Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

Volume 21 Issue 24

Inside:

Culinary Excellence At The New City Grill!

November 23, 2013

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Cypress Creek Town Center Outlet Mall Could Open By Summer 2015

By Matt Wiley With the go-ahead from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the property owners of the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI) have indicated to Pasco County that they are finally ready to move forward with their outlet mall project.

Since 2007, when the more-than-500acre development—which was to include a regional mall, office and retail space, a subdivision and a movie theater, as well as an extension of Wesley Chapel Blvd. — has floated in development limbo since a lawsuit was brought shortly after construction began on the property, located off S.R. 56, just west of I-75. The DRI includes land on both sides of S.R. 56 between the interstate and Wesley Chapel Blvd.

Now, instead of a regional mall, the development is set to be home to an outlet mall, similar to the Prime Outlets in Ellenton, an hour south on I-75. So far, the only announced store is Saks “Off 5th” Avenue, which listed the property as a future location on its website, last spring.

Pasco zoning administrator Carol Clarke says that the Richard E. Jacobs group, which owns the land, Simon Property Group and Sierra Properties are ready to move forward after receiving a building permit from the Army Corps.

“They have indicated that they are ready to move forward,” Clarke says, adding that, although the developers’ plan is to be open by 2015, no site plans have yet been submitted for the project.

Clarke explains that this is because the developers are examining infrastructure that previously was installed before a lawsuit from a coalition of environmental groups, led by the Sierra Club of Tampa Bay, ground development to a halt, citing a violation of the Clean Water Act because of run-off water draining into Cypress Creek.

After a Federal Appeals Court reversed a decision that almost revoked the mall’s building permit in 2011, the Army Corps was instructed to determine if the mall would affect wildlife in the area, specifically the eastern indigo snake. But, now the development is gearing back up. “(The developers) are looking at the

previous infrastructure to see what needs to be updated,” Clarke says. “They want to use what’s there, if they can. But, so far, they haven’t submitted any new materials.”

In the 2004 development order, the plan for the Cypress Creek Town Center originally included a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. regional mall, 600,000-sq.-ft. retail center, 420,000-sq. ft. of office space, 700 rooms of hotel space, a 630-unit multifamily subdivision and a 2,500-seat movie theater.

Hope Allen, the sales and marketing manager for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), The long-awaited outlet mall in the Cypress Creek Town Center DRI may open as early as summer 2015. says that the day the news broke that the outlet mall plan nice to see that the outlet mall will finally was finally moving forward, the Chamber be built,” Allen says. “It’ll be a great addioffice was contacted by Bay News 9 and tion to the Wesley Chapel area.” other local TV stations and daily newspaOur calls to the Simon Property pers for comments.

Group were not returned before we went “All I could tell them was that it was to press with this issue.

“Turkey Gobble Feast,” a free event for hundreds of local families who might not get to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with “all the trimmings” without assistance.

This year, the Wesley Chapel Rotary, which recently absorbed members from the Land O’Lakes Rotary Club, will cook and serve this free Thanksgiving meal in at two locations — Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54, near Saddlebrook Resort) and at Keystone Community Church (21010 S.R. 54, in Land O’Lakes), on Thursday,. November 28,

10 a.m.- 2 p.m., at both locations.

Participating families can dine in or even take out the complete meal, which will include turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, veggies, rolls and pie. Each attendee also will receive a to-go snack pack in addition to the meal itself, as well as be eligible to win $25 gift cards to help with life’s necessities, from gas and groceries to clothing and more.

If you or someone you know would like to attend at either location, call (561) 320-3121 or email RotaryTurkeyGobble@gmail.com.

Local Rotary Clubs To Serve With ‘Turkey Gobble’ & ‘Wiregrass Wobble’

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Pasco Rejects Sole Bid For District Park Addition, Tax Collector’s Office To Open At The Grove, Man Steals Gas From Sam’s Club & Lots Of Local Business Features!

City Grill Brings Upscale Tastes To Wesley Chapel, Local Woman Appears In ‘12 Years A Slave,’ Little Greek Has Lunch & Dinner, Plus More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 1-28

Pages 29-40

Wobble Before You Gobble!

Another Rotary-sponsored event that is open to anyone, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, is the “Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot” 5K & 1-mile “Fun Run,” which will start and end at the Shops at Wiregrass Mall. Proceeds from the Wiregrass Wobble will go toward Feeding America of Tampa Bay (the charity selected by event co-sponsor FitNiche

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Also Inside This Issue!

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The motto of Rotary International is “Service Above Self,” and never are those words more important to the Rotary Clubs located not only in our area but around the world than during the holiday season — which, of course, begins in earnest in this country on Thanksgiving Day. This year, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, which meets Wednesdays at noon at Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Shops at Wiregrass Mall, will host its fourth annual

in the mall) and other local charities supported by the event’s other co-sponsors — the New Tampa Rotary Club and the New Tampa Family YMCA. The Wobble, the perfect way to burn off enough calories for you to “deserve” your Thanksgiving meal later that day, will feature a timed 5K race and 1-mile “fun run/walk.” Please note that the date to reserve T-shirts in your size for the race was November 21 (as more than 1,200 participants are expected for this outstanding event), although a New Tampa Rotary spokesperson says that race T-shirts should still be available right up to and on race day. In addition, free 5K finish line photos will be provided by Overflow Church.

For more info, visit WiregrassWobbleTurkeyTrot.com or Facebook.com/ Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot.

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Gary Nager

Noon Rotary Inducts First WRH Interact Club; Plus, Page 1 Woes An editorial by Gary Nager So, even though I’ve included something about the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (which meets Wednesdays at noon at Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Shops at Wiregrass mall) in every issue since I officially joined the club a few months ago, I couldn’t let the events of the past few weeks go unmentioned in this issue, as the WC Rotary officially inducted its first-ever Rotary Interact Club from Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) on Nov. 7, also at Ciao!

“Interact” is the name given to Rotarysponsored clubs for young people ages 1218 who join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about, including hands-on service projects, making international connections and developing leadership skills.

The WC Rotary actually is sponsoring two Interact clubs, one at WRH and one at Land O’Lakes High. Each Interact Club has adult sponsors from its sponsoring Rotary Club, as well as a faculty advisor from the school affiliated with the Interact. For the WRH Interact Club, WC Rotary members Don Bryan and Monica Carper are the Interact Club’s adult sponsors and the WRH faculty advisor is Linda Sherwood.

According to Rotary.org, every Interact Club has to have at least two service projects each year, one that benefits the club members’ community and one that encourages international understanding. The WRH Interact Club members participated in their first such project the weekend before Halloween, when they volunteered at the annual Main St. Zephyrhills Haunted House. Main St. Zephyrhills raises money to help beautify the downtown Zephyrhills area and the Haunted House is that organization’s primary fund raiser each year.

And then, the WRH Interact Club was officially inducted by the Wesley Chapel Ro-

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News 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 John Majeski • Bonnie Mason Lauren Saslow • Kathleen Schiop Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lemos

Congratulations to the newly inducted members of the Wiregrass Ranch High Rotary Interact Club, including president Charlotte Nymand (far left, with WC Rotary sponsor Monica Carper) and Donald Bryan (far right, receiving his Rotary pin from his father and Club sponsor, Don).

Last Issue’s Page 1 Woes

I thought our last Wesley Chapel issue was one of our best ever until I got to work on Mon., Oct. 21 (after we went to press on Sat., Oct. 19), and found out that I had missed a tragically major news development that occurred just a few hours after we finished that issue.

I was really happy with my top-of-page1 story and pictures from the first-ever “Festival of Flight” at the Tampa North Aero Park on Oct. 19 until I found out on Mon. (after the papers already had been printed) that, at about 3 p.m. on Sat., a wing-walking performer named Mark Curto had fallen off the wings of a World War II-era biplane to his death (see pg. 8). The part that stunned me was that I returned to the Festival Sat. night, to take pictures of the “Balloon Glow,” and no one mentioned the incident from earlier that day. I heard there were comments posted on Twitter the same day, but I had just finished the issue and I guess I wasn’t paying attention. Nowadays, the news never sleeps, but I was snoozing in this case. Sorry.

Table of Contents

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel 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 26, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, December 2, 2013.

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

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel 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.

Neighborhood News

tary in a dinner ceremony also held at Ciao!

To me, perhaps the most amazing thing about this new club of intelligent, career-oriented young people is that the president elected by the WRH Interact Club members is 16-year-old Rotary Youth Exchange student Charlotte Nymand of Denmark, who is spending this school year at WRH and staying a few months at several different homes of WC Rotary members.

During her multiple updates to the WC Rotary Club, Charlotte has shown herself to be confident, personable and fluent in six languages, including her perfect English.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember students from other countries leading any of the clubs at my high school.

“I didn’t know if I could handle being president with my schedule,” Charlotte said.

“But, I wanted to do it and (the other Interact Club members) elected me.”

Although Charlotte, who also makes appearances at other Florida Rotary clubs, will be leaving at the end of this school year, the WRH Interact Club will definitely be in good hands next year, too, as the following WRH Interact students also were inducted: president-elect Casey Chitty, secretary Kayla Lawson, treasurer Jessica DeMarco and executive Board members Donald Bryan, Ashleigh Hans and Preston Parilo.

Good luck to all of the Interact-ers.

Pasco Commissioners Reject Sole Bid For District Park Fields...............4 Tax Collector Fasano To Open Wesley Chapel Office.............................6

Wesley Chapel News Briefs........................................8

Wesley Chapel Man Injures 6 In I-75 DUI Crash Tampa Man Busted Stealing Fuel At Sam’s Club WCH Student Brings Machete To School Wesley Chapel Man Runs Over Girlfriend At Party Wesley Chapel Community Calendar.............................10

Local Business Updates.................................12-24

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital Is Here For Your Pets.......................12 WSICA Can Bring Your Computer Back To Life....................16 Trust Your Eyes To The Eyecare Professionals!........................20 Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services.....................24 North Tampa Behavioral Health Hosts Grand Opening.........26

Neighborhood Magazine

City Grill Brings Upscale Tastes To Wesley Chapel................ 29 Wesley Chapel Woman Appears In ‘12 Years A Slave’..............30 Little Greek Brings A New Taste Of Athens To New Tampa...32 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’...............................36

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS............38

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 24 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Pasco Commissioners Reject The Only Bid For District Park Fields

By Matt Wiley The grass is not getting any greener yet for the new fields slated for the Wesley Chapel District Park — at least, not yet — as the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has voted to reject the only bid that came in for the project the first time it went out for bid.

During the October 22 meeting, the BOCC voted unanimously to reject the sole bid for the project from Lithia, FL based QGS (Quality Grassing Services) Development, Inc., due to the company’s bid estimate of more than $2.2 million to construct two artificial turf fields at the District Park.

According to records, in addition to the cost of the fields, themselves, the bid also included lighting and parking in with the construction price. However, the project was only budgeted for $1.75 million, said Ed Caum of the Pasco Office of Tourism and Development.

“The (QGS) bid came in (almost half a million dollars) above that,” Caum told the commissioners.

District 5 commissioner Jack Mariano brought up the idea of installing grass fields at the park, due to their lower cost, but the idea met opposition from recently appointed Pasco County administrator Michele Baker.

“The specifications (for the fields) are

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being looked at again and can be tightened up,” Baker explained, adding that she thought that the county should go out to bid again to find a contractor to install turf fields. “We still believe that turf fields are the way to go for tourist opportunities.”

By tourist opportunities, Baker means marketing the fields for big sports tournaments. She said that turf was the logical solution because of the amount of wear and tear that type of field can take.

Baker explained that the county is interested in working out a deal with the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) to use the new turf fields for their regular sporting events, as well as the existing grass fields, any time a major lacrosse tournament is not in town.

“The (new) fields have got to be able to withstand the traffic and the heavy use,” Baker said.

“We’ve had problems before with over-use,” Caum said, adding that the two turf fields would collectively cost about $20,000, annually, to maintain. Although grass fields are considerably cheaper, it requires more work to maintain them, with constant reseeding, mowing and the abundant use of fertilizer, which the county is trying to eliminate in an effort to be “greener.”

Caum says that the marketability of the fields is key.

“Turf fields are always green,” he says. “Teams can’t use the fields when there isn’t any grass on them, which is what happens when they are reseeded.

We want the fields to be usable yearround.”

The turf fields’ primary use would be for large lacrosse tournaments, such as the annual Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, which will be held at the park December 29-31.

Pasco purchasing director Scott Stromer says that the county has issued Once Pasco County decides on a contractor, new fields another solicitation for proposals, which will be installed on county-owned land located south of are due by December 10. the Wesley Chapel District Park.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 24 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Tax Collector Fasano To Open Office In Office Building At The Grove

By Matt Wiley By next summer, Wesley Chapel residents may not have to travel tens of miles or into another county (see below) to take care of driver’s license issues and registration renewals, as Pasco’s newest tax collector is looking to open a brand new office in the growing area.

Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) —who was appointed by Florida Governor Rick Scott to take over the position after the June 26 death of longtime Pasco tax collector Mike Olson — plans to open a full-service tax collector’s office in The Pasco tax collector Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping Mike Fasano plaza sometime before July of 2014.

“There really is a great need (for a tax collector’s office),” Fasano says. “The population (in Wesley Chapel) has grown significantly. Mr. Olson previously had an office in Zephyrhills, but had to close it down and never reopened it.”

Fasano says that Olson had considered building a freestanding facility to

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house an office in the area, but noted that it would have cost between $3-$4 million to construct and would have been paid for with excess fees from the tax collectors’ four offices. Instead, he says, his office will lease one of the 8,400-sq.-ft. office buildings in the northeast section of the shopping plaza that will be paid for out of the tax collector’s annual budget. The lease terms are still being worked out. Fasano says that the excess fees that were set aside for constructing a new building will be used to renovate The Grove office space.

Fasano notes that the new location will service between 8,000-11,000 people in the area, employ 25 and even feature Saturday hours. He says that Pasco is the only county in the state with Saturday tax collector office hours. Services throughout the week will include driver’s licenses, vehicle and vessel registrations, hunting licenses and even driving tests. The large amount of parking space around the building also was a draw, Fasano says.

“We’ll be able to provide all of these services to Pasco residents in the hopes that they will no longer have to travel to Hillsborough for the same services, as they have in the past,” Fasano explains.

Before becoming tax collector for Pasco County, Fasano, 55, represented the 36th District in Florida’s House of

Representatives, which consists of New Port Richey and the western-most region of Pasco. He originally was elected in 1994 and served until 2002, before serving in the Florida Senate until 2012. He was reelected to the House in 2012, but resigned to take over as Pasco tax collector after Olson’s death.

Pasco tax collector Mike Fasano plans to lease, renovate and For more info, please open a full-service office in this 8,400-sq.-ft. building in the visit PascoTaxes.com. northeast section of The Grove shopping plaza in Wesley Chapel.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 24 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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W ESLEY C HAPEL Wesley Chapel Man Injures 6 In I-75 DUI Crash

A Wesley Chapel man has been charged with driving under the influence, following a crash on I-75 in which his vehicle struck six people.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), John Hegarty, 47, of Meadow Pointe, was traveling south on I75 in the outside lane, south of the S.R. 56 interchange, in his 2004 BMW sedan.

At the same time, FHP reports, a 1997 Honda Civic was stopped John Hegarty in the outside lane of southbound I-75 with its emergency lights flashing. In front of the Civic was a 1998 Toyota sedan, which had a flat tire. The six occupants of the two vehicles all were outside, between the two cars, while the flat was being changed.

The FHP report states that, as Hegarty approached the vehicles, he tried to switch from the outside lane to the center lane, but lost control of his car. The front of Hegarty’s BMW struck the left rear of the Civic, propelling it into the back of the Toyota.

The colliding vehicles, the report states, struck all six of the pedestrians.

Each sustained varying degrees of serious injuries. Jerrick Vann, 24, Nagy Ferguson, 24, and Kenneth Collins, 19, were transported to Tampa General, while Brittany Vaughn, 19, Erica Berry, 22, and a 17year-old were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

Hegarty was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.10 and was charged with felony DUI with serious bodily injury, driving with a suspended license with knowledge of it being suspended, failing to drive in a designated lane and violating business-purposes-only restrictions on his driver’s license. Hegarty also admitted to deputies that he took two Xanax pills prior to the incident. At our press time, he was still being held at the Pasco County Jail.

Tampa Man Busted Stealing

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News Briefs

Fuel In Wesley Chapel

A man is in custody after being caught stealing fuel with fraudulent credit card information in Wesley Chapel, authorities say.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Carlos A. Gonzalez, 54, of Tampa, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. on November 5 at the Sam’s Club on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. Due to a high frequency of recent fuel theft at the Sam’s Club’s gas station pumps, a Carlos Gonzalez deputy was conducting surveillance at the time of the offense, along with a Sam’s Club asset protection manager.

The deputy explained that just after 10 a.m., Gonzalez pulled up to a Sam’s Club pump in a 1994 Ford F-150 truck. Minutes before, the deputy received information from another local law enforcement agency about the same vehicle having been used in a fuel theft at a Clearwater Sam’s Club the day before.

By watching live surveillance footage, the manager was able to observe Gonzalez swiping multiple credit cards at the pump, which took approximately 16 minutes.

Upon leaving the pumps, deputies pulled Gonzalez over, at which time, PCSO reports, he dropped two Walmart gift cards in an effort to conceal them. An additional gift card was found in his wallet.

The PCSO report says that, with the help of the U.S. Secret Service, it was discovered that the gift cards had been encoded with stolen Chase Bank credit card information from customers in Washington state. PCSO also found a Sam’s Club membership card with information matching one of the stolen credit cards.

The report also states that Gonzalez had pumped more than 90 gallons of fuel into a makeshift “bladder” fuel tank not approved for use by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Gonzalez was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal use of identification, three counts of obtaining fuel fraudulently, unlawful conveyance of fuel and fraudulent use of a credit card. He has since

been released from the Land O’Lakes Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. No additional information was available at our press time.

WCH Student Brings Machete To School

Giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “having a trick up his sleeve,” a Wesley Chapel High (WCH) student has been arrested for allegedly concealing a machete in his pant-leg.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), a 16-year-old student was arrested on November 4 for showing other students a 2.5-ft.-long machete that he was carrying on the inside of his pants.

The PCSO report states that the student pulled up his pants, showed the blade to other students and asked, “Now you want to mess with me?” The student then left the campus, which triggered a modified lockdown of not only WCH, but also Wesley Chapel Elementary and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, which also are located on the same Wells Rd. campus.

The student was arrested at his home in the nearby Bridgewater community and charged with possession of a weapon on school campus and disruption of a school function.

Pasco County School District (PCSD) spokesperson Linda Cobbe says that in situations in which a student brings a weapon to school, the punishment that follows usually is suspension and a recommendation for expulsion. She notes that it doesn’t seem as though the incident was a result of bullying.

dence on Drexel Rd. in Land O’Lakes.

Witnesses told deputies that Powellswerved back and forth through the yard, striking a Ford pickup truck, and then backed up and drove straight into his girlfriend, Brandy Butler, with the front of his vehicle. Butler was propelled backward several feet and struck her head on the pavement.

While she lay on the shoulder of the road, witnesses told deputies that Powell drove toward her several times. Butler told PCSO deputies that she thought Powell was trying to kill her.

PCSO reports that the incident stemmed from an earlier argument between Powell and Butler, who told him that she did not want to leave the party with him.

Butler was transported to the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson and diagnosed with a concussion.

Powell was arrested on charges of attempted murder and was still in custody at the Land O’Lakes Detention Center at our press time in lieu of a $150,000 bond.

Wing Walker Dies During Festival Of Flight

An entertainer who walked on the wings of airplanes miles over the heads of spectators has died following an accident during a local air show.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Mark Curto, 62, died after falling off the wing of a World War II-era biplane during a stunt, as part of the inaugural Festival of Flight at the Tampa North Aero Park on S.R. 54 in Lutz (just west of Wesley Chapel) on October 19.

Wesley Chapel Man Runs Curto’s parachute did not deploy and Over Girlfirend At Party his body landed in the backyard of a home A party turned violent after a Wesley on McBrine Ct. in the Grand Oaks comChapel man drove his car through a group munity, located across S.R. 54 from the of people outside of a home in Land single-runway airport. The pilot landed O’Lakes, hitting his girlfriend. safely back at the festival.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Kathleen Bergen of the Federal Avia(PCSO) reports that just tion Administration (FAA) says that the after midnight on October accident is still under investigation.

27, Clayton Wayne Cody No additional information was availPowell, 20, of the Angus able at our press time, but please also see Valley area of Wesley page 3 for information about why we didChapel, drove a 1998 n’t include the information about Curto’s Ford Crown Victoria tragic death in our cover story last issue. through the yard of a resi- Clayton Powell — Matt Wiley

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 24 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Sparkling Beauty Red Hatters — The Sparkling Beauties, a chapter of the Red Hat Society (a global networking group of women age 50 & older), are enjoying life to the fullest in the pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom and fulfillment.

For info, call Queen Diamond at 907-1431 or email IamretJudy@aol.com.

November 2013

Monday, November 25

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) — ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.).

For more info, call Brad Benson at 973-1814.

Free Networking International (FNI) — FNI, a group of area business owners, meets Mondays for networking and discussion at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For info, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Professional Business Connections (PBC) — PBC meets Mondays at 8 a.m. at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lex. Oaks Blvd.). For info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860.

Tuesday, November 26

Business Networking International (BNI) — BNI, a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified referrals, meets Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m., at Heritage Church (1854 Oak Grove Blvd., off S.R. 54, in Land O’Lakes).

For more info, email Tim at Tim@TampaHomes24-7.com.

East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) — EPNG meets every Tuesday, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza).

For more info, call Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or e-mail Frankie@studioglory.com.

Wednesday, November 27

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday, 12:15 p.m., at Ciao! Italian Bistro (2001 Piazza Ave., in the Shops at Wiregrass mall).

For more info, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Thursday, November 28

Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot - Thanksgiving morning at 7:30 a.m. is the perfect time to take part in the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s Turkey Trot at the Shops at Wiregrass Mall. The event will feature a timed 5k race and 1-mile “fun run.”Proceeds from the race will go toward Feeding America of Tampa Bay and other local charities. For more info, please visit WiregrassWobbleTurkeyTrot.com Networking For Your Success — The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8:30 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd, off S.R. 54). For more information call 973-1657.

Friday, November 29

WC Sunrise Rotary Club — The WC Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7:15 a.m., at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For info, call Lynne Morgan at 695-6466.

Saturday, November 30

Florida Writers Association — The Florida Writers Association (FWA) of New Tampa/Wesley Chapel is a FREE group that meets the first Saturday of each month, 10 a.m., at the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Presentation topics include editing, marketing, op-

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tions for publishing, navigating social media and more. For more information, email Cindy at Cindy.Campbell@ OmnificPublishing.com.

December 2013

Monday, December 2

‘Wesley Chapel Speaks’ ToastMasters — The “Wesley Chapel Speaks” ToastMasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, 6:15 p.m., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetings are open to all interested parties.

For more information, call David West at 610-1650 or visit WesleyChapel Speaks.ToastMastersClubs.org.

Friday, December 6

Women-N-Charge - Join the vibrant ladies of Women-N-Charge at 11:30 a.m. at Pebble Creek Country Club. The meeting will be the group’ annual Christmas/Holiday party with a $10 gift exchange. Share your talents, build relationships, and share your resources with other women in business. The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting) and $18 for all guests (and members paying Wednesday and after)..

For info, visit Women-N-Charge.com or e-mail Admin@Women-N-Charge.com.

Tuesday, December 9

Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) — MOPS is a non-profit group for building friendships between mothers of infants to kindergarteners in the local community. MOPS meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9:30 a.m., at Victorious Life Church (6224 Old Pasco Rd.).

For info, email Debbie at VLCMops@yahoo.com.

Saturday, December 14

Ladies’ Christmas Tea - The ladies of Water’s Edge Community Church (30200 Overpass Rd.) invite women from Wesley Chapel to their Christmas Tea from 10 a.m. to noon.

If interested, please RSVP with Patty by calling 528-8565 by Tuesday, December 9.

Tuesday, December 17

‘Networking On The Nines’ — “Networking on the Nines,” put on by Insurance New Tampa, is a great way to meet new friends and clients or strengthen existing relationships, while playing a 9-hole scramble on the third Tuesday of every month at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lex. Oaks Blvd.), 3 p.m. Call Susan at 435-6350 for info.

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Seven Oaks Pet Hospital Offers Traditional & Holistic Treatments For Your Pets

By John Majeski Pet owners place an abundance of trust in their veterinarians when sickness or injury strikes their four-legged friends.

No one locally understands this more, perhaps, than Dr. Sree Reddy, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), of Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, located on S.R. 56 (in the same plaza as Café Fresco). His compassion – and passion – for animals is apparent after chatting for just a few moments with the local veterinarian.

“I love doing this,” he says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I don’t think of this as a job.”

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, which Dr. Reddy opened in 2007, is a one-stop facility, providing not only medical care, but surgical care, too, for a variety of household pets. The S.R. 56 facility provides basic services such as checkups, inoculations, blood, urine and feces tests and laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive technique that places a camera in the abdomen through a small incision), as well as unique, holistic services ranging from acupuncture to anesthesia-free dental care.

New Technologies, New Vet

Improving and expanding the services and technology offered at Seven Oaks is of great importance to Dr. Reddy, who says “state-of-the-art” is not some empty description of his business.

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This year, for example, Seven Oaks began utilizing ultrasound technology.

This imaging technique records echoes of ultrasonic waves, allowing the vet staff to see the internal structure of an animal.

“We use it for a lot of different diagnostic purposes,” Dr. Reddy says. “We have saved quite a few lives (using ultrasound).”

Ultrasound also is helpful in evaluating abdominal organs, conditions related to the heart, as well as diagnosing cysts and cancers. Ultrasound is different from X-rays, which may pose radiation risks and are best used for examining more dense structures, such as bone.

And, just a couple of months ago, Seven Oaks also began offering laser therapy. This holistic, non-invasive technique stimulates cells and tissues to bring about healing. Dr. Reddy says it can treat everything from intervertebral disc disease to dermatological disorders.

In addition to new technologies, Seven Oaks Pet Hospital has a new face in the office. Dr. Kathryn Smith-Gunning, DVM, was brought in to work with the team, which also includes Dr. Lisa Clifford, DVM; and hospital director Jennifer Pullara. While Dr. Smith-Gunning was not in the office during this writer’s visit to Seven Oaks, Dr. Reddy says she is specially trained in canine rehabilitation and acupuncture.

“She has more than 25 years of expe-

rience,” he says.

Patients Near & Far

Most of Seven Oaks Pet Hospital’s patients are from the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

However, some come from as far away as Clearwater and Spring Hill for holistic treatments, like acupuncture. A few clients even have traveled from Ocala and Riverview for la- Dr. Sree Reddy (right) & Dr. Lisa Clifford give Frankie the golden lab his fourth acupuncture treatment, one of the many holistic medical paroscopic surgery, treatments offered at Seven Oaks Pet Hospital on S.R. 56. says Pullara. ian in Iowa and Clearwater prior to openThat’s because, according to Dr. ing Seven Oaks.

Reddy, Seven Oaks is the only vet facility Choosing Wesley Chapel has been a in the Sunshine State that offers single good decision, he says. port laparoscopic surgery.

“I’ve seen S.R. 56 grow right in front “Other offices offer multiple-port laparoscopic surgery,” Dr. Reddy says. “No- of me,” he says. “There was no Shops at Wiregrass Mall when I opened. Since body else does (single port) and we’ve 2007, I haven’t felt any downturn of the been doing it here since 2009.”

Dr. Reddy started his veterinary edu- economy that the rest of the country was cation in his native India, graduating from facing. Being in Wesley Chapel, we just the College of Veterinary Medicine in Hy- saw (our business) grow and grow.”

The way he sees it, being a veterinarderabad, before coming to the U.S. and ian is the best position a man of medicine earning his Master’s degree in veterinary microbiology from Tuskegee University in can have. On any given day, Dr. Reddy says, he may have an acupuncture apTuskegee, AL. He worked as a veterinar-

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cat, and we didn’t want to.”

So they didn’t. One of the Seven Oaks vets volunteered to perform the necessary surgery and now this “clinic kitty” lives at the hospital, where he currently is groomed to look like a lion.

“And he has a good life,” Dr. Reddy says.

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital also is a fixture in the community. Dr. Reddy and his staff assist local animal organizations such as Greyhound Rescue & Dr. Reddy says that Frankie has shown great improvement since he began acupuncture therapy Adoptions of Tampa Bay and Labrador for a neurological disorder that prevented him Retriever Rescue of Florida by providfrom being able to walk straight and being able ing at-cost services for their animals.

For Spay Pasco, they help with the to hold up his head. group’s mission for “pretty much free,” pointments in the morning, a bladder sursays Dr. Reddy. gery after that, some checkups later on Dr. Reddy also often participates in and a dental procedure in the afternoon. the Great American Teach-In, volunteer“I’ve become an acupuncturist, a raing to speak about veterinary careers at diologist, a surgeon and a dentist,” he schools such as Clark Elementary in New says. “It’s very satisfying. Every day, Tampa and Dr. John Long Middle and there’s a variety.”

Seven Oaks Elementary schools in Wesley ‘Kennel-side’ Manner Chapel.

About 60 percent of the animals seen The business has attracted a loyal folat Seven Oaks are dogs, 35 percent cats lowing with folks such as New Tampa resiand the remaining 5 percent are a jumble dent Michaeleen Peterson, who says she of others, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and started bringing her dogs Lexi and Sophie an occasional turtle. One former patient is to Seven Oaks about a year ago. Another now a mascot of sorts. vet had suggested surgery for a hip issue in “We have our own ‘clinic cat’ named one of her dogs, but Peterson wanted a Dunkin,” Dr. Reddy says. “Dunkin had a second opinion. After meeting with Dr. bladder stone and (the owner) wanted us Reddy, her decision was to try acupuncto euthanize the cat. He is such a beautiful ture and other non-invasive techniques.

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“And, they were able to fix the problem,” Peterson says.

Peterson adds that Seven Oaks is always, “very clean, the same few veterinarians are always there so you get to know them and they offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings – eliminating owners’ concerns about something happening when pets “go under.”

“I really can’t speak highly enough of this place,” she says.

Seven Oaks Pet Hospital is located at 27227 S.R. 56, in the Cypressview Square shopping center, which is between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The office can be reached at 929-4100 or at SevenOaksPet.com

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15

Jeffrey Blank Of WSICA Can Breathe New Life Into Your Computer!

By Matt Wiley The dread and terror that come with the spinning hourglass icon, followed by a blue screen, when using a Windows-based personal computer are the things of nightmares that can make even Freddy Krueger himself squirm. Instead of screaming your lungs out and shaking your computer screen, there is a simple solution right here in New Tampa.

Slow start-up times, networking issues, getting rid of viruses, spyware and malware, as well as general computer maintenance, are the specialties of Jeffrey Blank’s WSICA (We Save Individuals Computer Assistance), which started offering computer services in our area nearly two years ago.

“The business has been growing,” Blank says. In fact, he says that his business, which he started from scratch in the New Tampa area after moving to Grand Hampton (located off of County Line Rd.) from Vernon, NJ, in 2011, has close to 100 customers, or about triple the amount of people who took advantage of WSICA’s services at this time last year.

However, in addition to the time he has been working on computers in New Tampa, Blank also has more than 25 years of experience in the industry that he gathered while taking care of more than 600

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customers in Vernon. And, it actually all started as a hobby.

Blank says that he would help friends and neighbors with their computer issues before his wife Laura suggested that he begin a part-time business. Eventually, it became full-time, which he hopes it will one day become here in New Tampa, too.

One thing Blank says that he has noticed in the past year is resistance from many of his customers to use the latest Windows operating system, Windows 8, which completely changed its look when it was released in the fall of 2012.

One of the new services that Blank has been offering customers who have been feeling overwhelmed by the new look and maneuverability of Windows 8 is installing a program that helps take away some of the anxiety.

Blank says that he has been installing “Classic Shell” for people who are running Windows 8. The “shell” program makes the new operating system look more like Windows 7, which had a more “classic” Windows look. The shell program is offered for free online and allows users to tweak settings over time and decide how many of the new Windows 8 features they want to use.

“This lets them move to Windows 8 more gradually,” Blank explains.

Although he is familiar with software

for Apple computers, too, Blank says that his Apple services, which he did previously offer, have really gone by the wayside, due to a lack of customers calling him with issues with the computers and the difficulty of working on Apple hardware. “(Apple) intentionally builds (its products) to make them nearly unserviceable, so you really have to bring them to Apple,” he says.

In addition to the few, if any, Apple computer issues he sees, Blank says that he also has seen a sharp decrease in the amount of internet networking and wireless issues than he has in the past.

“Because wireless Internet has beJeffrey Blank of WSICA can get your come so big and people rely on it so computer back up and running smoothly. much, companies are making routers that pretty much self-install,” Blank explains.

Blank handles all of the repairs and “So, those problems are really starting to maintenance for his growing customer fade, but malware problems are definitely base, while Laura manages the phones still growing.” and ensures that customers get a quick Blank attributes the rise in “malware” call back about any issues, no matter how — or “malicious software” known to small the problem. In fact, even though cause viruses and disrupt the way a comWSICA charges $75 per hour for most reputer operates — to malware writers and pairs, Blank will answer questions free of creators getting smarter and writing procharge once you become his customer. grams that are more difficult to combat. “(My customers) like that,” Blank “You’ve got to keep a good anti-virus says. “They don’t have to sit on hold with program installed (and updated) on your a call center in another country for an excomputer,” Blank says. “And, the all-imtended period of time to get a simple portant thing to remember is to always question answered.” back-up all of your information.”

Another benefit of using WSICA is

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not having to pack up the computer and take it to a shop to get worked on. Blank says he will visit his customers’ homes or businesses and will do most repairs onsite, unless, of course, the issue is something that will take several hours.

For example, he explains that loading software is what takes the longest and that if a system has to be completely reloaded on any computer, it may be a situation where he would continue to work on the computer from home.

Blank explains that he will advise the customer whether or not their computer should be replaced, instead of repaired.

“If you’re not sure, I’ll let you know,” Blank says. “I don’t sell comput-

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ers, so I don’t benefit from you replacing the one you have.”

Cathy C., of Zephyrhills, found out how helpful WSICA can be when her computers began to not run smoothly.

“I'm so glad that I found WSICA,” she says. “I was having problems on my laptop and my desktop computers. I took them to another business twice and they couldn't fix the problems. I saw a WSICA ad and called. Jeff fixed both problems in a few hours.”

Tired of your computer running slowly? Give WSICA a call at 9734507 or send an email to WSICA@ WSICA.com. For more information, you also can visit WSICA.com.

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19

Trust Your Eyes To Dr. David Scamard’s Eye Care Professionals On S.R. 54!

By Gary Nager I have known Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) David Scamard since he opened his first optical office — known as Eyedeal Optical — on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa in 2002.

Although he sold that original practice and has since opened and closed another office (the Eyeglass Factory & Showroom) on S.R. 54 in Lutz (only about a mile west of where S.R. 54 meets S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel), “Dr. Dave,” as I like to call him, moved his office a couple of blocks further west, in the Eagle Plaza at the intersection of S.R. 54 and Oak Grove Blvd.

The new office is called Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay, LLC, which has been open since April of this year and celebrated its Grand Opening with a Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce ribboncutting ceremony on August 17. The Grand Opening event featured great food from Walmart and Wright’s Gourmet House & Market and great music by Los Dos, as well as outstanding raffle prizes with all raffle proceeds benefitting both the Wounded Warriors Project & the USO. “We opened this new office with the intention of making it more of a doctor’s office and less of a showroom, although we obviously also still have a showroom

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with a great variety of designer frames for eyeglasses and sunglasses here, too.”

In fact, Eye Care Professionals’ eyeglass sales rep Kay Edwards says that, for the remainder of the year, the office is having a great end-of-the-year sale, with up to 70-percent-off select designer frames.

“We carry most of the biggest names, including Vera Wang, Callaway, Gucci, Silhouette, Bebe, Marc Ecko and many more,” Kay says.

Outstanding Optical Service

Despite the impressive, larger showroom, Dr. Scamard says the focus at the Eye Care Professionals is on outstanding optical services.

Scamard, a Tampa native who attended the University of South Florida but earned his B.S. in Vision Science and his O.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, is a great health care professional who always has a winning smile and always shows compassion for his patients both young and old.

“One of the things we hear all the time from our patients is how much more comfortable the new office is,” Scamard says. Receptionist Sonya Brogdon, who always greets each patient with a smile, adds, “Our ‘dilation lounge,’ which is more softly lit for the comfort of our patients whose eyes have been dilated for their eye

Although the office has been open since April of this year, Dr. David Scamard, O.D., and his friendly, professional staff celebrated the official Grand Opening of Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay, located in the Eagle Plaza on S.R. 54 in Lutz, with a Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on August 17. exam, features two big-screen TVs and we Among the services provided by Dr. always have coffee and other refreshments Scamard and Eye Care Professionals are available. We’ve had many patients actueye health examinations, including physially fall asleep in there because it’s so recals for sports teams, contact lenses, pedilaxing,” Sonya says. atric and geriatric eye care, sports vision, As if on cue, someone waiting for a diabetic eye exams, dry eye and allergic patient in the lounge was indeed asleep as eye care, low vision rehabilitation, vision I left the office. therapy and lasik evaluations.

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“We’re a full-service optometric office,” says Scamard, whose sister Kelly is the office’s insurance specialist who can help answer your insurance questions.

“We hope people who live in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel will realize we’re only a few miles from them and will come to see us in our new office.”

For appointments with Dr. David Scamard and more information about Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay (24412 S.R. 54, Lutz), call 949-7274.

The office is open Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sat. And, see the ad on page 23 of this issue for a coupon for $20 off a comprehensive eye exam at Eyecare Professionals.

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Dr. Scamard uses state-of-the-art equipment to give his patients through eye exams.

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23

Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Opens ‘Arrangement Center’

By Kathleen Schiop One of the most traumatizing events in our lives is the loss of a loved one. No matter how emotionally prepared we think we are, it’s still difficult to reconcile with never having that person in our lives again, which is why making funeral arrangements for our family members who have passed can be so difficult. Finding the right people to guide you through those always emotional decisions can be challenging, and with more and more choices available, also confusing.

This is where the Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services (FMFC) “Arrangement Center” in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (a mile south of the Pasco County line) can help. Unlike the many corporate-owned funeral homes in the Tampa Bay area, FMFC is a local, familyowned business which has been providing compassionate, comprehensive and reasonably priced funeral and secure cremation services in the Tampa Bay area for more than a quarter of a century.

Long-time New Tampa resident John Loyless is the owner of not only FMFC (which also is the name of his original location in Seminole Heights, which opened in 1987), but also of the Loyless Funeral Home on U.S. 41 in Land O’Lakes, which opened in 1994.

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Loyless stresses to local residents that the New Tampa location of FMFC, which opened in August of this year, is only an “Arrangement Center,” where you can go and see all of the services his company can offer at his three locations, even though no burials, cremations or memorial services will ever be held at the BBD location.

A Little History

Loyless says that he was motivated to make mortuary service his career choice while in college. “I graduated from the University of South Florida,” he says, “and I took a part-time job while in school at a funeral home in Tampa, where the father of one of my good friends was a funeral director.” When he graduated from USF, Loyless then earned an A.S. degree in Mortuary Science from MiamiDade College, before returning to his native Tampa. He served his state-required, one-year internship with another local mortuary before opening his first FMFC on N. Nebraska Ave. in 1987.

“There are no funeral homes in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel at all, so having a local office close by is convenient for the residents here,” he says, adding that one of the major differences between FMFC and most other funeral homes in the Tampa Bay area is that his business is completely locally owned and operated — as are all of his facilities needed for things

like the embalming or secure cremation of your loved one’s remains. He believes that the BBD Arrangement Center, with its tasteful and calming environment, can make a significant difference in the quality of care New Tampa-area residents and their family members receive from his company.

“People in New Tampa know me as a neighbor and a friend,” says Loyless, who has lived with his family in Hunter’s Green since the early 1990s. “That allows me to New Tampa resident John Loyless is the owner of the Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services give them a more personal experience in helping with arrangements “Arrangement Center” in the Pebble Creek Collection. for their loved ones who have transfer the body if the deceased already passed.” owns a burial plot in another part of Florida or even another state.

Changing With The Times “In other words, all of our services Loyless says that the funeral/mortucan be arranged right here,” he says. He ary business has changed substantially adds that the State of Florida strictly reguover the last several years. “More people, lates the mortuary business, “So, even by far, are selecting cremation than burial though we don’t handle bodies or cremathese days, whereas only 10 years or so tions here at the Arrangement Center, ago, most people were still burying their this facility is still a fully-licensed funeral loved ones,” he says. home, as if we were doing everything At the Arrangement Center, an here.”

FMFC representative can show you a variAs an example, a family may decide ety of cremation urns and other vessels, as to do everything in-house at any of the well as videos and brochures of everythree FMFC-owned locations (Loyless thing from caskets to where the company has five other licensed morticians and a buries those who choose traditional burial total staff of about 30, making FMFC and other options, such as being able to one of the largest independent mortuary

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companies in the Tampa Bay area). Or, they can choose to use only FMFC’s embalming or crematory services and then hold their memorial service at their church or even at a club where they are a member.

“Our Seminole Heights location is the only licensed on-site crematory in Tampa,” he says, adding that even with a cremation, FMFC can rent a casket to those who want a traditional viewing of the body or wish to hold a memorial service with the body present before cremating the remains.

Although the FMFC Arrangement Center in Pebble Creek has only been open a short time, Loyless notes, “We’ve already had a family who lives in Pebble Creek who did a memorial service at St. Mark Church on Cross Creek Blvd. who had made pre-arrangements with our Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’Lakes, but ended up finalizing all of their arrangements here at the Arrangement Center. It made everything a lot more convenient for them.”

A testimonial written by the Larson family of New Tampa says, “The funeral directors are compassionate, detailed, considerate, intelligent, helpful, professionally dressed and timely. The staff is trained well and works well together. The funeral home (Loyless) itself is well kept with a nice décor and the ceremony was tailored to meet our needs. Loyless Funeral Home provided a positive experience during this

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sad and difficult time.”

Loyless says, “We are always conscious of the family’s budget and other needs and because we can do everything in-house, we usually are more cost-effective than our competition,” he says, noting that a mortuary which has a large parent company located in another state dictating things like costs of services usually doesn’t allow the local funeral home the option of reducing costs based upon need. FMFC also can handle arrangements for people of any religion and has connections with many local churches, temples, etc., as well as access to grief counselors, local hospice organizations, probate attorneys, flowers and more.

According to Loyless, only about 10 percent of families these days already have prearranged funeral/mortuary services.

“Certainly, the passing of some people may be completely unexpected,” he says. “But, some people have trouble making those plans for a loved one in advance, even when they know the end is inevitable. We do appreciate the people who make their arrangements ahead of time, but whenever you know you need the services we provide, we’ll still make sure everything gets taken care of properly.”

He adds, “We never want you to feel like you just sign a contract and that’s all we do. We always follow up with every family we serve to make sure they were satisfied with our services. We strive to provide the finest, most compassionate

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care to each and every family we serve.”

A Family Name You Know

Loyless has been married for 27 years to his wife Starr, who also works for the company in the Seminole Heights location, as does their older daughter Brittni, who graduated from Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee. Younger daughter Alexia also graduated from FSU and is starting medical school in May. Both girls attended Hunter’s Green Elementary, Louis Benito Middle School and Paul R. Wharton High and the Loyless family belongs to Hunter’s Green Country Club, where John plays as much golf as he has time for, although he says he also enjoys fishing in his spare time.

Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services proudly serves families in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Polk counties and provides secure cremations to families throughout the Tampa Bay area at its three locations — which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: The FMFC Arrangement Center at 19651 BBD Blvd., Suite E-2 (call 9917500); the FMFC Main Office, Crematory & Chapel (4601 N. Nebraska Ave., 237-2900); and Loyless Funeral Home (5310 Land O’Lakes Blvd., 996-6610).

Visit FloridaMortuary.net for a comprehensive list of all available services, including special services offered for U.S. military veterans.

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North Tampa Behavioral Health Holds Grand Opening With Wesley Chapel Chamber

By Lauren Saslow The 6’-6” former All-Star baseball player, Darryl Strawberry — now age 51 — is known to fans because of his impressive 16-year career as a right-fielder and power hitter for four Major League Baseball teams: the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. However, Strawberry’s professional career was often overshadowed by his struggle with alcohol, drug abuse and multiple arrests.

Strawberry spoke at the Grand Opening and joint ribbon cutting with the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) and the Central Pasco Chamber of North Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH), located on S.R. 56, two miles east of the Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel, on Oct. 24.

The former player was on hand at the Chamber event to speak in support of the new psychiatric hospital.

“The disease (co-occurring mental illness and addiction) is real,” Strawberry’s voice resonated through the brand new gymnasium of the facility.

“We’re here to help people get well.

That’s the most important thing. Today is a great day for this community and for this [NTBH] team....When [patients] walk through that door, our number one goal is to get them well.”

After years of treatment for his own addictions and suicidal tendencies in multiple treatment centers, Strawberry told

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those in attendance at the ribbon-cutting that he now focuses his life on his “Strawberry Ministries” with his wife, Tracy, as they both are now ordained ministers, as well as recovering addicts, in St. Peters, MO. The Strawberrys also created the Darryl & Tracy Strawberry Christian Recovery Program, which has three locations, including one in Orlando, and they both travel extensively to speak to others about empowering their lives through the process of change.

A State-Of-The-Art Facility

Open since October 1, and functioning as the only psychiatric hospital in eastern Pasco County, the 53,000-sq.-ft.

NTBH facility offers inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care and mobile assessment services (a team that can travel into the community and provide assessment and referral services, as well as issue a “Baker Act” (see below), if necessary, to adult and geriatric patients in the surrounding region. The 75 inpatient beds at NTBH are evenly divided among three separate wings, which provide treatment to adults and seniors with mental health and co-occurring issues, such as an addiction. Currently, only one wing is in use, but another can be opened if the need arises, based upon the number of patients at the facility.

In general, inpatient treatment at NTBH targets the needs of adults and seniors suffering from disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),

postpartum depression, severe grief, severe anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, early dementia, depression and other serious illnesses, which often are accompanied by a co-occurring addiction. The outpatient wing at NTBH, which can serve more than 30 patients, has its own separate entrance, parking lot and also can provide transportation to and from treatment.

NTBH’s medical staff consists of several psychiatrists, including medical director Barkat Khan, M.D., who previously served as medical director of the North Tampa Behavioral Health CEO Jim Harris (left) was proud to have former big-league baseball star Darryl Senior Behavioral Care Unit at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills; di- Strawberry speak at the joint Wesley Chapel & Central rector of nursing Denise Mont- Pasco Chamber ribbon cutting event at NTBH on Oct. 24. gomery; director of clinical patient placement (IIP), and involuntary services Angela Jack, and internist outpatient placement (IOP), all of which Salman Ahmed, M.D., as well as hospimay be initiated by court order, by a law talists Krishna Tewari, M.D., and Moenforcement order or by a physician, hammad Munir, M.D., who also work at clinical psychologist, psychiatric nurse or area hospitals, including Florida Hospital clinical social worker.

Zephyrhills, and Pasco Regional Medical The Marchman Act, on the other Center in Dade City. . hand, is a Florida Statute that enables Patients may be admitted to NTBH family members to obtain assistance for a voluntarily or through the Baker or the loved one who is unwilling to seek subMarchman Act. The Baker Act ( also stance-abuse services voluntarily. NTBH known as the Florida Mental Health chief executive officer Jim Harris says Act) is a Florida Statute which provides that oftentimes, the patient’s insurance legal procedures for mental health examiwill pay for his or her treatment or panation and treatment, including voluntients may pay out-of-pocket. tary admission by the patient, If admitted under the Baker or involuntary examination, involuntary in-

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Marchman Act and insured, a patient’s insurance company can, in many cases, be billed for the treatment, Harris explains. However, insured or not, NTBH will treat patients brought to the facility under the Acts.

Safety & Comfort

At the opening event, Harris, who is originally from Philadelphia and is a graduate of the Fordham University School of Social Services in New York City — said that he has a vision for the new hospital to be a safe haven for patients while also creating a “warm, welcoming, non-institutional feel.” He says that the decision to open NTBH in Wesley Chapel originated years ago, due to the lack of mental-health services in the surrounding areas. NTBH’s central location off S.R. 56, near Bruce B. Downs Blvd., I-75 and I-275, allows it to help patients in Pasco, as well as Hillsborough, Hernando and Polk counties.

Although the facility is not yet a completely finished product, it is evident that the design, engineering and construction were considered with extreme attention to detail. Harris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), explains that there is, “a fine line between comfort and the safety of our patients,” but that the facility was constructed to minimize the patients’ ability to harm themselves or others. NTBH offers an environment conducive to comfort, without compromising health and safety.”

After the WCCC ribbon-cutting ceremony — which included a smorgas-

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bord of food prepared in NTBH’s enormous kitchen — visitors were offered a tour of the open areas of the facility. It is apparent when you walk through the front doors into the lobby that the lobby’s stone tile and the unit’s wood laminate flooring, wood grain doors, and warm color palette all contribute to an inviting ambiance for patients and their families.

Harris says the ceilings were built intentionally high for a more airy, open feel. Additionally, dozens of large, framed nature photographs line the walls of the hallways, each specifically selected because of their calming effects. The on-site gymnasium, painted a shade of muted green, is available for patients to contribute to their physical health, creating a more holistic approach to their recovery.

The unit lobbies also are a muted sea green, offering a comforting environment so that patients are not distract ed from their treatment. Three separate group rooms and an outdoor patio are available for patients to meet for therapy, recreational activities and psychoeducational training, during which mental health professionals help patients learn to cope with their diagnosed illnesses.

The safety of the building is clear both inside and outside of the facility.

Twelve-foot-high fences surround the premises, and multiple layers of magnetic locks secure each wing from interior to exterior doors. Every piece of furniture in each patient’s room is screwed to 20gauge metal plates behind the furniture in the walls.

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Dozens of Wesley Chapel and Central Pasco Chamber members helped North Tampa Behavioral Health CEO Jim Harris (with scissors) cut the ribbon on our area’s first-ever mental health residence, located on S.R. 56.

Even the potential for a patient to attempt to hang themselves or “tie off ” anywhere in the rooms or bathrooms has been minimized: the window shades are rip-resistant and cordless, the shower curtains are Velcroed from the top, no plumbing is exposed and vents are secured shut. The doors swing in and out to prevent patients from being able to barricade themselves in their rooms.

Harris says that every detail of the design and engineering has the safety and security of the patients in mind.

NTBH community liaison Deborah Densmore agrees. She explains, “(Harris) really cares about the well-being of (NTBH) patients. He walks the unit himself every day and regularly talks with

the patients asking them about their concerns or suggestions.”

Architect Stephanie Pielich (an American Institute of Architects & Construction Documents Technologist) of Nashville, TN, is credited as the leader of the Johnson Johnson Crabtree Architects (JJCA) team for the project, while the DeAngelis Diamond Healthcare Group (DDHG), under the supervision of superintendent Billy Hawkins, is credited for NTBH’s construction. Both companies specialize in medical facilities.

For additional information about North Tampa Behavioral Health (29910 S.R. 56, east of Mansfield Blvd.), please call 922-3300 or visit NorthTampaBehavioralHealth.com.

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Great Food & Prices Make City Grill Wesley Chapel’s Best New Eatery!

By Gary Nager The hardest thing, for me, about being the dining reviewer for this publication is trying to say enough nice things about places I don’t really love to fill a full-length feature. But, as those who have read me for any period of time surely know, the best and easiest part of this job is telling you as much as I can — with both pictures and words — about independently owned restaurants in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel that have delicious food, especially when they also offer great value for the money.

Therefore, the only real challenge for me about telling you the food story about the new City Grill, located on S.R. 54 in the Wesley Chapel Village Market (at the corner of Bruce B. Downs [BBD} Blvd.), was making sure I had enough room, both for assistant editor Matt Wiley’s great photos of City Grill’s truly outstanding cuisine (created by chef Kasia Lavigne) and for the ebullient words with which I planned to describe this unique eatery.

Many in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area have fond memories of Winners

Grill. Winners was a busy sports bar and grill at the same location in the Village Market.

Despite its popularity, Winners founder Gerry Malynowsky sold the Wesley Chapel location in 2008 and repossessed it in 2013. Given the state of the business and lack of upkeep The delicious new City Grill in the Wesley Chapel Village Market (S.R. 54 at BBD) features preparations for when he took it back grouper you won’t find anyplace else in our area, like the Tuscan and Mediterranean options pictured here. over, Gerry and Kasia decided it was better to Other fish preparation options include plest items so far have been incredible. start with a fresh concept instead of trying the “Big City” (my next to try, it’s baked But if, like me, you’ve been looking to save the bruised image Winners got from and topped with lobster and crab and a and hoping for something more than just his predecessors. sherry-spiked cream sauce over linguine), “pub food,” like truly fresh, local grouper What he has created is an attractive, Asian, Creole gumbo and “drunken,” all for or freshwater tilapia with your choice of difsomewhat upscale mix of sports bar and just $14 for grouper or $12 for tilapia. ferent sauces and spectacular sides, you can grill, pub and family restaurant. “There is lit- do “Fishing Your Way” six different ways at Craving a great steak? City Grill offers erally something for everyone here,” he says. three different cuts, each prepared with any City Grill, including my two favorites so far, For example, although City Grill isn’t of four different sauces. To the left on this the Mediterranean and the Tuscan. a true “sports bar,” it does offers plenty of page are City Grill’s tender, terrific, chimiThe Mediterranean style is a 5-1/2-oz.

TVs, plus dart boards and a pool table. If churri-style 8-oz., against-the-grain flank thick cut of fresh grouper, grilled and you’re looking for wings and burgers, steak ($12) and the truly spectacular 8-oz. topped with diced garlic tomatoes, pothey’re on the new menu and even the simhangar steak ($14) with “mushrooming” modoro sauce, and parsley basil pesto with sauce, which is topped with a zesty truffled mashed potatoes. The Tuscan style is herb crusted in a robust caper-tomato sauce, with See “City Grill” on page 31. roasted garlic and fresh basil over linguini. Both melt in your mouth and the sauces couldn’t be more spot-on.

Two of our editor’s favorite steaks at City Grill are the chimichurri flank steak (left), with a side of grilled shrimp, and the “mushrooming” hangar steak.

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Check out the descriptions of these Gulf oysters (left) & ahi tuna lettuce cups on page 31!

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Wesley Chapel’s Vivian Fleming-Alvarez Appears On Big Screen In ‘12 Years A Slave’

By Matt Wiley Already abuzz with raves from film critics and rumored to be a major contender for the upcoming film awards season, Fox Searchlight Pictures’ BritishAmerican historical drama “12 Years A Slave” has some ties right here in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area.

Appearing on the big screen in a film with the likes of stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Salt,” “2012”), Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender (“Prometheus,” “X-Men: First Class,”), Michael Kenneth Williams (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) and Paul Giamatti (“Sideways”) in her first speaking role in a feature film is Seven Oaks resident and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader Vivian Fleming-Alvarez.

Fleming-Alvarez also has appeared in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2” and “Springbreakers” in non-speaking roles, and also was on the Lifetime TV show “Army Wives.”

The film, directed by Steve McQueen (not the legendary late Hollywood actor), who also was the director of 2011’s “Shame” (also starring Fassbender) and produced by Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner (“World War Z,” “Killing Them Softly”), tells the true-story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841

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to a plantation in says that she Louisiana, where was in an acthe remained a ing class here slave for 12 years. in Tampa Ejiofor stars as when she reNorthup. ceived a text Fleming-Alfrom her New varez’s role is that Orleans agent of the “Mulatto asking if she Woman,” a fawanted to auvorite of the capdition for the tain of the slave part. She says ship that transthat she went ports Northup to home and did Louisiana, which Vivian Fleming-Alvarez(right) with “Boardwalk Em- some research allows her to not pire” star Michael Kenneth Williams on the set of the about the role feature film “12 Years A Slave” be shackled during and the time the journey. period, went out and bought a hoop skirt “(My character) lives a privileged life and large dress and actually filmed herself on the ship,” Fleming-Alvarez explains. acting out how she thought the woman “She gets to walk around freely. She’s not would act on a slave ship and emailed it to chained.” the producer.

Fleming-Alvarez says that her lines in“I sent out the audition tape and volve calming an enslaved, distraught went to see the movie ‘Prometheus,’ woman who is on the ship with her chilwhich also has Michael Fassbender in it, dren, in order to try to keep the woman the same night,” she says. “I thought, from being punished.

‘Wow, there’s a chance I might be in a “You learn why she is distraught movie with him.’ I got home around 10 throughout the story, so I really don’t p.m. and got a message on my phone saywant to give anything away,” Fleming-Aling that the casting director (Meagan varez explains.

Lewis) wanted to meet with me in New Fleming-Alvarez says that the process Orleans the next day. I booked a flight of getting the role was a hasty one. She that night, rented a car, flew out, met with

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the casting director and flew home the same night.”

She got a call to tell her how she did from her agent, who told her that she had gotten the part.

“I filmed in August of last year in New Orleans in full period costumes,” she explains. “It was a beautiful experience.”

Fleming-Alvarez says that she got to meet with several stars, including Williams, who many will recognize from HBO’s “The Wire” and as Chalky White on “Boardwalk Empire.”

“You don’t get to do too much idle chit-chatting because the film is so character-driven and everyone is in their process,” Fleming Alvarez explains, “but I did get to socialize with everyone during the wrap party. I’m proud to have been a part of the project and I’m relieved that my performance didn’t land on the cutting-room floor. This lets me leave a legacy for my two sons. Being part of this story that needs to be told is very impactful for me. I’m humbled.”

Be sure to look for Vivian Fleming-Alvarez in “12 Years A Slave,” which currently is playing at both the Muvico Starlight 20 off Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa, and the Cobb Theaters Grove 16 in The Grove shopping plaza off Oakley Blvd. in Wesley Chapel.

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“City Grill”

wontons filled with Mojo pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese and pickles with a mustard mayo dip, $6); the fresh-shucked Gulf oysters with bloody merry cocktail sauce (you’ll want to order extra), crackers and lemon; the ahi tuna lettuce cups, which include 4 ozs. of sliced, blackOther favorites at City Grill include the cabbageened and seared tuna, served with a wrapped beef-and-rice Eastern European “gosignature mango Asian slaw, a ginger labki” (left) & the “drunken chicken” sandwich. wasabi aioli and five-spice wonton chips, chicken Cordon Bleu, plus cabcrisps), the overstuffed lobster crab cakes, bage-wrapped beef-and-rice Eastern Euroand the spicy ahi poke tartar. pean “golabki,” which are full of fresh We haven’t had a chance to sample herbs, topped with a tangy tomato sauce many of the sandwiches at City Grill, but asand served with mashed potatoes and trufsistant editor Matt Wiley says the grilled fled mushrooms. And, all six items on City tequila-and-lime-marinated “drunken Grill’s kids menu are just $5.99 each. chicken,” which is topped with cheese, Had enough? Save room for decadent grilled corn salsa, and smoky chipotle aioli, desserts like a warm donut flambé, creme is outstanding, and Gerry says people also are raving about the fried chicken breast waffle sandwich, with grilled fresh corn salsa and chipotle slaw, spicy & sweet glaze, between cheddar and scallion waffles. There’s also standards like a Buffalo birdie, corned beef Reuben and I have to try the City-battered fried soft shell crab “bug on a bun.”

There’s also great “Plates,” like lobster mac & cheese, Shepherd’s pie, fish and

Continued from page 29 mushrooms and red wine reduction Bordelaise sauce. Both preparations are perfect and served with your choice of fries, mashed potatoes or rice, plus great grilled veggies.

There’s also a petit filet available for $16 and all three steak cuts can be topped with the chimichurri, mushrooming, cheesy (a decadent bleu cheese and sherry-infused melted compound butter sauce), or my next option to try, the Frenchy (with a peppery and cognac-based “au poivre” sauce).

A note about the hangar steak (I’ve also seen it spelled “hanger”), aka the “butcher’s steak” because butchers used to keep the cut for themselves, which is so called because it hangs from the diaphragm of the steer. It’s texture is between that of the flank steak and the tenderloin (filet) and City Grill’s version definitely is full of flavor!

Amazing Starters, Sandwiches & More!

But, rest assured, City Grill also has uniquely tasty options all up and down its menu. Among our office’s favorite “Firsts” are the Cuban Cigars (legally hand rolled

brulée with fresh fruit and even a root beer float, plus all of your favorite premium cocktails, craft beers and fine wines.

Reservations are never required at City Grill (5429 Village Market), which is open Sun.-Tue., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., & 11 a.m.-midnight Wed.-Sat. For info, call 973-9988 or visit CityGrill.us or Facebook.com/CityGrillWesleyChapel.

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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Little Greek Restaurant — Lunch? Sure, But Try It For Dinner, Too!

By Gary Nager Although there already are several Greek and Middle Eastern restaurants I really enjoy in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, I have to tell you I’m a big fan of the new Little Greek Restaurant, which is located in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center shopping plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the space that previously had been occupied by Firehouse Subs.

Despite the fact he’s only been open in our area a few months, owner Percy Rosemurgy, a long-time Tampa native who spent a lot of time in the North Tampa area during his youth, has already developed quite a following at Little Greek, both for the restaurant’s food and in the community. Despite opening about six months later than originally planned, Percy participated both in this year’s Taste of New Tampa in March and in the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo in September.

But, no matter how nice a guy Percy may be, if Little Greek — which is a smallbut-growing chain with 11 Tampa Bay-area locations, three in Texas and one in Arkansas — didn’t have great food, with some options you can’t find at any of the other places in our area, he wouldn’t be packed every day at lunch time. Best of all, even with the lunch crowd, Percy’s outstanding team keeps the traffic moving with no problem.

Little Greek’s menu is the same for lunch or dinner, but many of the menu items are platters (starting at just $8.99) that

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offer enough food for lunch for two people or more than enough for one for dinner.

Speaking of platters, if you really want to try a nice sampling of Little Greek’s Mediterranean fare, one of the newest items on Little Greek’s menu is the Sampler Platter ($14.99), which also happens to be one of my favorites. The platter is definitely shareable and includes a sizable Greek salad, a small side of hummus with pita chips, one dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), one small slice of spanakopita (spinach pie), one tender, terrific, fire-grilled lamb kabob, one perfect grilled chicken kabob and a nice-sized portion of Little Greek’s delicious lamb gyro meat, all on a bed of savory Greek-style rice.

I’m also big on Little Greek’s unique steak pita sandwich and, especially, the steak kabob platter, which immediately brought me back to my days in New York City, where many of the mobile hotdog carts also offered delicious, grilled steak kabobs. But, unlike the kabobs of my NYC memories, it’s obvious Percy uses real Grade A beef.

If you feel like a Greek salad (regular for $6.49 or mini for $4.99), but don’t actually love all of the ingredients usually in-

cluded in the salad, Little Greek offers a make-your-own Greek salad you can customize with your favorite veggies and even (Clockwise from top left): The Greek salad with grilled chicken, Sampler Platter and hummus catering platter are all favorites at the new add grilled chicken, Little Greek Restaurant in the New Tampa Center plaza on BBD. gyro meat, a shrimp skewer, a steak skewer or grilled salmon (for $2.49-$4.49 additional).

Although I’m not a big lemon soup fan, I’ve heard raves about Little Greek’s avgolemono soup ($2.49 for a cup, $3.49 for a bowl) and I can tell you that the hummus, spanakopita and dolmades are all top-notch. Sandwich options ($5.99-$7.99) include a homemade falafel pita, veggie, lamb and Olympian pita (with chunks of chicken and gyro meat) and even a nice-looking pita burger I plan to try on my

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next visit. You can add a side Greek salad. hand-cut fries, potato salad, rice, Greek-style potatoes or a cup of soup for only $1.99 more.

Need something sweet to finish off your meal? Little Greek has baklava, rice pudding, tiramisu and my three favorite desserts so far are the cannolis, baklava cheesecake and chocolate kok.

There’s also a nice “Little Greeks” menu ($3.99-$4.99), soft drinks, delicious catering platters and even opportunities to purchase Little Greek franchises.

And, with the coupons in Little Greek’s ad on page 57, you can get 20-percent off your next purchase or off any catering order!

Little Greek (19022 BBD Blvd.) is open every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call 972-0707 or visit MyLittleGreek.com.

Photos on this page by Matt Wiley

Other favorites of ours include the steak kabob platter (with additional kabob), the Olympian pita and (l.-r.) baklava cheesecake, cannoli and chocolate kok.

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

Wesley Chapel Chamber Celebrates 15 Years & More

It’s hard for me to fathom that the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month, and even harder to believe the number of ribbon cutting events and Chamber mixers I’ve been to just in the last 30 days alone — too many, in fact, to post a pic of most of them in this space — and yet, I only attended about 2/3 of the 15 available Chamber events since our last issue went to press.

The other thing that amazes me is how many of the ribbons the WCCC has cut recently weren’t held at businesses located in what we call Wesley Chapel. In fact, more than 1/3 of them took place either in New Tampa or the Lutz/Land O’Lakes area.

In other words, Wesley Chapel’s Chamber is one of the busiest, most successful “small” (as in, not located in a major city) chambers of commerce I’ve ever heard of or seen. The “players” at the WC Chamber may have changed over the years, but if you own a business in our area — new or otherwise — and you haven’t had these folks over to your place to cut a ribbon, you’ve been missing out on a great chance to expose your business to dozens of local business leaders and owners.

So, congratulations to all of the ribboncutters over this perhaps busiest month ever for the WCCC: •Oct. 22 - Sunstate Medical Clinic (21762 S.R. 54, Lutz) •Oct. 23 - Energia Wellness Studio (3836 Flatiron Loop, WC)) •Oct. 24- North Tampa Behavioral Health (29910 S.R. 56, WC; see page 26) •Oct. 25 - A Dash Of Salt & Pepper

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(10353 Cross Creek Blvd., New Tampa) •Oct. 31 - McDonald’s (1733 BBD Blvd.; see below) •Nov. 1 - Advanced Hand & Plastic Surgery (2318 Greenbranch Dr., WC; see next page) •Nov. 4 - Pure Nail Bar & Spa (20304 Trout Creek Dr., New Tampa) •Nov. 6 - Griswold Home Care (1845 Collier Pkwy., Lutz) •Nov. 7 - LOL Party Shop (24720 S.R. 54, Lutz) •Nov. 7 - A Focus On Fitness (2136 Ashley Oaks Cir., WC) •Nov. 14 - Lab3 Marketing (19209 U.S. Hwy. 41, Lutz; photo below) •Nov. 15 - Lizard Juice of Pasco E-Cigarettes (27423 S.R. 54, WC) •Nov. 20 - WCCC 15th Anniversary Open House (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., WC)) •Nov. 21 - Fancy Frock Bridal & Formal Wear (1045 BBD Blvd., WC) •Nov. 25 - Molinares Medical & Holistic Center (2312 Crestover Ln., WC)

Check WCNeighborhoodNews.com for more photos from these events or WesleyChapelChamber.com (or call 9948534) for more info about the WCCC.

Opening celebration on Saturday, November 23, beginning at 11 a.m., with a visit from Ronald McDonald himself, face painting, a prize wheel, some great giveaways and a balloon artist.

D’alessio’s Now Open!

New McDonald’s Opens On BBD In Wesley Chapel

Congratulations to the Frost family — father Jack (not a misprint) and sons Chris and John, for the opening of their fourth McDonald’s franchise in our immediate distribution areas.

The Frosts, who already have McDonald’s locations in Tampa Palms, in the New Tampa Center on BBD and on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, opened at 1733 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., next to PNC Bank, in front of Nutrition S’Mart (just south of S.R. 56), with a WCCC ribbon cutting on Oct. 31 (photo above).

At least 50 WCCC members were on hand at the sparkling new, upscale “Mickey D’s,” which doesn’t have a children’s play area but does have large menu boards warning you that those McNuggets you love are more than 1,000 calories.

The new open-24-hours restaurant also hosted its own even bigger Grand

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On of the two new restaurants we told you about last issue that were set to join the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel shopping plaza (located directly across BBD from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) has opened, as the new D’alessio’s Ristorante (2653 BBD Blvd.) opened two days after we went to press.

Owner and executive chef Dom D’alessio says D’alessio’s is a casual, fine dining authentic Italian restaurant and gourmet pizzeria, and it does have an outstanding menu, plus fine wines and beer, with outstanding daily specials and free samples of the ristorante’s delicious bruschetta served at every table.

Although we weren’t able to sample D’alessio’s before we went to press, we hope you’ll check out the ad at the bottom of this page and go check out this new sitdown eatery, which also offers takeout and delivery service.

For more info, call D’alessio’s at 406-4889.

The other coming-soon restaurant we mentioned last issue is the Only The Best (O.T.B.) Delights Café, which will be moving into the space vacated by The Brewhouse coffee shop and Buddy’s Hot Do, although we still had no update as to when at our press time.

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Bobbie Rose Boutique Now Available Online

Hand-me-downs can be a great thing—especially for parents who need to save money on clothes. Bobbie Rose, the youngest of three girls in her family, had to live with hand-me-downs from her two older sisters for most of her childhood.

But, Bobbie’s mother taught her how to sew and crochet at the age of 12 and that's how the Bobbie Rose designer label got started.

Started in the early 1990s, the Bobbie Rose of Florida label has become known for ready-to-wear clothing. After signing a short-term, temporary lease in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza (between Publix and Bealls), she decided to instead sell her designer label and other products (see below) in her online boutique.

In 1999, Bobbie started a bath and body product line for people with sensitive skin and allergies to the big-store lines, driven by her own sensitivity to products.

"My goal is to produce a hair product line for all nationalities," she says.

Her online boutique gives shoppers a variety of products to choose from, including not only her Bobbie Rose label, but also other lines of clothing, which offer sizes 0 24; unlike other boutiques, which often stop at size 12 or 14.

Although she lives in Town & Country, Bobbie says a lot of her customers are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents who got to know her at her storefront location.

To order or for more information, visit BobbieRoseBoutique.com.

Exclusive Clientele Salon Now Open On Cross Creek Blvd.

Congratulations go out to Christy Johnson, the owner and one of three Master Stylists at the new Exclusive Clientele Salon, located in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St. “Our team is familiar with all of the latest hair techniques & styles,” Johnson says of herself, fellow Master Stylist Nica and Master Colorist, Stylist and Educator Crystal. “The skills we have acquired has allowed us to do hair for several national events and shows. Our experience taught all of us how to provide exceptional customer service. All of the stylist are licensed in several different cities and states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Georgia and even the

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U.S. Virgin Islands.

Exclusive Clientele — where “The Passion of Beauty is Celebrated through Style & Elegance” — is a beautiful salon which offers precision cuts, “up dos," color, high & low lights, relaxers, body perms and even weaves for any type of hair.

But, although the salon is new, Johnson has been in the hair-care business for more than 30 years and previously had her Exclusive Clientele location in North Tampa?

For appointments and more info, call Exclusive Clientele Salon (10026 Cross Creek Blvd.) at 994-2393. Also, see the ad on page 37 for a coupon for $10 off any service for new customers.

New Tampa Plastic Surgery Opens On BBD

We are very proud to welcome New Tampa Plastic Surgery (2541 Windguard Cir., behind Dickey’s BBQ on BBD in Wesley Chapel), the office of G. Peter Fakhre, M.D., to our ever-growing roster of outstanding advertisers.

Dr. Fakhre is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who has worked with some of the most respected cosmetic plastic surgeons in the country. He is one of only a small number of plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area to be double Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Fakhre is best known for his technical skill, his eye for beauty and his aesthetic treatments of the face, breasts and body.

Dr. Fakhre earned both his undergraduate degree in Biology and his M.D. degree from the University of South Florida. He completed his surgical training at the worldrenowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where he was awarded the Excellence in Teaching award by the Mayo Clinic Medical School and served as Chief Resident in Surgery his final year of surgical training.

Dr. Fakhre then completed his Plastic Surgery training at the prestigious Methodist Hospital, where he trained with members of the original group of plastic surgeons that invented the breast implant as well as facial and body plastic surgeons whose surgeries have been featured on the Discovery Channel.

For appointments and more info, visit NewTampaPlasticSurgery.com or call 813-PLASTIC (752-7842). — GN

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Advanced Hand & Plastic Surgery Center Cuts Ribbon Most people don’t realize how important their hands are to daily living until something bad happens to those extremities.

Trauma from motor vehicle accidents, fractures and other incidents can have debilitating effects.

That’s where the specialists from the Advanced Hand & Plastic Surgery Center can help. The office, which has been open for about a year in the Cypress Ridge Professional Park off S.R. 56, celebrated on Nov. 1 by hosting na Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) ribbon-cutting event (photo).

“We’re really glad to be in this area of Wesley Chapel and to let people know of our services,” said Roy Sulma, a registered/licensed occupational therapist and certified hand therapist (OTR/L and CHT) at Advanced.

The office — headed by M.D.s Luis A. Laurentin-Perez, Francisco A. SchwartzFernandes and Scott Gargasz — handles injuries, deformities and disorders concerning the hand, wrist and upper extremities. That includes anything from amputations and nerve damage to trigger fingers and cysts.

“The hand is so intricate and complicated and can have a big impact on functions,” Sulma said.

The office, which accepts major insurance providers, also sees patients for plastic

surgery for aesthetic purposes. Following a ceremonial snipping of the ribbon Nov. 1, staff members gave a tour of the office’s technology and its newer (see below) digs.

“Welcome to Wesley Chapel,” Cindy Freeman, membership coordinator for the WCCC said at the ribbon-cutting. Freeman added that the office has brought an estimated 30 jobs to the community.

Advanced has an original location on Habana Ave. in Tampa that the practice had outgrown. Dr. Laurentin-Perez said the opening of the Wesley Chapel office made sense since some of the medical staff already lived in the Wesley Chapel area.

“We are thrilled we are here,” he said.

For more information about Advanced Hand & Plastic Surgery Center (2318 Greenbranch Drive, Building 2), visit AHAPSC.com or call 866-4426. — John Majeski

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 24 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D FITNESS & WELLBEING

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 – Full Circle Pizza & Grill is looking for an EXPERIENCED pizza maker/line cook. NO phone calls. Walk-ins with resumes ONLY. 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite B2, Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. Ask for Ron. HELP WANTED - -Looking for hairstylists with established clientele. -Relaxing contemporary environment. -Busy shopping center in new tampa -Booth rental available $175/week -Newly furnished private suite w/ shampoo bowl for $225/week -First week free !! Contact Ms.Johnson @ 8139942393 or johnson.christy08@yahoo.com HELP WANTED - Floral Delivery Driver & Floral Designer needed. Designer MUST have EXPERIENCE. Please call 813.979.9453.

HELP WANTED - Attractive, Personable Sales Person sought by new restaurant located on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Experienced or we can train.

The position calls for the person to contact large local businesses about their catering needs. Apply in person, with resume, at CityGrill (5429 Village Market, S.R. 54 between I-75 & BBD) between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & ask for Gerry.

HELP WANTED - Busy real estate agent looking for dependable, honest, self starter for clerical position. Must have working knowledge of all Windows Office software, reliable phone with unlimited text /email service, and dependable automobile. Part time to full time available with some weekend hours. Please send resumes to davjudjos@aol.com no later than December 20, 2013. Qualified individuals will be notified, for an interview, by phone HELP WANTED - Front desk assistant manager at community center in New Tampa. Week days 8:30 - 4. Pay scale is $12 to $15 per hour Call Chet Benson at 813-977-1160 or email resume to chet.benson@verizon.net

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Classifıeds 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 7-8 pm. Seniors Course: Tuesday afternoons 12-1 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.

INDIVIDUAL & COUPLES COUNSELING - Over 90 years of personable & experienced therapy & testing services. Better Business Bureau Accredited. With 6 clinicians, we’ll find the best therapist for you. Call (813) 418-7188 or DrP@phonepremier.com.

Website: www.Tampa-Therapy.com

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.

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) 9734507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T C L E A N I N G

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 727-2582.

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 9945124.

DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING - Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured.

(813) 215-1177 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 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 813-949-5131 www.ddpressurewash.com UPHOLSTERY - All types - sofas, chairs, stools, pillows, select window treatments, etc. For information and pricing, call Glen or Sheryl 813-245-9719.

HOME IMPROVEMENT - Performing all of your home repair needs and more! Pressure washing, carpentry, painting and drywall, electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, concrete work, fencing, flooring, tile work, doors and windows.

Free estimates. Call Dennis at 813.422.9260.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 24 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

SERVICES

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.

Squeaky Clean Home Services - is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, biweekly, 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.

CLEANING, LAUNDRY, YOU NAME IT! $68.00 introductory special, Mon-Wed. Make your list, put us to work! Anna's Housekeeping A BBB Accredited Business Servicing Florida since 1991. We have private housekeeper rates with agency backup coverage! Licensed and all housekeepers are background checked. Call 813.985.1150.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE New Tampa owned & operated. Gareat 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) 857-5400 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) 312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

Neighborhood News

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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 813-9949449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com

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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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

DOG WALKING; PET CARE - 24-hour emergency visits for existing clientele; Pet Taxi and MORE. Paws in the Palms provides pet care services that fit your lifestyle. We recognize that no two pets are alike and will accommodate his or her unique needs (medication requirements, exercise, food instructions, etc.). Familiarity and consistency are key to a happy, healthy pet and a happy, reassured YOU! Let Paws in the Palms makes traveling paws-ible! (813) 252-5577 PawsinthePalms@gmail.com

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FOR SALE BY OWNER - Lovely home in gated community Sterling Manor in the heart of Tampa Palms. 3 Bed/2Bath/2Car Garage. Porcelain floors; Alarm System; Maintenance free community. Close to schools, USF, playgrounds. Nearby shopping and major routes. Asking price: $159,200. Please call Lenis at 813.972.3939 for more information.

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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.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S NO TIME - NEED TO RUN ERRANDS or STRANDED? Call 813263-4244 for: Professional Assistance, Concierge Services, Confidant/Companion,Transportation, Errands, Personal and Professional Care. Hourly, Daily & Long Term Rates Tampa Palms/New Tampa Area TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY 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 813-428-5793

To Order Your Classified Ad, Call Us Today @ 813.910.2575 Or Visit Us Online @ WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@ntwcnews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 23 • November 23, 2013 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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