Hispanic Demographics for Florida Hispanics at percent of State Population: 26% Medium Income, Hispanics 16 plus: $21,500 Poverty Rate Hispanics 17 and younger: 29% Hispanics without health insurance: 39%

AVERAGE HISPANIC VOTER TURNOUT

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entral Florida, Northeast Florida and Broward Counties: 7%

Labor leader Hoffa was blasted this Labor Day for using some harsh language towards the Tea Party. California Congresswoman Maxine Waters said the Tea Party “can go straight to hell”. Many politicians are using the Tea Party as a tool to create anger among Latino and African American voters.

This is like a mother feeding her child nothing but cookies after bullies call him fat. The Tea Party is not the issue or the problem. We are! This includes ME.

In Florida, the very first thing that Governor Rick Scott did was to abolish the Office of Diversity. In that, this act was a first step towards taking us back 25 years in civil rights! I am not angry with him. I am angry at myself and ALL OF YOU… All of us, who did not exercise our responsibility to engage in our democracy and vote. We let our children down. We allowed a few to determine the future of our children.

This is not about who we vote for. This is not about us being a Democrat, Republican or Independent (which I am). It is about making sure that the Latino community in Florida is heard loud and clear, and respected as such.

I know very little in the big scheme of life, but this I am absolutely sure of: our state and country has come to a fork in the road.

The November 2012 election will either mark a path forward for Hispanics or a path that will take us back 25 years in time.

Let’s make the commitment here and now! Let’s commit to come out in record

numbers and allow our voices to be heard across this state and our country. Be you a Democrat, Republican or Independent…..

See you at the polls.

To read more, please visit our website www.Latin-Times. com or scan one of our convenient QR Codes TODAY!

Florida Latinos

by Latin Times Magazine

Name: Jackeline Vallejo Profession: Civil Engineer Business Owner Home Town: Pais: Peru

Toledo

Tampa, Florida

Latin-Times: Tell us about your job/career?

Jackie: I graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of South Florida in 2000. I obtained my Professional Engineering (PE) certification in 2005.

I am also a mom. I became an instant mom when I met my husband Jose and my Stepson Sam, and in 2005 our daughter Julia was born, she is now 6 years old, Julia was followed by Anthony who is 4, Alec who is 3, and Joselyn who was born in April of this year. I find that being a mommy is the most fulfilling job of all!

My love of children has allowed me to pursue other ventures, and last year this passion led me to open up a Performing Arts Enrichment Program for kids.

Latin Times: Who (here or departed) do you consider to be a Latino/Hispanic role model for you, and why?

Jackie: My grandfather, the late Teobaldo Bocanegra M.D. He was a physician in Perú--I always saw him as the people’s doctor. He treated people despite their class, despite whether or not they had insurance. My Grandfather relentlessly helped his community. His patients were his passion, and I saw this first hand, how he positively changed the lives of people.

Although he’s no longer with us he remains my inspiration.

Locally, Maritza Rovira - Forino is my role model and was my sponsor in college.

She has taught me to give selflessly.

Early on I saw how she was involved in the community and that I would follow in her footsteps. Those are very big shoes to fill, so I didn’t waste any time. In college I got involved in my sorority, student council, I was a USF ambassador and I was in every professional organization on campus relating to my degree. Maritza believed in me and likewise I believed in myself and strove to make her proud.

Maritza’s involvement in the community is outstanding and I’m still trying to fill those shoes. This year she will be honored as the 2011 Hispanic Woman of the Year.

Name:

Maria I. Caban Orlando, Florida

Home Town:

Country: USA & Puerto Rico

Latin-Times: What do you do for a living?

Maria Caban: I co-own Gold Star Title & Escrow Inc. with my business partner, Jennifer Correa.

Latin-Times: What type of community projects are you involved in?

Maria Caban: We are involved in and support Partners in Education, Habitat for Humanity, Back to School Backpack Drive and my business partner is a veteran and her husband is currently deployed so we do what we can for U.S. troops by sending care packages, Christmas cards, and letters to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Latin-Times: In your life, who is your inspiration and hero?

Maria Caban: Virgen Cartagena, my mother, who was also a single mother. She worked so hard her whole life to provide for me, my sister and brother. She was a true inspiration for me growing up. Also, my two best friends Jennifer Correa and Adalida Gerges, they are like sisters to me. I met them both very shortly after I moved here.

They “adopted” me and gave me strength to keep going when it was difficult, to keep moving up and were both such positive influences on me as a woman and a business person.

Latin-Times: What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

Maria Caban: The biggest challenge for me has been opening our business. We opened it at the absolute peak of the real estate market less than a year before the big crash.

I’m not sure we have completely overcome that yet. But I can see a bright light at the end of our tunnel. I feel confident and proud to say that we survived the hardest market and time period in real estate history and we did that because we had a very conservative business plan, with very low overhead and we put everything into our customer service. Real estate is a business of trust and relationships. Our customers (which includes realtors, mortgage lenders, buyers and sellers) need to put their trust in us and feel that we have their best interests at heart. And you can’t do that without building a relationship with them. Without that philosophy and business motto, we would not have made it this far.

Name: Mayra Calo Profession: Attorney at Law Home Town: Tampa, Pais: Puerto Rico

Florida

Latin Times: Mayra, please share with our readers, how our children’s birthright citizenship is in danger.

Mayra Calo: Well, for the past year I have been participating in community outreach seeking to educate the public on an issue I am quite passionate about. I have spoken to Chamber groups, Rotarians and many other groups about the issue of birthright citizenship.

The next big immigration battle centers on the children of illegal immigrants, who are granted automatic citizenship like all other babies born on American soil. Arguing for an end to the policy, which is rooted in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, anti-immigration hard-liners describe a wave of migrants stepping across the border in the advanced stages of pregnancy to have what are dismissively called anchor babies.

A coalition of lawmakers from across the country seek to avoid the painstaking process of amending the Constitution, since the federal government decides who is to be deemed a citizen, the lawmakers are considering instead a move to create two kinds of birth certificates in their states, one for the children of citizens and another for the children of illegal immigrants.

The U.S. is one of several countries in the world that follow the rule of jus solis, which is a Latin term meaning of the soil.

Once born in the U.S. one is considered an automatic citizen of that country. Many other countries follow the rule of jus sanguine, which mean of the blood. For those countries, only blood lineage leads to citizenship of that country.

florida latinos continuación

Name: Miriam Velez Profession: Attorney

Valkenburg

Chicago, IL (Living in Tampa, FL) Home Town:

Pais: Family from Puerto Rico Latin-Times: Tell us about your job/career?

Miriam: I presently work for my own firm, the Law office of Valkenburg & Velez, PA., where I practice with my husband, Jason Valkenburg.

We opened our firm in 2003, since that time we have focused our attention on criminal defense, personal injury, contracts litigation and family law. I can honestly tell you that I love being an attorney. I love what I do and I love the fact that I can help so many people.

Aside from running a busy law practice, I am an active member of a number of local organizations. I am most proud of being involved with Are You Safe, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence. I am presently President of Are You Safe along with being a founding member. Are You Safe has been able to provide free legal advice and representation to well over 65 individuals since 2009.

Latin Times: What was the biggest challenge you have encountered in your life –and how have you overcome it?

Miriam: As a Hispanic female I have encountered many challenges throughout my lifetime both personally and professionally.

However, none of those challenges have been more difficult than trying to find a balance between my family life, professional responsilibilies and the social demands around me. I am a firm believer that a woman can do it all; raise a family while maintaining a healthy family environment, have a successful career and still have time to run and maintain a social life. However, this is not accomplished without hard work, motivation and strong time management skills. At forty, I have finally come to realize that I can’t do it all, all the time. I have to prioritize and occasionally say “no”, but just occasionally. I am very fortunate to have such an understanding and supportive husband and family. It is because of their support that I am able to balance my many responsibilities.

Latin Times: What are some of your immediate goals?

Miriam: My personal goal is to always be a good mother and role model for my daughter, Ellianna. She is an amazing little girl. My professional goal is to ultimately be a Judge.

Ms Latina International Name: Erica Cuascut Profession: Ms. Latina International United States Hometown: Miami, Pais: Puerto Rico

Florida

Latin-Times: Tell us about your familia and your cultural Background.

Erica Cuascut: I come from a huge loving and supportive family and Puerto Rican parents. My mom was born in Añasco, Puerto Rico from a family of ten siblings and my dad was born in Brooklyn, New York with from a family of six siblings. My mother’s family is from Rincon, Puerto Rico and my father’s family is from Ponce, Puerto Rico. My great grandparents from my father’s side were of French decent. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised between New York and Puerto Rico. Every Christmas and summer, I would travel to Puerto Rico with my parents for almost one month to spend time with my family since it was a tradition. Living in Puerto Rico six years after graduating from high school, I learned from many memorable experiences and I also learned more about my Hispanic origin.

Latin-Times: Tell us about your spirituality and beliefs.

Erica Cuascut: I was raised Catholic all my life and attended catholic school since 1st grade until my senior year in high school. Everything I have accomplished in life, I always put god first and I thank him for blessing me with the best supportive loving parents and a wonderful family.

Latin-Times: Who Living or passed, is your greatest hero and inspiration?

Erica Cuascut: My mom is my greatest hero and inspiration.

Name: Rachel Pais: Cuba Home

Carrillo

Town: Tampa, FL

Latin Times: What do you do for a living?

Rachel Carillo: I work in Banking for Florida Bank. I specialize in offering different banking solutions to my clients while delivering first class service.

Latin Times: What type of community projects are you involved in?

Rachel Carillo: I’m a proud member of Tampa Latin Chamber and currently serving as a Board member and Treasurer. I have deep Hispanic roots and being able to serve the Hispanic Community through the Chamber has been very rewarding.

Latin Times: Tell us about your family?

Rachel Carillo: I have a great loving and caring family. I’m proud mother of 2 wonderful children who’ve grown up to be young responsible adults.

Latin Times: In your life, who is your inspiration and hero?

Rachel Carillo: My parent because they came to the United States and not knowing the English language and started a new life with no family, and not knowing anyone in Florida. Today they are still alive and been here for 49 years and are US Citizens.

florida latinos final de los Estados Unidos del Distrito del Sur de la Florida.

Name: Osvaldo

“Wally“ Torres What is your Profession: Regional Property Manager Company: Cal-Am Properties Your Pais: Puerto Rico

Chicago (New Port Richey, Florida) Hometown:

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What does your job entail, and what is your typical week like?

Oswaldo “Wally” Torres: I oversee the Sales & Operations of six communities with over 2300 home sites in three states.

My job duties include sales & marketing, budget preparation and financial accountability, project management, resident relations and resident retention.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: From what you have shared with me, I know that you have made several very impressive changes/ improvements your property in Tampa.

Please tell us about those changes…

Oswaldo “Wally” Torres: At Village of Tampa we have added over 30 new homes during the last six months and just added another 30 and will be adding an additional 20 new homes during the next six months.

We have completely renovated the basketball court, the

swimming pool, added a state of the art new playground and a new picnic area.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What separates YOUR property, from other similar properties?

Oswaldo “Wally” Torres: In addition to being a gated community, we have great facilities such as a new playground and picnic area, basketball court, swimming pool and children’s pool, clubhouse, fitness center and a lake.

What truly set us apart is that we provide an affordable solution to the housing needs of our community. It starts with in house financing, low down payment, and low monthly payments. In addition we are able to finance individuals with challenging credit.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Oswaldo “Wally” Torres: Proving a new home owner the ability to own a brand new home and many times for less than they currently pay in rent.

Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Please tell us about your family.

Oswaldo “Wally” Torres: I am married with four children. My wife’s name is Maria and my children are Jose, Yajaira, Melissa & Neila.

Name:Raquel Regalado Home Town:

County

Miami, FL/Dade

Pais: Cuba Raquel

Regalado es Miembro de la Junta Escolar de Miami-Dade County, el cuarto distrito más grande del país, y presidenta del Comité sobre Innovación, Eficiencia y Relaciones Comunitarias. También es miembro del Comité de Instalaciones y Reformas de Construcción. En Junio del 2011 fue nombrada miembro de la Junta de Directores de la Asociación Nacional de Oficiales Electos Latinos (NALEO).

Hoy día trabaja para la firma Malloy&Malloy como abogada de litigio de patentes y marcas comerciales. Raquel Regalado es licenciada para practicar leyes en las Cortes Estatales de la Florida así como también en la Corte

Desde el 2009, la Doctora Regalado conduce el programa “Las Dos Caras de la Noticia” en la Emisora Radial 670AM “La Poderosa”, dedicado a informar a sus oyentes sobre asuntos políticos locales, educacionales y servicios sociales. Su próximo proyecto “Esta Semana con Raquel,” programa de análisis político semanal se divulgará a través de Tele Miami en todo el Estado de la Florida. Recientemente ha sido nombrada al Consejo Asesor de la Estación de Televisión Pública en Miami, WLRN. También se ha involucrado activamente en la comunidad local y sirve en la Junta de Directores del Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts del Condado de Miami-Dade, la Junta del Centro Mater y la Asociación de Comida y Bebidas Hispanas.

La Doctora Regalado es madre de dos hijos y es la hija de Tomás Regalado, Alcalde de la Ciudad de Miami.

Name: Maria Machin Home Town:

Jacksonville, FL

Meet Maria and many other Latinos throughout the state of Florida by visit our website at Latin-Times.com Para Español visite www.Latin-Times. com To read these articles in Spanish, view video or to read the complete article, please visit our website at www.LatinTimes.com or use our convenient mobile QR Scan!

J

Latin Times Latina of the Year!

ennifer Lopez needs no introduction!

Back in the “dayz” she was the fly girl on “In Living Color” - whereupon she became known as “Jennie from the block“ .Jennifer went on to portray “Selena” - one of Latino America’s brightest stars.

After that - there was no turning back or backing down - Jennifer, quickly and deservingly, became a household name and role model for many!

Her list of career accomplishments spans over 2 decades and seems to be endless. Today, Jennifer Lopez is not only a mother, she is a business woman, a talented actress, a singer and a dancer, but Jennifer Lopez is also a role model to many children through her involvement with The Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC’s) of America, (an organization that was a big part of her childhood) and they’re “BE GREAT” campaign.

This past summer, Jennifer Lopez unveiled a new billboard in New York City’s Times Square to promote BGC’s new message.

The billboard features a simple message: “Be Extraordinary,” and shows a picture of a Lopez as a little girl with adorable pigtail braids from her days at the BGC. Lopez is one of 25 notable

alumni promoting the positive effects of the Boys & Girls Clubs on youths who spend time there.

In the “Alumni” section of the Be Great America website, you can find out which clubs celebrities including Martin Sheen, Kerry Washington, Denzel Washington, Usher, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Mario Lopez attended while growing up. According to a release, all 25 alumni joined the BE GREAT campaign to “increase public awareness about the serious issues facing today’s young people, and send a call-toaction, urging every American to help young people BE GREAT.” The Boys & Girls Clubs have been encouraging America’s youth to “be great” since 1860, but with this new campaign, they hope to further promote how youth advocacy programs can help children and teens achieve success beyond what they ever thought possible. In 2007, a Harris survey found that 57 percent of Boys & Girls Club participants reported that “The Club changed my life.”

Her passion for making the world better is also highlighted through Lopez’s work with children via The Maribel Foundation, a not-forprofit she started with her sister, Lynda. The Maribel Foundation’s mission is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women and children and raising the level of medical care available to them.

Jennifer Lopez has also joined the prestigious list of spokespeople for L’Oreal Paris including Milla Jovovich, Patrick Dempsey, Rachel Weisz, Beyonce Knowles, Diane Kruger, Evangeline Lilly, Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, Freida Pinto and Gerard Butler.

For many years, L’Oreal Paris spokespeople have inspired women and men around the world with their talent, their personalities and their generosity. Jennifer Lopez has all of these qualities. Golden Globe nominated actress, multiplatinum selling recording artist, film and television producer, entrepreneur and a philanthropist, Jennifer Lopez is indisputably one of the most accomplished women of her time. The L’Oreal Paris family is very proud to welcome her as the brand’s new global Ambassador.

“Having used L’Oreal Paris products most of my life, I’m excited to work with a brand that consistently offers a wide range of superior products that are attainable for women everywhere,” says Jennifer Lopez. “I’ve always loved their sophisticated ad campaigns and am thrilled to represent a brand that embraces a woman’s worth.”

Latin Times Interview with

Eric Peterson

U.S. Vice President of Diversity General Motors

By: Jolie González

Tying Florida’s Minority Communities together…

long training program, so they can get an understanding as to how a dealer operates. Once they complete the program they will be prepared essentially to operate a store that’s when our vessel part kicks in and we find an opportunity that makes sense for both of us, and then we are ready to invest with them.

Latin Times: Tell us about your diversity program, what you do for GM and how long you have been doing that?

Eric Peterson: I have been on board heading up the diversity program for GM since November of last year, quite frankly I was appointed to that the job and I essentially have a couple of strategies that we are working on, one internally, is to assist our employees in giving them the confidence that General Motors respects diversity. We are also looking at inclusion because we want to create an environment for employee’s to feel good about the company and feel good about their opportunities and can realize their dreams of aspiring to be whatever they want to be within the Company.

We work with them to identify essential opportunities that they may want to buy and if they don’t have the full access to capital then we have an arm within GM that will support them in providing capital; help them finance their inventories; help them buy real estate and so we spend a lot of time in trying to make sure one, help to identify good opportunities and also match up good candidates in providing the support to help them get started in business.

Latin Times: If someone wanted to be a dealer, then who would they contact?

Eric Peterson: We have a minority dealer development department and essentially they would go to GM.com they would go to dealers and there is a drop down box where if they have an interest we have information that we can provide that will give them a background on what we do and if they have an interest in wanting to become a dealer they can complete an application with us, also if they don’t have all the money then we would get them in touch with the right people who can help them understand what are the needs and what kind of resources that they have to have.

If they don’t have experience in the Auto industry then we have a year-long training program and if accepted we will sponsor them going through the year

Latin Times: Can we expect to see any new projects that you are working on anything special you want us to know about?

Eric Peterson: Well essentially our focus is working in the education area, because we feel that there is a real void right now in the stem areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and so what we are doing is working with a number of organizations who have the same interests of trying to help provide opportunities for kids trying to get their education. We established this year the Buick Achievers scholarship program which we allocated $4.5 million dollars, were letting out $1000$2000.00 scholarships and were going to grant $125,000 scholarships essentially the reason for that is we are trying to provide opportunities, especially for young kids who are the first to go to college, we are providing $25,000.00 scholarships so they can go to schools that they can’t afford to go to.` To read complete interview, please visit us at www.latin-times.com

Pastor Paula White In an Exclusive Interview!

Latin Times: When did you truly know you were going to be a minister?

Pastor Paula White: When I was 18, struggling with a lot of personal life issues, the uncle of a friend approached me and said, “I have the solution to the pain you have experienced.” I had to look over my shoulder to make sure he was talking to me. I remember thinking, “How could this man know the pain I have gone through? And how can anyone heal those wounds?” I just sat there as he pulled out a Bible and began to show me the story of a man who died to take all of that pain away. This wasn’t just a Sunday school experience this was something that I knew was real. It was a true conversion experience, before I even knew what conversion meant. That’s when the hunger to know God was truly birthed deep in my being. It was that evening that I prayed a simple prayer. “Jesus, I know you have the answers I have been searching for. I am yours, forever.” I did not know that would lead me to where I am today, but I knew I wanted to share the love I felt with everyone from that moment on.

It didn’t start with me preaching, it started with me handing out food to hungry people saying, “Jesus loves you.” Eventually, my understanding of God grew deeper and I began to share that insight with others. One thing led to another -- and now, here I am!

Latin Times: You started a Spanish Service with Pastors Mike and Sandra Salas; what is your vision for the Latino Community?

Pastor Paula White: Without Walls has had our Spanish language ministry for a while, and we are really excited to be having our first Spanish conference coming up October 27th through the 29th.

Right now, my personal objective is to really further my personal understanding of the Latino community, their culture, and how they worship and celebrate God as an expression of who they are.

I have been primarily exposed to Caucasian and African-American churches and their expressions of worship, each with their own cultural similarities and differences. I have a deep love and appreciation for how so many different communities of people can worship the same God in different ways, with different languages, and different customs.

The more I familiarize myself with these differences, the more I see how closely connected we all are, and it serves to enhance my personal relationship with God even more. I want my church to be a true expression of diversity and understanding.

Beyond that, the Latino community is deeply integrated into the Tampa Bay region and, up until this point, has been underserved by many of the larger churches in the area.

Every community has its own set of unique needs, and I hope that my church can understand and facilitate solutions to those needs. After all, our faith is a mosaic, every piece as important as the other.

Latin Times: What can you say to encourage young men and women in ministry?

Pastor Paula White: Persevere. No matter what, trust God and trust your calling, everything else will work itself out when you place your trust in those two things.

Ministers face the same trials and tribulations as the people they lead. Unfortunately, they are often isolated from society in unique ways because people perceive them as being so different. Ministers are rarely rewarded for their good deeds, but they are severely scrutinized and ostracized for their mistakes. That being the case, I would recommend that every young minister find covering under the guidance of another minister who has already been where they have been and have faced the problems they will inevitably face. This is what I mean when I say I have spiritual sons and daughters in ministry.

Don’t forsake or take for granted those relationships that God gives you; they will save you a lot of heartache.

I would also recommend that you take Mathew 10:16 to heart: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Learn to operate from the wisdom of God and the love of God. There is a hurting world out there, so get out there and begin healing.

Latin Times: Who in your life, was or is your hero and inspiration?

Pastor Paula White: Not to be cliché, but Jesus Christ is really the greatest inspiration I have ever encountered. I learn something new about and from him everyday, and as his follower I try and discover exactly how to model myself after him. I fail miserably, but that is part of the process of becoming more like him. There is no greater example of love, self-control, intelligence, and success than the life of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospels.

Outside of Jesus, Bishop TD Jakes is the greatest inspiration to me.

He is my spiritual father -- and he has been loving enough to teach me many lessons he has learned.

He has brought correction to me when I was wrong, and encouraged me through all my endeavors.

He is more than a good man, he is a trailblazer and a barrier breaker. When you add that to his remarkable gifts as a preacher, pastor, husband, father, author, and everything else, you have a man that many people would do well to look up to. I am very thankful God has placed him in my life.

To read the rest of this great article, visit: Latin-Times.com today!

Do you really want to know God? There are so many religions in this world with so many traditions, and rules on how to know God.

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hich one do I choose? Which religion is right? A human being can go crazy trying to figure out how to reach God. The problem is we try to reach God without truly knowing him, (Deuteronomy 4:29-31). “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Throughout my life the deepest, most wonderful experiences I have had with God was in the most quiet and intimate moments, when Life was falling all around me, when I knew the only one I could go to was God. Jesus said, “I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life, Nobody Comes To The Father Except Through Me” (John.14:6) The one thing I love about Jesus was he made it simple for us to know the father, and not only to know him, but to reach him. You see all God wants in that you take some quiet time with him, pour yourself out to him, talk to him, share all your burdens, and I promise you he will meet you. God never created religion, MAN made religion and traditions which made it harder to know him. God is our father, our creator he loves us and enjoys fellowship and relationship with his children. When you have a child, you want communication with them, you want them to know the love you have for them, you protect them and give advice to guide them. Our Heavenly Father wants the best for us, he wants to guide us, protect us, and stand with us during the most difficult times.

If you truly want to know God, then you must make the effort to spend time with him everyday read his word, listen to God’s Holy Spirit, and get to know his voice, Only by His Spirit can we know Him. “.....But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man

except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.........

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-16) God created us in his will image, God wants relationship with his children, he desires time and fellowship with us! Many think they know God, but to get to him you have to acknowledge that Jesus is the true Son of God, he came, died, and rose from the grave so that we can be forgiven.

Jesus sacrificed everything so that we can talk to the father and truly know him, know his will. My friends, in these times we live in, now is the time to get to know your heavenly father and when you do, God will be there every step of the way.

May God reveal himself to you in a mighty way, and blessings be over your life, in Jesus name, Amen-Love, Brother Victor Padilla

GIVE IT ALL TO GOD! Less of me, more of HIM The Lord is amazing and I trust him….

-Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all I have faith in HIS word….

We all know that life is not the perfect “caldero de arroz”, sometimes you mess it up…. and sometimes it messes up all on its own, and sometimes someone messes it up for you. We have all been there ---some more than others, and unfortunately life will always be this way.

When these moments overtake your life, reach out to GOD, and get is his shadow, remind yourself the Lord promises deliver you, and THANK HIM that he is in control.

TRUST in HIM, that you will come out better…..

I know that it’s not always easy for us to TRUST that our situation will work out, because we cannot see how it possibly could.

For us, it is impossible, but for GOD there is nothing he cannot do, and nothing he will not do for those who trust and believe in him, and follow his words.

When those bad situations occur in your life, and you are feeling afraid, panicked, or alone, fall to your knees and thank the Lord for being in control, because we know that only GOD makes the impossible happen…

I gave my life to the Lord, and now every time I am going through a bad time in life, I remind the LORD of his promises to me, I give him my situation, I ask HIM to control EVERYTHING and that HIS be done.

- Philippians 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ - John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. ….Less of me, more of HIM…..

-Jolie

Para leer mas sobre los Pastores, visitanos en nuestra pagina web: www.Latin-Times.com

Dear Pastor, What can you share with others who are struggling through these economic times and feel hopeless?

You don’t have to look very far these days to find someone who has been affected by the economic climate of our nation. People all around us are struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes. As we make our way through these turbulent times it is easy to ask “what is the answer?”

By: David Murphy, Spanish Campus Pastor

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he Church’s response must be one of hope. Our hope comes from knowing that God is ever-faithful, merciful, and compassionate. As the writer of the old biblical text called Lamentations reminds us, in a time when God’s chosen people were in exile and torment, they remembered their God and said, “This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV. The hope that we find in God is not simply an emotion or an optimistic thought, but it is the strength that comes from knowing that God is on our side. Of course it must be understood that if you have not turned your life over to God, you cannot expect for him to be responsible for the outcome of your life, in much the same way that you cannot expect an airline to be responsible for your missing luggage if you never checked it in before you boarded the flight.

So what does it practically mean to have hope in economic crisis? If you have lost your job, remember to pray for God’s assistance and direction, but don’t forget to submit applications and go on interviews. He will open the doors of opportunity, but you have to be willing to step through them. If you are struggling to make rent or pay a mortgage, again pray, but also objectively look at your spending and see if there are things that you can do without for a time until things improve. You must ask yourself, “Am I spending unnecessarily on frivolous things when I could be using that money to pay bills?” You cannot demand that God intervene on your behalf if you are not also willing to be responsible for the decisions that you make.

The answer then is this: give God full responsibility of your life by submitting yourself to him. He will guide you with love, patience and grace through all of life’s struggles and give you the hope and the strength that you need. No matter how difficult it gets, as the familiar passage of Psalms reminds us, “Though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NIV

Estimado Pastor, ¿Qué se puede compartir con otros que están luchando en estos tiempos económicos y se sienten sin esperanza?

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o tiene que mirar muy lejos estos días para encontrar a alguien que ha sido afectado por la situación económica de nuestra nación. Las personas a nuestro alrededor están luchando para pagar sus facturas y conservar sus viviendas. A medida que nos abrimos paso a través de estos tiempos turbulentos es fácil preguntar “¿cuál es la respuesta?”

La respuesta de la iglesia debe ser una de esperanza. Nuestra esperanza es saber que Dios es siempre fiel, misericordioso y compasivo. Como el escritor de un texto antiguo bíblico llamado Lamentaciones nos recuerda, durante el tiempo en que el pueblo elegido de Dios estaba en el exilio y el tormento, se acordaron de su Dios y dijeron “Pero esto consideraré en mi corazón,y por esto esperaré: Que por la misericordia de Jehová no hemos sido consumidos, porque nunca decayeron sus misericordias; nuevas son cada mañana. ¡Grande es tu fidelidad!” Lamentaciones 3:21-23 (RVR 1995) La esperanza que encontramos en Dios no es simplemente una emoción o un pensamiento optimista, es la fuerza que viene de saber que Dios está de nuestro lado. Por supuesto que hay que entender que si no le ha dado su vida a Dios, no puede esperar que él sea responsable por el resultado de su vida, de la misma manera que no se puede esperar

que una compañía aérea sea responsable por su equipaje perdido si usted nunca lo haya facturado antes de abordar el vuelo.

Entonces, ¿qué significa prácticamente tener esperanza durante una crisis económica?

Si usted ha perdido su trabajo, recuerde que debe orar por la ayuda de Dios y la dirección, pero no se olvide de presentar las solicitudes e ir a entrevistas. Él abrirá puertas de oportunidades, pero usted tiene que estar dispuesto a entrar por ellas. Si está luchando para pagar el alquiler o pagar una hipoteca, vuelva a orar, pero también examine sus gastos objetivamente y vea si hay cosas que puede eliminar por una temporada hasta que las cosas mejoren.

Usted debe preguntarse, “¿Estoy gastando innecesariamente en cosas frívolas cuando podría estar usando ese dinero para pagar las cuentas?” No se puede exigir que Dios intervenga por su parte si no está dispuesto a ser responsables por las decisiones que tome.

La respuesta es esta: dele a Dios toda responsabilidad por su vida mediante la entrega de si mismo a él, y él lo guidará con amor, paciencia y gracia a través de todas las luchas de la vida y le dará la esperanza y la fortaleza que necesita. No importa la dificultad, come el conocido pasaje de los Salmos nos recuerda: “Aunque ande en valle de sombra de muerte, no temeré mal alguno, porque tú estarás conmigo; tu vara y tu cayadome infundirán aliento.” Salmo 23:4 (RVR 1995)

The Crossing en Español Sundays @ 5:00 PM (813) 626-0783 10120 Tuscany Ridge Drive, Tampa, FL www.crossingonline.org/sanish-campus

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nyone who has ever suffered back pain, whether that pain is mild, moderate or severe, understands just how unpleasant it can be.

Back pain can make life extremely difficult, affecting everything a person does, including performance at work, time spent with the kids or even sleeping at night.

How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

For those with back pain, chiropractic care might be the best way to relieve that pain. A nonsurgical treatment of the disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system, chiropractic medicine focuses on spinal manipulation and the treatment of the structures surrounding the spine.

Understanding chiropractic care can help men and women dealing with pain better determine if it’s for them.

uying a home is often a difficult thing to do. The stress of making such a big financial commitment is a struggle for many home buyers, whether they have purchased a home in the past or are doing so for the first time.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

A chiropractor can treat a number of conditions, but most treatments focus on a handful of common and often painful conditions. Those conditions include: • • • •

Joint pain in the arms and legs Mid- and lower back pain Neck pain Headaches

What do chiropractic treatments entail?

Many people with lower back pain find such pain so unbearable that they seek the help of a chiropractor. Despite that, many more people remain wary of visiting a chiropractor for myriad reasons. But chiropractors can effectively treat pain in a number of ways.

A chiropractic treatment is commonly referred to as a spinal manipulation.

During a treatment, the chiropractor will move a joint beyond its usual range of motion. The joint might be moved through twisting, pulling or pushing, but it won’t be moved beyond the range of motion it’s designed to move.

Those being treated for the first time should expect to hear some popping or cracking during the treatment. The goal of a spinal manipulation is to improve functionality while reducing nerve irritability and restoring range of motion in the back.

In addition to spinal manipulation, a chiropractor might try other types of treatments, including: • • • •

Ultrasound The application of heat or ice Certain strength and conditioning exercises Relaxation therapy

Will an adjustment be painful?

Despite the cracking and popping sounds it causes, a spinal adjustment is typically not painful. Of course, men and women who visit a chiropractor are often experiencing significant pain already, and the movement necessary during the treatment might prove painful. However, chiropractors can take steps to make the treatment easier on the patient if he or she is struggling with severe back pain. For instance, a chiropractor might use a drop table during treatment. Parts of the drop table will drop slightly when the chiropractor presses down on the patient’s back. This makes the adjustments gentler. Another tool used to make adjustments more comfortable is a hand-held tool called an activator. Many patients, however, do not need either option.

Dr. Brian Henry, DC 500 Vonderburg Dr. East Tower, Suite 306 Brondon, FL 33511 (813) 965-4452 “Remember the most important change to make is in how you think of health.

Instead of trying to fit exercise and eating healthy into your lifestyle you should start thinking how to fit the rest of your life around exercise and eating healthy.”

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One way to make the process a lot less anxiety-ridden is to work with a real estate agent you can trust. Those who have previously purchased a home might already have a strong relationship with a real estate agent.

But for those moving out of their current location or buying for the first time, finding the right real estate agent requires some effort. Those in the market for an agent to help navigate the home buying process should consider the following tips.

Find a buyer’s agent. Real estate agents are often affiliated with sellers instead of buyer’s. This means their primary goal is to help the seller and not the buyer. When shopping around for a real estate agent, ask companies about their buyer’s agents. Buyers should always have someone with their interests in mind, and not the interests of the sellers.

Find an agent first, then a property. Many times homes remain listed online or in “home for sale” brochures even if they are under contract or sold. These homes are often luxurious and appealing to a wide array of prospective buyers, and some agencies use them to attract customers. While this isn’t a typical bait and switch, it is a way real estate agencies get customers in the door. It is important to find a real estate agent before looking through home listings. This allows the buyer to choose their agent based on merit and not due to the potentially glitzy houses he or she may have listed previously.

Find someone with a track record. Real estate can be an exciting and financially rewarding industry in which to work. As a result, lots of people want to be real estate agents, even though few succeed and last a long time. When interviewing real estate agents, inquire about their history in the business. A more experienced agent will make things far less stressful and easier, and a long career indicates they are good at what they do.

A real estate agent with a long history in the business will likely be a fulltime agent as well. Prospective buyers should look for a full-time agent, which is not as common as some buyers might think. Many agents work part-time, and buyers could receive less attention as a result.

Don’t place too much emphasis on agency size. Real estate agencies come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to ability, the size of the agency should not factor in. A smaller independent agency can be just as qualified and reliable as one of the major franchise agencies.

Buyers who find someone they trust should go with that person, regardless of how big or small their agency is.

Get a referral. Friends and family members who have been through the buying process before might be great resources. Buyers looking in “Town X” who have friends or family already living there should consult those friends or family and ask for any agent referrals. Those relocating because of work should ask their company to refer an agent. Chances are companies have relocated employees in the past and might have a strong relationship with an agency in town.

Fifth Third Bank can help you with all of your mortgage needs.www.53.com

Dear Professional: As a first-time bus rider, how do I plan for my first trip?

Shannon Haney is the GIS guru at HART. Mr. Haney has been creating maps for more than 18 years and his worked at HART supports customer service, market research, bus route scheduling and facilities management.

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here’s an app for that! Planning your first bus trip can be done from the convenience of your computer. Thanks to Google Trip Planner and phone applications, such as RouteShout, mapping out your route is quick and easy.

Not only do these features display HART bus routes, they also map out our transit centers and more than 3,700 bus stops. Just visit www.goHART.org to access these applications, as well as others with various features that are handy for the anxious public transit traveler.

These features are made possible thanks to the HART Geographic Information System (GIS) Department.

GIS is a computer-based data software used to capture, manage, analyze and display all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS processes

and supplies the data required to enable Google Trip Planner, and other phone and web-based applications.

Shannon Haney is the GIS guru at HART. Mr. Haney has been creating maps for more than 18 years and his worked at HART supports customer service, market research, bus route scheduling and facilities management. Therefore, when you log on to plan your trip, you’re using part of HART GIS.

Remembering Baseball’s Greatest Latino Legends By: Victor A. Padilla

A Hero till the very end…

Roberto Clemente August 18, 1934 - December 31, 1972 Birthplace: Carolina, Puerto Rico Height: 5’11” Weight: 180

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n December 31, 1972, Clemente was taking a relief mission to Nicaragua after an earthquake/ He was traveling in a DC-7 plane with food and supplies, the plane never made it past the San Juan border and immediately crashed into 30 feet of water in the Caribbean Sea. Roberto Clemente’s body was never recovered. This was a tragic loss not only for Latinos but for everyone.

Read his story online or via your mobile device by scanning the Sports Room QR Code, or our website at: Latin-Times.com

tito

Puente, Jr.

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atin Times: Tell us about Tito Puente Jr. and your Familia?

Tito Puente, Jr: My family is from New York city and I now reside in South Florida with my two children Miranda, 5 and my son Tito Puente Jr,Jr who is 3

Latin Times: Tell us about your father Tito Puente and your relationship with him?

Tito Puente, Jr: He was an amazing man and great father.

A genius in the music industry and a consummate musician

Latin Times: As a father, tell us about your relationship with your children?

Tito Puente, Jr: If I am not performing, or traveling to work I spend every single minute with my children, they are the driving

force in my life.

Latin Times: When did you know you wanted to be a musician and how you did you get started in the entertainment industry?

Tito Puente, Jr: I guess I was around 15 yrs of age I wanted to play percussion

Latin Times: Tell us about some of your accomplishments as a Latino Musician?

Tito Puente, Jr: I have seen place I never thought I dream of ever going to. latin music has a worldwide appeal and I am proof of that.

Latin Times: Tell us who has been your inspiration and hero in your life.

Tito Puente, Jr: Of course my late father and my mother. To my faith In God is what I cherish the most.

Latin Times: What are your future plans and what can we expect from Tito Puente Jr. Tito Puente, Jr: A lot of touring and a new album in the works.

tito puente jr.

Check me out at facebook.com/titopuentejr youtube.com/titopuentejr twitter.com/titopuentejr gotmambo.com for tour dates For more on Tito Puente, Jr., please visit our website at: www.Latin-Times.com or use our convenient new QR Codes with your Smartphone!

Join us for Tito’s LIVE performance on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 @ The Florida State Fairgrounds!

Have you attended a Latin ConneXions Event Yet? Check one out today!

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ur signature event “1st Friday, Latin ConneXions” is now 7 ½ years old, and NOW this exciting event is going “on the road”, spicing things up and visiting all the great venue locations throughout Central Florida, by hosting each 1st Fridays at a NEW And Exciting!

Each month, Latin Times Media will take you to a NEW and Exciting location throughout Central Florida to connect YOU “Florida’s Business community” with other great business professionals. Expect these events to be FUN. Expect to make new friends, and GREAT new business connections, while enjoying GREAT food AND great LIVE Performances!

When and WHERE is the next event?

Friday, September 2nd, 2011 (Tampa, FL)

NEW LOCATION: 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Networking Socials @ Club Royale – 4235 N. Armenia in Tampa, FL. Join us in the VIP Grand Opening of CLUB Royale, which has been completely renovated! CLUB Royale is now owned and operated by our good friend Ivonne Rosado! Join us for the very special event. Event starts at 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

Friday, September 16th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) Latin ConneXions @ Mitchell’s Fish Market. 5:30 PM -8:30 PM Friday, October 7th, 2011 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions; Visit our event section at: Latin-Times. com for all future event dates and locations!

Entertainment by Delite Entertainment and exciting special performances!

Music: Latin Jazz y Disco. Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways.

About Latin ConneXions: Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine, Florida’s Publication for the Elite Latino.”

This event was created in order to offer Florida’s business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment.

Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and typically draws over 250 business professionals.

Exhibitor Opportunities: Exhibitors@Latin-Times.com

More great events coming to a city near you!

For more information, please visit our NEWLY Designed Website: Latin-Times.com and become a member TODAY!

Sofrito

Rico

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rowing up as a Latino, I remember being in my Grandmother’s kitchen at her restaurant in West Tampa and watching her make various dishes with Sofrito.

Wow what an aroma, all from scratch, thanks to Patti Sanchez and her homemade and original “SOFRITO RICO” we can enjoy the real taste of Sofrito like abuela use to make.

Sofrito is a combination of several ingredients, yellow onions, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, culantro, olive oil, and some water all blended together to make a rich base for cooking added to

your rice, beans, chicken, pork or beef to bring out the best flavor in your favorite Latin meals.

Patti puts lots of love into creating her Sofrito Rico and when you taste it you will see why. Unlike some other Sofritos you won’t find all the additives and preservatives in this sofrito, made to order and fresh.

Since trying Patti’s Sofrito Rico, we use nothing else in our home, (Shhhh –don’t tell mom!) if you want some of this great cooking base for your home you can contact Patti Sanchez at psr122@ gmail.com Patti will also have a booth at the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 @ The Florida State Fairgrounds –stop by and by a jar!

For great recipes, restaurant reviews and directory, please visit our website at: www.Latin-Times.com” www.LatinTimes.com

the Caribbean Carnival, president’s assistant during this I handled the Latin side of the show, travel, flight bookings, etc for several acts, including Daddy Yankee and Shaggy, Carimi, Alison Hinds, and more. As a Manager/Promoter, my artist Mitrix and i have done productions/shows/ concerts with names such as Don Chezina, Zion y Lennox, Voltio, Hector Y Tito, Yomo, J King y Maximan, Baby Rasta y Gringo, and Most Recently Mitrix opened to a sold out crowd in Jacksonville veterans Grupo Mania. For a complete list of artists and models, my website is www. juanelcubano.com.

Name: Juan “El Cubano” Pais: Cuban and U.S. Hometown: Riverview, FL Latin Times: Tell us who you are promoting and who you have worked with in the past?

Juan El Cubano: Currently I’m managing and promoting my up and coming singer/songwriter/performer Mitrix, I’ve started his career from the ground up, and we’re currently at number 6 on the local Latin charts.

You can listen to his music, or view his bio and pics, and upcoming shows at www.mitrixmusic.com. I’m also promoting my friends Johnny Rivera, Charlie Cruz, and several others.

I have some music players set up on my website and work for them as a booking agent/promoter. I recently picked up Model and Actor Ojani Noa, his pics and bio can also be seen on my site. I also worked as

2011 Ybor City Heritage and Cigar Festival Presented by the YBOR CITY MUSEUM SOCIETY Saturday, November 19, 2011 Centennial Park in Historic Ybor City Info: Vienna Fuente @ 813.220.1474 or Email: info@ oursmokinevents.com

Latin Times: In your life, who is your inspiration and hero?

Juan El Cubano: My inspiration or hero has to be my father. He created a business on his own at age 18,in 1971, turned it into a million dollar business, was the Main Tile and Marble company for Custom home builders such as Hanna Bartoletta, and many others, and reached the point to almost bankruptcy with our current economic state. He never filed, never gave up, and is currently rising to the top again!! He just completed 70,000 square feet of wall tile at the airport, and he’s currently finishing up a McDonalds, he did the Pinellas county Courthouse, and many big projects! So I guess for an immigrant to enter legally, become a citizen, make a successful business, then lose it to the housing flop, step back and regroup to a commercial contractor, and emerge on top, in my book that’s a fighter!!! And my hero!!!

showing a blooming talent and love for music. Emigrating from the combined local sounds and his caribbean style of music, forming his own style of urban fusion!

Born Jorge Ricardo Santana, MITRIX was introduced to music at a young age, when he would do shows for his family members,

Signed to Juan “El Cubano” Promotions, you can read more about MATRIX or to listen to some of his music and view his pics, visit www. juanelcubano.com

Martin Schwartz

Committed to helping those in need…

Latin Times: What do you do for a living?

Martin Schwartz: I am an attorney who focuses his practice on immigration law, criminal defense, and personal injury law. I came to Florida to do legal aid work and started legal clinics for migrant farm workers. During more than 20 years as a licensed Florida attorney, I have learned how to handle many different civil litigation and family law issues. I do not view any legal problem as too small for our office to handle. Thus, you may have seen me talking aggressively talking to an

employer who neglected to properly pay an employee, defending a tenant who their landlord is trying to kick out, handling an unemployment compensation appeal, assisting an individual who is the victim of a foreclosure action, or making sure a deadbeat former spouse pays child support monies owed to a client.

I also love to help local charities. My law office sponsored the Upper Tampa Bay Rotary Club’s Pub Crawl (to benefit the Children’s Cancer Center) in both 2009 and 2010.

In 2011, I was a candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year Campaign where I raised $9,000 to benefit the victims of blood cancers. I also participated during 2011 (for the second time) in the Muscular

Dystrophy Association’s lock-up fundraiser where a warrant was put out for my arrest, and I had to raise bail monies which assisted the Muscular Dystrophy Association to send deserving children to summer camp.

Latin Times: In your life, who is your inspiration and hero?

Martin Schwartz: Oliver Wendell Holmes, the former US Supreme Court Justice was always my hero and inspiration. His achievements and pursuit of justice inspired me to want to go to law school and makes me want to continue to defend immigrants, those wrongfully accused of crimes, and doing whatever is needed legally to insure that the powerless can seek legal counsel, regardless of their limited financial resources.

Friday, September 2nd, 2011 (Tampa, FL) 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Networking Socials @ a NEW And Exciting Location each month! This event is 7 ½ years old! Each month, Latin Times Media will take you to a NEW and Exciting location throughout all of Central Florida! Event starts at 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Where is the next 1st Friday going to take place? Visit us at our website: Latin-Times. com for more information or email@ Jolie@Latin-Times.com September 15th Thru October 15th, 2011 Hispanic Heritage Friday, September 16th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) Latin ConneXions @ Mitchell’s Fish Market (Westshore Plaza) Event starts at 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Great complimentary buffet, compliments of Mitchell’s Fish Market. Visit us at our website: Latin-Times.com for more information or email@ Jolie@Latin-Times.com Friday & Saturday, September 16th & 17th, 2011 (Miami, FL) Marc Anthony Concert @ American Airlines Arena Info: Ticketmaster.com Sunday, September 18th, 2011 (Orlando, FL) Marc Anthony Concert @ Amway Center Info: Ticketmaster.com Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 (Orlando, FL) Tito Nieves in Concert @

House of Blues Info: Ticketsmaster.com

Friday, September 23rd, 2011 (Jacksonville, FL) Toby Love in Concert Celebrating Hispanic Heritage @ Floyd’s Music Shop. Info:

Ticketmaster.com Sunday, September 25th, 2011 (Hollywood, FL) “Salsa, Like in the good old day’s” “Salsa like in the good old day’s #2”. Music from the 70s & 80s.

Judging by the speed the tickets are selling we are expecting a sold out. You can save by purchasing advance tickets at www.prfiestas.com.

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon @ Double Tree by Hilton held on the last Tuesday of each month.

Info: TampaLatinChamber.com Saturday, October 1st, 2011 (Tampa, FL) Tampa Hispanic Heritage 2011 Hispanic Man & Woman of the Year @ Tampa Hyatt Regency. Info: TampaHispanic.org Saturday, October 1st, 2011 (Miami, FL) Lucecita Benitez in Concert @ Miami Dade County Auditorium Info: Ticketmaster.com Friday, October 7th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Networking Socials @ a NEW And Exciting Location each month! This event is 7 ½ years old! Each month, Latin Times Media will take you to a NEW and Exciting location throughout all of Central Florida! Event starts at 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Where is the next 1st Friday going to take place? Visit us at our website: Latin-Times. com for more information or email@ Jolie@Latin-Times.com Saturday, October 8th, 2011! (Tampa, FL) Latin Times Media Inc. presents Multicultural Festival and Taste of Diversity (I4 – Orient Road) Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Florida State

Fairgrounds starts at noon ends at 8pm, a celebration of life thru unity. Event is FREE to attend.

Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities available, call 813407-6866 or email- Jolie@latintimes.com Sunday, October 9th, 2011 (Kissimmee, FL) Vicente Fernandez in Concert @ Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Info: Ticketmaster.com Friday, October 21st, 2011 (Orlando, FL) Enrique Iglesias in Concert @ Amway Arena Info: Ticketmaster.com Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 (Miami, FL) Euphoria Tour feat. Enrique Iglesias w/ Pitbull and Prince Royce @ American Airlines Arena, Info: Ticketmaster.com Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon @ Double Tree by Hilton held on the last Tuesday of each month.

Info: TampaLatinChamber.com

Thursday, October 27th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) El Poder de la Unidad @ Without Walls International Church Pastora Paula White con un mensaje electrificante Concierto 3 + 1- Danny Berrios, Ricardo Rodriguez Y Rene Gonzalez Grupo de Alabanza de La Conexión Latina. Info: Withoutwalls.com Friday, November 4th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Networking

Socials @ a NEW And Exciting Location each month! This event is 7 ½ years old! Each month, Latin

Times Media will take you to a NEW and Exciting location throughout all of Central Florida! Event starts at 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Where is the next 1st Friday going to take place? Visit us at our website: Latin-Times. com for more information or email@ Jolie@Latin-Times.com Saturday, November 19th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) 2011 Ybor City Heritage and Cigar Festival @ Centinnial Park in Historic Ybor City.

Info: OurSmokinEvents.com Friday, December 2nd, 2011 (Tampa, FL) 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Networking Socials @ a NEW And Exciting Location each month! This event is 7 ½ years old! Each month, Latin Times Media will take you to a NEW and Exciting location throughout all of Central Florida! Event starts at 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Where is the next 1st Friday going to take place? Visit us at our website: Latin-Times. com for more information or email@ Jolie@Latin-Times.com Thursday, October 15th, 2011 (Tampa, FL) 2nd Annual Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament @ Northdale Golf & Tennis Club, 4417 Northdale Blvd. 8:00 Am registration, 9:00 AM, shotgun start. Info: (813) 362-1080 or Cespinel@hearst.com Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 (Lakeland, FL) Imperial Symphony Orchestra: Under a Latin Spell @ Lakeland Center Youkey Theatre. Info: Ticketmaster.com Saturday, Saturday Nov 19th, 2011 (Sarasota, FL) Annual Latin Chamber Gala for the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce 6pm @ Lakewood Ranch Country Club. Info: LatinChamber.org For more great events please visit our website at: www.Latin-Times.com