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Volume 20 Issue 5

Inside: A Local Guide To St. Patty’s Day!

February 25, 2012

See Page 46!

The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993!

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

Taste Of New Tampa® To Again Be Held At Wharton On Mar. 11 New Tampa Chamber Board Votes To Move From Shops At Wiregrass A Month Before The Event!

By Matt Wiley & Gary Nager Although it will still be held on Sunday, March 11, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., the location of the 2012 Taste of New Tampa® has been changed just a month before the event. The Board of Directors of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce voted on February 8 to move the Taste from the Shoppes at Wiregrass mall to Paul R. Wharton High on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., where it was held last year.

Logistical reasons forced the members of the Chamber Board to take action when they voted to change the location of the 19th annual Taste from Wiregrass to Wharton.

New Tampa Chamber president Rachel Haviland says that the mall asked to see a final list of the participating businesses in this year's Taste of

New Tampa and wanted to have the right to keep certain businesses from participating in the event, due to exclusivity agreements between the mall and some of its businesses.

“We just couldn’t tell any of our business exhibitors that they couldn’t participate, so we had to move it,” Haviland says.

Both Ciccio’s Lodge (left) & Five Guys Burgers & Fries have confirmed that they will be again giving At our press time, away samples of their food at this year’s Taste of New Tampa® on Sun., Mar.11, at Wharton High. there were still openings for more interested sponna Flats & Papa John’s Pizza.

Publishing, MidFlorida Federal Credit sors, business exhibitors and restauUnion, Tampa Bay Times, SickleHunter “We always have a late run of rants, although some of the eateries restaurants and business exhibitors the Financial Advisors and, of course, the that already have confirmed their parNew Tampa Neighborhood News. last few weeks before the Taste,” says ticipation this year include: Ciccio’s Wharton High is located at Haviland. “We expect to have at least Lodge, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, 20150 BBD. For more info, please 25 restaurants again this year.”

Baker’s Galler y, La Cubanita Café, Among this year’s Taste sponsors visit TasteofNewTampa.info, call Stacy’s Gluten-Free Goodies, Tijuaare Gunter & Gunter Insurance, YCN 294-2464 or see pages 3, 18 & 24.

Plan Would Move All Of New Tampa To New Legislative District

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

A Gateway Bridge Update, A Chat With The ‘Spa Girls’ At New Another Camden Live Oaks Break-In, Tampa WellSpa, Pole Dancing For Wharton Boys & Girls Hoops Both Fitness, A Visit To SukhoThai, A New Fall In Regionals & Much More!

Tampa Woman’s Viral Video & More!

Pages 3-44

Pages 45-56

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

included in District 63 is Temple Terrace.

Current Florida House District 60 Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-New Tampa) says that he likes the new district lines, although he hates to lose 5,000 Temple Terrace voters from his new district.

“They (the district lines) are good geographically,” Harrison says. “All of New Tampa is now in my district. That’s my home, but I still have an office and a lot of friends in State Rep. Will Weatherford (left) chaired the Florida Temple Terrace.”

House of Representatives’ Redistricting Committee.

Florida’s 120 legislative Photo: MyFloridaHouse.gov district boundaries are redrawn every ten years, based on the most recent population census.

Under new redistricting rules meant to prevent gerrymandering (or See “Redistricting” on page 15.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

New Florida redistricting maps currently being reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court are poised to reshape New Tampa and Wesley Chapel's state legislative districts.

“The district numbers have changed dramatically,” says Florida House District 61 Rep. Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel). “Pasco County has become three separate districts.”

Weatherford, who chaired the House Redistricting committee, says that the districts have been drawn as compactly as possible, without any political favoritism or breaking up any racial minority districts.

The newly redrawn maps move all of New Tampa from District 60 (and some in District 61) into District 63, along with Old Carrollwood and the USF area. If approved, the only part of the current District 60 that won't be

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Matt Wiley

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Why Local Restaurants Should Be In The Taste Of New Tampa® Let me start by saying that the issue of New Tampa Neighborhood News that comes out every year a few weeks before the annual Taste of New Tampa® (like this one — this year’s Taste will be held on Sunday, March 11, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., at Wharton High; see page 1 for details) is always difficult for me. More on this below, but first, a little background music (or noise).

The Taste and this publication — from the moment I purchased it in February 1994 — have always gone hand in hand. Although I had only published one issue and had only been open for maybe two months at the time, I took a booth at the very first Taste (which was held at Hunter’s Green Country Club, or HGCC) and knew, almost immediately, that I wanted to get more involved with what almost instantly became New Tampa’s best-attended single-day annual event.

I joined the Board of the old New Tampa Community Council (NTCC) which put on the event that same year and, in 1995, when the Taste was held in Capt. Nathaniel Hunter Park in Hunter’s Green, I already had started helping get more restaurants to take part in it. In almost every year from 1996-2006, I either was the restaurant chair, the chair of the entire event and/or the president of the NTCC and my primary goal was always to increase restaurant participation in the Taste.

And, since 2006, even though I

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Staff Writers John McGurl • Matt Wiley Correspondents Sean Bowes • Camille Gillies Heidi Fallis Stone • Sheryl Young

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An editorial by Gary Nager have no longer been involved in putting on the Taste myself or been a member of the board of directors of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce (the entity which replaced the old NTCC a couple of years ago and has put on the Taste ever since), I have still always tried to encourage as many restaurants as possible to get involved and done everything I could to help promote what is still my favorite event to attend in our area year after year.

I can still remember places like Gladstone’s Grilled Chicken and the Outback Steakhouse on E. Fowler Ave. both being on hand around the HGCC clubhouse at the first Taste in 1994.

Because New Tampa had only a few actual restaurants of its own at that time, eateries in Temple Terrace did everything they could to attract diners from our area.

I, of course, had already eaten at the Outback on Fowler Ave., but (even though our first office was around the corner at the time) I had never even heard of Gladstone’s — which, by the way, is still thriving (and delicious) in the same location — before that Taste.

Gladstone’s booth was a portable version of the amazing indoor grills that flame-cooked the same perfect grilled chicken that I already loved when I was living on E. 63rd St. in Manhattan in the 1980s — and no other restaurant in the Tampa Bay area I had heard of at that time offered this type of chicken.

In other words, if Gladstone’s got absolutely nothing else out of being at the 1994 Taste (and I know that’s not true), it at least got one customer for life out of the event — a customer who has literally (and happily) spent thou-

sands of dollars there over the years.

Unlike businesses, which have to either pay cash or make in-kind donations of items of equal value (such as advertising in local media) in order to have a booth at the Taste, restaurants can have a space at the event for “free.”

However, those restaurants are expected to provide samples of their cuisine for as much of the three hours of the Taste each year as they can. Whether your restaurant serves great grilled chicken, pizza or Cuban-style mojo pork, there is obviously a pretty sizable cost in creating and serving 1,000 or more tastes of that cuisine.

But, here’s the thing. Restaurant owners who see annual attendance figures at the Taste of 5,000 or more wrongly assume they will have to provide that same huge number of samples in order to participate. However, when you talk to restaurateurs who have been consistent Taste participants (like Robert Garofano of Ciccio’s Lodge in Tampa Palms), they will tell you that they average around 1,500 “tastes” every year. Smaller, less-well-known mom-and-pop eateries are told that even if they can only do 1,000 small samples for the event, they can still have a booth, still chat with potential customers and, best of all, still give away menus and coupons to anyone who

walks by their booth — even after they run out of food.

When I was the restaurant chair of the Taste, I peaked at more than 40 restaurants and beverage donors one year and had 30-40 eateries involved pretty much every year. That number has been a little lower since then, but thanks to the generosity of the restaurants and supermarkets who have participated, I think it’s still safe to say that no one has ever left a Taste of New Tampa® still hungry.

Even so, with the local economy still lagging and more mom-and-pops concerned about their bottom lines than ever, the “free” cost to have a booth at the Taste may not feel quite so free. And, perhaps the biggest challenge for the Chamber these days is that there are so many corporate-owned-andoperated restaurants in our area that don’t feel a compulsive need to attract more customers this way, even though these franchises and such are the ones who have the most resources to be able to do the event.

So, on behalf of both myself and the Chamber Board, when you visit your favorite local restaurants these next couple of weeks, I hope you’ll ask them if they’re going to be at this year’s Taste. I promise it’ll be a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES....................Pages 1-36

Gateway Bridge Project About Halfway Done.......................6 Construction Begins On Hunter’s Green Gatehouse..........8 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel News Briefs ..............10-11 More Break-Ins At Camden Live Oaks Apartments Wharton High Athletes Arrested Wesley Chapel Man Arrested For Wielding A Macheté USF Facing Big Budget Cuts New Rest Areas Now Open On I-75....................................14 One Dougherty Sibling Pleads Guilty...................................15 Redistricting (cont. from page 1)...........................................15 New Tampa Community Calendar.................16-17

Local Business Updates............................18-39 New Tampa Chamber Newsletter.......................18 The Soap Factory Is ‘Soap Much Fun!’....................20 New Tampa Business Briefs................................25 GasTek Can Heat Your Pool, Too!...........................26 New Tampa Residents Open SimpleFloors Store......30 Attorney Patricia Carroll..........................................34 John S. Wood, CPA..................................................38

Local Education & Sports Updates..........42-43 Wharton Teacher Wins County’s Support Award.......42 Liberty’s Science Olympiad Team..............................42 Wharton Boys & Girls Hoops Lose At Regionals.......43

Neighborhood Magazine New Tampa WellSpa’s ‘Spa Girls’..............................45 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’.....................................46 A Delicious Visit To SukhoThai................................48 Rock “n” Body Pole Studio......................................50 ‘Stuff’ Girlfriends Say Goes Viral On YouTube!........52

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS..............54

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New Tampa Blvd. ‘Gateway Bridge’ Roughly Halfway Completed

By John McGurl The outcries for a less congested Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (BBD) are being answered with the construction of the New Tampa “Gateway Bridge” over I75 that will link New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows and Commerce Park Blvd. The project, which appears to be about half-way done, has been funded by the Tampa City Council, and is a $14-million investment for the city. The construction contract was awarded to Prince Construction.

The building of the bridge began in June of 2011, and is projected to be completed in May of 2013. However, the completed bridge will still not open until almost a year after the completion of the Palm Springs Blvd. to Pebble Creek Dr. segment of BBD Blvd. is widened, which is expected to happen in Jan. 2013. According to the city's director of administration, David Vaughn, the bridge is on schedule.

The 0.7-mile roadway will be wide enough to accommodate a four-lane road, but will be restricted to two lanes when it opens. It will sport an eightfoot-wide sidewalk on the north side, and a five-foot-wide sidewalk on the south side, encouraging a safer way for

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pedestrians and cyclists to cross I-75 without having to navigate BBD Blvd.

The overpass will cause a somewhat higher traffic flow in the newer section of Tampa Palms (Areas 4 and 8) and in the westernmost sections of West Meadows; which has upset some residents in those two developments. They fear that the bridge will turn the residential streets in both communities into an attraction for high-speed motorists, which could ultimately cause a drop in their property values.

The residents also are still concerned that the bridge is a way for the city to sneak in the controversial EastWest Connector Roadway (E-W Rd.) to I-275. City officials say that the concerns are based on misinformation and that the E-W Rd. is currently an inactive project, due to a lack of funding.

The controversy over the bridge caused a lawsuit in 2009, spear headed by Warren Dixon, a lawyer and Tampa Palms resident, that was thrown out in 2011.

Dixon says he is now concerned with making sure the bridge is being built in the safest way, and ensuring that his community remains safe for residents. Following a traffic safety study of the surrounding areas, recommendations for traffic lights have been made.

New Tampa Blvd. is recommended to receive one traffic signal at Wood Sage Dr. (near the entrance to Clark Elementary) with pedestrian features. A second traffic signal has been recommended for the Commerce Park Blvd. side of the bridge near Freedom High and Liberty Middle School that would operate during school hours.

Other safety recommendations include increased enforcement of existing The New Tampa Blvd. Bridge over I-75 is about speed limits and the halfway completed. installation of additional turn lanes on Commerce tor will be helpful both to residents, Park Blvd. and to local businesses, by providing a Although some residents oppose more efficient way to get in and out of the bridge, they admit that it will be the community. convenient once it has been completed.

Kisinger Campo & Associates The roadway also will give school buses designed the New Tampa Blvd. “Gatea less congested route to and from area way” Bridge; it’s the same company schools, making it safer for the children that drastically improved the I-4/I-275 of the community. The new bridge also interchanges near downtown Tampa. will reduce emergency vehicle response The construction is well under way at times for Tampa Fire Rescue Stations this point but not quite enough ahead No. 20 in Tampa Palms and No. 21 on of schedule to expect an early compleCross Creek Blvd. The convenience fac- tion at this time.

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Construction Begins On New Hunter’s Green Gatehouse

By Matt Wiley Hunter's Green residents can expect to see some traffic changes in the coming months, as construction begins on the community’s new gatehouse.

For the past 18 months, the Hunter's Green Community Association (HGCA) Board of Directors has been working on plans to construct a new gatehouse to further restrict outside traffic into the community. The new gatehouse will be constructed a few yards further into the community on Hunter’s Green Dr. and will allow room for a turn-around lane.

“Right now, they (people denied access to the community) have to go through the gate to turn around,” says Ann Johnson, manager of the HGCA. “This will help us better attempt to control and restrict traffic going into the community.”

Currently, all traffic that is denied access to Hunter’s Green has to pass through the existing gate to turn around. Some people take advantage of passing through the gate and continue into the community, despite

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having been “denied access” by the security guard. Johnson says the proposed turnaround lane will eliminate the problem.

The project, which, Johnson says, will cost $387,000 and is being paid for with Reserve Accounts, is Construction equipment will be seen around the main Hunter’s Green gatehouse on Bruce B. slated to begin over Downs Blvd. and along Hunter’s Green Dr. until June of this year. the next 90 days and 10 p.m. can call ahead with the name more than 3,000 residents in more should be completed by the end of and address of the household they’re than 1,500 homes, apartments and June. visiting. However, after 10 p.m., if a condominium units.

In addition to adding a turnvisitor isn’t on the community’s Residents and visitors are being around lane and rebuilding the gate“approved visitor” list, the gatekeeper advised to check the Hunter’s house, the plans also include a realignis required to call the resident before Green website (HuntersGreen.com) ment of the median at the Bruce B. the visitor will be allowed access. or the community’s Facebook page Downs (BBD), Blvd. intersection with According to the community’s for traffic and construction updates.

Hunter’s Green Dr. and resurfacing of website, Hunter’s Green is home to the road. The new gatehouse, once completed, will boast new video cameras, scanning equipment and fresh landscaping.

Although new scanning equipment will be installed, the access requirements will remain the same.

Visitors who desire access to the community between the hours of 6 a.m.-

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N EW T AMPA Camden Live Oaks Burglars Still At Large The Camden Live Oaks apartment complex in Tampa Palms is still being targeted as a burglary destination for local thieves.

The complex on Amberly Dr. has been struggling with burglaries in recent months, with the most recent attempt on February 3, between the hours of 1 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. The burglars again cut an opening in the screen and attempted to enter the apartment through the bathroom window, but were kept out by window stops that prevented the window from opening enough for a person to gain access through. There are currently no leads in this case.

Besides this occurrence, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) says there have been five burglaries in the apartment complex since Christmas Eve. The thieves usually entered the apartments by cutting the patio screen enclosures and entering through a sliding glass door.

There also were break-ins at the same apartment complex earlier last

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News Briefs year in which burglars entered by smashing bedroom windows or by kicking in the front door.

Before Feb. 3, the last reported burglaries at the apartment complex, located at 5100 Live Oaks Blvd. off of Amberly Dr., took place on January 14. The unknown suspects gained access to the interior of three different apartments late at night by prying open the sliding glass doors.

According to TPD spokesperson Lisa Timmer, all but one of the burglaries at the apartment complex has taken place during the weekend.

TPD currently has no leads on any of the burglaries, although some fingerprints have been lifted by the TPD Crime Lab. Anyone with information regarding the crimes at Camden Live Oaks is urged to call TPD Detective G. McClain at 931-6539.

— Matt Wiley & Sean Bowes

Wharton High Athletes Arrested For Burglary Wharton High football stars Chase Litton and Rocky Enos were arrested on felony burglary charges on

Feb. 8, in connection with recent burglaries of unoccupied homes and vehicles in the Hunter’s Green and Heritage Isles communities.

According to the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office (HCSO), each has been charged with three counts of third-degree felony burglary of items valued between $300 and $5,000, as well as several counts of burglary of unoccupied dwellings and conveyances and petit theft.

Litton, 16, was the sophomore starting quarterback for the Wharton Wildcats junior varsity football team this past season, and is currently a member of the school's varsity basketball team (see page 43). Litton was arrested on a court order.

Enos, 16, a junior linebacker this past season for Wharton’s varsity football team, was arrested by the school’s resource officer.

Both were booked and released on their own recognizance from Orient Road Jail.

Editor's Note - Under normal circumstances, the New Tampa Neighborhood News does not publish the names of juvenile suspects under the age of 17. However, because of the felony charges and the fact that the suspect’s names had been previously

published both online and in print, we believed it would be irresponsible for us not to include their names here.

Wesley Chapel Man Wields Macheté In Attack The next time a Wesley Chapel teenager thinks that her dad is still out fishing, she may want to give him a call before inviting her friends over.

Sometime during the afternoon of January 24, Leroy Trotz, 37, of 30677 Latourette Dr. in the Palm Cove development, came home from a morning fishing trip and found a 17-year-old boy hiding in a closet. The boy was visiting Trotz’s 16-year-old Leroy Trotz daughter.

“I told the boy (before) he was not allowed to come to my home to see my daughter,” Trotz told Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies.

The boy tried escaping through a bedroom window when Trotz found him, causing damage to a screen. That’s when Trotz attacked him a macheté.

According to the PCSO report, Trotz struck the boy multiple times with the macheté’s handle, causing him “great bodily harm by several lacerations and contusions.”

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Once outside, Trotz also smashed the windshield of the boy’s white Honda, which was parked outside. The entire incident took place at Trotz’s Palm Cove home.

Trotz was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief resulting in damages of more than $200 but less than $1,000 to the Honda. He was released the following day by posting a $10,500 bond.

USF Facing Big Budget Cuts A Florida Senate budget bill presented early last week that proposed huge state funding cuts to the University of South Florida (USF)’s Tampa campus has been amended, providing the school with $25 million in relief, partly due to widespread public outrage in the form of petitions, emails and phone calls that have been bombarding the Capitol since Tuesday to have the bill re-evaluated.

However, if passed in the Florida Legislature, the university could still be facing a huge reduction of 58-percent in its state funding. The bill would affect all of USF’s campuses, with a total cut of $128 million in state funds to all campuses by July 1, millions more than any other university in Florida.

Under the bill, the USF Tampa campus alone would see its funding cut from $178 million to $74.5 million.

According to TampaBay.org, USF is Tampa’s third largest employer, behind Hillsborough Country Public Schools (HCPS) and MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), and USF officials say this proposed cut could have a $3.7-billion economic impact on our area.

USF’s 47,000 students and 16,000 faculty members would feel the effects the most, as many classes would no longer be offered or would only be available in limited class sections. Summer sessions could be closed and faculty could be laid off. “(USF) should be treated fairly,” said Florida House District 61 Rep. Will Weatherford (R - Wesley Chapel).

“The House’s position has been very firm from the beginning. We are not going to let USF be treated unfairly.”

State Sen. JD Alexander (R-Lake Wales), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, proposed the budget cut in order to be able to “branch off” USF Polytechnic (USF Poly) in Lakeland into Florida’s 12th independent university, after the Florida Board of Governors’ November decision to keep USF Poly in the USF family until it received separate accreditation. USF Poly had recently been trying to break away from USF. In the initial Bill, USF would have to absorb the faculty and staff from the Lakeland campus, which could cost as much as $18 million, as well as give

University of South Florida president Judy Genshaft. Photo from USF.edu. $25 million to the state as “contingency” money for cooperating in making USF Poly into Florida Polytechnic University. However, since the Bill’s amendment, USF will no7 be required

to pay the $25 million.

“We are here for a very serious purpose and that is our students,” said USF president and New Tampa resident Judy Genshaft during an emergency USF Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 13. “We want to continue to increase our reputation and our vibrancy. I know we can do it, but we’re going to need everyone's help.”

She also said during the meeting that she has spoken with other university presidents in the state who said they are willing to work with USF to activate their legislative region to work on behalf of the whole university system to having a better budget.

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New Rest Areas Now Open On I-75 Between S.R. 56 & S.R. 54

By Sean Bowes Drivers (and their pets) traveling back and forth between New Tampa and Wesley Chapel on I-75 are now welcome to check out the new rest areas now open in each direction.

On December 23, the two rest areas on I-75, between S.R. 56 (Exit 275) and S.R./C.R. 54 (Exit 279) reopened for public use. These new facilities replace the former buildings located on the same land; reconstruction of the sites began in July 2010.

“The old facilities weren’t in very good shape,” says Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesman John McShaffery. “The parking was inadequate. It wasn’t up to standards and it just couldn’t hand the volume of traffic.”

Both of the rest areas features great amenities such as two small, fenced-in dog parks, night time security and a variety of coffee and vending machines, including one that dispenses ice cream.

Basically, they’re now what rest areas should be — safe areas with plenty of parking, lots of options for snacks and spotless bathrooms.

“The bathrooms were very clean,”

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confirmed Gina Lupton of New York, who stopped at the rest stop on her way down to Naples.

All of Florida’s interstate rest areas are open and maintained 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The new rest areas, which have been designated as smoke-free facilities, also offer a walking trail, where travelers are welcome to take their pets for a stroll. There also is preferred parking for vehicles which use alternative fuel sources, like electric cars, hybrids or ones that run on vegetable oil. FDOT officials also are waiting to see if the the rest areas will earn the certification of a being a “Green Building” from the Green Building certification Institute.

Both facilities salvaged materials from the old buildings and were outfitted with energy-efficient light bulbs, hand dryers and even faucets.

According to McShaffery, the combined cost for both facilities was $25.1 million. He adds that although the rest areas are open to the public, some minor construction work remains.

This may periodically limit access to some areas of the buildings, parking lots and other areas until it is entirely completed.

The new rest areas on I-75 between S.R.s 56 & 54 are now open to travelers.

The $25-million project took a year and a half to complete.

The rest areas were rebuilt to provide additional truck parking, add more restroom facilities and to to meet travelers' needs for over 30 years, said a statement from the FDOT.

FDOT anticipates construction for both rest areas to be complete no later than the end of February. Cone and Graham, Inc. of Tampa completed all of the work on the projects.

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“Redistricting” Continued from page 1 redrawing a district to benefit an official currently in office or that official’s political party), Weatherford says the proposed districts have been drawn without acknowledging incumbents — officials currently in office — or their political parties.

Not A Done Deal Almost immediately after being passed by a vote of 31-7 in the Florida Senate, the Florida Democratic Party filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the newly drawn district

maps, claiming that the maps violate the recently added anti-gerrymandering regulations and that they benefit the Republican-incumbent-controlled Florida House and Senate.

Weatherford says that he isn’t surprised by the lawsuit.

“There are always lawsuits during redistricting,” he says, adding, however, that he believes these maps are fair.

The new state House and Senate redistricting maps are being sent, first, to the Florida Attorney General and then to the Florida Supreme Court for 30 days to determine if the newly drawn maps fall within the state’s redistricting standards.

Dougherty Sister Pleads Guilty

By Matt Wiley After nearly six months in jail, the first of the three Dougherty siblings arrested in Colorado after a cross-country crime spree that began in August, just outside Wesley Chapel, has pleaded guilty to felony charges in Colorado court.

Lee Grace Dougherty, 29, pleaded guilty to three felonies in Huerfano County District Court in Walsenburg, Colo. on Thursday, Feb. 9-one count of attempted first-degree assault and two counts of felony menacing.

According to the Associated Press (AP), Lee Grace will appear in court on April 30 for sentencing.

The charges against her have been

reduced from five counts of attempted second-degree murder and 21 other charges have been dropped, but she will still face at least nine years in prison with a maximum sentence of 28 years.

Lee Grace's oldest brother, Dylan, 26, was recently transferred from the Huerfano County Jail that all three had been held at, to the Pueblo County Jail, about 45 miles to the north, after deputies discovered a makeshift knife, escape plans and a letter to both the F.B.I. and his sister about his planned escape.

Dylan and his younger brother Ryan, 21, were set to appear in court on Feb. 16, but there have not yet been any reports of them reaching plea deals.

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Community Calendar

Ladies ‘Foodie’ Club Of New Tampa/Wesley Chapel

A new club for women in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas who enjoy socializing, trying out new restaurants and cooking ideas, sharing recipes and other food-related activities is now forming.

For more information, send an email to Eileen.jones@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club Of New Tampa The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of New Tampa is currently open to new members in the New Tampa area. The MOMS Club offers a variety of daytime activities of mothers and their children, opportunities for Mom’s Night Out and many more benefits.

For more info, or to join the club, Email MOMsClubNewTampa_ southeast@yahoo.com.

GriefShare Recovery Group

Tuesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.

— The GriefShare Recovery Group meets every Tuesday for those grieving the death of someone close. Meet others who understand the pain of loss.

The program is conducted at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Ave. Room 310 For more info, call 961-1254.

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New Tampa Noon Rotary

Wednesday, February 29, noon The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday for lunch at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr., inside the gates of the Hunter’s Green subdivision).

Parkinson’s Support Group

Wednesday, February 29, 1 p.m.

-Come join an educational, emotional and social support group for those living with Parkinson’s disease as well as family, friends and caregivers.

This group is co-facilitated by Faye Kern (coordinator of the American Parkinson’s Disease Assn.) and Shirley Berkery (John Knox Village Home Health), and is sponsored by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, 1 p.m.-2 p.m., in the Private Dining Room (located in the tower) of St. Joseph’s John Knox Village at 4100 E. Fletcher Ave. For more information, call Cyndi Letzeisen 632-2331.

New Tampa Eve. Rotary

Wednesday, February 29, 6:15 p.m. - The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday evening at Hunter’s Green Country Club, inside the Hunter’s Green com-

munity. New members are welcome and please note that the club’s meetings are now on Wednesdays.

Call Liz DeAmbrose at 9566487 or email: homenet@gte.net.

Philippe Theodore at 968-7300 or visit GlobetrotterGolf.com.

Tampa Tamil Kids Day

Wednesday, February 29, 7 p.m.

- Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday evening at Pebble Creek Golf Club, located at 10550 Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. New guests are always welcome.

For more info, call 428-6356.

Saturday, March 3 - The Tampa Tamil Association is hosting its 5th annual Children’s Day Competition at Benito Middle School on Cross Creek Blvd. The event invites children from all communities to compete in several areas, including coloring, drawing and story writing. Competitions cost $10 per competition per participant.

For info, email TamauUSAChildrensDay@yahoo.com or call Mahalakshmi Ramesh at 994-3707.

World of Beer Festival & Golf Tournament

Business Networking International

Tampa Toastmasters

Thursday-Friday, March 1-2 World of Beer & Reeves Import Motor Cars will host the Globetrotter International Beer Festival & Golf Tournament at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.).

Thursday night’s Beer Tasting & Food Pairing is open to the public and costs $25 in advance or $40 at the door and features fine dining and beers from around the world, beginning at 7 p.m.

Registration for the golf tournament will start Friday morning at 10 a.m. and costs $150 per golfer. After the noon tournament, a Champion’s Dinner will be held at World of Beer Tampa Palms (17004 Palm Pointe Dr.).

For more information, contact

Wednesday, March 7, 7:30 a.m.BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.).

For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting

Thursday, March 8, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The North East Tampa Women in Business meets the second Thursday of each month at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Enjoy Free Food & Fun At The Rotary PigFest Kick-Off Party!

Wednesday, March 7, 6 p.m. - The 9th annual Rotary Pigfest Kickoff Party will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, just off S.R. 56 and I-75. The party will include, food, entertainment, marketing materials and ticket sales and is in preparation for the bigger-and-better-than-ever PigFest, which will be held Saturday, May 5, at St. Mark Catholic Church (9724 Cross Creek Blvd.).

Event co-chair Peter Gambacorta says Kickoff Party attendees will get the latest info on this year’s PigFest. He says he expects nine or ten teams to be roasting pigs for this year’s festival, a great car & motorcycle show, more food and business vendors, top-notch entertainment and so much more.

For more information, visit RotaryPigFest.com.

Come out for some great relationship building with women in business from around the area. RSVP at NETWIB. org or call 364-2174.

Women’s Herstory

Thursday, March 8, 6 p.m. -Out & Equal Tampa Bay presents “Women’s Herstory,” a local celebration of the 101st annual International Women’s Day. The event will be held at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center in room MSC 2708. A light meal will be served at 6 p.m. followed by Herstory at 7 p.m.

For more info, visit Out & Equal Tampa Bay’s Facebook page.

CBC Networking

Thursday, March 8, 8 p.m. Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking

group, which meets every Thursday at Heritage Church at 1854 Oak Grove Blvd. in Lutz (off S.R. 54, behind Organic Life Coffeehouse).

Call 300-7511 for more info.

Taste Of New Tampa® Sunday, March 11, 1 p.m.-4 p.m - The 19th annual Taste of New Tampa® has been moved from The Shops at Wiregrass and will now be held at Paul R. Wharton High, 20150 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. See pgs. 1 & 18 for details.

FREE Real Estate Seminar

Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m. Serralles Group, Inc. presents Sell A Home & Make Money, a free real estate & investment seminar at Compton Park Recreational Center in Tampa Palms. The seminar will provide a free list of available homes. Space is limited;

seats must be reserved ahead of time.

To reserve a seat, call 307-0007.

IDS-CC Open House

Thursday, March 15, 8 p.m. Independent Day School-Corbett Campus, an independent school for Pre-K3 through eighth grade, will host an Admissions Open House. The event will begin with an overview of the school conducted by Headmaster Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman. It will include a tour of the beautiful, cypress tree-covered campus. A light breakfast will be served. The school is located at 12015 Orange Grove Dr. in Tampa.

Contact admissions director Dr. Jennifer Morrow to place a reservation at jmorrow@idsyes.com or call 961-3087. For more information about the school, or to schedule a personal tour, visit IDSyes.com.

For more info, contact Cody Yerian at 889-8363 ext. 201 or visit www.MidFloridaMSWalks.org.

New Tampa Women’s Club Yard & Bake Sale

Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. The Tampa Palms Women’s Club invites everyone to its community yard and bake sale on. Donations are appreciated and all proceeds go towards the Women’s Club USF scholarship fund.

Those interested in selling items are urged to reserve a table for $15 and to go to TampaPalmsWomens Club.com for an application.

For more information, call Elvea Kelly at 615-9600.

MS Walk At Lowry Park

Saturday, March 24, 5:30 p.m.Join the National MS Society, MidFlorida Chapter, for its annual MS Walk at Lowry Park Zoo off Sligh Ave., to benefit multiple sclerosis research. The event features one and two mile walks that are fully accessible and fun for the whole family. Register to walk as an individual, join a team or create a team.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the walk kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Those who plan to walk are asked for a minimum $20 donation.

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New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2011-12 NTCC Board of Directors President-Rachel Haviland

Board Members:

15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 250 Tampa, FL 33647 Information: (813) 293-2464 Fax: (813) 388-4408

Officers VP-Connie Bladon Secretary-Chuck Ward

Non-Officers

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

Regina Ramalheira

Said Iravani Earl Meyer Lee Hoffman Joyce Gunter Lesley Zajac

Chamber Still Accepting Sponsors, Restaurants & Artists For 2012 Taste!

The 19th Annual Taste Of New Tampa Will Be Held Sun., Mar. 11, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., At Wharton High!

The 19th Annual Taste of New Tampa® will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 1-4 p.m., and has been relocated to Wharton High, due to logistical restrictions at the Shops at Wiregrass.

As the premier annual event in the area to promote your business or restaurant, the Taste of New Tampa® is the best way to showcase your product or service and expanded marketing to local residents is expected to draw an even larger crowd than usual!

Booth space is filling up fast but the Chamber will accept last-minute restaurant, business booth and sponsor applications until March 1 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wristbands are available in advance via local pre-sale locations or ficcial online. Please visit the Of fi Taste of New Tampa® 2012 website at TasteofNewTampa.info to download application forms, fi fin nd local pre-sale locations or to purchase wristbands. The Taste of New Tampa® is the best way to promote your business to 5,000+ local residents and contribute to your commu-

nity at the same time. All proceeds from the event are donated to local community programs, schools and volunteer organizations.

Chamber members and members of the community are encouraged to volunteer for the event.

Please contact us at info@NewTampaChamber.org or call 293-2464 to be added to the email list for Taste information.

The

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The Soap Factory In Tampa Palms Is Just ‘Soap Much Fun!’

By Heidi Fallis Stone Looking for some good clean fun?

Have we got a place for you, thanks to the ingenuity and creativity of “artistes” like Dina Good. This is no soap opera — it’s the real deal.

Dina and her husband Michael recently opened a shop that specializes in the ancient art of soap making.

Located in Tampa Palms, “The Soap Factory,” situated in the Shoppes at The Pointe (behind Olive Garden and Red Lobster), is a nice place to not only choose from more than 70 types of soaps, but where you also can actually take a seat at the “Soap Bar” and make your own unique “soap art” from scratch. What was a hobby for Dina has now turned into a full-time endeavor, and, with Christmas and Valentine’s Day both in the rear view mirror and the last few days of “Valentine’s Month” winding down, she is learning what it means to be her own boss.

“At first it was just my husband and I,” Dina says. “We signed the lease…and two weeks later we were open. And, we had to make all of the first batches of soap ourselves, in our garage in Tampa Palms.”

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Now, Michael, who has his own insurance-related business, is busy with that venture, leaving Dina to manage the Soap Factory herself.

Early on, she says, the business was aided by a deal with the discount website Groupon.com, which affiliates itself with both startups and established businesses. While the Groupon offer has since expired, it gave the Goods’ shop a much-needed publicity boost, as have write-ups in several publications, including the tony DuPont Registry of Tampa Bay. While the surge in traffic might well be tied to the Groupon deal (and to her recent ads in this publication), Dina is optimistic that her shop will continue to be a popular destination for all kinds of people — young and old, men, women and children — for a long time. And, thanks to the great start, she already has hired an extra employee.

A Little History The art of soap making dates back to around the year 2800 B.C., or almost 5,000 years ago. Like many other customs of antiquity, the craft came from Mesopotamia, where the ancient Babylonians actually left instructions on ancient pottery.

acids such as tallow, olive or vegetable oils. Once the lye is added, a process called “saponification” begins, and if all of the measurements have been accurate, the resulting soap will be mild and very much skinfriendly. Too much lye, however, and the soap can be extremely harsh on the skin.

The other, much faster method Owner Dina Good (left) can teach you the art of soap — and the one that Dina uses at the Soap making at The Soap Factory in Tampa Palms.

Factory — is the “hot Soap making begins when you mix process” method. It doesn’t require the animal or vegetable oils or fats with lye same precision and only needs to be that has been dissolved in water. The stirred constantly as the pot full of resulting substance is soap. Getting to ingredients is heated. The heating causthat point is where two different es the ingredients to mix and become approaches come into play. soap. Once the soap has cooled, it is The “cold process” method takes available for immediate use. up to six weeks to produce a finished All ingredients used at the Soap product. An exact amount of sodium Factory are natural and non-toxic, since hydroxide (lye) is mixed in with fatty the lye, once the saponification is com-

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When you visit the Soap Factory, you can have a seat at the “Soap Bar” (left) or purchase a variety of “slices” of soap... plete, is no longer in the soap. For a fee, singles or groups of would-be soap makers can come in, make soap from scratch, color it, decorate it, add any number of oils and scents to it and, best of all, since it is a faster method, there is no six-week wait for your custom-made soap.

There is almost no limit to the combinations of ingredients available.

There are dozens of different oils and scents at the Soap Factory that can be tossed into the mix. A quick perusal of Dina’s shop reveals soaps that look so much like food that you might just scan the table for a knife and fork. There was soap with a layer of oatmeal, another soap with a list of ingredients like “lemon and sugar…just like lemon-

ade” and many, many more. Dina says that a big seller for Valentine’s Day was the soap called “Falling in Love,” which contains “lemon peel, vanilla, musk and mandarin.” It looks (photo on this page) like a large loaf of light pink bread with two big pink hearts embedded in the loaf. The finished product is available in loaf form or sold as “soap in slices” for $6.95 per slice.

And, make no mistake about it, “This IS art!,” said Judy, one of six customers who were busy making soap while the Neighborhood News was visiting. “It is fun, too,” her friend added.

Dina’s knowledge, as well as her dry wit and care for her craft, resonate and make visiting the Soap Factory a very pleasant and worthwhile experi-

...including the “Falling in Love” soap that was a big seller for Valentine’s Day! ence. She knows her stuff, and it shows.

The Soap Factory also is a great place for those who want to buy a nice gift for their special someone. It also is a great spot to have a birthday party, bridal shower, girls’ night out and other occasions. When asked why she chose to open her shop in Tampa Palms, Dina simply explains that she lives in the community, and is part of it, and she wanted to provide a quality shop and service for the people she thinks of as her neighbors. The Happy Nails nail salon and Coffee Beanery Café next door also helps draw in people who

might be interested in learning how to make specialty soaps.

The Soap Factory’s website is under construction and Dina hopes that it eventually will help the shop’s growth and development. She also plans to add select beverages and baked goods in the near future.

The Soap Factory is located at 17024 Palm Pointe Dr, in the Shoppes at the Point Plaza. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit ShopSoapFactory.com or call 971-1511. As Dina likes to say, “It’s soap much fun.”

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N EW T AMPA

By Gary Nager In this issue’s Business Briefs, we have information about a newly revamped store, a local company’s participation in a great event and my recent visit to my favorite local spa.

Sophia’s Jewelr y Celebrates Its Grand Opening

You may remember Charles Tuozzo’s name because he previously owned Charles Jewelers (which is still in business in Tampa Palms) and Sophia’s Boutique, which was named for one of his two daughters.

Well, while Sophia’s was a unique clothing-and-more store for our area, Charles always wanted to get back into the jewelry biz and has now re-opened Sophia’s, in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza, as Sophia’s Jewelr y & Design.

Sophia’s is where you’ll find “expensive taste at affordable prices,” with some amazing values in gold, silver, precious gems and many original designs. You can even see a great selection of Lafonn Everlasting Desire diamond engagement rings and beautiful wedding bands starting at just $100.

And, when you mention the ad in this issue, you’ll receive 20-percent-of f

Business Briefs ANY item in Sophia’s. Go check it out and please tell Charles we sent you!

For more info, visit Sophia’s Jewelr y & Design (19020 Br uce B. Downs Blvd.) or call 971-6900.

Benco Dental Helps ‘Give Kids A Smile’

Benco Dental Company and long-time New Tampa resident Fran Griesser have helped make the “Give Kids a Smile” event, sponsored by the Hillsborough County Dental Society and Suncoast Community Healthcare Centers (whose corporate offices are in Ruskin), a little brighter.

The event was coordinated by Marlinda Fulton, the executive secretary for the Hillsborough County Dental Society, and by Terry Russell, the Dental Operations Administrator at Suncoast Community Health Centers.

“Give Kids a Smile” was held at the Ruskin location of Suncoast on February 3. More than 60 kids were treated that day, with services covering everything from x-rays, exams, hygiene procedures, and operative work. Several local dentists donated their time to provide the treatments, which were valued at $64,000!

Benco Dental’s local reps — Griesser, Joe Dixon and Florida Man-

New Tampa resident and Benco Dental Company rep Fran Griesser (far right) at the “Give Kids a Smile” event. ager Durrand Ashford, donated more than $1,000 in dental supplies for the event. And, Dr. Natalie Carr of Carr Pediatric Dentistr y was one of the participating dentists who donated the most time. Great job!

For more information about Benco Dental Co., call Fran Griesser at (610) 283-8086 or Joe Dixon at (941) 628-6889.

Spa Moritz — A LastMinute Gift Life-Saver!

What do you do when you sud-

denly realize you’ve forgotten to get a gift for someone special’s birthday...or, let’s say...for Valentine’s Day? If you’re like me, you’ll call the beautiful, elegant Spa Moritz, located on Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms, across from Freedom High.

Until about 1 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, I didn’t think I had plans, but then, when I suddenly did, I called Dyan and Dennis Piller and asked if I could still schedule a couple’s massage.

And, it just so happened that the spa had just extended its hours on Tuesdays until 8 p.m., so there was an opening at 7. We enjoyed a complimentary chocolate-strawberry martini, the best relaxation massage I’ve ever had and took a tour of the truly European-style salon and MedSpa before heading off to Jalapeno Mexican Grille for a delicious dinner. Thanks!

For more info, including great spa package prices, call Spa Moritz at 971-4772 or visit SpaMoritz.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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GasTek Pool & Gas Services Can Keep Your Pool Warm In Winter

By Matt Wiley During what we Floridians like to call our version of “winter,” it’s hard to take the plunge into a cold pool, no matter how sunny it may be outside. Luckily for New Tampa residents, GasTek Pool & Gas Services is here to transform chilly pools into oversized hot tubs.

Newly opened in January 2011

by New Tampa resident Paul Schaller, GasTek Pool & Gas specializes exclusively in propane and natural gas pool heater repairs, sales and installations.

Schaller saw a need to be filled in the New Tampa area when he moved here 11 years ago.

“When I moved here, there weren’t that many gas companies in the area,” Schaller says. “Since moving here, there has been an increase in gas pool heaters. There are more than I initially thought.”

Noticing the increase in gas heaters and the lack of service and installation companies, Schaller decided to make a move.

“I was out of work and looking for something to do,” Schaller says.

“I had previous construction experi-

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ence and a relative doing the same kind of work. I saw a possible niche.”

Schaller’s first step was to obtain a gas installation license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

This required him to attend a oneday class and take a three-hour exam in order to be licensed to service, install, repair and sell liquefied petroleum gas equipment, appliances and piping.

This license is one of the things that sets GasTek apart from other gas heater and pool companies in the area.

“A lot of other gas heater and pool companies will come and hook up a new heater through the pool’s PVC plumbing pipes,” Schaller says.

“Then, they’ll contract out all of the other work. But, here at GasTek, I’m licensed to do it all.”

He says that many pool companies tend to take advantage of customers once they are on site, attempting to sell them products or services they may not need.

“If they don't need it, they don’t get it,” Schaller says of his clients. “I don’t try to oversell anything to my

Paul Schaller of GasTek Pool & Gas Services can install and repair a gas pool heating system in your home, too. customers.”

The most common problem Schaller says that he sees in gas pool heaters is a lack of service. He notes that heaters do get old and rot out, a problem that he is more than happy to help solve.

Schaller says that the average price for a gas pool heater runs between $2,000 and $3,000 for a

total replacement, including installation and removal of the old unit, which, as GasTek’s lone employee, he does himself. He says that on average, he can have a gas heater replaced and installed in less than two hours.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gas pool heaters run on gas or propane and are great for heating pools quickly. Gas heaters

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work by circulating pool water through a filter and then a heater, where the gas is burned. The heated water is then transferred back into the pool, and the cycle continues.

Schaller says that from what he has seen in the area, about 75-percent of pool owners use gas pool heaters, while about 25-percent use electric heaters or heat pumps. He says that some people use both — a heat pump for their pool and a gas heater for their spa.

He says that gas heaters are especially good for use in spas because they can heat the water at an average of a degree or two per minute, whereas a heat pump could take up to a day or two.

In addition to installing and servicing gas pool heaters, GasTek also features pool-cleaning services to ensure that pools stay clear, as well as warm. Schaller offers monthly cleaning packages ranging from $45-$80.

GasTek normally services the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas, but Schaller says that stretching his boundaries is no problem. He says that he will happily service all of Hillsborough County as far south as Sun City Center, and all of Pasco County as far north as the Pasco/Hernando County line.

As far as the future is concerned, Schaller says he plans to keep on servicing his current regular customers while continuing to advertise and trying to expand his business.

“I’m just going to keep on doing what I’m doing,” he says. “I plan on picking up more parts for different brands so that I can keep my customers happy and serve them in a timely fashion without having to wait for parts I have to order.”

GasTek Pool & Gas Services can be reached at 335-7491. For additional information, visit GasTekServices.com.

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You Can Find Simply Fabulous Flooring Deals At SimpleFloors

By Camille Gillies After spending the past 10 years as vice president of a large-contract floor covering company, Benjamin Bee smiles proudly as he shows off the showroom of his new business venture, a new SimpleFloors franchise in Lutz. Bee’s store, at the intersection of Whitaker Rd. and N. Nebraska Ave. (U.S. 41; minutes from most of New Tampa) is the first of its kind in Florida. Headquartered in Georgia, with 15 stores (and growing) nationwide — including locations in California and Washington — SimpleFloors offers a complete line of factorydirect floor coverings, from hardwood and tile to laminate and carpet.

“I wanted to be in business for myself,” Bee says. “I saw this as a great opportunity because it is very hard (for other stores) to compete against our prices and quality.” With 20 years of experience in the industry, he definitely knows his business.

Bee says SimpleFloors has one of the largest selections of real wood floors available and the showroom gives customers the chance to visualize how the floors will look in their homes.

“You don’t usually see such a large display of flooring as we have here,” he explains, pointing to the enormous

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samples lining the walls of his store.

“We offer a good depiction of what the floor will actually look like in your home.” SimpleFloors also provides free samples of every product, allowing you to see how the floor matches your cabinets and paint colors.

As a testament to the company’s pride in workmanship, a 100-year warranty is included on all hardwood products sold by SimpleFloors.

“That warranty is a big asset to our customers,” Bee states. “It is very rare to see a warranty that long, especially one that is transferable and stays in the house for the life of the product.”

However, Bee says that perhaps the biggest benefit to his customers is the cost. “We are truly factory direct,” he explains. “I can’t think of another (flooring) supplier that sells to the end user direct from the factory.” Without having to involve distributors, SimpleFloors is therefore able to offer its products at discounted prices.

When it comes to installation, you can purchase the materials and have the company install them or do the job yourself. If you choose to have SimpleFloors perform the installation, your job will be completed by one of the company’s trusted subcontractors.

From purchase to installation, a job can

New Tampa residents Benjamin and Lisa Bee are the proud owners of the SimpleFloors location off N. Nebraska Ave. (U.S. 41) in Lutz. be done in as quickly as two days. “We keep some inventory here and if we don’t have what is ordered on hand, it is only a one-day transfer from our factory in Georgia,” he says.

Although many of his customers opt for the do-it-yourself method, handy homeowners may wish to note one of Bee’s observations: “Many of our do-it-yourselfers start out that way but end up coming back to us for help, asking us to fix something they did

wrong.” The company gladly assists, trying to make the task as easy as possible for each customer.

In fact, if you are even put off or concerned with having to take your own measurements, Bee says he will come to your home, take the measurements and provide a free estimate.

The Products Available At SimpleFloors

Hardwood - It's hard to beat real

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hardwood for the warmth and richness it adds to your home. SimpleFloors offers both engineered hardwood and solid hardwood floors. Bee says that engineered hardwood is a reasonable choice for the Florida climate because it can better withstand our humidity and temperature changes and, unlike solid hardwood, can be laid over concrete.

Many styles and species of engineered hardwood are now available, including those with wide planks and finishes that are hand-scraped, imparting the allure of Old-World craftsmanship. “The hand-scraped wood truly is done by hand, not machine, which means no two boards of any of the products are alike,” he says.

Among the wood species available at SimpleFloors are maple, oak, walnut, bamboo, acacia, hickory, elm and eucalyptus. A popular collection of engineered hardwood is Old World Chisel, which showcases a handcrafted chiselscraping technique that emphasizes the distinctive characteristics of the wood’s grains. Its unstructured nature makes each home unique because each plank is different. The staining effect also is achieved by hand, creating a translucent surface with a soft luster and enough pop of color to showcase the grain.

If you are shopping for solid hardwood, you might consider the Reclamation Plank, which retails for approximately $6 per square foot. Bee says this

unbelievable value would sell elsewhere for several dollars more per square foot.

This wide-plank floor features handrubbed stains and a low-luster finish and adapts to minimalist, contemporary or traditional styles. It is unnecessary to purchase underlayments because a felt pad is attached to the back of each floor plank, creating a more insulated, quietsounding, solid floor.

Laminate - Bee says laminate (or artificial wood) floors have come a long way since they first appeared in the mid-’90s.You can now find a variety of wood looks and gloss levels, beveled edges and single-plank technology.

Making installation easier, many laminate flooring styles currently feature boards that simply lock together without the use of adhesive. These floors can have a 25-year life span.

Cork - If you have a kids’ playroom, Bee recommends installing a cork floor for its resiliency and cushion.

Those attributes also make cork a popular choice for gourmet kitchens.

“Cork flooring is easier on your back and is naturally quiet,” Bee explains. “Interestingly, we also have installed cork vertically to create accent walls and even (installed it) on ceilings as a coffered ceiling inlay.”

Bamboo - With an increasing number of people trying to conserve natural resources, bamboo is becoming a more popular flooring option. Con-

Every available inch of wall space in the SimpleFloors showroom is lined with large samples of each type of hardwood flooring sold there. This picture doesn’t do it justice! sidered a regenerative building product, Tampa’s Pride Elementary, where she is bamboo is heralded as one of the best a teacher. The couple and their two green building materials for the 21st children live in Arbor Greene.

SimpleFloors, located at 103 century. Since the original tree is not Whitaker Rd., Lutz, of fers an ongokilled in the harvesting process, it ing discount for teachers, active miliquickly regrows and can be harvested tar y personnel and fi firrst responders. again. SimpleFloors offers a variety of In addition, check for monthly procolors and styles of bamboo flooring in motions at SimpleFloors.com. Or, solid or strand-woven bamboo. phone 435-5579. SimpleFloors is For a full tour of floor choices available at SimpleFloors, visit this fami- open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, but ly-run store, where Bee, his wife, Lisa, Bee often meets by appointment on or his mother, Sandi, will be happy to Sunday, too, to accommodate his assist you. If Lisa isn’t at the store, she customers’ busy schedules. most likely can be found at New

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Patricia Carroll - A Lawyer Who Will Make You Feel Comfortable!

By Sheryl Young Attorney Patricia Carroll is ready to handle your legal issues on a friendly and personal level. She specializes in bankruptcy, personal injury and probate law, as well as wills and trusts while splitting her time between her two offices — one in Dade City and the other in the New Tampa Professional Park on Regents Park Dr. in Pebble Creek, a mile or so south of the Pasco County line, off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

Pat feels she has special skills that distinguish her from other lawyers.

“I was a social worker, and my undergraduate degree is in psychology,” she says. “I’m very oriented to working with individuals. This helps me develop a quick, easy rapport with people.”

Pat didn’t go to law school until the age of 35, after already helping people through government systems as a social worker. She says she’s committed to accepting only the number of legal cases she feels she can handle well at any given time.

“I only take so many clients at once,” she says. “It’s not a certain number, but a certain feeling. When I believe my staff and I won’t be able to give the proper amount of individualized attention to each case, I stop tak-

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ing new ones.”

Pat, who was a State prosecutor earlier in her law career, is definitely people-friendly, with a down-to-earth skill for listening and empathizing; yet, she is Attorney Patricia able to remain Carroll and her carobjective in ing team of professiondoing legal als in Pebble Creek & analysis.

Dade City are happy She credits to help you with all of her personal your legal issues. style to her mentor, a former New Tampa-based lawyer named Vincent O’Brien. When she was first out of law school, Pat says sent letters to attorneys offering to work without pay for a period of six weeks.

“Vincent is the one who called to take me up on my offer,” she recalls.

“He told me, ‘Practicing law isn’t about the money. It’s about building relationships and helping people.”

After Pat became a prosecutor, O’Brien contacted her to say he was moving to England, where his wife was

from, and his law office space in New Tampa would be available.

She says, “I was ready to work from the defense side of the law, and grabbed the chance to start my own law firm in his space.”

Ser ving People With Care & Attention To Detail Pat has followed O’Brien’s model of being good-natured and really caring about people. Her perception of needing to be formal, which she learned in law school, melted away.

“As a result, I’ve rarely had to advertise, and was able to open the second office in Dade City,” she says.

“Many people come to me by word-ofmouth from others I've assisted.”

Ronald McBee is one such enthusiastic past client of Carroll’s. He confirms that she certainly put him at ease when he needed legal help with a family matter.

“I was searching for an attorney in Dade City when I saw her sign from the street,” he says. “I walked in, met Pat’s paralegal Rose, and had a meeting arranged with Pat in just a couple of days. She was very friendly, and to me, attorneys are usually scary!”

Yet, McBee says, Pat was firm in

insisting that he laid literally everything she needed to know about his case on the table.

“I will call on Pat without hesitation if I ever need a lawyer again,” says McBee. When consulting with clients, Pat puts her corporate litigation persona on a shelf to make them feel at ease.

“They don’t teach personal skills in law school,” she says. “When my clients have court dates, they may be very anxious and nervous. I meet with them 30 minutes before court to go over things and refresh their memory. Usually, they breathe a sigh of relief.”

Pat says she will always lay out everything that can happen in the courtroom, and doesn’t charge extra for her time spent doing so.

One of Pat’s specialties is helping people with wills, trusts and estates.

“I focused in law school on estate taxation,” she says. “This is an important skill set in order to properly process wills and trusts. People are often referred to me through their banks when complex issues regarding estates and trusts are at stake.”

She also assists with bankruptcies, and tries to anticipate every question a client might be asked about their case,

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especially in “341 meetings” with a trustee. These “341s” are bankruptcy meetings with creditors, where a trustee handles the case for the court between the client and the debtor. In these sessions, the trustee often has a barrage of questions for the bankruptcy applicant.

“I ask myself, 'What extra steps can I take to get the stress off my client?'”

Pat says, “not just how can I win. Having everything in writing before the client is questioned is something I learned from a very helpful court trustee.”

Pat further calls upon her social worker training when someone dies and leaves a will to be dealt with by the family after that person passes.

“When a relative dies, people go through grief and then get angry,” she says. “They often project their anger onto each other, even if they’ve previously gotten along. Many times, the fight isn’t really over money or possessions. It’s because of their grief.”

She says she gently works people through this, and feels not enough lawyers are trained to recognize the symptoms while handling valid legal claims versus emotional claims.

But even more important is that Pat tries to prevent anger in families long before that often-devastating time when she is writing a will for someone.

“I explain to the person how their relatives might feel once they are gone,” she says. “I guide the person in how to tell their spouse, children or siblings the things that might happen during the grief process.”

In addition to her time serving clients, Pat provides a variety of seminars, including, “Estate Planning, It’s About the Love, Not the Money,” where she explains that people are leaving a legacy and don’t want the will process ruined by emotions. She has given these seminars to Rotary Clubs in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, as well as for the Women of Wesley Chapel (aka “WOW”) networking group.

Attorney Patricia Carroll can most often be found at 13635 21st St. in Dade City between Old St. Ann Rd. and Coleman, a location that also is convenient for people in Wesley Chapel. Her New Tampa office is at 8907 Regents Park Dr., Suite 310, in the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek, behind the Pilot Bank.

For consultations and more info, call (352) 895-1776 for Dade City or (813) 994-5457 for New Tampa.

You also can find her on the web at PatriciaCarrollLaw.com. Appointments are always required.

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John S. Wood, CPA — Accounting Services For Individuals & Businesses

By Camille Gillies When starting a new business, perhaps nothing is more important than establishing accurate and efficient financial systems and controls. Unless you have a strong financial background, the task can be daunting and extremely time-consuming. That's when you should consider seeking professional advice from a Certified Public Accountant like John S. Wood.

John S. Wood, CPA, P.A., located in the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building on Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms (minutes south of the Pasco County line), specializes in small-business tax and accounting, as well as personal income tax preparation and tax planning.

“If you’re starting a new business, you want to concentrate on the specialty you offer and spend your time marketing your business to new clients and customers,” he explains. “You don't want to be bogged down with everyday accounting and things like figuring out payroll taxes.”

Many small businesses rely on accounting software programs like QuickBooks to tackle their accounting

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needs, but according to John, do-ityourself accounting still has drawbacks.

“If a new business owner wants to learn QuickBooks, I can get them started on it,” he says, “but I don't advise it because it's a system that requires constant attention.”

The services Wood provides frees business owners from accounting hassles, enabling them to focus on other aspects of their respective businesses.

He compiles his clients' monthly financial statements and stays current with their tax deadlines and payroll forms, charging a monthly fee, so clients aren't surprised with an unexpected bill. The fee also includes free consultations throughout the month.

“I am readily available to my clients,” he explains. “If something comes up that they have a question about, they can reach me directly any time by phone or e-mail.”

Most of his practice involves new or relatively new businesses that require monthly accounting and tax services, such as Star’s Organic Spa in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56. Owner Star Ryan opened her salon approximately 18 months ago

John S. Wood, CPA, specializes in small business accounting & tax preparation.

His office is located minutes from most of Wesley Chapel in Tampa Palms. and was not satisfied with her first accountant.

“Within 10 minutes,” she says, “I knew John was the guy. He is calm, knows what needs to be done and gets right to it. He is very honest and doesn’t try to cut any corners.”

Star also has been impressed with Wood's level of service, stating, “He even comes by and picks up all my stuff. He is excellent.”

Income Tax Services With TurboTax and other tax soft-

ware, you might wonder why you would need to go to an accountant to file your personal income tax return.

Wood says you should hire a professional because it is too easy to overlook many legitimate deductions and credits.

“Tax laws are always changing and the average person isn't able to keep up with these changes,” he says, adding that the whole process is destined to become more complex with the enforcement of Obamacare.

Since Wood is a CPA, you would think his expertise would cost quite a bit more than a tax preparation service such as H&R Block, but he says that simply isn’t so.

“My services are very competitive with H&R Block and mine are more thorough,” he says. “I offer more services and a better product, conduct more in-depth and thorough initial client interviews and offer better experience and education than those preparers who may have barely passed a short tax course.”

Local resident Dan Brott has been trusting Wood to prepare his taxes for more than a decade. “John is extremely knowledgeable and gives you great service,” Dan says. “He goes to your

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house, takes all the paperwork and gets everything back to you on time. I appreciate that he has gotten to know me personally and knows my situation.”

He also offers accounting services to corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts.

Wood opened his Tampa Palmsbased practice five years ago, after spending more than 10 years as an accountant and assistant controller with OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc., the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s and other restaurants. He recently expanded his practice to include an office in Palm Harbor.

A graduate of USF, Wood has lived in Tampa since 1987. He decided to pursue an accounting degree at USF after a career in food service brought him to Tampa to run the food-service program at a dorm on the USF campus. He says his food-service background came in handy during his tenure at Outback.

“It definitely gave me some insight into what was happening when I talked to the guys out in the field.”

Restaurants are still among John’s broad range of business clients today. “I enjoy passing along some of the lessons I learned at Outback to my small-business clients,” he says.

E-Filing & Other Tax Tips If you’re filing your own taxes this year, here are some things you should consider: “E-filing is the way to go,” Wood stresses. “It is convenient; you will have fewer errors and you will get your refund quicker, especially if you have direct deposit.”

He adds, “Make sure you know which deductions you qualify for and claim them. On too many occasions, I have seen clients fail to claim a deduction or take a credit that would have exceeded the fee to have the return professionally prepared. The average taxpayer can save not only time, but potentially some money, by having their tax return professionally prepared. They also can avoid a great deal of stress and gain some peace of mind knowing that they are paying the minimum legal amount in taxes.”

A West Virginia native, Wood currently lives in New Tampa.

For consultations and more information, visit JWoodCPA.com or call 514-2920. John S. Wood, CPA, P.A., is located at 15310 Amberly Dr., Suite, 250, in the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building, just off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., behind the Bank of Tampa.

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N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

By John McGurl

Hasbini Wins County Honor Leena Hasbini, who (as we told you in our last issue) runs the “Success Center” at New Tampa’s Paul R. Wharton High, has been named the winner of the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF)’s Instructional Support Wharton High’s Leena Hasbini (third from Person of the Year award for 2012. left) has been named Hillsborough County’s Hasbini, who learned of her 2012 Instructional Support Person of the Year! award at the “Excellence in Education” Awards Banquet held Feb. 16 at Student Congress; Lily Tang, LincolnDouglas Debate; Rachel Mitcham/Jen the Straz Center for the Performing Bayley, Public Forum Debate; Camery Arts in downtown Tampa, got to ride Barden, Oral Interpretation of Literature; to school in style, courtesy of AmbasTyler Uhlich, Oral Interpretation of Litersador Limousine, as part of her prize ature; Torrey Crosby, Oral Interpretation package. of Literature; Madelyn Diaz, Dramatic

Forensic/Debate Team Qualifiers at Whar ton The Forensics/Debate team at Wharton High had great results at the recent State tournament! In a truly amazing showing the weekend of Feb. 10, Wharton came through with eleven National Qualifiers and three First Alternates!

National Qualifiers: Cash Howard,

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Liberty Middle School is looking forward to more success as this issue reaches you, after winning a trophy for “Best Team Spirit” in its first-ever competition on January 21. The invitational competition was held at Orlando Science Middle School.

Science Olympiad is a competition for elementary, middle and high school students. Teams are comprised of up to 15 students, who compete in 23 different events. The events are in physics, chemistry, earth space science, biology and engineering. Students engage in hands-on, interactive, inquiry-based activities that are lab-

based, research-based, or prebuilt.

The Liberty team also placed in several individual contests.

The next competition for these Olympians will be held in Fort Myers on Saturday, Febr uar y 25, or as you’re receiving this issue. The team from Liberty, which is coached by parents, teachers and other volunteers, consists of the following students: Maya Patel, Adriana Fromby-Fernandez, Keerthi Premkanth, Christina Jayaraj, Harry Lee, Kaitlin Ross, Lamine Diagne, Raja Muthulagappan, Maitreyi Paluri, Apoorva Sista & Kirthana Sandepudi.

Performance; Alexandra Johncola, Oratorical Declamation; Patrick Tyler Cates/Jake Lobianco, Duo Interpretation of Literature.

First Alternates: Kayla Talebi, Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Kelsey Hoyt, Oral Interpretation of Literature & Kennedy McCann, Oratorical Declamation.

Liber ty Team Shines At Science Olympiad The Science Olympiad team from

The Science Olympiad team from Liberty Middle School in Tampa Palms will compete in its second Olympiad”event on February 25 in Ft. Myers.

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Wharton Boys & Girls Basketball Teams Both Lose In Regionals

By John McGurl After being a surprise winner of the Class 8A, District 7 tournament (following a regular season record of only 11-14, 4-4 in District 8A-7), the District champion Wharton Lady Wildcats season has ended with a loss in the Region 8A-2 tourney quarterfinals to the East Lake Eagles, the runners-up of District 8A-8 (15-12).

Wharton’s third-seeded girls hadn’t been at full health for most of the season, according their head coach Chad Reed, and were not expected to make it the District title game.

In the Regional quarterfinals, Wharton ran out to an early six-point lead, before trailing by one at half time. Coach Steve Plummer’s Eagles changed the pace of the game by switching up their defense in the third quarter to a tight man coverage strategy to pull away from the ‘Cats.

Success At Districts The Regional loss followed a victory in the District 8A-7 final, 66-57, over the fourth-seeded Newsome Wolves. The Wildcats and the Wolves were both long shots to even make it to this match up, but Wharton jumped out to a strong 10-point lead at the half, and never looked back while rolling to the win.

During the game against Head Coach Sarah Seelbach’s Wolves, the top scorers for the Wildcats were senior guard Monica Cazes with 18 points on an astounding six threepointers, and senior forward/post player Abbigale Kaczmarek, who had 17 points.

In the first District game against #2 seed Durant High, the ‘Cats eased to a 57-48 win, as Kaczmarek and junior forward/guard Shannon Clark had 12 points each, with Cazes chip-

The Wharton High girls basketball team was a surprise winner of the District 8A-7 title before losing in the first round at Regionals. ping in with 11 points, including three 3-pointers.

For the season, the Lady Wildcats had 128 three-point FGs made this season, with Cazes tossing in 80 of them — which placed her at number five in the state and number one in Hillsborough County. Cazes also led the team with 270 points, for a 10.4per-game average on the season. Kaczmarek averaged 11.1 points per game with 242 points on the season (she missed a few games), and also averaged 3.3 rebounds per game. Clark, who average 3.2 rebounds, led the team with 86 boards overall, and scored an average of 9.0 points per game. Freshman guard Kayla Clemons led the team in steals (1.2 per game) and assists.

only one point in the last 13 seconds, coach Tommy Tonelli’s Wildcats surged down court for a final play, but senior forward Patrick Hauri’s shot — that would haven given the ‘Cats a win — seemed to hang on the rim for an agonizing second or more. The ball fell outside the hoop, and coach Joe Blozanli’s Eagles (14-8) erupted in celebration.

The game was back and forth for most of the night. The Wildcats

struggled during the first half, trailing by 8 at halftime, before rallying late to make it close. East Lake was only up by two going in to the final quarter of play and lost the lead early, but regained it quickly. Wharton junior point guard CJ McGill tied it up at 63 with 38 seconds left with his fifth three-point FG. A free throw by East Lake forward George Campbell proved to be the game winner when Hauri’s final shot rimmed out.

McGill led his team in the game with 23 points, eight in the fourth quarter, including the five 3-pointers.

Hauri had a double-double, with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while junior Sir Patrick Reynolds chipped in with 12 points and 8 boards.

District Dominance Wharton breezed through the 2012 District 8A-7 tourney this season. Triumphs over both Bloomingdale and Plant High sent the Wildcats to their third consecutive District Championship. The top seeded ‘Cats trumped Bloomingdale 54-23 to advance to a showdown with the #2 seeded Plant Panthers, who proved no match for Wharton in a 68-48 rout.

Boys Also Beaten By East Lake At Regionals After winning a third consecutive District title (in District 8A-7) the Wharton Wildcats (24-4) could not overcome the East Lake Eagles, the runners up in District 8A-8, in the first round of the Region 8A-2 tournament. With the Eagles ahead by

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New Tampa Well-Spa’s ‘Spa Girls’ Can Put A Smile On Your Face!

“Spa Girls” segment is affiliated with the Well-Spa, while the other...let’s say Angelina:“Hi, I’m Angie.” “rougher,” un-sponsored, un-affiliated version...is where you really get some Diane: “And I’m Diane” insight into the personalities of these Both: “And we’re Spa Girls!” two very...um...interesting and outspoIf you thought you were having ken women. Diane and Angie will talk fun where you’ve been getting your about anything from politics to Angie’s hair, nails and other spa services done, Facebook marriage proposals (she gets all I can say, in all sincerity, is that “you multiple proposals pretty much every ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” day) and the shows are genuinely fun, New Tampa Well-Spa owner Diane funny and even a little raucous.

Pellegrino Levin (the wife and Practice But the New Tampa Well-Spa itself Administrator of Podiatrist Dr. Stephen is about much more than just the five Levin’s New Tampa Foot & Ankle (at our press time) “Spa Girls” TV segpractice) and her marketing and public- ments. As a Registered Nurse (RN) and ity director Angelina Clarke are capitalPractice Administrator at the medical izing on the age of YouTube and Faceoffice located in the same building in book by not only offering great spa the Cypress Ridge Professional Park off services in an immaculate (more on this S.R. 56, Diane wants all of her potential below), elegant setting off S.R. 56, but clients in New Tampa and Wesley also by recording two separate “Spa Chapel to know that cleanliness is perGirls” podcasts. One version of each haps the most important service offered at the months-old New Tampa Well-Spa. “We are proud to be nurse-owned and operated,” she says.

“We sterilize all of the instruments used in our manicure and pedicure services in the same autoclave used in Steve’s office,” she says. “We get a lot of clients from other nail salons who New Tampa Well-Spa owner Diane Pellegrino Levin either have gotten infec(left) and Angelina Clarke are also known as “Spa tions there or know Girls” on Youtube.com & Facebook.com. someone who did. We

By Gary Nager

Kelli (far left) provides licensed massage, facial and nail services and Keith is the Creative Director & Matrix Artistic Educator at the New Tampa Well-Spa off S.R. 56.

All I can tell you is that the place is always want you to have a great spa super-clean without feeling “sterile,” experience when you come here.” She the services are superb and Diane, adds that you can even bring in your Angie and their crew really seem to love own polish, the pedicures are done in what they do. One New Tampa resisterilized stainless steel basins and dent who visited the last time I was there’s even foot reflexology and nail care for diabetic patients available. there said, “Keith’s been cutting my hair for five years. Now that he’s here, I In addition to Diane and Angie, have no reason to go anyplace else!” the New Tampa Well-Spa features the For a complete list of services talents of licensed massage therapist available at the New Tampa Well-Spa (LMT) and “full specialist” Kelli Rodrigue, Creative Director and Matrix (25827 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite Artistic Educator & Colorist Keith 103), visit NewTampaWellSpa.com Skiner and Stylist & Colorist Sara or call 438-2830. Ask how you can Blacklidge, all of whom offer outstandget 40-percent-off your first facial, ing services at very fair prices. waxing, reflexology, massage, maniI myself was treated to not only a cure or pedicure with Kelli or your first hair service with Sara with the great massage on my birthday last ad on pg. 5 of this issue. Also, check month, but also my first back facial (don’t ask), a great little birthday cake out the “Spa Girls” TV series on and kisses from the Spa Girls themselves YouTube. com or Facebook.com.

The keywords are “SpaGirlsTampa.” (see Magazine header above).

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Neighborhood Nibbles — New Tampa’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Parties!

By Gary Nager When I lived in New York City in the 1980s & ‘90s, you literally had to go to a Mexican restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day because (unless you arrived before noon) you simply couldn't even get inside any of the city’s Irish bars that day when you wanted to wear your green that day.

But, while Tampa has plenty of packed festivals and events — from Gasparilla to Guavaween, but it seems that there are very few big St. Patrick’s Day parties in the Tampa Bay area and, until recently, almost none hereat all in New Tampa.

This year, however, there are at least three great places to go in our area if you want to wear your “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” T-shirts and stay close to home.

We hope you’ll visit these outstanding St. Patty’s Day events to be held on Saturday, March 17 — and please enjoy them responsibly!

P.J. Dolan’s Irish Pub

If you’ve lived in our area for any period of time, you probably remember both Remington’s Steakhouse and Cody’s Roadhouse as places that previously occupied the anchor tenant location in the Palms Connection Plaza on

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If you like Shepherd’s pie, visit P.J. Dolan’s Irish Pub on E. Bearss Ave. this St. Patrick’s Day! E. Bearss Ave., just west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

Well, that location has since become P.J. Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grille, which is hosting what its management calls “The Biggest & Best St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in New Tampa.”

The event, which begins when the doors open at 9 a.m., in true St. Patrick’s Day fashion, will be held inside the restaurant and out on its covered patio, and will continue until the “wee” hours of the morning (3 a.m.).

There will be four bands playing, great food and drink specials and fun door prizes given away all day.

P.J. Dolan’s already has many of your Irish and English food favorites on

its unique menu — including corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd’s pie and fish & chips — but will also offer green beer, bangers & mash and even Guinness brats (bratwursts) for this most Irish of days. And, best of all, you can get free admission (the regular price is $10 per person) to the party if you bring in the ad in this issue with you when you check in.

P.J. Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grille is located at 2836 E. Bearss Ave. For more info, call 374-2338 or visit PJDolans.com.

Mulligans Irish Pub

The longest-running St. Patrick’s Day bash in our area, however, is probably the party now being held for the fifth year at Mulligans Irish Pub inside the Pebble Creek Golf Club (PCGC) located across BBD from New Tampa’s WalMart Supercenter.

Mulligans, which will be open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. and will have live bands playing 4 p.m. until close, also will feature green beer, great drink specials and an Irish buffet featuring corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash at what its management also calls “New Tampa’s Best St. Patty’s Party.”

Promising that the event will be family friendly and featuring, for the

first time, Mulligans beautiful new outdoor veranda and its recently revamped ballroom, you can rest assured that lads and lassies and even the “wee bairns” will enjoy St. Patty’s at Mulligans! And, with the ad in this issue, you’ll get $2 off the cover charge per person!

Mulligans Irish Pub is located at 10550 Regents Park Dr. N., inside PCGC. For more information, visit PebbleCreekClub.com or call 9733870, x225.

Ciccio’s Lodge

Unfortunately, we didn’t yet have the details about the St. Patrick’s Day party at Ciccio’s Lodge in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center, although we do know it will feature live music, great food and drink specials and will definitely be fun for everyone.

Ciccio’s Lodge is located at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. For more information, call 975-1222 or visit CicciosLodge.com.

And, please don’t forget to drink responsibly on St. Patty’s Day and ever y day! If you know you’re going out to party that day, we hope you’ll call our friends at Tampa Bay Limousine (474-1111) or WC Cab & Car Ser vice (598-2430) and please tell them we sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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SukhoThai Restaurant & Sushi Bar Still Earning Rave Reviews!

By Gary Nager When Niyom (it’s pronounced sort of like “Neil”) and his wife Pansri Nitayangkul first opened SukhoThai Restaurant & Sushi Bar across Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. from the Muvico theaters in New Tampa seven years ago, I had heard of the very successful original SukhoThai on N. Dale Mabry in Carrollwood, but had never eaten there. I wasn’t yet a huge fan of Thai cuisine, so I wasn’t going to go out of my way to sample it.

But, hen SukhoThai’s New Tampa location opened, I became an instant fan — as have many of our readers — of our area’s only Thai restaurant that also served great sushi.

So, whether you’re looking for shoes-off dining, amazing sushi, like SukhoThai’s fresh tilapia sashimi or my new favorite sushi roll (thanks to graphic artist Porsha Lemos ordering it on our office’s most recent visit), the spicy eel-and-octopus Monster Roll (which has a delicious coating of crispy tempura flakes), or authentic Thai dishes like ped palo (crispy duck with mixed veggies and ginger soy sauce), SukhoThai has got you covered with flavorful food that also is always beautifully presented.

Part of the reason I was never a

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big Thai fan is that most of the suggestions I got from other people were either for the traditional pad Thai noodle dish or entrées featuring heavy doses of curry — and I have never been a big fan of either, even though my friends who love Thai food will often judge a restaurant by these signature dishes. On the other hand, there isn’t a single item in the pictures on these pages that I don’t love at SukhoThai.

The sushi is always fresh, the veggies are always crisp and the meat dishes are always top-notch.

For starters, in addition to the wonderfully fresh sushi, I love SukhoThai’s pan-fried pork and veggie dumplings and their spring rolls are the crispiest, flakiest and lightest in town. I even love SukhoThai’s extra-crisp chicken wings and marinated chicken on skewers.

My favorite main dishes are still

the teriyaki grilled steak, which is served with fresh broccoli, cauliflower and carrots and served with a splash of wasabi cream sauce (I always have to order extra sauce, because it’s amazing!), the aforementioned ped palo (all of the duck dishes rock) and my new favorite is the SukhoThai chicken, which is marinated, sliced chicken in a three-spice sauce that offers both a little sweetness and a kick.

All of these entrées taste even better with an order of the Thai fried rice.

There is also a spicy Thai fried rice, but I prefer the pork and chicken combo regular fried rice as the “base” for my other entrées.

Other entrées I can recommend at SukhoThai include the chicken ginger (stir-fried with bell peppers and onions), the chicken garlic (stir-fried with cabbage), the Hoisin beef (marinated beef with garlic, ginger and red

pepper flakes with cashews and veggies), the Korean pork (marinated in hot pepper and garlic sauce).

Many of the seafood dishes at SukhoThai feature shrimp, which I’m sadly allergic to, but I do love both fried whole red snapper entrées on the menu, as well as the super, but spicy, volcano lobster. And of course, I

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

49

Rock “n” Body Pole Studio — A New Spin On Fitness & Empowerment

By Heidi Fallis Stone Until recently, pole dancing had always been perceived as a private, hush-hush form of personal, seductive, physical expression generally taking place behind closed doors and performed mainly for an audience of reveling onlookers in smoky clubs. Well, truth be told, one form of pole dancing is helping to change that antiquated one-sided perception of this unique art form all across the country. There is one incredibly special place that the women of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel should seriously consider visiting not only for fun, but for fitness as well, all the while putting aside those old and biased notions.

At Rock “n” Body Pole Studio on W. Kennedy Blvd, between N. Hubert Ave. and N. Manhattan Ave., there's a definitive air of confidence, empowerment, inner and outer beauty and lots of fun going on every day. The studio, owned and operated by April Soldano, is tastefully decorated in colors of soothing pink, with walls trimmed in black, flowing curtains dividing the entrance and a long wall of floor-toceiling mirrors, perfectly dimmed lighting and, of course, all adorned with 10 well-situated personal poles used in one

of the hottest personal wellness movements for women today.

Soldano says, “Many women come here to find that sense of themselves in the presence of other encouraging, supportive women and friends. It’s like a safe-house for feeling positive about ‘us’ again, with the bonus of hidden fitness and getting back to being sexy.”

There are classes for women at all levels available for the taking, and special occasions, birthdays, and bachelorette parties can be celebrated at the studio as well.

A few years ago, after viewing a pole dancing segment on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” April, a former real estate professional, decided to look into opening up a dance studio when the local economy began to dip.

“I was immediately excited about the concept of pole dancing, and when I looked into it, there wasn’t a group or place to be found in the Tampa vicinity.” April recalls. She researched extensively, and located a company that promoted home parties for pole dancing, and eventually became the operator of that franchise for Tampa Bay. “I began showing other women how to pole dance at home parties and the most amazing thing happened,” she says. “I just had the best time — it lit-

erally became the highlight of my week — to get together with a group of women and connect through the power of pole dancing. There’s definitely a novel level of empowerment when gathering with like-minded people having a blast, while learning something new and fun.”

Over time, with hard work, savings and supportive family encouragement, the home parties evolved into a fulltime business, and Rock “n” Body Pole Studio opened in August of 2009.

April has always been active in physical training, whether it was professional cheerleading and dancing for the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football team, or weight training, aerobics and spinning. April says her passion for fitness and wellness is as much a part of her life as are her two young children.

In addition to her experience as a professional team dancer, April combines her obvious passion for her art and her clientele with outstanding professional training. She is trained and professionally certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and the American Academy of Exercise (ACE), as a personal fitness trainer and pole-dancing instructor.

Additionally, all of the instructors at Rock “n” Body are certified fitness

Owner April Soldano (left) and instructor Kimberly James invite you to check out the Rock “n” Body Pole Studio on W. Kennedy Blvd. training professionals, so clients can be assured that they will be taught safely, as well as skillfully.

Most of the classes at Rock “n” Body are comprised of approximately 67 women and teach technique and safety, as well as form and movement. A compulsory 30-minute “Intro to Pole”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

class provides women with the necessary foundation and skills to become a” Rock N Body Pole Diva,” while teaching basic signature moves to get started feeling both comfortable and sexy with the pole, both of which, April says, are important aspects to learn. Additional classes incorporate learning level-based movement, strength and cardio conditioning, as well as the slinky, sexy moves, spins, climbs and inverts associated with pole dancing.

And, April promises pole dancing is a great way to work out. It’s a true aerobic exercise, and can help you build lung capacity and stamina. It also is great for strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility and, of course, it can be sensual, athletic, or both.

Thanks to segments on “Oprah,” and other national TV shows, pole dancing has finally gained a better reputation as a legitimate workout routine that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of shape or size.

“There is no age limit either,” April says. “Pole dancing is about feeling sexy in your own skin. You can feel good about yourself at any age! All of our classes have a mix of women from their early 20s to their late 50s.”

April loves the fact that pole dancing enables women to free themselves of their bonds. As her website states, pole dancing does the following: It helps woman gain self-confidence by

Pole dancing is a fun & sensual form of aerobic exercise! the sheer ability to learn how to move differently. It also helps to build a leaner, sexier body. And then, there is the added factor of just having fun trying something new.

How do her clients feel about their pole experience? Says one, “I had such a great time; I’m going to tell all of my friends. I can’t wait to do this again.”

For another, it was more than just fun. “I have seen changes in my body after just a few weeks and with no change in diet. I can’t wait to start the eating plan to make the results even more noticeable.”

The eating plan the happy client was referring to is Rock “n” Body Pole

Studio’s 5-week nutrition program, called “Nutritionally Fit N’ Sexy,” that is combined with the strength-building, calorie-burning and confidence-building pole fitness beginners’ techniques that can propel them into the world of sustainable healthy and happy living.

Broadening the scope of health, wellness, fitness and fun at Rock “n” Body is the addition of “Aerial yoga,” a combination class of traditional yoga with the physical training of an aerialist.

So, if you’re looking for a fantastic place to have a blast, whether personal-

ly, or in a group, call up Rock “n” Body Pole Studios and book an appointment today!

Rock “n” Body Pole Studio is located at 4333 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa. For more information about class schedules and hours, and how to book events such as birthday, bachelorette, girls’-night-out parties and more, please call the studio at 280-2931 or visit PoleDancingTampa.com. You also can find “Rock N Body Pole Parties” on Facebook.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

51

New Tampa Resident Goes Viral With ‘Stuff’ Girlfriends Say!

By John McGurl A recent viral video craze sweeping YouTube.com has been a slew of videos about the ... “S--t (or, let’s say, “Stuff”) People Say.” Most of these videos go by unnoticed and are passed by in our browsers. However, some of these videos have received attention among other sites, such as Failblog.org.

One of the most recent viral hits is “S--t Girlfriends Say,” starring Kelsey Darragh, daughter of long-time New Tampa residents Mike and Kristy Darragh. The video had instant success, reaching 2.5-million views in only three weeks. Not only does the video have a continually rising number of views, but the “likes” posted compared with the number of dislikes is almost 14,000 to just more than 200. With more than 2,000 comments posted, the video has certainly been a success. Kelsey and the crew behind the video even gained attention on MostWatchedToday.com; a site that simply tells you what video has been most watched that day.

Kelsey portrays every type of stereotype that can be attributed to a girlfriend. In true satirical fashion, some of the situations are a little exaggerated, but are, at the same time, still somewhat true. Whether crying, yelling, or

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“My friends hate you” says (and claps) Kelsey Darragh to her boyfriend in her “S--t Girlfriends Say’ viral video on YouTube.com. laughing Kelsey made her character come alive and comically showed the unfortunate side to being a girlfriend.

Capturing things like the classic drunk dial, and the fights in the car gives Kelsey’s video a taste of relationship reality, the video shows everything from the constant nagging questions to the annoyingly loving side. Like other successful videos in this category, the “Girlfriends” video moves quickly from scene to scene. It never leaves the viewer time to really catch up until the end, and keeps the laughs coming.

Kelsey not only starred in this witty comedy, she also wrote and edited it — in one day. Her mother says that she is

very proud, but cautiously excited for her daughter. Having spent time in the entertainment industry herself, Kristy (now a Realtor at Florida Executive realty in Tampa Palms,) knows how tough the film industry can be.

“I think she is the next generation,” says Kristy, whether her daughter ends up as the famous actress, or behind the scenes producing or editing.

Kelsey attended the New York Film Academy, and graduated from the school’s Los Angeles campus.

As to why Kelsey’s video was so much more popular than the slew of similar videos posted around the same time, Kristy believes its because Kelsey’s short comedy looks much more professional than all the others.

“Its not my exact taste, but I see the humor in it,” says Kristy. That’s the point of the video, of course — to make people laugh. The use of strong language (parents, you might want to keep your young kids from viewing it) gears it towards a more mature demographic, but the video is meant as a joke and should be taken as such. Inappropriate dialogue is O.K. in this type of video. Offensive language can be part of everyday conversation; it’s no different in this satire of real life.

The viral success will hopefully be

just the beginning for Kelsey, and the whole crew of her classmates behind the short film. The YouTube video is hopefully just a stepping-stone for Kelsey and her talented crew.

For Kelsey, according to her Facebook fan page, that goal is to make people laugh. Judging by the comments on the “Girlfriends” video, she is on the right track.

More YouTube hits may well be on the way for Kelsey, who recently tweeted that she has been cast in an upcoming video to be entitled, “The Girl with the Bumblebee Sticker.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL

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Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team!

Ortho Technology, a worldwide distributor of orthodontic products located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following positions: INSIDE SALES: Experienced Telesales reps wanted to manage and grow established territories. Successful Inside Sales exp in a quota-based environment req’d. Competitive base + commission. Qualified candidates should submit resume citing proven sales track record to careers@orthotechnology.com Visit our website at www.orthotechnology.com for additional information and other job opportunities.

We provide a great work environment and excellent benefits package.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST OR PTA – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a PT or PTA to provide customized, oneon-one care during afternoon and early evening hours for diverse patient population.

Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 Medical Billing Experience Only need apply.

Responsibilities include contacting insurance carriers to get maximum payment on account.

Applicant must be detail oriented and possess strong verbal and written communication skills. Fax Resume to 813-910-0071 Help Wanted: Medical Billing Personnel, part-time, flexible hours, Local PT Clinic. Fax resume to 813-994-3080.

Now Hiring: Manager, Receptionist, Hairstylist, Skin Care Aesthetician, & Nail Technician. Applicant must be experienced. Call: 813-786-8510

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Visit our website @ kjpoolonline.com TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. See why we are New Tampa’s # 1 Choice!! New customer’s One Month Free! Call Chris Today @ (813) 8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com

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

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Free estimates! Your satisfaction is our priority!

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Classifıeds

HOME

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Call Ron for free estimate (813) 784-5999 NEED HOME MAINTENANCE – Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582.

GREG’S PAPERHANGING – For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

FLORIDA FLOOR SYSTEMS INC. – Columbia Laminate from $2.49SF Columbia Wood from $4.99SF Mohawk/Shaw Carpet from $1.99SF. Material, Labor, Installed.

Call David (813) 943-4772 FloridaFloorSystems.com, Free Estimates.

FITNESS &WELLBEING

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**Tai Chi Classes open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few month's adults Thur. evenings 7-8 pm and seniors Wed. 2:30-3:30 space is limited. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 31 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org. Peter #787-7560 or E-mail chuan-fa@tampabay.rr.com

Turn your clutter into cash!- Garage & estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online! We evaluate & appraise your products, you get top dollar. Call Mary: 813-428-5793.

LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST – 9am -9pm, Mon, Tues & Wed. $55 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL (727) 372-6389 Lic # MA47546.

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COMPUTER SERVICES

RAYMOND PAINTING – Interior & Exterior pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc.

Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. Your Neighborhoond Arbor Greene Resident. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124.

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

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Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home!

Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at (813) 966-1530. **BRIDGE PLAYERS WANTED Intermediate level, rubber/party bridge.

Individuals or Couples. Join an enjoyable, warm, casual, mixed small group in New Tampa. Once or twice per month for threehour session in selected homes of members. 12 tables maximum. Free. No frills. Daytime.

Weekdays. Don't hesitate. Call Harry at 813907-2541 for details.

SPRINGER STORAGE: RV & Boat Storage Port Richey, FL Starting at $35.00 mo. Pay first two months, 3rd month free. 24 hour access & 24 hour monitoring. Call to reserve your spot. 813-833-1191.

Upholstery - All types - sofas, chairs, stools, pillows, select window treatments, cars, boats, etc. For information and pricing call Glen or Sheryl 813-245-9719.

Tampa Bay Lightning Tickets for Sale!!

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David Bridges Pressure Cleaning: Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. 813-215-1177

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TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye – we say hello.

Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells.

When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter.

We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit us at www.TampaCatLady.com.

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REAL ESTATE - Investment homes & first time home buyers; Several listings pennies on the $$$ - The Serralles Group. Call Eddie @ 813.307.0007 FIND YOUR DREAM HOME FROM YOUR CELL PHONE! Wish you could see home details while you are driving around looking at homes? NOW YOU CAN! With Team Bohannon's Mobile MLS Search application, you can search for any home in the area on your cell phone. Check out price, beds/baths, details, maps, even photos – all from the convenience of your cell phone.

SEARCH PROPERTIES WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WANT! GET IT NOW - Text: MLS4YOU to: 87778 Compliments of Doug, Annette and Dale Bohannon Coldwell Banker 813-979-4963

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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%5 %DWK &DU *DUDJH V I &XVWRP 'HQ 0HGLD 5RRP +DUGZRRG Ă RRUV WKURXJKRXW .LWFKHQ KDV JUDQLWH Âľ 0DSOH cabinetry. Large lanai with custom SRRO VSD 2IIHUHG IRU

%HG %DWK 'HQ &DU s.f., pool/spa, conservation, hardZRRG Ă RRU JUDQLWH FRXQWHUV VWDLQOHVV DSSOLDQFHV Âľ &KHUU\ FDELQHWU\ 2IIHUHG IRU

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 5 • Februar y 25, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com