New Tampa Back to School Edition

Volume 21 Issue 17

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August 17, 2013

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Celebrating The Rebirth Of The Pebble Creek Collection!

By Gary Nager You may not realize it, but the Pebble Creek Collection (PCC) on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. is the oldest shopping plaza in New Tampa. Built during the 1970s, the strip center looks as good as it ever has, thanks to an ongoing facelift provided by the center’s landlord and owner, John Martinez, which has included replacing the entire roof throughout the plaza.

That’s a good thing, because our office was in the Collection more than a dozen years ago, and roof leaks were an ongoing issue when we were there.

“We’re also going to replace the plaza’s current monument sign on Bruce B. Downs with something a lot nicer,” he says. “I’m really happy with the way the center has filled back up.”

When Martinez purchased the plaza in 2005, he says it was always close to full and bustling with activity. In fact, he was able to manage PCC from his home in California.

But, when the local economic bubble burst in 2007-08, he says it became a lot harder to keep the tenants in business, much less happy, and by 2011, Martinez decided to move to Tampa to take a more hands-on approach and get the plaza back to capacity.

He was as careful as possible to choose businesses that would complement the existing tenants and hopefully survive the ongoing economic downturn.

And today, other than the long-empty former gas station located on the northern outparcel of the plaza, with direct (L. to r.) Ramses, the new owner of Las Palmas Café, Alex of Party frontage on BBD, which Martinez Scene and Melissa and Brian of Once Upon a Child invite you to check out the newly revamped Pebble Creek Collection on BBD. the store’s commitment to purchasing hopes to be mak(and reselling) high-quality, new and gening a formal anchor tenant space in the plaza,” says Mar- tly used apparel, toys, baby equipment and nouncement about soon (see below), and tinez. “I hope it will attract a lot of traffic furniture for children at affordable, familya former chiropractor office in the plaza itfor the entire plaza, from the restaurants to friendly prices. self, PCC is now full. our real estate offices.”

“So far, so good,” says Melissa. “We’re The newest new tenant to open is one Once Upon a Child owners Melissa definitely in purchasing mode right now that Martinez is particularly excited about and Brian Levering say their store, which and quite a few people are finding us and — Once Upon a Child, a chain of chilhad been open less than a week at our press bringing in their quality baby and child dren’s consignment stores with more than time, was definitely generating quite a bit clothing.”

260 locations across the U.S. and Canada. of traffic from people hoping to cash in on “It’s a known retail name, in our anSee “Plaza Reborn” on page 14.

Cross Creek Blvd. Widening To Morris Bridge Rd. Could Begin As Early As May 2014

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

New Tampa Rec Center Expansion Postponed, Swiftmud Loosens Watering Restrictions, New Tampa Schools Get Good Report Cards, Lots Of Local Business Features & More!

Wazoo Gets Wild As Battles Brew At The ‘Bod, Our 2013 Dining Survey & Contest, Casa Ramos Brings Mexican Flair To Tampa Palms, Plus More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 1-42

Pages 43-60

Duncan says that the City is eager to start the project because it currently is ahead of major development on Morris Bridge Rd., particularly in K-Bar Ranch.

See “Cross Creek Blvd.” on page 14.

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

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

Also Inside This Issue!

which will be paid for with impact fees (money collected from developers when they begin projects in the area), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funding and a $1.5-million grant from Hillsborough County, in part because Cross Creek Blvd. is a county road from BBD to where it reduces to two lanes.

“We’ve been working on (this project) for a while,” says The portion of Cross Creek Blvd. from east of the City of Tampa Transportation entrance to the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center manager Jean Duncan, P.E. to Morris Bridge Rd. will be widened to two lanes “We’re happy about getting it in each direction beginning in May 2014. going to avoid future congestion.”

Postal Customer

Getting from Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. to Morris Bridge Rd. by car could get a lot quicker in the next two years, as the City of Tampa plans to widen the portion of Cross Creek Blvd. that currently is still one lane in each direction, making the entire 4.5-mile stretch four lanes.

The project, which has been in the works

for several years, could begin as soon as May 2014, according to city documents. Currently, Cross Creek Blvd. which links BBD to Morris Bridge Rd., is a four-lane divided road for two miles, beginning at BBD east to just beyond Cory Lake Dr. at the entrance to the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center.

Widening the remaining 2.5-mile stretch to a four-lane road, divided by a 22-foot median, is estimated to cost about $6.1 million,

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Matt Wiley

Thanks, New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, For Our Best Summer Ever!

An editorial by Gary Nager Although I still hear a lot of the businesses we do business with say that they don’t see the economy recovering — at least not at any pace that’s helping them — based on the number of new businesses that keep opening in our area and the fact that those owners seem to have little or no trouble spending money with us to promote those businesses, I think there is some economic momentum being built in our community.

Every year, it seems, we have a fairly sizable number of advertisers who say, “Hold me out until after the summer, because there’s no one here until the end of August.” Well, even though we did have a few businesses pull their ads this summer, there have been even more coming in to take their place. In fact, I can safely say that, culminating with this issue, the summer of 2013 has been the best — in terms of both advertising revenue and the feedback we’re getting from readers and advertisers alike — we have ever had in our New Tampa and Wesley Chapel issues for June-August!

So, to what do I attribute this success? Several things, actually. The biggest compliment general manager Nikki Bennett and I hear from local businesses pretty much every day is that even with some people achieving outstanding results with their own online and social media advertising, if you’re trying do business in New Tampa and/or Wesley

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15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Bonnie Mason • Lauren Saslow Kathleen Schiop Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lemos Advertising Sales Rep Taylor Gardner

The Ten Year ‘Oops!’

My apologies go out to Travis & Fiona Monday of Fit 4 Life Personal Training & Physical Therapy (9077879), which was profiled in our July 20 New Tampa issue.

Although they loved the story, the Mondays pointed out to me that in the very first paragraph of that article, I said Fit 4 Life first opened in 2011, even though I went on to say the studio has been in business at its current location in the Tampa Palms Professional Center since 2006. Well, Fit 4 Life first opened in 2001, not 2011, so I was only off by a decade.

Yeesh, sorry, guys! — GN And remember, school starts in Hillsborough County on Tuesday, August 20, so please drive carefully!

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES..............................Pages 1-42

New Tampa Recreation Center Not Expanding Until 2016...............4 HCSO Seeks Help Identifying Serial Robbers.......................................6 Swiftmud Loosens Water Restrictions....................................................8 .

New Tampa News Briefs...................................................................10 Arrest Made In May BBD Shooting New Tampa Burger King Robbed At Gunpoint Oak Ramble Murder Suspect Convicted Orlando Woman’s Body Found Near New Tampa North Tampa Behavioral Health To Open To Patients In Oct.....12 New Tampa Community Calendar................................16

Local Business Updates.................................18-35

Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 21, Issue 19, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, September 2, 2013.

New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2013 JM2 Communications, Inc.

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Chapel, other people are telling these businesses that they have to advertise in the Neighborhood News!

That’s pretty awesome for us as it is, but what I also see happening these days that wasn’t happening nearly as much in 2009-12 is that whenever spaces open up in our local shopping plazas, new businesses are quickly coming in to fill those spaces. And, as the newcomers get ready to open, they’re being told by other businesses in the same plazas what marketing they’ve done that has worked.

And, more and more of them are being told that we’re about the only thing they’ve done that worked well enough for them to warrant the cost of that advertising — especially because the free business profile articles we have written about them bring in more business than any other form of advertising, marketing or publicity, whether in print or online.

Another factor I’ve also heard is that banks and other lenders are once again lending people money, whether to buy or remodel a home or open a business. Of course, this re-raises concerns about the banking crisis that was at the center of the economic maelstrom that started a few years ago, when the banks were just handing over money to people who had little or no chance to keep up with their payments, as though the money was free candy. And, with still no major new restrictions in place to keep the banks from making themselves fail again, the economic pundits I see on TV all seem to believe that we’re headed for another fall, but that remains to be seen.

In the meantime, plazas in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel that have been suffering for years are suddenly filling up again (see our cover story for one impressive example) and more often than not, those new businesses are turning to us — as they have for nearly 20 years now — to help them make their respective businesses work for them and for their families.

This issue (the biggest Back-toSchool issue we’ve ever done, by the way) is once again packed with both ads and features about a variety of local advertisers who have turned to us to help their businesses succeed. I hope, as always, that you will check out those features, visit or utilize those businesses and tell the business owners that you read about them in the New Tampa Neighborhood News!

Are You Ready For Obamacare?..............................................18 Pebble Creek Family Dentistry Makes Your Family Smile........20 Tri-Care Services Serves Your A/C & Plumbing Needs..........24 Prudential Tropical Realty: Your Home-Buying Realty Team..26 The Vein & Cosmetic Center Of Tampa Bay...........................30 Family Wellness Center: One Doctor For The Whole Family...34

Local Education & Sports Updates...............38-41

New Tampa Schools Get Good Report Card...........................38 Chiles Elementary Welcomes New Principal............................39 Tampa Bay Rebels Fall Short Of Hoops Repeat At Freedom...41

Neighborhood Magazine

Wazoo Gets Wild While Peabody’s Hosts Brew Battles...........43 Enter Our 2013 Dining Survey & Contest.......................46 Casa Ramos Brings Mexican Fare & Flair To Tampa Palms ....50 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’...............................54

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS....................56 Guest Column - By New Tampa’s Tampa City Council Member Lisa Montelione...................................................58

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New Tampa Recreation Center Expansion Postponed Until At Least 2016 vBy Matt Wiley It appears as though the bustling New Tampa Recreation Center (NTRC) in Tampa Palms, which was expected to undergo an expansion this year, will remain at its current size for the foreseeable future.

In his 2014 City of Tampa Budget presentation on July 25, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced that his recommended budget for the City is $830.9 million, with about $103 million devoted to capital improvement projects, Airborne Paige Kinsey, 14, is one of the 7,500 participants who utilize the New Tampa which include government, transportaRecreation Center, located on Commerce tion, utilities and parks & recreation Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms, every year. projects.

However, the expansion of the process of designing a $1.5 million, 19,500-sq.-ft. NTRC, a hub for local 14,000-sq.-ft. addition to the NTRC, gymnasts, did not make it onto this which, in addition to more space for year’s list of funded projects (although storage, was to feature more gymnasium we mistakenly reported in our July 20 space, locker rooms, multi-purpose issue that the NTRC would be a funded rooms and even a workout center for project for 2013-14). both kids and parents, as well as a rockInstead, the Rec Center expansion climbing wall. City Parks & Recreation has been pushed back until at least 2016. department statistics show that the “When I heard about the postpone- NTRC serves an average of 7,500 particment of (the NTRC expansion), my ipants per year in its enrolled programs. heart sunk,” says City of Tampa District “In the initial design, we went 7 Council member Lisa Montelione. through and included all of the things Last August, the City was in the we’d love to have in the expanded

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NTRC,” says Parks & Rec director Greg Bayor. “The initial concept included many good elements, but once costs were associated with those elements it became our responsibility to make sure that only the essential needs were met.”

Bayor said last August that the Parks & Rec department hoped to begin construction this month, but the project had not yet been funded.

Now, the project will cost more than $850,000, about half of the cost of the initial design that was being considered last August.

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“Last year, the Parks & Recreation department was working on a design for (the NTRC expansion), but there weren’t any funds allocated for it at that time,” says Ali Glisson, spokesperson for Mayor Buckhorn’s office. “It’s now being included in the 2016 budget because there are funds available (that year) for (the expansion).”

Glisson says that, in the meantime, Tampa-based architecture firm FleischmanGarcia — which originally designed the NTRC that opened in 2008 — will be refining the expansion designs.

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HCSO Seeks Help Identifying Suspects Who Robbed The Kangaroo Express On BBD Circle K on Lumsden Rd. The two confronted the clerk and demanded money and lottery tickets. They even stole a doThe Hillsborough County Sheriff’s nation jar from the checkout counter.

Office (HCSO) is seeking the public’s About two hours later, HCSO says help in locating two suspects they believe the same robbers struck a 7-Eleven on are responsible for a string of robberies Ehrlich Rd. in Carrollwood. The clerk dating back to July 22, including one just saw them coming and hid in the cooler south of Tampa Palms on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. while the duo snatched more cash, lottery According to HCSO, just after midtickets and cigarettes, and then took off night on July 22, two black male suspects on foot. of unknown age — one wearing a hockey Most recently, HCSO reports, the mask and wielding a revolver, the other same robbers are suspected of holding up wearing a dark bandana — began a crossthe Kangaroo Express gas station at the county robbery spree in Valrico, hitting a intersection of BBD and Skipper Rd., just south of Tampa Palms, around 11:30 p.m. on August 4.

Anyone with any information is urged to call HCSO at 2478200 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 873-TIPS (8477).

Tips also can be reported anonymously online at CrimeStoppersTB.com or by HCSO seeks teh public’s help identifying these men who sending a text to C-Rare suspected of robbing at least three convenience stores. I-M-E-S (274637).

By Matt Wiley

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Swiftmud Loosens Restrictions, Back To 2X-Per-Week Watering

By Matt Wiley The heat of summer is upon the New Tampa area, but with it has come the usual pattern of oppressive heat throughout the day, followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening. For this reason, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (aka “Swiftmud”) has allowed the stricter watering restrictions implemented earlier in the year to expire.

According to a July 30 release from Swiftmud, the District’s Governing Board voted to let all Phase III water shortage orders — which limited lawn watering to once per week on specific days, determined by address, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. — expire on July 31, allowing residents to return to twice-perweek watering.

“The (Swiftmud) Governing Board has allowed the water shortage orders to expire in response to significant improvements in aquifer and river levels as a result of this summer’s above-average rainfall,” the Swiftmud release states. “The region’s major public water suppliers have also been able to capture and store large supplies of water to meet the needs of residents.”

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The Swiftmud year-round water conservation restrictions took effect on August 1, and included both Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

In an August 1 press release, the Tampa Water Department (TWD) announced that location addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3 will now be able to irrigate on Mondays and Thursdays, while location addresses ending in 4, 5 or 6 can irrigate on Tuesdays and Fridays. Addresses ending in 7, 8 or 9, along with locations that have no address, such as common areas or business complexes, can irrigate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

There currently are no restrictions for those using reclaimed water, micro-irrigation (or drip irrigation, which uses much less water) or hand-watering using a hose with a spray nozzle.

However, watering still is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., which also was in effect during the Phase III restrictions that expired. These watering days apply to customers in both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County, but watering times and maintenance allowances may differ.

For more information, please visit MyWateringDay.com.

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N EW T AMPA Arrest Made In May BBD Shooting

Details have emerged and an arrest has been made in the shooting death of a Pasco County man who was shot in his car while driving on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in May. According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), Demetrio Earle, 27, of Tampa, was arrested around 3:45 p.m. on August 2, following an investigation into the May 31 death of 20-year-old Reggie Adams.

TPD reports that around 3:30 p.m. on May 31, Earle met Adams and a passenger, Eddy Lee, in the parking lot of the McDonald’s, located in the New Tampa Center shopping plaza at BBD just north of Cross Creek Blvd., to sell an unknown item. At some point during the sale inside the black Dodge Magnum, an altercation occurred and Earle Demetrio jumped from the vehicle Earle as it backed out of the parking lot.

The report says that Earle got into his own vehicle and chased the victims south on BBD and began firing a gun into the vehicle near I-75. Lee was struck in the arm and Adams was fatally shot in the chest. Adams was dropped off at Pasco Regional Medical Center nearly two hours later, where he died. Adams, who lived in Texas, had been in town visiting family.

Earle is being held without bond on charges of second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

No additional information was available at our press time.

NT Burger King Robbed At Gunpoint It’s never a good idea to open the door for strangers, as a manger at New

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News Briefs Tampa’s Burger King (in the Trout Creek area) has learned the hard way.

According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), just after midnight on July 24, the store manager of the New Tampa Burger King, located at 20590 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of Burger 21, heard the buzzer coming from the rear door just after closing.

TPD reports that the manager thought the person at the door was a member of a maintenance crew, and opened the door to a man loading a semiautomatic pistol.

The report states that the manager fled to the front of the store while the unknown black, male suspect, dressed in khaki pants and a grey, long-sleeved shirt with a white bandana or t-shirt covering his face, proceeded to the restaurant’s office and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect left out of the same door, but no one witnessed his vehicle or the direction in which the suspect went. No one was injured during the robbery.

The same day, an unknown white male burglarized the Burger King located at 901 E. Fowler Ave, but TPD has not yet determined whether or not the cases are related.

Anyone with any info about this case is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at (800) 873-8477 (TIPS).

The case is still under investigation and no additional information was available at our press time.

A masked gunman enters the New Tampa Burger King on July 24.

Oak Ramble Murder Suspect Convicted

The popular coming-of-age book Stand By Me, by Stephen King, tells the story of a group of boys who are asked if they have ever seen a dead body by the older, “cool” kids in their town. In 2009, here in New Tampa, a similar story played out, only the two kids showing off the body were the ones responsible for it and have now both been convicted of murder.

On July 26, Amer Ejak, 20, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the September 2009 killing of Thomas M. Johannesen, 34, HCSO records state.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), on September 13, 2009, Ejak (who was 16 at the time) and Christopher J. Cox (22 at the time), both of Tampa, were arrested for the Amer Ejak murder of Johannesen, who lived in the Oak Ramble Apartments, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just south of Tampa Palms.

HCSO reported in 2009 that the suspects were inside Johannesen’s Christopher apartment for unknown Cox reason when Cox told Ejak to strike Johannesen over the head with a whiskey bottle. Once on the ground, Cox and Ejak then put the victim on the couch, where Ejak covered his head with a plastic bag and tied it around his neck with a belt, causing Johannesen to suffocate to death.

Once he was deceased, the HCSO arrest report states that Cox and Ejak put Johannesen’s body in a closet and covered it with clothes and other items. They stole his cell phone, keys and shoes.

On September 12, Cox and Ejak showed the body to two girls, who told a third party, the report states. The third party alerted authorities later that night and the two were taken into custody the next day, both on charges of first-degree murder.

HCSO records show that Cox was

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convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison last March. Ejak’s sentence had not yet been determined at our press time.

Orlando Woman’s Body Found Near New Tampa

The body of a missing Orlando woman has been discovered in nearby Hillsborough River State Park.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), around 10:15 a.m. on July 25, Darcy Arlene Miller, 30, of Windermere, left her condo in her white Honda Fit, never to return.

HCSO reports that Miller contacted members of her family around 12:30 p.m., telling them that she was going shopping at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. Family members say that Miller did not have her prescribed medication with her and that it was unusual for her to be out of contact for so long.

Miller’s vehicle was discovered in the Hillsborough River State Park, located off U.S. Hwy. 301, in nearby Thonotosassa.

Detectives called off the search just before 11 p.m. when the body of a white female was discovered deep in the park.

HCSO states that the cause of death is still pending and will be determined through an autopsy, but that it doesn’t appear that foul play was a factor. — MW

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North Tampa Behavioral Health To Open To Patients In October

By Matt Wiley

North Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH) is slated to open its doors on S.R. 56 in early October, about one year after the opening of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC). However, instead of a facility devoted to physical wellness, NTBH will focus on the well-being of the mind for its patients. In addition, the facility eventually will create more than 200 jobs.

This summer NTBH bought the facility (located just east of Mansfield Blvd. on the south side of S.R. 56 in the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact, or DRI) from United Medical Corp. NTBH was impressively constructed, in form and function, by DeAngelis Diamond Healthcare Group, LLC, to withstand Category 5 storms. DeAngelis is a Naples-based, nationally reputed construction company that specializes in building medical facilities.

NTBH will be both the newest and one of the most secure psychiatric hospitals in the Tampa Bay area when it opens in early October, says NTBH chief executive officer Jim Harris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the mental health field since 1990.

Surrounded by 14-foot-tall fences, the 53,000-sq.-ft., 75-bed facility sits on 16.46 acres of land on an outparcel of the

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Wiregrass Ranch DRI, but is surrounded almost entirely by conservation land. Construction began last November. The center is centrally located to serve several hospitals without psychiatric units, including FHWC, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Bayfront Dade City (Pasco Regional).

“We look forward to working closely with our surrounding hospitals and their emergency departments to address the mental health needs of the community”, says Harris. But it doesn’t stop there – Harris enthusiastically described the importance of developing relationships with local providers such as medical clinics, nursing homes, police and EMTs, as well as the people and families that make up our community.

“This is a place where healing can take place,” Harris says. “(NTBH) will have a culture of warm, welcoming, compassionate care. The design of this facility reflects that concept. Additionally, a lot of planning went into the engineering of the building itself, to ensure a high degree of safety.”

When it opens, the inpatient facility will care for geriatric, general adult, and dual diagnosis patients who may check into the facility themselves, be checked in by family members or other providers for emotional or psychiatric concerns, or be transported to the facility under the Florida Mental Health Act—more com-

monly known as the “Baker” Act. This Act allows for a person to be involuntarily committed for up to 72 hours if there is evidence that they are a danger to themselves or others.

The facility also will receive Florida Substance Abuse & Impairment Act (aka, the “Marchman Act”) patients. Those who fall into the Marchman Act category are subject to the same treatment as The new North Tampa Behavioral Health sits on more than 16 acres Baker Act patients. of land, most of which is conservation, providing a buffer from the surrounding communities in Wiregrass Ranch & Meadow Pointe.

Eventually, Harris says, the facility ferral services as well as issuing a Baker will offer services to additional populaAct if necessary. tions, such as for children and adolesNTBH offers a Partial Hospital Procents, military, eating disorders and so on, gram on-site, essentially a half-day hospidepending upon the needs of the comtal service complete with a separate munity. “However, we do not have a entrance, a psychiatrist, registered nurse forensic unit and we will not be treating and group meetings. Meals and transcriminals.” portation will be provided by NTBH to The facility will offer assessments onthe patients. site to anyone at any time in the commu“The partial hospital is a step down nity. NTBH will also feature a mobile from the acute, inpatient level of treatassessment team that can travel into the ment,” Harris says. “This is a half-day of community, providing assessment and reintensive group treatment and medication

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cessed double doors is a secondary waiting area for patients who may not be comfortable waiting around other patients.

Through the second set of doors is access to a hallway that leads to all three units of the psychiatric facility, which also reThe three locked units inside NTBH were designed to offer patients a quire a card swipe to be accalm atmosphere, conducive to healing, CEO Jim Harris says. cessed. On the monitoring provided weekdays to prevent way is an indoor gym, complete with a hospitalization or re-hospitalization.” basketball court. A projector screen hangs from the far wall in a room that soon also Open Door, All-Access Tour will house the center’s exercise equipHarris provided the Wesley Chapel ment. “Activity and exercise are part of Neighborhood News with an extensive tour any good treatment plan,” Harris stated. of the new facility.

Each wing of the facility houses 25 Walking through the front door of beds in a mix of private and semi-private NTBH, it’s hard to tell that the lobby, rooms, each through yet another set of with its dark, wood-lined, multi-tone locked doors. At the beginning of each painted walls with towering ceilings and wing is a common area surrounding a windows, is a medical facility at all, resemnursing station, as well as three windowed bling instead the lobby of an upscale rooms where patients eventually will work hotel. The walls of the facility are lined with artwork that has been researched and in groups. During the day, patients will take part in activities in one of the three shown to be calming. There is no institugroup rooms, the common area or even tional feel about this building at all. in a spacious, fenced-in outdoor area.

Through the first set of card-key-ac-

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“This allows the staff to see the entire unit at any time,” Harris explains.

“We are in the business of providing safe and quality care that is safe not only for the patients, but also for the staff and the surrounding community.”

Everything in the patient areas is designed with safety in mind, Harris explains. All patient care areas are equipped with “anti-ligature” fixtures and appliances such as doors with continuous hinges and tapered handles, and bathrooms with toilets, sinks and showers that minimize a person’s ability to harm themselves. The geriatric unit provides medical beds made specifically to reduce falls as well as risk of self-harm.

Harris emphasizes that NTBH is a positive addition to the Wesley Chapel community, despite the stigma that often is attached to mental health facilities. “(NTBH) will meet a great need in the community,” Harris says. “At full capacity, we will offer hundreds of full- and part-time jobs to Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities. NTBH will offer a place for people to seek effective and caring treatment that is closer to their homes. And, we will meet the community’s need to service Baker Act patients.

Safety and quality treatment are our top priority. We’re here to help people heal.”

For more information, please visit NorthTampaBehavioralHealth.com.

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“Plaza Reborn”

“Cross Creek Blvd.”

Continued from page 1 The current tenants who have been in the plaza the longest are Bryan and Pam Hardy of Insurance Associates of Florida. “We’ve been here almost 20 years,” Pam says. “We’ve always loved this plaza and moved our office around in it quite a bit. We really like the current lineup of tenants (see diagram) here.”

Another long-time tenant in PCC is Alex, the owner of Party Scene, which is a small store packed with everything you need to throw a great party, including her great dozen latex balloon special for only $9.99. “It’s nice to see the plaza fill up, but I will definitely benefit when that gas station comes in,” she says.”

And, speaking of the gas station, Martinez assures us that a deal is imminent. “The ink isn’t dry on the deal and I have to invest some money to have gas tanks located under the station,” he says, “ but I expect that there will soon be a Circle K convenience store with Chevron gas moving into that building very soon.”

Sam, the new owner of the new King Beauty Supply in the plaza, says he moved from a successful location on Bearss Ave. because, “this is a better neighborhood and closer to my home.”

Another tenant who is waiting for a gas station is Full Circle Pizza owner Ron Chase. “Our dinner business keeps building,” he says, “but I’m betting a gas

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Continued from page 1

Future Circle K

Kobe Japanese Steak House

In addition to widening the road for vehicles, the project will also improve the options for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, adding a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side of the road and a 12-foot-wide trail on the south side, as well as a 5-foot-wide shoulder to allow space for bicycles.

Duncan says the project will be advertised to potential contractors beginning in October, with the contract expected to be awarded in April 2014. Construction is set to begin in May and is expected to be completed by February of 2016.

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station will really pump up my lunch crowd. I’ll probably have to start selling slices (of pizza) at lunch, instead of only whole pies, like we do now.”

Although he already has a pretty solid lunch business, new Las Palmas Café owner Ramses Garcia says that the combination of an anchor gas station and his new-and-improved, more authentic Cuban cuisine recipes should make that crowd even bigger.

“We’re already getting great feedback from our customers,” Ramses says, as a couple who overheard him nods in agreement that the food at Las Palmas is even better than it was before. “And, we’ve

been coming here long enough to have known all of the previous owners.”

Changing ownership and tenant lineups have long been a staple of the Collection. For example, the current Kobé Steakhouse has previously been Harris & Co., Durango Steak House, Wasabi

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(Left) PCC Landlord/owner John Martines. (Above) Alexandra & Philippe of The Baker’s Gallery. and other restaurants, none of which has lasted more than a couple of years.

“Hopefully, Kobé will change that,” says Martinez. “I’m hoping all of these tenants will be able to stick around.” See the PCC ad on page 42 for more info!

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August 2013

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 for mothers and their children, opportunities for Moms’ Nights Out and many more benefits. For more information, or to join the club, email MomsClubNewTampa@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 18

Zen Meditation Group - Enjoy meditation? Looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Arbor Greene Community Center (18000 Arbor Greene Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.) Aerobics Room. People of all faiths are welcome. You only need an interest in meditation and a more peaceful and relaxed mind and life. For more info, call Jeremy at 528-6285.

Monday, August 19

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel’s Inagural Women’s Health & Wellness Day At Saddlebrook Resort

Saturday, September 21, 8:30 a.m. - In appreciation of all that women do, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) is holding a multi-generational women’s health & wellness-focused event. This fun, FREE, inspiring event will feature physician presentations, health screenings, pampering and giveaways at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa Tampa (located off S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel).

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from some of the area’s most respected physicians, discussing such topics as heart health, genetic testing & breast cancer risk factors, pregnancy, healthy aging and what women need to know to live a healthy life. Attendees also can get tips on cooking a quick, healthy meal for the entire family during a cooking demonstration. There also will be a variety of free screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose, Body Mass Index (BMI) and more. There will even be a lactation consultant at the event for pregnant women. And, it wouldn’t be a day dedicated to women if there weren’t also pampering opportunities like chair and hand massages.

The event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required, as space is limited. To register, call 929-5432 or visit FHWesleyChapel.org/events.

Community Acupuncture - A Monday night community acupuncture and discussion group is forming at Ion Medi-Spa (8903 Regents Park Dr., Suite 130), 6:30 p.m. Topics include needle-free acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, stop smoking and customized weightloss programs. For more info, call 960-8833 or visit IonMediSpa.com.

‘WeWork’ At LifePoint - “WeWork,” meets Mondays evenings at 7 p.m. at LifePoint Church (8702 Hunter’s Lake Dr., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. {BBD}, in front of Hunter’s Green). The group is designed to help you search for jobs, improve interview skills, write a resume, negotiate a job offer, improve your attitude, develop networking skills or discover your gifts. For more info, call 907-9818, or visit LifePoint.tv/WeWork.

FoodAddicts.org or call Roz at 355-4197.

CBC Networking - Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group, which meets every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (located at 5338 Primrose Lake Cir. near the New Tampa Community Park in Tampa Palms) for a “meet & greet,” followed by a meeting, .

For more info, email Shawn@TPACorp.com.

Tuesday, August 20

Friday, August 23

New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts group bike rides/runs at Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Bridge Rd.) every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m. For additional information, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 21

BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club at 7:15 a.m. (10550 Regents Park Dr., off BBD Blvd.). The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Contact Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for more details.

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.). For more info, call Ed Gleason at 299-4475.

New Tampa Noon Rotary - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday for lunch at noon at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are always welcome.

New Tampa Evening Rotary Club - The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club. New members are always welcome.

For info, call Liz DeAmbrose at 956-6487 or email homenet@gte.net.

Tampa Toastmasters - Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday 7 p.m. at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.) New guests are always welcome. For more information, call 428-6356.

Thursday, August 22

Free Real Estate Webinars - Local real estate Broker associate Lance Mohr will be hosting FREE 30-40 minute real estate webinars on Thursdays and Saturdays, at 7 p.m., covering topics such as home pricing, conditioning, marketing and understanding real estate stats. To register and tune in to the webinars, please visit TBSellerWebinar.com or call Lance at 317-4009.

Food Addicts In Recovery - Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a support group without any dues, fees or weighins and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. FA meets at Florida Hospital Tampa at (on BBD) in the Camelot A room at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit

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New Tampa Rotary Club - The New Tampa Rotary club meets for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). The guest speaker will be Harold Richardson.

For more information, call Eric Longphee at 202-1105.

Saturday, August 24

New Tampa Dog Pack - Do you have a dog? Enjoy scenic nature walks? Join the New Tampa Dog Pack on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m at Flatwoods Wilderness Park (at the 18205 BBD entrance) and on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Compton Park (16101 Compton Dr., Tampa Palms). For more info, please visit MeetUp.com/New-Tampa-Dog-Pack.

Sunday, August 25

Beauty Pageant Preview - Whether you’re new to pageants or a “pageant pro” this is a meeting for you! Be the first to know all of the pageant details for the 2013-14 New Tampa and Wesley Chapel pageant season! Attendees get FREE facials and makeovers with new color looks for fall. This is a FREE event & refreshments will be served. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. at 24824 S.R. 54. Please R.S.V.P. by calling 714-6513.

September 2013 Tuesday, September 3

GriefShare - This video-seminar-support group is for anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. The cost is $20 for a workbook and 13 sessions, begin any week to find healing and hope. The group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church (2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Room 310). For information/registration, call 963-1555.

Thursday, September 12

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting - The Northeast Tampa Women in Business group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Visit NETWIB.org or call 843-2354.

Thursday, September 26

New Tampa Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Annual Meeting - The New Tampa Chamber invites you to check out its annual Business Expo & new Board member introduction at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (8310 Galbraith Rd., next to the Muvico Starlight 20 movie theater). Free to attend. For info, call Regina at 293-2464.

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Are You Ready For Health Care Reform? Expect Higher Premiums January 1!

By David Huerta, RHU The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), aka “Obamacare,” is being rolled out and the financial impact of its provisions will begin being felt by all Americans on Januar y 1, 2014. The intent of health care reform was good: to provide affordable coverage and to make sure those with pre-existing health conditions were not prevented from getting coverage.

The unexpected delay until 2015 to begin implementing the “employer mandate” (which requires employers with 50 or more employees to offer affordable coverage or pay a per-employee penalty) is indicative of the complexity of the requirements and the need to have a better way to implement the Act that is not as taxing on employers.

Most New Tampa residents have health insurance through an employer sponsored plan; although some have individual coverage. Regardless of the type of policy, however, effective January 1st, all insurance carriers must make sure that all of the plan designs they offer comply with the mandated provisions of the Act. Does that mean change? Yes, and plenty of it, in both plan design requirements and, more important, in increased premiums. It is projected by many, including the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, that individual and small group premiums in Florida will be faced with increases that can top 50 percent. In the Committee’s May 13, 2013 Oversight Report of Accountability to the American People entitled “The Looming Premium Rate Shock,” it states that post-reform increases can exceed 50 percent, due to the federal mandates in the plan designs, taxes/fees and other factors.

Potential highs in some regions could have premium increases topping 100 percent.

The purpose of this article is to provide an inside look at what is going to cause premiums to inflate starting on January 1, 2014, for all renewals and new plans. We will focus on the mandated changes that will impact premiums, the individual mandate and what is now being defined as a small group (businesses with fewer than 50 fulltime employees).

The media has made some of the provisions known. For example, many parents

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know they can cover children to age 26 (as long as their employer does not offer coverage) and that pre-existing conditions will be covered as any other illness for all ages when the Act is implemented. You also may have heard that employers must either offer coverage to employees or pay a $2,000-per-employee penalty (the “pay or play rule”).

This “employer mandate,” how ever, only applies to businesses with 50 or more full-time employees and the implementation of the “large group” mandate is what recently was unexpectedly delayed until 2015. The PPACA draws a line in the sand when it comes to employer size.

There are new definitions for part-time employees (30 hours per week) and ways to calculate Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees. You can find more info re garding FTEs at IRS.gov/pub/ irs-drop/n-12-58.pdf.

A small-group employer does not have to offer health insurance to its employees. In fact, one of the best features of PPACA is that an employer with 25 or fewer FTEs can receive up to a 50-percent tax credit for the portion of premium they pay for employee coverage subject to certain criteria (check with your CPA for those rules).

If a small employer does not offer coverage, or if an employee does not elect the employer’s plan, then the “Individual Mandate” comes into play. The Supreme Court ruling last summer upheld that individuals must secure health coverage or a penalty will be imposed. Individuals MUST:

1. Qualify for an exemption (income based, religious exemption, American Indian, Undocumented immigrant, incarcerated); 2. OR obtain coverage (through gov’t. program, employer or indiv. market); 3. OR pay a penalty. Penalties phase in starting in 2014 at the greater of $95 per adult & $47.50 per child or 1 percent of gross family income. In 2016, those penalties go up to the greater of $695 per adult/$347 per child or 2.5 percent of income. Penalties are due the following year as part of the tax return.

Tax Return Changes

Speaking of tax returns, did you realize that PPACA required employers to report the amount of premium they paid on each employee’s W-2? The IRS created a new “box” on the 2012 W-2 (Box 12) which re-

quires the employer-funded premium amount to be identified to the IRS. Employer-paid premiums has long been a fringe benefit of employment and you have never had to pay taxes on that funded portion of premium. Although the PPACA does not require ordinary income tax to be paid on this employer-funded premium, there has been speculation that the time may come when it may be taxed since it is now identified on the W-2.

Three factors will cause carriers to have to increase rates: expanded benefits, underwriting changes, and new taxes and “fees.” These increases will be above the standard “trend” increase applied to premiums to cover higher billed charges from providers. It is important to note that within the PPACA physicians/providers are being reimbursed less for Medicare/Medicaid services. This leaves the commercial plans vulnerable to the potential of higher charges that will need to be funded.

PPACA-mandated expanded ben efits include “Essential Benefits.” A number of essential benefits are already covered: ER services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, lab services, etc. However, PPACA expanded coverage is required to also include unlimited pediatric services for oral and vision care, wellness visits with no co-pays, rehab, substance and chemical treatment and pregnancy.

PPACA also mandates plan de signs. Gone are the days when a person can purchase a “catastrophic” health plan to protect their finances against large, unexpected claims. Plans with high deductibles (greater than $2,000) had lower premiums.

However, these plans will not be re newed & will no longer be available.

For individual and small employer plans, the PPACA mandates a maximum individual deductible of $2,000. Also mandated is a $6,400 maximum out-of-pocket exposure. Deductibles, coinsurance and copayments must all count towards the $6,400 maximum out-of-pocket for network benefits. Since many current plans have deductibles higher than the mandated levels, premiums will have to increase as carriers comply with the mandated levels.

The PPACA also increases expo sure to insurance carriers. This higher risk will be reflected in higher premiums.

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The mandates of PPACA include:

• Insurance carriers must cover everybody regardless of health condition; • Medical and Rx plans must have unlimited benefit provisions; • Underwriting has all but been eliminated (community rating), as premiums can’t be adjusted up or down based on health risks; • Carriers must return unused claim funds, as defined by Medical Loss Ratio rules.

The idea that Health Care Reform could reduce premium costs was just that, an idea. The reality is upward pressure on premiums. Mandates eliminate the freedom to purchase a plan design that is appropriate for your needs.

There are some ways, however, to overcome the premium impact:

• An employer plan should consider “renewing” on December 1, 2013, instead of January 1. This will give the group plan one more year of “pre-reform” rating.

• An employer with 10 or more covered employees should consider alternate funding to avoid the mandates, taxes/fees and underwriting changes.

• An individual who is healthy should consider an individually underwritten plan.

In summary, the impact of PPACA will be financially felt starting in 2014. It can mean big changes for individuals and small employers. Expanded and unlimited benefits, underwriting changes, and new taxes/ fees will cause the cost of coverage to increase. Pretty much everyone can expect to see higher premiums, so talk to your benefits provider asap to find out it’s likely impact on you, your employer and your family.

David Huerta, Registered Health Underwriter, has lived in New Tampa since 2002. He is the founder of both Group Benefit Strategies (GBS), Inc., and Cost Plus Advisors, LLC, and has more than 23 years of experience in employee benefits.

He earned his B.A. degree from the College of the Holy Cross and his RHU designation from the American College of Financial Services.

David continues to pursue innovative solutions for his clients to the rising cost of insurance and health care. He has been a guest lecturer on the topic of insurance spending and the dynamics of managed care. He recently spoke at Florida State University in Tallahassee, as well as at two national conventions for small business owners. He can be reached at 907-0300 or visit GBS-Tampa.com.

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Pebble Creek Family Dentistry Will Gives Your Family Something To Smile About

By Matt Wiley Smiles go miles, as the saying goes.

So, when taking care of your smile, it’s important to choose a dentist who wants to make your entire family smile.

Consider Pebble Creek Family Dentistry (PCFD)’s Dr. Vijay Patel, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), a highly trained dentist whose practice (which has been in business in the New Tampa area since November 2010) focuses on taking care of entire families, from children ages 6 and older to the elderly.

PCFD provides general dental procedures, including routine cleanings, dental exams and X-rays, composite fillings, root canals and extractions, as well as cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain crowns, tooth whitening, bridges, veneers and bonding.

Dr. Patel, an Arbor Greene resident, is a family man with two kids, 4 and 7, so it just makes sense that he wants to provide dental care for your whole family.

A University of South Florida (USF) alumnus ofr his undergraduate studies, Dr. Patel says he used to drive through New Tampa on his way to classes at the Tampa campus from Dade City every morning.

He says that he always knew the area between Dade City and USF (Wesley Chapel and New Tampa) was ripe for future development. For that reason, after earning

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his DDS degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., he decided to set up shop in what is now the Chase Bank building at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Regents Square Dr., in Pebble Creek (across from McDonald’s).

“I’ve always loved this area,” Dr. Patel explains. “It has a very young population, which is exactly the kind of area I was looking to start a practice when I got out of dental school. My patients are very caring, loyal and faithful.”

For the weary or bored patient, PCFD’s waiting room alone is enough to ease the senses, from its friendly front office staff members who welcome patients as they walk through the door, to its serene décor and comfortable leather couches, surrounding a flat-screen TV that can be tuned to your requests.

“From the moment you walk into Dr. Patel’s office, you feel comfortable and at ease,” says happy PCFD patient Ramonita Ortiz. “Dr. Patel takes the time to actually have a conversation with you. When I had work done, (he) even called me the next day to ensure that I was okay.”

The dental exam room can be another stressful place for patients who aren’t keen on seeing a dentist, but everyone loves a massage, right? Each exam room in PCFD is equipped with a reclining massage chair facing ceiling-mounted flatscreen TVs for patients to relax in as they

undergo their cleaning, or any other procedure that may have brought them into the office.

When Dr. Patel visits with you as a patient, he makes sure that you understand what he is explaining. Instead of simply muttering medical terminology, he will even bring out a cross-section diagram of a tooth to show patients which part of their tooth may be experiencing pain and show them why, before giving them options about how to treat the problem.

“We are all about dental care and we’re compassionate,” he explains. “This is not a high-volume-based practice where you’re treated like a number. We do anything and everything that is possible to take care of the patient and to make sure that they are comfortable.”

In fact, it’s attention to patient care that kept Dr. Patel out of a hospital environment when he was figuring out in which direction he wanted to take his dental career.

“I did some volunteer work in a hospital and at a dental office,” Dr. Patel says.

“I was much more impressed with the dental office and the relationships that could be developed there. It was more patient-based and I saw that you actually have the opportunity to build relationships. And, many of those patients stay with you forever. With doctors, many

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Dr. Vijay Patel of Pebble Creek Family Dentistry in the Chase Bank building on Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

times you only see them for emergencies.”

Speaking of emergencies, even if you are not a patient, if you have a dental emergency, Dr. Patel can see you.

“We happily accept walk-ins, and those patients usually are seen that same day,” Dr. Patel explains. “We try to slide (walk-in patients) into the nearest available timeslot, so that I’ll be able to see them as fast as possible. I’ll even see them on my lunch hours, if necessary.”

His attention to patient care has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Patel has patients who live as close as Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes, and others who live as far away as Miami.

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at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry.

“You won’t regret coming here,” Dr. Patel says. And, from looking at all of the positive testimonials on his website, it’s obvious that his patients agree.

Pebble Creek Family Dentistry, located at 19007 BBD, accepts all PPO (preferred provider option) insurances and is open Patients at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry enjoy re- Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 laxing massage chairs and flat-screen TVs. p.m. For more information, visit PebbleCreekFamily“This couple was in town visiting Dentistry.com or call 406-4947. their son and came in to see me,” Dr. Patel says. “Now, every six months, they still drive up in their RV to see me for their checkups.”

Coming Soon — Implant Dentistry!

Although PCFD currently only specializes in general family dental procedures and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Patel says that he is excited to be adding implant dentistry at the office, possibly as soon as sometime next year. Dental implant surgery involves literally implanting a root for an artificial tooth into the jawbone to anchor it and replace a missing tooth.

But, for now, if you and your family are looking for a new dentist that not only will leave you with a clean smile, but also leave you smiling, stop in and see Dr. Patel

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23

Tri-Care Services For All Of Your Plumbing, Heating & A/C Needs!

By Bonnie Mason Customer satisfaction is at the backbone of Tri-Care Services, Inc., where the mission is to keep customers for life, not just one job, according to Master Plumbers Sam Watson and Craig Griffin.

“We treat every job with hard work, honesty and integrity,” says Watson, the company’s vice president. Combined, the duo of Watson and Griffin offers 62 years of plumbing, gas, heating and air conditioning experience. Located in Wesley Chapel, Tri-Care Services provides residential and commercial services throughout the tri-county — Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas — area.

Watson first met Griffin in the classroom in 1983, when Griffin was his instructor at Tampa Bay Tech High off E. Hillsborough Ave. Watson spent eight years in vo-tech school — four as a plumbing apprentice and four in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) apprenticeship. Watson practiced at his trade during the day and joined his teacher, Griffin, to teach their trades to others at night.

In 2011, Griffin and Watson joined forces, marrying their extensive backgrounds and experience to become TriCare Services, Inc. Watson has more than

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16 years of plumbing and teaching experience and he is a gas contractor and certified LP qualifier for the company.

Griffin, Tri-Care’s president and owner, has nearly 30 years of plumbing and teaching experience and he also is a Master A/C Contractor, as well as a Master Plumber and Gas Contractor. Both are licensed contractors with the state of Florida and Tri-Care Services is an Arated member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

“We became Tri-Care Services to better reflect what we offer our clients,” says Griffin, “not just skillful, prompt maintenance of HVAC and plumbing systems, but also ideas, opportunities, and research to help our clients meet their goals.”

Watson adds, “We have families ourselves and know how important it is that when something needs fixing — whether it’s air, heat, or leaking pipes — that it gets done right and within budget. We personally guarantee every job is done right, at the lowest possible cost.”

Watson and Griffin keep up to date on all of the latest technologies in their trades and ensure that their staff of eleven also is kept informed and trained.

Tips From The Masters

Plumbing & Gas - Tri-Care installs water mains, provides small or large sewer/plumbing services and repairs, as well as tankless service and repairs or replacements, if needed.

“We always check on a customer’s warranties, which can help Tri-Care Services, Inc., co-owner Sam Watson says his company comsave money in re- bines hard work with honesty and integrity to get your job done right. pairs,” says Watnatural gas appliances. son. To keep costs and repairs to a Watson recommends finding a minimum, parts specifically for commercial and residential water softeners are al- “journeyman” plumbing contractor to carry out all the projects that your home ways readily available at Tri-Care. or company requires to ensure quality And, if a Tri-Care customer purstandards and safety requirements are chases materials needed for an installation, the company’s staff will install them met. A “journeyman” is someone who has completed an apprenticeship and is exactly to the manufacturer’s specificafully educated in a specific trade. Watson tions. Tri-Care pipe systems include cast also cautions anyone hiring an individual iron, plastic, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and/or a company that you need to verCPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, a thermoplastic materials) copper, stainless ify that the firm is licensed and legitiand more. The company also is L.P. gas- mate.

“Don’t hesitate to check out a comcertified, so it can provide repair and pany through the Better Business Bumaintenance services to customers with

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Jason, a Tri-Care empliyee, solders some pipe for a bathroom as part of the remodeling of a large home in South Tampa. reau,” says Watson, who adds that you can review companies through a simple search at BBB.org. “It’s always a good idea to make sure the person or company you hire is skilled at handling different gas, plumbing, and heating systems, and is knowledgeable about the latest technology and methods to effectively execute the job safely and professionally.”

Customers can have confidence that Tri-Care's professional staff is qualified and familiar with the wide range of

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plumbing issues, such as leaks, burst pipes and problems with tanks and gas pumps. The best equipment for the job is used to ensure the highest standards.

HVAC - Many Tri-Care customers are building new homes, which requires them to decide which type of heating system should be considered for installation in their new home. Whether it’s forced air, radiant heat, hydronic, steam radiant, or geothermal, each system should be considered carefully to ensure that the one you choose will be effective for your home and your budget.

Forced-air, or central heat, is the system most commonly seen in residential structures because it can be used for cooling as well as heating a home, explains Watson. Generally, air is heated in a furnace and then forced out through installed ductwork and vents placed throughout the home. This system can heat air with electricity, natural gas, propane or oil.

Watson says that nearly 80 percent of new U.S. homes today are installing central air conditioning units while under construction, while others in older homes may be considering upgrading to a central A/C unit and Watson says that most homes can be upgraded “with few issues.” Again, he advises you to find a qualified contractor such as Tri-Care to install a new central A/C unit — an en-

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hancement to your home that will make you and your family more comfortable and help you save on energy costs.

Watson explains that you can significantly reduce your electricity bill by replacing your older air conditioner with a new SEER-rated (Seasonally Energy Efficiency Ratio) central air conditioning unit. Tri-Care Services stays on top of the latest efficiency standards in all HVAC systems, as manufacturers are responding to the challenges of increased energy costs.

After-hours emergency plumbing and HVAC calls are handled by Watson himself. “We don't use an answering

service,” he explains. “All after-hour calls come directly to me. It's our mission to build a good relationship with our customers and you can't really do that if you have a hired company answering your calls.”

If your home or business needs a plumbing, gas, air conditioning or heating installation or repairs, call TriCare Services at (727) 546-2050. In addition to the Wesley Chapel location (6740 Bluff Meadow Dr.), TriCare has a second office at 1706 Avoca Dr. in Tarpon Springs. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Prudential Tropical Realty — A Local Leader In Residential Real Estate!

By Gary Nager & Lauren Saslow Whether you’ve just moved into the New Tampa area or you’ve been here for years, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of either trying to sell your home or house hunting before sitting down at the closing table and signing and initialing mountains of documents, you understand how daunting the process can be, — especially if you don’t have the proper help to get the job done right.

Prudential Tropical Realty (PruTrop) is an independently-owned franchise, with 16 offices and nearly 500 agents in four counties (Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando), of the nationwide Prudential Real Estate. And, PruTrop’s hugely successful location in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza in Wesley Chapel (just south of the Shops at Wiregrass mall), can help you find the home of your dreams or sell the home you’ve loved for years at the best possible price, with the least possible amount of hassle and aggravation.

Dennis Derbes, the Market President and Managing Broker for both the New Tampa and Zephyrhills offices of PruTrop, manages a staff of 64 agents, 52 in the New Tampa office and 12 in Zephyrhills, although the market for our local office includes New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Land O’Lakes.

One of the things Derbes says helped keep the local PruTrop office thriving the last few years, when many real estate offices

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in our area either closed or were absorbed into other agencies, is that Prudential Tropical Realty is truly a “one-stop shop” for all of your real estate needs. While all of the services available aren’t physically located at the New Tampa office, the PruTrop franchise and its divisions and affiliates can literally handle all of your real estate needs, including rentals, property management, relocation, title, mortgage and home warranty services, commercial real estate transactions and more.

The Power Of ‘The Rock!’

Plus, PruTrop also is an independent part of the Prudential Real Estate network, one of the largest in the U.S., with 1,400 offices and more than 47,000 agents nationwide.

“That’s the other thing that helps us in a down economy,” Derbes says, “the strength of the Prudential name. When people relocate to this area, they may not immediately find a small, local real estate office, but everyone can Google search ‘Prudential’ and ‘Tampa’ and find us.”

And now, for some more good news for anyone considering buying or selling a home in this market, in what some still call a lackluster economy.

“Every statistic we have for this market is showing a lot of improvement since 2011, and especially, since last year.”

For example, when comparing the first six months of 2013 to the first six months of 2012, in zip codes 33647 (New Tampa),

33543, -44, and -45 (Wesley Chapel) and 34638 and -39 (Land O’Lakes), he says that, according to the Florida Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the average home sale price rose more than 14.5 percent, to $204K from $178K. Equity home sales were up in this New Managing Broker Dennis Derbes (left) manages both the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel market Tampa and Zephyrhills offices of Prudential Tropical Realty. about 34 perabout the future in this New Tampa/Wesley cent, while short sales actually went down Chapel market,” he says. nearly 8 percent, and bank-owned sales were up more than 12 percent. Derbes adds A Little PruTrop History that 85% of the business at the New Tampa Prudential Tropical Realty is one of the office are homeowners in the six zip codes oldest and most successful Prudential franmentioned earlier. chises, and the only one with the same origiThe stats also show that the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel/Land O’Lakes mar- nal owners: Dewey Mitchell and Allen ket is ahead of the average for Hillsborough, Crumbley. Mitchell, a resident of the Trinity Pasco and Pinellas overall, where equity sales area of New Port Richey, and Crumbley, an Alabama native, met when both played footare up only 27 percent and average sales ball in the late-1970s for legendary Coach price is up only about 11 percent.

Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Ala“With both the number of sales going bama. Bryant taught Mitchell and Crumbup and the average and median proces also ley not only the lessons of football, but also rising, you can see why we’re encouraged

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life lessons. Derbes explains that the two carried those tenets into their real estate business when they bought an existing Prudential franchise in 1984 and renamed it Prudential Tropical Realty, where their focus was (and still is) on taking care of customers in “an appropriate, ethical and professional manner.”

While all PruTrop agents are individually licensed, by Florida law they must work under a supervising entity or “Managing Broker.” The Broker offers assistance and support to the agents, while also ensuring that each abides by Florida laws.

“For example,” Dennis says, “our agents are not allowed to handle short sales, although we have people we refer short sale situations to when we receive those inquiries at our office.”

The Broker also provides his or her agents with the necessary marketing materials in-house that are required to successfully complete their daily operations. Derbes explains his role, like other managing brokers, is to act as “a touchstone and a problem solver.”

While he “dabbled in residential and commercial real estate” for 25 years, Derbes actually has a long history of automotive sales. Hailing from New Orleans and graduating from Tulane University with a degree in History and Economics, Derbes managed a shopping center in New Orleans before relocating to Tampa in 1973, where he spent years as the general sales manager at Reeves Import Motor Cars in North Tampa until the mid-1980s. He eventually met his wife, Vicki — now a Licensed Real Estate Agent

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in Dennis’ New Tampa office — while working at Reeves. Derbes’ sales and management experience has helped him successfully lead his team of agents, which prides itself on providing individualized attention for every client.

“Yes, we have some agents who sell more houses than others,” Dennis admits, “but service is the key for every member of my team, so it doesn’t make sense for me to single out any of my agents.”

Committed To The Environment & The Community

As consumers now often prefer documents to be e-mailed to them — for not only convenience, but also as a commitment to the environment — Prudential Tropical Realty has pledged to go green. While some real estate documents still require hard copies, Dennis says PruTrop is working towards its goal of streamlining the business by becoming a paperless workplace, for the majority of the company’s business documents, by the end of the year.

The entire PruTrop franchise also has demonstrated a responsibility to the local community by offering money and manpower to multiple charitable organizations throughout the past three decades.

One targeted organization included funding for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back (also originally from Louisiana) Warrick Dunn’s “Homes for the Holidays,” which offers assistance to single parent families working towards first-time homeownership by providing down payment and closing costs, home furnishings

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and long-term support for financial stability.

The company’s current charitable focus, “The Sunshine Kids,” is a nationwide nonprofit foundation based in Houston, TX, dedicated to organizing positive activities, events and trips — as well as emotional support — for young children receiving cancer treatment across the country, including locally at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Treatment & Research Center on the USF Tampa campus.

Derbes and his team provide volunteers and nurses to accompany the children on trips to places like Universal Studios and Walt DisneyWorld in the Orlando area so they can relax and be ‘normal’ kids for awhile. Derbes is humble when describing the contributions and also clearly humbled

by the impact the children have made on him. “We can learn a lot from those kids,” he asserts. “They have a verve for life and a conviction to conquer it.”

The New Tampa office also has many plaques on the walls, thanking Derbes and his crew for sponsoring local Little League, football, soccer and other teams and schools. The office also participates in events like the Taste of New Tampa and others.

For more info about the New Tampa Prudential Tropical Realty office (located at 1830 BBD in Wesley Chapel), visit NewTampa.PrudentialTropical.com or call 907-8200. The hours of operation are Monday -Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday & 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.

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Vein & Cosmetic Center — Cutting-Edge Technology Without The Cutting!

By Kathleen Schiop

Science and beauty don’t always have much in common with one another. However, at the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay, Dr. Jeffrey Hunt, D.O., R.V.S., has combined the two — and is proud to have been achieving amazing results for his patients throughout the Tampa Bay area — since 1991.

Today, with 18 different laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapies to choose from, the Vein & Cosmetic Center treats everything from leg veins, spots and vessels to facial creases, wrinkles and freckles, utilizing everything from Acoustic Wave Therapy and Fractional Laser Treatments to Photorejuvination, Botox®, CoolSculpting®, and too many more to name, really. Dr. Hunt is the Tampa Bay area’s most experienced leg vein specialist and he and his professional, friendly staff are dedicated to providing technologically advanced, non-invasive cosmetic care for your legs, face and body that can be custom-designed to suit any budget and beauty treatment need.

Established as a medical facility dedicated to treating varicose veins, spider veins, and other venous disorders, the Vein & Cosmetic Center has been providing the most comprehensive, proven, and effective vein treatments and non-invasive cosmetic enhancement procedures for more than two decades. In fact, Dr. Hunt was making men and women living in the New Tampa and

Wesley Chapel area look and feel better for many years before there were cosmetic surgeons or Med-Spas with offices in our area.

Dr. Hunt, who is Board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and is a Diplomate of the Osteopathic National Boards & Flex Exam, earned his Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. His post-doctoral training included a three-year family practice The friendly, professional staff at the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay on Rocky residency at Cuyahoga Falls General Point is led by Dr. Jeffrey Hunt.

Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. He then developed and maintained a sucsmall varicose veins that have surfaced due because we do so many of them, our prices cessful family and vein sclerotherapy practice to this pregnancy, but overall my legs are are usually better than you’ll find anywhere in Akron, OH, for seven years before reloelse.” Dr. Hunt also conducted FDA clinical 110-percent better this pregnancy than becating with his family to Tampa. fore! Thanks so much!” trials to bring IPL treatments to the United His extensive post-graduate training inStates. His commitment to research and alcludes working with the founder of the Non-Invasive Treatments ways keeping up with the newest medical American College of Phlebology. Since For Face & Body technology, while offering only the most efthen, Dr. Hunt has performed more than Dr. Hunt is an avid believer in non-infective and safest treatments possible, en115,000 nonsurgical vein sclerotherapy vasive cosmetic treatments for not only legs, sures that patients at the Vein & Cosmetic treatments and more than 50,000 spider but also for your face and body, all without Center receive outstanding care. vein treatments. He has perfected the adsurgery or the need for anesthesia.

One patient, Lisa from Lutz, raves vanced method of ultrasound-guided foam “We have so many ways of helping about the leg treatments she received from sclerotherapy and CoolTouch Endolaser™ people look better, with little or no down Dr. Hunt: “I just wanted to thank Dr. Hunt for the treatment of varicose veins. He is a time,” he says, and the Vein & Cosmetic and his staff for the great care I received for pioneer in the treatment of venous disease Center’s website (VeinCenterTampa.com) my varicose veins; I am currently 6 months and is among the first physicians in the naoffers a complete list of these face and body pregnant and have had NO issues like I did tion to earn a new certification from the treatments. The non-invasive treatments with my first pregnancy in terms of swelling, American Board of Phlebology (ABPh). pain etc. in my legs and feet. I am so happy I often come in packages custom-designed by “Our treatment is more comprehensive had this done and will be back around in the Dr. Hunt to provide the most immediate than other clinics, because most of them do and longest-lasting results possible. spring to take care of some new spider/ not do follow ups,” Dr. Hunt says. “And,

“People who come in here want to look better as quickly as possible,” he says.

“With some treatments, it can take several visits over several months time to see real results, so we focus on those that provide the best possible results in the shortest number of visits.”

A patient named Maureen writes, “I first visited Dr. Hunt for my rosacea. I had tried green undertones in my foundation, but people kept asking me what I was upset about, or what was I angry about. My face was always so red. Dr. Hunt treated my face with Photofacial™ and those upsetting comments stopped. Just recently, he treated me with the Alma Lasers™. On my recent visit home, my brother and his wife were amazed when they saw me. They actually said I looked ten years younger. I’ve recommended Dr. Hunt to friends and will continue to do so. Lasers are one thing, but Dr. Hunt’s skill and dedication while using them are extraordinary.”

Committed to research and the newest technology, Dr. Hunt conducted a recent study of a new process that dissipates fat from legs, love handles and abdomen as well as the much more invasive liposuction. Dr. Hunt’s research showed that when CoolSculpting™ body treatments are immediately followed by Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) treatments each week for four consecutive weeks, “the fat absorption rate is twice as fast when compared with results from CoolSculpting™ treatments alone,” he says. “This means you should see the results in half the time. What used to take six months now only takes three, and with no down time and patients are losing 50 to 60

percent of their body fat in the areas that concern us the most, the trunk area.”

The results of his clinical study have been released in Europe and Asia and Dr. Hunt says manufacturers there already are using the study to sell their products.

His study of increased fat reduction results is an exciting You, too, can go from flabby to fabulous with customized treatments at the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay. breakthrough for patients and under the machine while the sensors read his his research on this subject is in the process or her body fat to determine the energy level of being published and is already being imneeded to dissipate the fat. Then, a focusedplemented by other prominent doctors in field radio frequency heats the skin to 101 the field. degrees and the underlying fat to 120 deAn Even Newer Way To grees to eliminate fat cells. “There are four ‘Vanquish’ Fat panels on it, and they never touch your And, the innovations don’t stop there. skin,” he says, “and, unlike CoolSculpting, “One of the newest treatment devices in the there is no suction with it.” field is called Vanquish, which promises even Vanquish covers larger areas of the more breakthrough results in non-invasive body and the panels can be adjusted to fat reduction with no down time,” says Dr. cover the patient’s entire abdomen and Hunt, adding that the Vein & Cosmetic flanks at the same time. Since the technolCenter will be getting this new technology ogy is still so new, Dr. Hunt believes that the sooner than expected. “I was supposed to machine may also be used to dissipate fat in be way down the list to get one of these,” the thighs and arms but, “we don’t even he says. “In fact, there were 53 offices ahead have a protocol for that right now.” of ours, but I am going to participate in a “New You magazine will be featuring Fox-TV news study, and I told them if they an article on Vanquish in their September would send it, I would use UltraSound to issue, and Allure magazine recently had a measure the thickness of the fat patients lost, short write up — a teaser, if you will — so we can determine what the optimal time about the device,” Dr. Hunt says, protocol for (Vanquish) retreatments would And So Much More be. We will be only the second office in In addition to all of the new, cutting Florida to have this technology.” edge technology, the Vein & Cosmetic CenVanquish is a Czech-made device ter also features the tried and true. which requires the patient to simply lay flat

“I believe we are the number one facility for Botox® injections in Tampa Bay,” says Dr. Hunt. “Our rep says we are first in the Tampa Bay area for Restylane® injections and either number one or two for Juvéderm XC® treatments in this area,” he says. Dr. Hunt adds that he keeps his prices low to be affordable, and offers very competitive pricing for the variety of treatments he offers. The office’s comprehensive website describes the treatments offered. He adds that his office hours are convenient for most appointments, with the cosmetic side of the business open 50 hours a week.

Dr. Hunt says that although he doesn’t perform surgical cosmetic procedures at the Vein & Cosmetic Center, “When we get requests for rhinoplasty, facial surgery or breast augmentations, we refer our patients to some of the outstanding cosmetic surgeons in the area.”

For someone who has accomplished so much in the Tampa Bay community, Dr. Hunt also says he feels it is very important to give back to the community he serves.

He and his staff are involved in numerous charitable efforts, but he modestly mentioned one. “We were offering Photofacials in December for $99, but anyone who wanted one had to bring a toy,” he says.

“We filled an 8-foot truck with toys, and they had to come back for a second pickup.”

The toys were donated to the Joshua House children’s home for Christmas.

The Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay is located at 3001 N. Rocky Point Dr E., Suite 125. For appointments and more information, call (888) 4349192 or visit VeinCenterTampa.com.

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The Family Wellness Center Has The Right Treatment For Your Entire Family

By Matt Wiley If you’re looking for a doctor who can take care of most of your family’s medical needs, consider an appointment with Dr. Richard Kay at Family Wellness Center, located less than two miles north of the Hillsborough County line in the Windfair Professional Park (near the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel and across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, or FHWC), a family-run practice that serves everyone from children ages 5 and older all the way up to geriatric adults.

Dr. Kay is an American Board of Family Medicine-Certified Family Practitioner who has been taking care of families in the Wesley Chapel area since opening his practice in September of 2008.

Born and raised in Miami, Dr. Kay graduated from the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1977 before completing a residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL, in 1980. He now has more than 25 years of experience as a primary care medical doctor. Before opening his first practice, Dr. Kay worked in Oregon for the Portland Adventist Group, and for five years in a practice in Ashville, NC, before spending three years traveling across Florida as a mobile doctor for geriatric patients, visiting the elderly in their homes.

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“We set up this practice here because we wanted our daughter, Bobbie Boyer, to run the office,” Dr. Kay explains. “She was already living in this area and she’s very meticulous and very precise.”

Dr. Kay’s wife, Marie, is the practice’s business manager. The family vibe of the office can be felt by just walking through the front door.

“I try to make this as much fun as I can,” says Bobbie. “We work in the medical field and you can’t always make everyone happy, but we do like to laugh.”

Just about four years after opening his practice, FHWC opened across BBD, where Dr. Kay also works as a staff doctor.

Working with FHWC (a member of the Adventist Health System) was a perfect match for Dr. Kay, because of his previous experience at the Adventist-owned hospital in Portland before moving to Florida.

As a doctor on FHWC’s staff, Dr. Kay has the ability to both admit and visit his patients if they ever have a condition that warrants a stay in the hospital.

“I go see my own patients at the hospital, instead of them being assigned a hospital doctor,” he says. “They know me and I know them, so it makes it much more comfortable for the patient.”

In addition to being on staff, Dr. Kay also is the chairman of the FHWC Ethics Committee, which is a group of doctors and professionals that, using morals and

ethics, work together to determine the best care approaches and plans for patients in difficult situations, such as for older patients and their families, who need to make major decisions about their future care.

Everything A Family Needs

The Family Wellness Center accepts most major insurance companies and The friendly, professional staff at the Family Wellness services include sports, Center, located across BBD from Florida Hospital Wesschool and pre-employley Chapel, includes (l. to r.) Dr. Richard Kay, Bobbie ment physicals, minor surBoyer, Amanda Thomas and Nicole Peters. geries (such as biopsies), preventive care treatment (such as electro- fact that, with the help of his “scribe,” Anne Weidner, Dr. Kay is able to have a cardiograms or EKGs), routine physical much more personal visit with his medical exams, gynecological exams (which he patients because Anne stays in the room performs with an assistant in the room), throughout the appointment with a lapchild checkups, acute care, sleep apnea top and takes down notes of all of the inscreenings and even allergy testing. formation that the patient is giving the “I like working with entire families,” doctor and that the doctor is giving the explains Dr. Kay. “My practice is a little patient — and stores the info in each paunusual in that about 50 percent of my tient’s electronic medical record (EMR). patients are male and 50 percent are fe“That way, I don’t have my nose in a male. Men typically don’t seek medical atcomputer like I have for the past four tention as much (as women do). Usually, years,” Dr. Kay says, laughing. “I’ve had a their wives make them come, but everyscribe since May and it’s been great. Anne one seems to enjoy coming here.” can spell and type a lot faster than me, That enjoyment could be due to the

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a cold is not always something that warrants a trip to the doctor or antibiotics.

“If your kids go to school, they’re going to come home with colds,” Dr, Kay explains. “But, if they’re only showing symptoms for two or three days, they really don’t need antibiotics.

But, if a cold lasts longer than a week, the child With the help of his “scribe,” Anne Weidner (left), Dr. Kay can should see a doctor.”

If your child isn’t speak face-to-face with patients throughout an appointment. suffering from a cold, but too. I’ve found that most patients (prefer has cold-like symptoms, allergies could be to) have direct eye contact with their docthe cause and Dr. Kay can screen for tor and now I can have direct eye contact those, as well. with them, as well.”

“We test for 72 different types of alWeidner and other scribes work for a lergies,” Dr. Kay says. “Then, we send the Tampa-based company called Medical information off to a company that mixes Scribe Alliance (MSA) and are more com- up a custom formula for the patient to monly found in hospital emergency drop under their tongue from the comfort rooms. Scribes usually are students in eiof his or her home. The custom formula ther a Pre-Med or Pre-Nursing program, gradually desensitizes the patient to the alwhich allows them to gain experience in lergy so that their response is much less sethe medical field. vere if they do come into contact with what they’re allergic to. It’s a lot better Back To School Checkups than having go to the doctor once a week, As the 2013-14 school year apget shots and then have to wait after the proaches, the Family Wellness Center is shots before you can leave.” offering sports and school physicals, as Another common ailment that Dr. well as regular check-ups for kids, because, Kay says many people suffer from and Dr. Kay says, kids will get sick no matter what. However, he likes to emphasize that don’t even know it is sleep apnea.

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“If you often feel like you didn’t get a good night’s rest and you’re tired all day, you might suffer from sleep apnea,” Dr. Kay says. “Sleep apnea is a condition in which your body is not getting enough oxygen during the night, due to periodically not breathing.”

To screen for this condition, Dr. Kay’s office provides the patient with a device that he or she can wear during the course of three nights to determine the oxygen levels in the body while they sleep. The patient brings the device in to the office and Dr. Kay’s staff can check the results to determine if the patient is suffering from sleep apnea.

Even while sitting in the waiting

room, patients seem to really enjoy coming to see Dr. Kay. “I’ve had a lot of doctors in my lifetime, but he’s the most patient-oriented doctor I’ve ever had,” says J.C. Terry of Oldsmar. “He’s old-style. He’s not in and out and about the money. He takes his time and makes patients comfortable. He makes you feel like he’s there for you, not that you’re there to see him.”

Looking for a new family doctor?

Give Family Wellness Center a call at 994-0611 or schedule an appointment at FWCTampa.net. The office, located at 2718 Windguard Cir., Suite 101, is open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and new patients always are welcome.

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New Tampa Schools Overcome Tougher Standards To Earn Good Grades

By Matt Wiley School report cards are out for 201213 school year in the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) and, overall, New Tampa’s elementary and middle schools once again scored highly.

Of the 61 “A”-rated elementary and middle schools in the HCSD (which received a “C” overall from the Florida Department of Education {DOE} this year, a letter grade drop from its “B” in 201112), seven are New Tampa schools, including Chiles, Clark, Pride, Tampa Palms and Turner elementary schools, as well as Benito and Liberty middle schools.

High school grades have not yet been determined and will be released later in the year, usually in December.

Across the state, the DOE reports that the number of “A” elementary schools decreased from 861 (48%) in 2012 to 479 (27%) in 2013 and that the number of “B” elementary schools increased from 443 (25%) in 2012 to 503 (28%) in 2013.

In New Tampa, the number of “A” elementary schools decreased from 6 to 5.

The only local elementary school to receive a “B” was Heritage Elementary, dropping from an “A” last year, and Hunter’s Green Elementary (HGE) dropped from the only “B” elementary school in 2012 to the only “C” elemen-

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tary school in New Tampa with this year’s tougher standards.

The DOE reports that the number of “A” middle schools also decreased, from 255 “A” schools (44%) in 2012 to 177 (31%) in 2013, while the number of “B” middle schools increased from 122 (21%) in 2012 to 123 (21%) in 2013.

Bartels Middle School was the only New Tampa middle school to earn a “B” this past school year.

A Higher Standard

It should be noted that schools faced newly tougher state standards to earn their respective grades in 2012-13, as Florida gets ready to begin testing using standards set under the nationwide Common Core State Standards Initiative, a set of standards that already has been adopted by 45 states to establish “a single set of clear educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts and mathematics.”

But, higher standards didn’t stop most of the schools in the New Tampa area from performing well, such as Benito Middle on Cross Creek Blvd., which also received an “A” from the DOE. “I think our grade is reflective of our community,” says Benito principal John Sanders. “Our kids, their parents and the teachers here all worked really hard. We’re really very thankful.”

Based partly upon the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) 2.0, elementary school grades are measured using an 800-point scale (900 for middle schools), also taking into account EndOf-Course (EOC) test scores, which are given in middle and high schools in a variety of subjects, and the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA), an alternative test for students who are unable to complete the FCAT test due to cognitive disabilities.

Points are given for students who score “satisfactory” or higher and/or make learning gains. A point is awarded for each percent of students who score satisfactory or better in each subject area of each test.

For example, students that score a level 3 or higher on the math, reading and science FCAT 2.0 tests, and/or a level 4 on EOC tests, and a 3.5 or higher on FCAT writing, the percentage of students that achieve that level in each subject is the point value that the school is given.

To earn an “A,” at least 95 percent of the school’s students must have been tested and at least 595 points must have been earned.

To determine learning gains, test scores for students in each subject on FCAT, EOC and FAA tests are examined by comparing those scores with the previous year. If students perform at the same level or improve on their achievement

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level, the school also earns points for that percentage of students.

If that sounds confusing, that’s because it is.

“It’s been a confusing time for everyone,” says HCSD communications manager Tanya Arja. “There have been changes to scoring and higher standards put into place. But, many schools in the District still showed gains. We want to let parents, teachers and students know that this is a transition period and that the main thing that matters is making sure that the kids are improving.”

For info, please visit FLDOE.org and click on the “School Grades” tab.

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Dr. Teresa Evans Is The New Principal At Chiles Elem.

By Matt Wiley In addition to receiving an “A” from the Florida Department of Education (DOE) for the 2012-13 school year (see the story on the previous page), Lawton Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms also is beginning the 2013-14 school year with a new principal.

Teresa Evans, Ed.D., is the new principal for Chiles (which is located on Tampa Palms Blvd.), but she isn’t new to the school. In fact, Dr. Evans was a teacher at Chiles when the school opened back in 2000, where she taught second and third grade until 2005.

Evans says that she is excited about her return to Chiles and plans to maintain its stellar reputation of earning an “A” every school year since 2003.

“There’s always pressure when you’re a principal of a school,” Evans explains. “Each year, you have a new group of kids, but we have great teachers here.”

Having earned both a Master’s degree in Elementary Education (2008) and a Doctor of Education

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(Ed.D.) degree in Leadership (2010) from the nearby University of South Florida (USF), Evans says that her extensive experience across the Hillsborough County School District New Lawton Chiles El- (HCSD) makes ementary’s principal her the ideal canTeresa Evans, Ed.D. didate to lead Chiles into the future.

“I have an understanding of not only Chiles, but also the Tampa Palms community,” Evans explains.

“Plus, I can supplement that with experience (I’ve had) in different positions at different kinds of schools.”

After leaving Chiles in 2005, Evans went on to work as a resource teacher at Lockhart Magnet Elementary in North Tampa, where she worked with both lower-level reading students and gifted first grade students. She then served as the assistant principal at the Rampello Partnership Magnet School in downtown Tampa

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before working as an assistant principal at Dunbar Elementary Magnet School, just west of downtown Tampa.

“I’ve come full circle,” Evans says. “This year at Chiles, we’re going to continue the tradition of teamwork, making sure that the students get all the help that they need.”

Lawton Chiles Elementary is located at 16541 Tampa Palms Blvd. For more information, please call the school at 558-5422 or visit Chiles.MySDHC.org.

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Freedom High-Based Pro Hoops Team Denied Championship Repeat

By Andrew Phillips After finishing with the best regular season record in the four-team Florida Basketball Association (FBA) for the second consecutive year, the Tampa Bay Rebels were hopeful that they could win a second straight FBA Championship.

After jumping out to an early 12-point lead over the team the Rebels defeated in last year’s FBA title game — the Lake Wales area’s Heartland Prowl (which again had the league’s second-best record during the 2013 regular season) — the Rebels then battled back from a 17-point deficit to tie the game midway through the fourth, but still ended up falling just short of a championship game repeat when guard Stan Bufford’s gametying attempt bounced off the front of the rim as time expired.

The exciting, 111-109 loss was only the third since the season began in April for the Rebels, who played their home games, including the title clash, at Freedom High in Tampa Palms.

Following the game, long-time New Tampa resident and Rebels’ head coach / GM Fernando Rojas, said, “We started the game taking too many outside shots against their zone defense. We had our best performance in the fourth quarter with Cory Lemons, Stan Bufford, Aubrey West and Jeremy Grimball doing an excellent job on the defensive end and making big shots. In the last 40 seconds of the game, we had chances

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to tie and even win the game, but the shots didn’t go in.

The Prowl is a great champion, and we look forward to next year,” he added.

Playing in front of one of the largest home crowds of the season at Freedom, the Rebels called a Stan Bufford timeout with 3.1 seconds remainiing in regulation, down by two.

Tampa Bay ran a sideline inbounds play that saw Bufford catch the ball on the left wing and make a strong move to the basket, but his bank shot bounced off the front of the rim as time expired.

Rebels point guard Cory Lemons finished with a triple-double, scoring 27 points, dishing out 15 assists, and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Chris Stephenson finished with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Bufford added 21 points and 10 rebounds, while center Jeremy Grimball came off the bench to add 13 points.

Heartland (which finished 11-3) forward Arnold Louis was named Finals MVP for his 27-point performance in the finale.

To learn more about the Tampa Bay Rebels, visit TampaBayRebels.com. The team also utilizes Twitter and Facebook to connect with fans about upcoming games, events and promotions.

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Wazoo Gets Wild While Peabody’s Hosts Seasonal Brew Battles

By Matt Wiley Living among the animals for a night may sound like reality TV fare, but on August 3, it truly was reality for the animals on the other side of the glass at the Lowry Park Zoo during the zoo’s 18th annual Wazoo Beer Fest.

Named one of the top 10 beer festivals in the nation by USA Today, Wazoo has become one of the biggest annual fund raisers for Lowry Park Zoo, located on W. Sligh Ave in Central Tampa (call 935-8552 or visit LowryParkZoo.com) — and this year’s event raised more than $150,000 to help the zoo fund and maintain its amazing programs and exhibits. Fund-raising events, along with private donations, are what have kept Tampa’s zoo not only up and running, but also thriving, the past 25 years.

Following a quick afternoon rain shower, as opposed to the strong thunderstorm that knocked out power to the entire zoo just before the event began last year, Wazoo 2013 was on for more than 4,000 craft beer enthusiasts.

J.J. Taylor Distributing brought 275 beers from breweries near and far, including Tampa’s own Cigar City Brewing, which held a contest a few weeks prior to the event to name a beer that would be released at Wazoo. “Strawberries Out The Wazoo,” a German lager infused with strawberries, was one of the most memorable of the night, along with Cigar City Cider & Mead’s “Fight the Power” sour apple cider.

Other notable entries included an en-

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tire table of suds from Ft. Collins, CObased and Florida newcomers New Belgium Brewing, most famous for their Fat Tire Amber Ale, as well as their Ranger IPA (India Pale Ale), both of which are making their way onto shelves around the Tampa Bay area, as you’re reading this article.

Escondido, CA’s Stone Brewing Co. didn’t disappoint, either, with their own signature IPA, as well as Ruination and Levitation IPAs, all different takes on the same style. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. came out swinging with some beer not normally found on Florida shelves in the form of their Hoptimum Imperial IPA, a big 10-percent hop-lover’s dream. And, of course, San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing brought its heavy hop hitters West Coast IPA and Hop Head Red.

Beerfest At The Bod

However, Wazoo was not the only beer tasting that has gone down in the Tampa area recently. In fact, Tampa Palms’ own Peabody’s Billiards & Games hosted its own summer beer tasting event on July 27 in the Palms Lounge to a crowd of about 50.

The task for attendees? Try some beer in a “Battle of the Brews” and vote for which beverage they’d most like to see on tap next at Peabody’s.

Contenders in-

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cluded beers from Abita Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Dogfish Head and Terrapin Beer Co., but Angry Orchard Hard Cider and Florida Brewing Company’s Key West Sunset Ale reigned victorious and both currently are available on draft.

Did you miss this Battle of the Brews? No worries, as an Oktoberfest edition is on tap for Saturday, October 5, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and (Above) More than 4,000 attended the 18th annual Wazoo Beer Fest at Lowry Park Zoo to try limited-edition samplings from shouldn’t disappoint.

Peabody’s Billiards breweries such as Cigar City and Sierra Nevada (below right). & Games is located in the Shoppes of Amberly (Bottom left) Peabody’s Billiards & Games also has begun a seasonal beer fest tradition that will continue this October. in Tampa Palms. For more info, please visit PeabodysBilliards.com.

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Win $100 In FREE Dining In Our 2013 Dining Survey & Contest!

Please fill in every category that applies to you and all of the personal info requested. One winner, drawn at random from all legitimate entries, will receive a $100 gift card to the restaurant of his or her choice in the Tampa Bay area. To help you remember the different local independent restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, we have provided an alphabetical list of them (& their locations) to choose from in each category, although you can write in your other favorites in each category, too, in the “Write-In” space. Fast food & national & regional chains with more than 20 locations are not listed, although you can vote for them in any category by writing them in. — GN __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC) My Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa (Number your 5 favorites #1-#5) __New China King (Cross Creek) __Oakley’s Grille (North Palms) __Acropolis (Oak Ramble) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Apna Kabab House (Live Oak) __ Petra Mediterranean Cuisine (Highwoods) __Back 9 Café (Heritage Isles CC) __Pita’s Republic (County Line Rd.) __Biagio’s II Pizza & Pasta (Cross Creek) __Pizzazone (Tampa Palms) __Big Papa’s Pit (Bearss Ave.) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (Bearss Ave.) __Burger 21 (Trout Creek/BBD) __Saffron Indian Cuisine (Cross Creek) __Café Olé (Cross Creek) __Seasons Fresh Café (Bearss Ave.) __Casa Ramos (Shoppes of Amberly) __Soho Sushi (Bearss Ave.) __China City (City Plaza) __Stonewood Grill & Tavern (Tampa Palms) __China Wok (County Line Rd.) __Sushi Café (Highwoods) __Cross Creek Deli (Shell station) __Sushi Ko (New Tampa Center) __Full Circle Pizza (Pebble Creek) __Sukhothai (Highwoods) __Fushia Asian Bistro (Shoppes of Amberly) __Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge (Oak Ramble) __Hawkeye NYS Pizza (Cross Creek/BP) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __Ho King (Highwoods) __Taste of New York Pizza (Highwoods) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Thai Ruby (Shoppes of Amberly) __Kobé Japanese Steakhouse (Pebble Creek) __Toast Fine Wine & Café (Oak Ramble) __Koizi Hibachi Grill (Tampa Palms) __Top Thai (Live Oak) __La Cubanita Café (New Tampa Center) __Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) __La Fuente Mexican Cuisine (Cross Creek) __Zeko’s Express (New Tampa Center Mobil) __Lanna Thai (old Ploy Thai; Cross Creek) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Las Palmas Café (Pebble Creek) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Liang’s Bistro (North Palms/BBD) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Little Greek (New Tampa Center) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Mr. Dunderbak’s (Oak Ramble) __Write-In (must name)___________________

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My Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel (Number your 5 favorites #1-#5) __Asian Buffet (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Amici Pizza (Grand Oaks Plaza) __Bagelicious & More (Freedom Plaza/54) __Best NY Pizza (Pinebrook Plaza/S.R. 54) __Bonsai Sushi (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Bosco’s Italian To Go (Freedom Plaza/54) __Burger Monger (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Café Fresco (S.R. 56) __China Taste (Shoppes at New Tampa) __China Wok (Village Market) __Ciao! Italian Bistro (Wiregrass Mall) __CineBistro (The Grove) __Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __Don Pan Int’l Bakery (Shoppes at NT ) __Fine Thai Express (S.R. 54) __Gonna China (Hollybrook Plaza) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Hibachi Express (Village Market) __Ho Wok (next to Target) __Hungry Greek (across BBD from FHWC) __Kwan Ming Bistro (S.R. 56) __La Prima Pizza (next to Target) __Latin Twist Café (across BBD from FHWC)

__Lexington Oaks Golf Club __900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall) __NY NY Pizza (BBD in Seven Oaks) __PDQ (S.R. 56) __PizzaMania (Wiregrass Mall) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __PrimeBar (Wiregrass Mall) __Quail Hollow Country Club __Shang Hai Chinese (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __ Taste of Boston (Shoppes at New Tampa) __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __365 Caffé Italiano (Wiregrass Mall) __Tokyo Grill & Sushi (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Vallarta’s (Village Market) __Woody’s Pizza & Wings (Village Market) __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __Yamato Japanese Stkhs (Wiregrass Mall) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ Please only put each numeral (#s 1-5) on each list once each, including your writeins. We apologize for any inconvenience to independent restaurants not listed here.

Your Name ____________________________________________________________ Your Community (Tampa Palms, Meadow Pointe, etc.) _______________________ Your Mailing Address ___________________________________________________ Your Daytime Phone #__________________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address _______________________________________________ Please submit BOTH pages by fax, mail, email or on our website (see pg. 3) by Fri., Nov. 8.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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__Gonna China (Hollybrook Plaza) __Ho King (Highwoods) __Ho Wok (next to Target) __Kwan Ming Bistro (S.R. 56) __Liang’s Bistro (North Palms/BBD) __New China King (Cross Creek) __Shang Hai Chinese (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Sushi Ko (New Tampa Center) __Write-In (must name)___________________

My Favorite Chinese Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Asian Buffet (Shoppes at New Tampa) __China City (City Plaza) __China Taste (Shoppes at New Tampa) __China Wok (County Line Rd.) __China Wok (Village Market) __Fushia Asian Bistro (Shoppes of Amberly)

__Soho Sushi (Bearss Ave.) __Sushi Café (Highwoods) __Sushi Ko (New Tampa Center) __Sukhothai (Highwoods) __Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge (Oak Ramble) __Tokyo Grill & Sushi (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Yamato Japanese Stkhs (Wiregrass Mall) __Write-In (must name)___________________

My Favorite Japanese & Sushi Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Asian Buffet (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Bonsai Sushi (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Hibachi Express (Village Market) __Kobé Japanese Steakhouse (Pebble Creek) __Koizi Hibachi Grill (Tampa Palms)

__Saffron Indian Cuisine (Cross Creek) __Sukhothai (Highwoods) __Thai Ruby (Shoppes of Amberly) __Top Thai (Live Oak) __Write-In (must name)___________________

My Favorite Thai/Indian Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Fine Thai Express (S.R. 54) __Lanna Thai (old Ploy Thai; Cross Creek)

__Peabody’s Billiards & Games __PizzaMania (Wiregrass Mall) __Pizzazone (Tampa Palms) __Taste of New York Pizza (Highwoods) __Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) __Woody’s Pizza & Wings (Village Market) __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________

My Favorite Pizza Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Number no more than #s 1-5)

__Amici Pizza (Grand Oaks Plaza) __Best NY Pizza (Pinebrook Plaza/S.R. 54) __Biagios II Pizza & Pasta (Cross Creek) __Bosco’s Italian To Go (Freedom Plaza/54) __Ciao! Italian Bistro (Wiregrass Mall) __Full Circle Pizza (Pebble Creek) __Hawkeye NYS Pizza (Cross Creek) __La Prima Pizza (next to Target) __900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall) __NY NY Pizza (BBD in Seven Oaks)

My Favorite Hamburger Restaurant In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Burger Monger (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Burger 21 (Trout Creek/BBD) __Café Fresco (S.R. 56) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Lexington Oaks Golf Club My Favorite Latin/Mexican Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Café Olé (Cross Creek) __Casa Ramos (Shoppes of Amberly) __Café Fresco (S.R. 56) __Don Pan Int’l Bakery (Shoppes at NT ) My Favorite Greek/Mediterranean Restaurants In New Tampa/Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Acropolis (Oak Ramble) __Apna Kabab House (Live Oak) __Hungry Greek (across BBD from FHWC) My Favorite Bars & Taverns In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Number no more than #s 1-5)

__Acropolis (Oak Ramble) __Back 9 Café (Heritage Isles CC) __CineBistro (The Grove) __Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Halftime Sports Lounge (New Tampa Ctr) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Lexington Oaks Golf Club __Linkster’s Tap Room (Highwoods)

__Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC) __Oakley’s Grille (North Palms) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (Bearss Ave.) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __ Taste of Boston (Shoppes at New Tampa) __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __La Cubanita Café (New Tampa Center) __La Fuente Mexican Cuisine (Cross Creek) __Las Palmas Café (Pebble Creek) __Latin Twist Café (across BBD from FHWC) __Vallarta’s (Village Market) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Little Greek (New Tampa Center) __ Petra Mediterranean Cuisine (Highwoods) __Pita’s Republic (County Line Rd.) __Zeko’s Express (New Tampa Center Mobil) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (Bearss Ave.) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __PrimeBar (Wiregrass Mall) __Quail Hollow Country Club __Stonewood Grill & Tavern (Tampa Palms) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __Toast Fine Wine & Café (Oak Ramble) __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________ __Write-In (must name)___________________

WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi

• Cleanings (Ages 4 and up) • Crowns, Bridges and Implant Crowns • Veneers • Zoom & Take Home Whitening • Root Canals & Extractions

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY 20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (across the street from Wharton H.S., in front of Live Oak)

“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

866-9913 Neighborhood News

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Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

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Casa Ramos — A 40-Year Mexican Tradition That Started With ‘Uncle Pepe’

By Gary Nager Photos by Jayne Baker & Matt Wiley

OK, so there’s no doubt that a lot of us — including yours truly — were sad to see Sushi Tsu Japanese Steakhouse close its doors in the same Shoppes of Amberly plazain Tampa Palms as our office earlier this year. But, I was definitely intrigued by the idea of an upscale Mexican restaurant coming in to replace it.

And, in the less than two months that it’s been open, I have to say that I am definitely enjoying getting to know Casa Ramos and owner Mateo Ramos, who is the chief operatring officer of a company that operates more than 40 Azteca and Casa Ramos restaurants, primarily on the

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west coast of the U.S., According to Casa Ramos’ company website, Mateo’s uncle José (Pepe) Ramos grew up in Cuautla, Mexico, a small farm village in the Central Mexico state of Jalisco, where his father owned a grocery store.

With a few pesos in his pocket and unable to speak a word of English, Pepe arrived in From gigantic burritos (left) to the Carne Asada y Mojo Seattle WA, in 1973 to combination plate, the new Casa Ramos in Tampa Palms begin work as a dishwill satisfy your craving for delicious Mexican food. Casa washer in his cousin’s Ramos’ “Coronaritas (bottom left) are a popular libation. restaurant. From dishfair washer to cook to chef, Ramos also worked price,” he says. “But, not everyone can do hard at learning English. After saving it with love the way we do at Casa Ramos.” $1,000, and with his cousin’s blessing, And, as I said before, I am enjoying Ramos opened a small, 24-seat restaurant exploring both the menu and the inviting in Burien, a suburb of Seattle, in 1974. décor of this full-premium-liquor bar, Ramos eventually was able to bring where the servers only have four tables in the rest of his family to the U.S., which their stations and the service, at least the helped the family open additional restaudays and times I’ve been there, is definitely rants, most of which, until the opening of exemplary.. this Casa Ramos, have been called Azteca, I started with my usual first visit steak including several restaurants which Mateo fajitas, which are made of delicious, tender opened in Orlando, Winter Haven, Davie flank steak, made sizzling to my medium and New Smyrna Beach. rare specifications and served over a huge Today, Mateo says, more than 1,400 bed of sautéed onions and green peppers, Azteca and Casa Ramos employees have with Mexican rice or white rice, black become an important part of the Ramos beans, refried or Rancho (cholesterol-free) family. “Anyone can serve good food at a beans, pico do gallo, sour cream, gua-

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camole, cheddar cheese and corn or flour tortillas.

Huge portions are to be expected at Casa Ramos, from the award-winning Azteca nachos, which our entire office loved on a more recvent visit, to the quesadilla, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas and especially, the must-be-shared combination plates. My favorite combo to date is the carne asada y mojo combo, which combines your choice of carne asada steak or chicken, topped with the robust spice of a big grilled jalapeno pepper and accompanied by a nice-sized serving of grilled shrimp and mushrooms served with garlic and crushed red pepper butter. I’m allergic to the shrimp, but the sauce is amazing, and anyone visiting Casa Ramos with me

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Check out the Camarones Monterey (left) will get to enjoy all of the shrimp if we share this immense platter. and the ultra-decadent fried ice cream Another shrimp dish Mateo says is (above) at Casa Ramos. among the most popular at Casa Ramos is Camarones Monterey, which are cliantrofried ice cream, topped with chocolate or and-garlic-marinated extra large shrimp strawberry sauce that is big enough for wrapped in bacon, baked and served fajita four people to share. Seriously. style. I also definitely plan to sample the Casa Ramos also can provide catering marinated lamb shank with a marinade platters for your football and other parties. sauce, pico de gallo, avocados and rancho Check out the $49.95 fiesta platter on the beans, with corn or flour tortillas. back of the menu & you’ll probably end Also highly recommended for more up ordering it. authentic tastes is the Plato Mexicano, Casa Ramos has awesome Happy which combines taquitos ranchero, carne Hour specials served 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and asada skirt steak, a chile relleno and a 10 p.m.-close every day. It includes 2-forJalisco-style (filled with jack cheese and 1 premium house margaritas, homemade dipped in a sauce of mild chiles. You’ll even sangria, imported and domestic draft beers find burgers, salads and “Vegi-Mex” dishes and well drinks, as well as half-price appeon Casa Ramos’ extensive menu. And, you tizers and other food specials. can definitely taste the cilantro in the Casa Ramnos (15363 Amberly Dr.) homemade salsa. opens every day at 11 a.m. for lunch And, save room for dessert, because and dinner. For more information, call Casa Ramos has an amazingly decadent 977-2266 or visit AztecaMex.com.

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The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

Chane & Burgess Added To Johnson, Pratico & Auvil

Laurie R. Chane, a long-time Pasco County attorney, has become the newest Shareholder at the Dade City-based law firm of Johnson, Auvil & Pratico, P.A., which is now known as Johnson, Auvil, Pratico & Chane, P.A. Additionally, Danny Burgess, the current Mayor of Zephyrhills, has joined the firm as an Associate.

Chane will focus on family and criminal defense law, bringing her years of experience in the pubic defender’s office to the firm that, since 1990, has been offering solutions to clients throughout the Tampa Bay region in real estate law, probate and estate administration, business and commercial transactions and litigation, foreclosure defense and construction law.

A Florida native who was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990 after graduating from the University of Miami (FL) School of Law, Chane has been in private practice since 1997 in the firm of Chane & Eble, P.A., since leaving the public defender’s office.

Burgess, a Zephyrhills native, joined the firm as an Associate in June 2013. He will be practicing primarily in the commercial litigation arena with Steve Pratico, and will also assist Leonard Johnson in his real estate and commercial practice.

Burgess was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2011 after graduating from the Barry University College of Law in Orlando. He has served as Mayor of Zephyrhills since April 2013, following two earlier terms on the Zephyrhills City Council, where during his first term, Burgess was the youngest elected official in the State of Florida. He also serves as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S.

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Army JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps.

For more info about Johnson, Auvil, Pratico & Chane, call 991-6300 or visit WesleyChapelForeclosure.com.

Little Greek Restaurant On BBD Opens To Crowds

If you love freshly prepared Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, you may already be part of the crowds of people who have been visiting the new Little Greek Restaurant, located in the New Tampa Center plaza, at 19022 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. at the corner of Cross Creek/New Tampa Blvd.

Owner Percy Rosemyurgy and his friendly staff, who celebrated Little Greek’s Grand Opening July 30 with a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) ribbon cutting (photo), have been handling the big lines at lunch time with little more than a 5-10 minute wait — and the food is definitely worth waiting for! This small, local chain of now 14 restaurants (10 in the Tampa Bay area) features the usual Greek salads, gyro and souvlaki sandwiches and platters, but also has more upscale options like grilled salmon and steak on a pita.

For more info, call 972-0707 or visit MyLittleGreek.com and please tell Percy & his crew we sent you!

PROtential Sports Offers Camps In Cory Lake Isles

Empowering children to achieve success on and off the playing field, PROtential Sports has announced the opening of its newest youth sports camp in Cory Lake Isles, a Community Development District (CDD) located off Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa. Conveniently situated at the

(Left) Owner Percy Rosemyurgy (3rd from left) and his staff at the new Little Greek restaurant in the New Tampa Center have been handling the crowds nicely since this Wesley Chapel Chamber ribbon cutting on July 30. (Right) Gyro, anyone? neighborhood’s newly revamped clubhouse, a hub of activity for the community, PROtential’s summer and after-school programs immerse children between the ages of 5 and 12 in a comprehensive mentorship program focused on teaching life through sports.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be giving kids in Cory Lake Isles an opportunity to reach their full ‘pro-tential’ in all areas of life,” says Tony Bland, CEO and president of Tampa-based PROtential Sports. “We’re confident that our integrated approach to developing campers athletically, mentally and emotionally will have a powerful impact on children in the community.”

PROtential Sports already has offered week-long summer camp sessions at Cory Lake Isles (and other local communities) each month this summer, and starting next week, after-school programs will launch. Enrollees will learn and participate in a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, football, baseball, lacrosse, golf, tennis and cheerleading. In addition to sports coaching

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and mentorship, the program offers transportation, snacks and homework help to all of its students.

Unlike traditional camps and afterschool programs, PROtential Sports integrates life lessons into its athletic curriculum to help direct children towards a successful future. The coaching aims to cultivate character traits and instill values such as discipline, respect, honesty, integrity and teamwork in the children they work with each day. Every student is given individual mentorship to help them grow physically, mentally and emotionally.

“We couldn’t be happier about PROtential Sports coming to our community,” said Sheri Schobert, lifestyle director at the Cory Lake Isles CDD. “Our facilities and fields offer all of the amenities PROtential needs to thrive. We look forward to sharing in the excitement and watching the camp impact the lives of children.”

Driven by a desire to help kids, Tony Bland, a former wide receiver with the Min-

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nesota Vikings, came up with the idea for PROtential Sports while hosting a series of summer camps with several NFL stars. The success of the camps motivated Tony to start his own. Partnering with his wife Nyree Bland, a professional tennis stand-out, Tony launched PROtential Sports several years ago. Since then, the camps have become enormously successful. In an effort to meet the demand of those looking to replicate the camps/programs in their own home communities, PROtential Sports recently announced strategic franchise growth plans.

And now, PROtential offers motivated individuals (especially those who have competed at a high level) a platform to showcase the skills and values they’ve picked up in the sporting arena — a perfect opportunity for current and former athletes and coaches looking to take the leap and plunge into entrepreneurship. The flexible hours and the ability to manage the business from home also make PROtential Sports a great fit for parents, teachers and others interested in child development. Prior experience in athletics or education is not a necessity.

For more information about PROtential Sports, visit ProtentialSports.com.

For info about franchising opportunities, visit ProtentialSports.com/index.php/ franchise.

Free Eyecare Professionals Grand Opening Aug. 17!

We congratulate Dr. David Scamard, O.D., on the Grand Opening of his new practice, Eyecare Professionals of Tampa Bay, LLC (located at 24412 S.R. 54, at Oak Grove Blvd., in the Eagle Plaza in

Neighborhood News

Lutz). Although his new practice has been up and running for several weeks, the former owner of The Eyeglass Factory (less than a half-mile east of the new location) will hold his Ribbon Cutting & official Grand Opening at the spacious, new, fullservice optical shop on Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

With multiple prizes to be raffled off (including one-year supplies of contact lenses, free frames and other awesome donated prizes, plus live music by Los Dos, great food from Wright’s Gourmet House & Raa International Market, the event promises to be a blast! And, all of the raffle proceeds benefit the Wounded Warriors Project & the USO. For more info, call 949-7274 or see the ad on page 32.

Wolf’s Den To Expand Hours, Menu & More!

Although we previously reported on NTNeighborhoodNews.com that the always-popular Wolf’s Den Restaurant, located on S.R. 56 (in the same plaza as Insight Family Eye Care), was taking over the spaces in the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (opposite the new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, or FHWC)) previously vacated by Baja Fresh and several other businesses (see below), Wolf’s Den owner Roger Wolf has decided instead to expand his menu (including adding “Pigsilly BBQ” specialties like real baby back ribs, brisket and more) and his hours and add beer and wine at his current location. Look for an ad, with coupons, next issue because the new hours & BBQ

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menu items will debut at Wolf’s Den right after Labor Day. For more info, call 907-9124 or visit WolfsDenRestaurant.com.

Hibachi Japanese Express Is Open...& Yummy!

If you haven’t yet checked out the new Hibachi Japanese Express, located in the smaller outparcel building (next to China Wok) of the same Wesley Chapel Village Market that also is home to Vallarta’s & the new Famous Tate store, you should go...for lunch or dinner...today!

Hibachi Express features the same fresh sushi (I even special ordered a grilled red snapper and cucumber roll that was just too good), choice NY strip (photo, right) and fresh large shrimp and scallop hibachi dishes, complete with ginger salad, mushroom soup, grilled hibachi veggies and fried rice, all at prices much less than most “teppanyaki (hibachi) table” restaurants because the hibachi grill is located in the open kitchen just behind Hibachi Express’ much faster lunch counter, so you’re paying for the quality food and not the show.

And, with the current special of a stillsizable lunch-sized portion of hibachi steak, chicken or shrimp, with rice & veggies, for just $6.25, you can’t beat the value!

For more info about Hibachi Japanese Express (5315 Village Market Dr.), call 991-9582 or stop in & tell Chen, the owner, that the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you! — GN

Gate Petroleum & More

Coming To S.R. 56

A cleared area on the north side of S.R. 56 at the Cypress Ridge Blvd. intersection is beginning to take shape.

The property, known as the Shoppes of Cypress Creek, part of the 400-acre mixeduse development which currently has available parcels on both sides of S.R. 56, soon will be the site of the first Gate Petroleum location in the Tampa Bay region. Gate, which is based out of Jacksonville, FL, has locations in six states across the southeastern U.S., including Georgia and the Carolinas, with the closest being in Lakeland. Gate reps could not be reached for comment.

In addition to the Gate location, the 2.5-acre site also will feature 18,000 sq.-ft. of retail space, as well as space for a 1,750sq.-ft. restaurant and a 0.89-acre retention pond. “All of the land is being cleared,” says Chet Skinner of Skinner Bros. Realty, which is selling and leasing property in the Cypress Creek development (but not the adjacent Cypress Creek Town Center DRI). “Some of the land from the pond is being used to fill some low-lying areas on the property.”

For info about the Shoppes of Cypress Creek, visit SkinnerRealty.com.-MW

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 HELP WANTED - Hiring housekeeper, with car and valid driver’s license. Spanish a plus. Call: 813.758.9710 or 813.758.9745 NOW INTERVIEWING - Experienced Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner & Medical Assistant position. F/T or P/T. To inquire please email resume to bobbie@fwctampa.net or call (813-994-0611 opt.1) and ask for Bobbie.

HELP WANTED - Transaction Manager for Top Producing Real Estate Team. Must Have: At least 1 yr Real Estate experience and working knowledge of listing file from pre-listing to closing. Excellent organizational skills, time management skills & work ethic. Dedication to exceptional customer service. Perform & multitask well in a fast paced environment. Attention to detail, Outlook, Word, Excel, Top Producer, ResNet and MLS skills. A "Yes, I can do it" attitude, confidence & maturity, Email resume with salary history.

HELP WANTED - New Tampa medical office needs back office clerical support. 15-20 hours per week. Must be very detail-oriented. Some phone responsibilities as well as filing and other clerical duties. Email resume to Sara at doctor@floridawoundcare.com. No phone calls please.

HELP WANTED - New Tampa medical office needs back office clerical support. 15-20 hours per week. Must be very detail-oriented. Some phone responsibilities as well as filing and other clerical duties. Email resume to Sara at doctor@floridawoundcare.com. No phone calls please.

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JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING - Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more.

Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements?Ask about our HOA SPECIAL! FREE ESTIMATE! (813) 420-4465

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DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a 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 7272582.

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

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.

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) 2151177 WEST COAST FLOORING INC - Hardwood, Laminate, and Carpet; Over 25 years experience in sales and installations; Repairs: Large and small jobs; We even do exterior pavers; Free estimates - Call Doug at (813) 215-4817 HANDYMAN SERVICES - Handyman Services, Disposal and fan installations. Painting, dry wall repair, calking, tile and wooden floor installations, gutter cleaning, and much more. Great prices! Call 813.907.6994.

D & D PRESSURE WASHING - licensed and insured. We clean driveways, sidewalks, homes, pool decks, screen enclosures, fences and other items. Free estimates. Call Dina or Doug 813949-5131 www.ddpressurewash.com

EDUCATION

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BABYSITTING F I T N E S S & W E L L B E I N G

PROFESSIONAL TENNIS LESSONS - Recently relocated USPTA/PTR teaching professional available for private/group/team tennis lessons. Former Head Tennis Professional at the #2 and #3 Tennis Resorts in the U.S. Past coach of former #1 singles player at the University of Florida. Call Steve Brady at (843) 4223993 or email sbrady@hargray.com AFTER SCHOOL CARE - Drop off/pick up, Help with Homework, Transportation to after school activities. Age appropriate recreational activities. Snack/ Meal Preparation. Licensed, Bonded and Insured ActiKare Responsive In-Home Care 813-319-9143 PIANO LESSONS/TUTORING - Located in Live Oak Preserve for children, teens, and adults. I am a highly qualified/certified Florida teacher specializing in piano, music theory, language arts, reading, writing, geography, elementary math, beginning Spanish, and FCAT/test preparation. Mention this ad and receive your first session for FREE! Now scheduling for the new 2013-2014 school year! Contact Mrs. Daley at 813-468-1424 to reserve your spot!

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TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today @ (813) 8575400 or visit www.TranquilityPoolService.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call (813) 3125694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

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CAR SERVICES – Don’t Have a Ride? 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.

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 months. Adults Course: Thursday evening’s 78 pm. Seniors Course: Tuesday afternoons 121 pm. Space is limited! Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 30 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org.

Peter #787-7560 or E-mail peter@chuan-fa.org LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $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.

GROUP THERAPY CLASSES – 4 groups starting: 1) Adult Stress Management, 2) Children’s Social Skills, 3) Parenting Skills, and 4) Mind-Body Wellbeing. Cost: $20-$30 per week. Conducted by licensed therapists with over 10 years of experience. Limited Space, Call Today. We also provide individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.

Call Dr. Brad Palermo, Licensed Psychologist – (813)-666-5885 www.Tampa-Therapy.com SENIOR CARE HELP - Homemaker, Companion, and Personal Care Services. Light Housekeeping, Transportation, Wellness Checks Meal Preparation, Respite Care.

Alzheimer's Care, Licensed Bonded and Insured Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care.

813-319-9143

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TURN YOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH! - Garage & estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online!We evaluate & appraise your products then get you top dollar. We do the work you get the cash.

Ask me how, contact Mary at 813-4285793

Call The Neighborhood News 813-910-2575

To Place Your Listing Today

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Neighborhood News

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CLEANING

SERVICES CLEANING SERVICES CYD Professional Cleaning Services Residential & Commercial - Weekly, bi-Weekly & monthly rates- Flexible scheduling, including weekends. 'Green' cleaning solutions available upon request. We provide all cleaning supplies. Quality cleaning at AFFORDABLE prices. Over 6 years experience. You'll have the same, uniformed cleaning professional every time! Call Katherine (813) 4946005

V&J CLEANING SERVICES, LLC. -Residential Commercial cleaning. Quality service. Affordable rates.

Reliable, flexible scheduling. Supplies & equipment provided. Call Elizabeth for free estimates 813.454.3082.

CLEAN FIRST TIME - Let Clean First Time of Hillsborough serve you! We offer office cleaning, new home/renovation construction cleaning, Community Center cleaning, window cleaning & more, at times & intervals to suit you! We are fully insured & can provide current references. If a good work ethic & attention to detail are important to you, give us a call! 813.313.8468

COMPUTER SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT – in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains!

Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

BELLA’S CLEANING SERVICES - Reliable, affordable, professional, detail oriented. I have references.

Free estimates. I have many satisfied customers in New Tampa, with 5 years experience. Call: 941-544-7451.

M.Y. CLEANING SERVICE - Offering Residential cleaning, complete bath & kitchen cleaning, as well as dusting & polishing furniture. We provide our own supplies. Free estimates! Your satisfaction is our priority! With 5 years of experience, we guarantee meticulous cleaning!

Call Mila: (813) 516-3554.

DISCOUNT JUNK REMOVAL!!! - No job to big or to small! Same day service. Senior discount. Servicing the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, as well as surrounding areas for over 11 years. Furniture, yard debris, garage clean out, & any other items. Call Lamar Today – 813.285.4674.

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? - WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residential & businesses, w/ over 25 years experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank (813) 973-4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

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Squeaky Clean Home Services - is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. We also specialize in move-in/move-out cleanup. All supplies & equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company w/ over 20 years experience. "If it Needs to be Clean, We're your Team! Call us for your free in home estimate today! 813-625-6045 D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more information, Call 758-9710.

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TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting Service.

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. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

NEW TAMPA PET SITTING SERVICES Under New Ownership! Please call Larisa at (813) 546-3887. Thank-you for your business over ALL these years! Please call Marina at (813) 416-5301 for references!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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New Tampa’s City Councilwoman Keeps Our Area In Her Sights Guest column by Lisa Montelione It is shocking for me to realize that you elected me just over two years ago.

Each day, I am honored to represent you and do the best I can to help our businesses flourish and to find ways to improve the quality of life of our residents.

So, I thought it appropriate to update you on a few issues I have been working on. By no means is this all-encompassing, but many of the conversations, calls and emails I receive deal with the following issues.

Transportation: An issue that I know is important to many of you in New Tampa is improving our transportation network and the safety of our pedestrians and bicyclists. As Mayor Buckhorn’s representative on the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and as the chair of the MPO’s Livable Roadways Committee, I can assure you that close attention is paid to projects that make our communities safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. This year, I was selected by the MPO board members to serve as its Vice Chair, which engages me in regional transportation efforts.

I also serve on the New North Transportation Alliance, which serves the communities of the University of South Florida (USF) and New Tampa. In addi-

tion, I have been working with the City of Tampa’s legal department on crafting a solution to connecting Kinnan St. in New Tampa with Mansfield Blvd. in Pasco County (Meadow Pointe). Currently, we are waiting on an agreement between the City of Tampa and the developers of KBar Ranch, prior to working with Pasco County to connect the two roads.

Kinnan/Mansfield is an example of a regional connection. These connections are necessary for a vibrant economy. Solutions must be sought to promote job growth throughout the Tampa Bay region, in addition to improving the quality of life for residents.

As public servants, we will not be judged by our short-term actions, but by the long-term goals we achieved.

Utility Upgrades: In the 2014 City of Tampa budget, about $7 million is committed to water and wastewater projects in New Tampa. As a part of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) widening, $4.7 million is committed to rehabilitating wastewater pipes that run under BBD. That is in addition to the replacement of the pipes under BBD that connect the City system to the Hillsborough River, a

primary link in case of a water emergency.

That project was part of a multi-year plan to replace the City’s water pipes, many of which had been built in the 1970s.

About $2.5 million is being spent to improve pressure in the North Tampa water distribution system, which is headquartered off BBD. Businesses/Economic Development: I am proud to say that my passion for small business permeates every policy discussion that comes before me. In 2012 and 2013, I hosted “State of Small Business in Tampa Symposia,” with support from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the FDIC, USF Small Business Development Center, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, J.P. Morgan Chase, City of Tampa, and Hillsborough County. The outcome of these events was to create a program that would allow small business owners to access a “one-stop shop” to research access to capital and public incentives. The event also serves to provide an economic update on the area from the experts at the Federal Reserve and to improve communications amongst financial institutions, technical advisors and small business owners.

Quality of Life: Many of the issues the Council deals with on a regular basis are “Quality of Life” issues. This is any-

thing from your sidewalk sinking due to rain, or illegal dumping of construction materials. Both of those were concerns of New Tampa residents who recently called my office. We cannot fix every problem, but we can try and hopefully get an answer for you.

One example I frequently use was when the stoplight was installed on Wood Sage Dr. and New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows. On the Tuesday morning that the light went on, my office received a call from a parent who was unable to drop her children off at Clark Elementary, due to the lack of a left hand turn light. After I spoke with our Transportation Department, a left-hand-turn arrow was installed by Thursday. Not all problems in this city can be solved that easily, but you’ll never know, unless you call my office.

As always, please let me know how you think I am doing. The best way for me to do my job is to find out what issues are most important to you and provide whatever leadership and assistance I can to resolve those issues.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 274-7073 or Lisa.Montelione@TampaGov.net. Or, come see me during my “office hours” on Monday, September 16, at the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.), 6 p.m.- 7p.m.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 17 • August 17, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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