Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Issue 4, February 15, 2014

Volume 22 Issue 04

Inside:

Two New Tampa Restaurants To Check Out!

February 15, 2014

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Pasco BOCC Unanimously Approves Baseball Complex Agreement

By Matt Wiley

For nearly two years, negotiations have heated up and then gone cold regarding a planned sports complex in the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI). However, following the January 14 Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, it now looks as if the “pipe dream” could in fact become a reality.

During their first meeting of the year in Dade City, Pasco commissioners voted unanimously to approve an agreement between the county and Pasco Sports, LLC (also known as Blue Marble Strategic), which will be constructing the approximately $34-million, multipurpose baseball complex in Wiregrass Ranch, originally to be called the “Fields at Wiregrass.”

Under the new agreement, Pasco will put $11 million ($8.5 million from tourist taxes and the rest from bond proceeds) toward the funding of the complex, the design and construction of the infrastructure beneath the future fields and installation of park elements outside the complex, including walking trails, picnic areas and directional signage to the park.

Pasco Sports will be responsible for footing the remaining $23 million for the design and construction of the complex itself, which will feature a minimum of 15 baseball fields, a 2,500-seat stadium, batting cages and a large dormitory with cafeteria for visiting athletes and coaches.

The agreement requires that Pasco Sports provide proof of funding within the next six months and Blue Marble’s James Talton already is hard at work finding that proof.

“I’ve had a lot of discussions with a lot of people who want to be a part of (the complex),” Talton explains. “The challenge is finding out which one is going to be ‘the one.’”

Once Talton has provided proof of funding to the county, construction of infrastructure must begin within 120 days. Then, the construction of the complex itself must begin within 90 days of the completion of the infrastructure. The county staff will work with Pasco Sports during the infrastructure design to ensure compatibility. “(The designers from the county and Pasco Sports) will be working handin-glove to make sure that the designs mesh,” said Pasco administrator Michele

Baker during the Jan. 14 meeting.

Talton says that he plans to keep the park busy year-round, which he hopes could mean bringing a Major League Baseball team to the complex for a new spring training home, in addition to competitive sports tournaments. Talton says that he currently is having Blue Marble Strategic is gathering funding to construct this $34-million, discussions with state-of-the-art baseball complex in the Wiregrass Ranch DRI, which, the several owners, but developers say, could be an economic engine for Wesley Chapel. that the real profitTalton touts the flexibility of the ability for both the county and the complex will actually be facility, which will be capable of hosting large conferences and conventions in the in amateur sports.

“This complex is going to be an dormitory buildings, as well as concerts economic impact generator,” Talton ex- in the outdoor areas within the complex.

The agreement also allows Pasco plains. “While the kids playing in tournaments are staying on-site in the dormito- Sports to sell naming rights, which ries, their families will be staying off-site must include both “Pasco County” and and spending money in the community.”

See ‘Fields’ on page 10

The day after you receive this issue in your mailbox — Saturday, February 15 — you’re invited to participate in the fourth annual “Honest Abe 5K” road race, presented by Saint Leo University and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club!

The race will begin at 8 a.m. at American Consulting Engineers, located off S.R. 56 on Cypress Ridge Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel. Breakfast following the race will be provided by A Dash of Salt & Pepper, located on Cross Creek Blvd.

For more info, please visit Active. com and search “Honest Abe.” The following weekend — on Sunday, February 23 — everyone interested in living a healthier lifestyle should visit the Wesley Chapel Health & Fitness Fair & 5K walk.

The Rotary Club of New Tampa Evening has combined forces with the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce to sponsor this inaugural event, which will begin at 10 a.m., with the 5K Walk (to be held at both Florida

News, Business, Sports & Education Updates

Neighborhood Magazine

Reeves Denied Bail In Grove Theater Shooting, S.R. 56 To Be Extended To U.S. 301, Watergrass Music Teacher Wins State Award, Local Business Features & More!

Exclusive Clientele Salon Adds New Stylist, Peppe Returns To Biagio’s Pizza, Sushi Raw Spices Up Tampa Palms, Plus More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 1-22

Pages 23-40

Hospital Wesley Chapel {FHWC} and the Shops at Wiregrass mall), and will benefit the American Diabetes Foundation. Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Team Theme and Most Unique. Local companies are encouraged to show their colors in support of a good cause and walk with their employees and their families. The walk will start and end in front of Macy’s and you can sign up at GetFitFair.com.

The Chamber, sponsor of the yearly Health & Wellness Festival, has teamed up with Rotary’s Get Fit Fair to showcase the benefits of health and fitness, in conjunction with both FHWC and Florida Medical Clinics.

“When Peter Vaka, president of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Evening, approached me with the idea of an event to promote fitness it seemed like a perfect ‘fit’ for our event,” said WCCC executive director Hope Allen. The event is expected to draw more than 5,000 attendees and 120 exhibitors from Wesley

Check Out The Honest Abe 5K & The Chamber’s Health & Fitness Fair

Also Inside This Issue!

Chapel and the surrounding area.

Starting at 12 noon, the main exhibition area will be open inside the Shops of Wiregrass, along with entertainment, demonstrations and performances (including by Zumba at Centro at Center Stage). Admission is free and open to the public. FHWC will provide free tours of the hospital’s new Wellness Plaza, along with free monthly programs to help you get into the best shape of your life.

In conjunction with the event, the Rotary Club of New Tampa Evening Foundation is sponsoring a raffle to win a new 2014 Mustang from Parks Ford in Wesley Chapel, a $26,000 value. The winner has their choice of color or may apply the prize to any vehicle of their See ‘Fitness Fair’ on page 10

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Celebrating MY 20 Years At OUR New Wesley Chapel Office!

By Gary Nager

On February 25, 2014, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary as the owner, publisher and editor of this publication and I am extremely proud to say that 2013 was my best year ever, in terms of both revenue and even in the positive response we’ve always received from our advertisers and readers.

Even so, my outstanding general manager Nikki Bennett (who is in her fifth year with me and largely responsible for getting us to this lofty point in our history) and I are doing anything but resting on our laurels. In fact, we’ve hired local consultant and long-time Hunter’s Green resident Jerry Hurley of Business Sense Solutions — who has helped many local businesses the last several years and has insisted that many of those clients advertise with us if they want to do business in New Tampa and/or Wesley Chapel — to help us formulate and set into motion the best possible plan for us to reinvest in and grow our business so we can have another 20 years of success, despite what is still, supposedly, a sluggish local economy.

I’ll be updating you in this space about those plans for our local “business branding” company as they’re being finalized, but I can assure you that everything we do will continue to be of the same quality (in words, pictures and community service) you’ve grown to expect from us, as well as show why we’re different than any other media company based in and serving New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. And, unlike many other successful smaller publishing companies (of which there seems to be fewer and fewer

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

Please Note Our New Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Bonnie Mason • Lauren Saslow Graphic Designer Julie Mills Sales & Marketing Assistant Antwon Gildon 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 22, Issue 6, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, March 3, 2014.

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.

© 2014 JM2 Communications, Inc.

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each year; I did say “successful”) across this great country of ours, the expansion of our services and opportunities to promote your business will NOT include new publications distributed in markets other than our two primary existing distribution areas.

I hope you’re at least intrigued, because all of us are truly excited about what’s ahead for not only the rest of 2014, but for many years to come.

For example, although I’ve loved being in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms the last dozen years or more, there’s no doubt that our office space was never laid out the way I wanted and even though it was always plenty big enough to suit our needs, the way the space itself was laid out was never what I would call very effective.

To that end, Nikki and I were ecstatic when a very unique local office space became available and, even though it’s located on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, it’s actually an easier location to get in and out of and will actually allow us to better serve both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

You may remember that a little before last year’s Taste of New Tampa, I mentioned in this space that we had started doing some multi-media productions with Carlos FloresGordon’s Milorian Studios, a beautiful film, audio and website production studio located in the Brookside Professional Park, the first office plaza located just east of the traffic light and entrance to Saddlebrook Resort Tampa on S.R. 54 (a little more than a mile or so east of both Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd. and I-75), on the same side of 54.

From a purely geographic standpoint — with both S.R. 54 and BBD in Wesley Chapel having recently been expanded and improved and with I-75 in that area being widened now — it suddenly has gotten a lot easier for us to get to anywhere from Zephyrhills to Land O’Lakes to our east and west, respectively, and to all of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, in just a few short minutes.

But, as Carlos said when we first started working on a few preliminary projects together about a year ago, there is a lot of “synergy” between our two companies. My B.S. (fitting?) degree from the University of Florida was actually in Broadcast News and my goal has always been to provide TV and radio (and now, web) programming for local

residents and new advertising opportunities for our clients — and Carlos has everything we need to bring those ideas to fruition.

Our new address, if you want to stop in and check it out, is 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Wesley Chapel 33543, on the second floor of the free-standing two-story building in the Brookside Professional Park where Milorian Studios now only has the first floor.

But, here’s an even better way to check us out — on Thursday, March 6, beginning at 5 p.m., we will have a joint New Tampa and Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and Gary’s 20th Anniversary Party (21 & older only!) at our new office. And rest assured, it’ll be special. We’ll have free wine tastings

provided by my friend and local wine expert Hector Gonzalez of Toast Fine Wines & Café on BBD, a free upscale whiskey tasting, five hours of karaoke entertainment with room for dancing, and best of all, an opportunity for everyone who attends to be recorded on camera in Milorian’s awesome first-floor professional TV studio. You can rave about the paper (or at me), tell us about your advertising success in our publications or just promote your own business for 30 seconds. A few days after the party, we’ll run a continuous loop on the front page of our website — WCNeighborhoodNews.com — of all of your on-camera comments.

So, come on out and tell your friends.

We’re kicking off my next 20 years right!

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Table of Contents Local News Updates.............................4-11

Accused Grove 16 Shooter Denied Bail.........................4 Tax Collector’s Office Finds Home At ComPark 75........6 Wesley Chapel News Briefs............................................8 Motorcyclists Killed In Separate WC Crashes Child Abuse Follows Chores Argument Schools Locked Down After False Assault Report S.R. 56 To Extend To Zephyrhills Wesley Chapel Community Calendar......................13

Local Business Updates.......................16-19

AOL MMA Teaches Martial Arts For All Ages......16 Pura Cycling Adds Personal Training & More........18

Local Education Updates.......................20 Watergrass Elementary Music Teacher Earns State Award

Neighborhood Magazine

Exclusive Clientele Salon Adds New Stylist.......23 Recapping A Chilly Suncoast Arts Fest..................24 Crowd Gathers For ‘Shark Tank’ Segment............26 Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club.............28 Peppe Is Back At Biagio’s On Cross Creek Blvd. ......32 Sushi Raw Now Open In Tampa Palms.................34 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’...............36 WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS..............38

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3

Pasco Judge Denies Bail For Former Cop Accused Of Fatal Shooting At The Grove

By Matt Wiley A Pasco County judge has denied bail for retired Tampa Police (TPD) Capt.

Curtis Reeves, Jr., 71, who is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting Land O’Lakes resident Chad Oulson, 43, who was seated in front of him during the previews before a movie at the Cobb Theatres Grove 16 on January 13.

“This is not a verdict,” said Pasco Circuit Judge Pat Siracusa on Feb. 7 after hearing two days of arguments and testimony from witnesses in the theater. “I’m not finding anyone guilty or innocent today. I’m going to detain Mr. Reeves pretrial. He will remain in custody.”

During bond hearings on Feb. 5 and 7, Siracusa heard arguments from both assistant state attorney Manny Garcia, as well as those from Reeves’ defense, Richard Escobar, to determine whether or not to grant Reeves bail. Reeves has been in custody at the Pasco County Jail since the incident and is pleading not guilty.

Escobar clarified during closing arguments that, at this time, his client is not seeking to claim the “Stand Your Ground” law as his defense, but that Reeves was actually defending himself in the theater. He had requested bond to be set at $200,000. Garcia, meanwhile, had requested that, if bond was given, that Reeves’ passport be seized, as well as any of the suspect’s firearms that were reportedly in Reeves’ son’s possession.

4

of “Throw popcorn at me?,” around the time the shot was fired. Cummings said that he didn’t see any punches thrown

by Oulson and that Oulson did not enter Reeves’ personal space.

During an interview with Reeves’ wife Vivian by Pasco Det. Allen Proctor that was played during the hearing, she tells Proctor that she did see Oulson act in a threatening way toward her husband.

During Reeves’ interview with Proctor, he said that he thought that he was going to get beaten up by Oulson and that Oulson came over the theater seats toward him in Chad Oulson (center) was shot and killed inside an aggressive manner, which isn’t clear in the Cobb Theatres Grove 16 in Wesley Chapel on Jan. 13 during an argument about texting the video.

Following Siracusa’s decision, during the previews before a movie.

Nichole Oulson appeared relieved as Infrared video from inside the dark she sat with her attorney TJ Grimaldi. theatre as the shooting occurred was The bullet that took her husband’s life shown during the hearing, which depicts the argument that sparked it. Oulson can also went through her hand as she tried to defend her husband. On January 22, be seen throwing an object of some sort Nichole made her first public appearance at Reeves, who then fired a single shot from his .380 handgun almost immediate- and statement since the shooting, which took place before the 1:20 p.m. showing ly after. It appears that Oulson stood up, turned around, grabbed Reeves’ popcorn of “Lone Survivor” on January 13.

“Right now I’m still just trying to and threw it at him. Reeves’ attorneys recover from the shock,” Nichole said argue that the light from Oulson’s cell phone can be seen flying into Reeves and during the press conference in Tampa. landing on the ground 13 seconds before “My main focus is and always will be on my daughter Alexis (22 months old). It’s Oulson was shot. just unimaginable.”

Several witnesses, including Charles Published reports state that another Cummings (who sat just a few seats away couple also had a verbal altercation with from Oulson and his wife Nichole in Reeves about texting in a movie theater the same row), testified that they heard during a December 28 showing of “The Reeves mutter something along the lines

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Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” also at the Grove 16.

“It could have been us,” Jamira Dixon said in a press conference with her husband Michael. Dixon said that after Reeves snapped at her and her husband, he also said something to someone else in the theater.

TPD reports that Reeves retired from the force in 1993 and was instrumental in establishing the department’s first Tactical Response Team. His son, Matthew Reeves, currently is a TPD officer.

Published reports also state that at one point, the elder Reeves also was the head of security at Busch Gardens Tampa.

During the 9-1-1 tapes that were released on January 24, an off-duty nurse can be heard on the phone with a member of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Communications Department, which handles emergency calls for the county, trying to keep Oulson alive while on the line. About 25 people were in the theater at the time of the shooting.

Among those were two off-duty nurses (one of whom dialed 9-1-1) who worked to keep Oulson alive until help arrived.

A “Good Samaritan,” identified as Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Alan Hamilton, was able to detain Reeves until authorities arrived.

Reeves will remain in custody until his trial, which wasn’t yet scheduled at our press time. Visit WCNeighborhood News.com for more updates.

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5

Fasano Finds New Home For Wesley Chapel Tax Collector’s Office

By Matt Wiley As we previously reported in the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Pasco County tax collector Mike Fasano currently is hunting for the right space for a Wesley Chapel-area office, which he thought he had found in The Grove plaza off Oakley Blvd. However, after getting funds approved to lease The Grove, negotiations have fallen through. But, a new location has been found for the office a few miles southwest at ComPark 75.

During the Jan. 14 Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, tax collector Mike Fasano addressed the issue.

“We were not able to come to

an agreement with the landlord and realtor (for the office at the Grove),” Fasano told commissioners. “But, we’ve found a new location that we’re very pleased with at ComPark 75.”

Currently under construction, ComPark 75 is a 60-acre, 700,000-sq.-ft., light industrial park located about 2.5 miles west of I-75 on S.R. 54/Wesley Chapel Blvd. (just west of Wesley Chapel in Lutz), adjacent to Tampa North Aero Park, with a wide range of zoning options for its multiple buildings and business spaces including warehouse, manufacturing and office uses.

Fasano told commissioners that a lease at ComPark will be cheaper and allow more space for the new location’s abundance of services, which will include driver’s licenses, vehicle and vessel registrations, hunting licenses and even driving tests, as well as Saturday hours.

“The Land O’Lakes office is overflowing,” Fasano said. “We have people waiting outside Pasco County tax collector Mike Fasano hopes to open a Weson Saturdays.” ley Chapel-area office this summer in the currently under Fasano said that construction Compark 75, located off Wesley Chapel Blvd.

6

Saturday hours have attracted customers from as close as Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to as far away as Orlando and even Boca Raton.

“Every time someone walks through the door, that person is paying a fee,” he explained. “Those fees come right back into Pasco County.”

He told commissioners that he hopes to have the office open by June or July of this year.

Fasano also informed the BOCC that his offices are bringing in an additional $20,000 per month from both Hillsborough and even Palm

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Beach counties from car sales.

“We are now receiving a total of $13,000 per month from Hillsborough and about $7,000 from Palm Beach County from car sales that are being done here in Pasco,” Fasano explained. “Title and registration fees from cars leaving Pasco are now coming back to the county each month.

The great news is that all we have to do is deposit the checks. It’s not costing us a dime.”

For more information about the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office, please visit PascoTaxes.com.

@NTWCNews

Wesley Chapel Motorcyclists Killed In Separate WC Collisions

It’s always important to check twice for motorcycles when traversing Wesley Chapel’s busy roadways. Two motorcyclists have died in a span of just more than one week’s time in our area.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Darren Richard Derby, 20, of Lutz, was traveling westbound on S.R. 54 just after 7 a.m. in the outside lane on his Suzuki motorcycle, approaching Oakley Blvd., on Jan. 29.

At the same time, Kayla C. Lancaster, 22, of Wesley Chapel, was traveling eastbound in the left turn lane on S.R. 54 in her Mazda coupe, approaching the same intersection. Lancaster reportedly came to a complete stop to wait for a van to pass traveling westbound. After the van passed, Lancaster began to make her turn onto Oakley Blvd. and came into the path of Derby The bike struck the right side of Lancaster’s vehicle, causing Derby to be ejected from the bike. Although he was wearing a helmet, Derby died of his injuries at the scene of the collision.

Traffic charges reportedly are pending, but it doesn’t appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, which is still under investigation.

Seven days earlier, on January 22, another motorcyclist was killed on County Line Rd. in Wesley Chapel.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Samuel Leslie Hemphill, 54, of Wesley Chapel, was driving his 2005 Yamaha motorcycle westbound on County Line Rd. around 6 a.m. on January 22. At the same time, Alejandro Acevedo Rodriguez, 34, also of Wesley Chapel, was driving his 2006 Volvo S40 southbound on Nashville Dr. to exit the Belle Chase community, located off County Line Rd. The FHP report says that Rodriguez came to a complete stop at the intersection and proceeded to make a left turn to travel east on County Line Rd., entering directly into the path of Hemphill on his bike. Hemphill was ejected as his bike struck the front left side of Rodriguez’s Volvo. He died of his injuries at the scene.

Child Abuse Follows Chores Argument

Chores usually are not much fun, especially for juveniles. However, one Wesley Chapel resident has been arrested for beating her daughter because she didn’t complete her household tasks.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Victoria Johnson, 33, of the Wellington at Meadow Pointe apartments in Wesley Chapel, was arVictoria rested just after 1 p.m.

Johnson 8

News Briefs on January 27 for one count of child abuse after a verbal argument with her juvenile daughter (whose name and age have not been released) turned violent.

PCSO reports that Johnson grabbed her daughter by the hair and punched her with a closed first 10-20 times for refusing to do her chores.

In an interview following her arrest, Johnson admitted to losing control during the altercation. The victim suffered an agitated blood vessel in her right eye and swelling to her face.

To avoid questions about the injuries, Johnson reportedly kept the victim home from school and did not seek medical attention.

Schools Locked Down After False Assault Report

Filing a false police report is serious business, as a young Wesley Chapel High (WCH) student has found out the hard way.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), a 16-year-old freshman girl was arrested at WCH on Jan. 24 for filing a false police report after telling school officials and authorities that she had received an injury — determined to be a superficial, nonlife-threatening cut to her upper torso — as a result of a physical assault.

After the student reported the injury, WCH, Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel Elementary (all located on Wells Rd.) all went into lockdown at 12:20 p.m. while PCSO deputies searched the area. The schools remained on lockdown until just before 2 p.m., but no threat to students was found.

PCSO reports that a significant number of law enforcement personnel were sent to the schools after the injury was reported. Investigators were able to tell, from the inconsistent versions of the story the student told, that the assault was, in fact, made up. She was taken to the Pasco Juvenile Assessment Center and charged with filing a false police report and three counts of disrupting a school function. “(PCSO) responds heavily when a call like this comes in,” says spokesman Doug Tobin. “The initial call was that a student was assaulted near campus.”

Tobin explains that even though the student’s story continued to change during interviews, ensuring the safety of her fellow students and the staff of WCH was PCSO’s top priority.

Pasco County School District (PCSD) spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said that the student could face a 10day suspension or even be recommended for expulsion. During the lockdown, she says, rumors spread quickly that a student was stabbed. One tweet even said that there was an armed gunman on campus. PCSD quickly released a

The extension of S.R. 56 to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills could be constructed by 2017-18.

statement to quell those rumors.

“Parents have to help educate their students about the dangers of spreading false information on social media,” Cobbe says. “We had to address (the rumors) with a formal statement before the situation spiraled out of control.”

Cobbe also says that PCSD is considering “Digital Citizenship” classes that will help teach students ethical ways of communicating with mobile devices and the dangers of spreading information on social media.

S.R. 56 To Be Extended To Zephyrhills

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced the availability for the funding of projects around the state for the next five years.

Among the projects listed is a further expansion of S.R. 56 through eastern Wesley Chapel.

According to FDOT’s “Five Year Tentative Work Plan,” which goes into effect on July 1 and runs through June 30, 2019, S.R. 56 will be getting considerably longer. The report states that funding has been approved to extend the busy roadway from where it currently dead-ends at Meadow Pointe Blvd. east to U.S. 301, creating another east-west connector for both Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills residents.

The project, which will stretch 6.7 miles, is expected to cost about $40 million. Construction is scheduled for FDOT’s fiscal year 2017-18. The expansion will intersect with the future Wyndfield Blvd., which will travel through the planned Wyndfields De-

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velopment of Regional Impact (DRI), which is located off S.R. 54, adjacent to Meadow Pointe.

“This connection will continue to build the arterial grid that is needed in areas where significant growth is anticipated,” says Pasco transportation planning manager Jim Edwards.

“The extension of S.R. 56 to U.S. 301 has been included as part of the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)’s Long Range Transportation Plan since its adoption in 2009.”

In addition to the expansion of S.R. 56, the same report says that the section from west of I-75 to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. also will see some improvements. S.R. 56 is scheduled to be resurfaced during the 2014-15 fiscal year. The resurfacing of the 2.42-mile stretch of six lanes currently is expected to cost about $6 million. — MW

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‘Fields’

Continued From Page 1

“Wiregrass” in the name that the County must approve before it becomes official.

Pasco Sports also can charge an admission fee, but only to use the inside of the facility. The use of park elements, including the picnic areas and walking trails, will remain free of charge. Although the agreement ensures a discount of at least 10-percent off admission fees to Pasco residents, BOCC chair Jack Mariano stressed during the meeting that he wanted to see it raised to around 50 percent, so that no parent would not be able to afford to see their child play in a

‘Fitness Fair’

Continued From Page 1

choice of equal or greater value. Only 750 tickets will be issued for the raffle.

For raffle tickets, call 929-3730 or go to RCNTEvening.org.

A portion of the proceeds from these events will go to benefit Shriners Hospitals and Polio Plus, a Rotary International campaign to eradicate

competitive tournament at the complex.

The initial contract between the county and Pasco Sports is for 45 years, during which time the county will receive $60,000 in fixed revenue after the third year, as well as 3 percent of the facility’s gross annual revenue.

Talton says that he already has been solidifying contracts for tournaments at the fields for as soon as 2016 and hopes to break ground by the end of the year, pending any delays.

“It’s really fantastic to have this agreement in-hand,” Talton says. “We had two daunting tasks, one of which was getting the agreement signed. Now the big task is raising the $23 million.” polio from the earth. The Shriners have helped thousands of children in need of orthopaedic, spine and burn care, regardless of their ability to pay.

“We are a small Rotary Club,” said Vaka. “We wanted to stage this event to highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle and why we all need to stay fit.”

For more information about the Fitness Fair, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or call 994-8534.

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WESLEY CHAPEL

February 2014

Monday, February 17

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 7:30 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (4241 Birdsong Blvd.). Call Chris Thurow at 546-6860.

Tuesday, February 18

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

‘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 more info.

Wednesday, February 19

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.

FHWC Breast Cancer Support Group — Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) introduces a new breast cancer support group that meets in the FHWC Wellness Plaza’s Center for Women’s Health (2700 Healing Way, Ste. 102) at 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. The group helps give those fighting the deadly disease answers and resources, survivor stories, guest speakers and in-depth discussions in a positive environment. To register, visit FloridaHospital.com/Wesley-Chapel or call 929-5432.

‘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.). For info, call David West at 610-1650 or visit WesleyChapel Speaks.ToastMastersClubs.org.

Thursday, February 20

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.

Food Addicts In Recovery (FA)— FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared

experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. The group meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Seventh Day Adventist Church (33420 S.R. 54).

For more info, visit FoodAddicts.org.

Friday, February 21

WC Sunrise Rotary Club — The WC Sunrise Rotary meets Fridays, 7:15 a.m., at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). Call Lynne at 695-6466.

Monday, February 24

WCH College Night — Wesley Chapel High (30651 Wells Rd.) will be hosting a FREE “College Night,” where students will have the chance to speak with admissions representatives from public and private colleges and universities, vocational and technical trade schools and the military. Parents are encouraged to attend, too. For info, call 794-8833.

Wednesday, February 26

FHWC Senior Fair— Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel presents a Senior Fair at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club (10641 Old Tamp Bay Dr., San Antonio), a FREE event featuring health screenings, drug interaction information, stroke awareness, Medicare information and more! To register, call 929-5432 or visit FHWesleyChapel.org/Events.

Friday, February 28

WC Wind Ensemble’s All for the Arts — Join Masque Theater, the Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble and the Cypress Creek Dixieland Band for two nights of live music and vocal performances that begin at 7 p.m.. Enjoy the music and support the continuing arts in the Bay area. The event will be held at the Lightfoot Center (10901 N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace). Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

March 2014

Saturday, March 1

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

Friday, March 7

Women Of Wesley Chapel (WOW)— WOW meets the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Wellness Plaza to provide opportunities for area women business leaders and business owners to learn, form connections, share ideas and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

For info, call Hope ­­ Allen at 994-8534.

If your organization has any upcoming events you’d like to promote in this space, email Matt@NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

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AOL MMA Teaches Discipline, Mixed Martial Arts To All Ages

By Lauren Saslow

Martial arts have been a part of nearly every ancient society as a form of warfare training, including the Japanese, Greeks and Egyptians, and the sport has continued to evolve over time in many cultures around the globe.

In recent years, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which combines many of the world’s martial arts forms, has received significant media exposure, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., sparking a rise in gyms that help teach this unique form of self-defense and combat.

Since last March, American Olympic League (AOL) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), located about one mile east of Saddlebrook on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel), has been offering training for judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), wrestling, weightlifting, traditional boxing and MMA to men, women and children of all ability levels. The gym is a member of USA Boxing, USA Judo, the International Judo Federation, USA Wrestling and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

The programs available at the gym allow participants to focus on either fitness or intense combat training, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced student. As owner and general manager Carlos Valles explains, many current students at the gym train somewhere else initially, but they choose AOL MMA because, “We focus on individual needs. Not everyone wants to fight. Some simply want to get into better shape.”

For example, the hybrid MMA MatFit class includes a mixture of CrossFit exercise and MMA moves, without the sparring. Weightlifting classes teach individuals how to compete in a strength sport with the use of squats, bench presses and deadlifts.

The ancient Japanese martial art of judo, the “parent” art of Jiu-Jitsu, focuses on physical training similar to wrestling using the principles of balance and leverage. BJJ uses grappling and ground fighting, along with joint

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locks and choke holds, to force opponents into submission, promoting the principle that a smaller, weaker person can use leverage to successfully defend themselves against larger, stronger opponents.

Meanwhile, MMA is a full-contact sport that allows striking and grappling techniques while standing or while on the ground, and mixes the skills used in boxing, BJJ and wrestling.

The sport of MMA has experienced increased popularity in the U.S. since the epic Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) rematch in 2006 between light-heavyweights Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz.

AOL MMA boasts 5,000 sq. ft. of space, including 2,000 sq. ft. of open mats. The other 3,000 sq. ft. houses a professional boxing ring and a competition MMA cage. The delivery and assembly of the cage — from Monster Cages in Kentucky — was even featured on the A&E cable television show, “Shipping Wars” (Season 5, Episode 2, which originally aired on Dec. 3, 2013). There are additional buildings on the property for the weight room and before- and after-school programs for kids ages 6 and up.

MMA student Juan Rivera, of Zephyrhills, has been training at AOL MMA for six months. He started training in the martial arts 20 years ago, starting with Kempo Karate, and later studying kickboxing and MMA. “I like the openness of the gym at AOL MMA, and that it has a boxing ring and cage,” Rivera explains.

An All-Star Staff Of Trainers

The husband-and-wife team of trainers at AOL MMA, Íngrid Medrano-Cuéllar and Franklin Cisneros, both earned spots on the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics team representing their native country, El Salvador. Sensei Cisneros holds a Black Belt 4th Dan (a ranking system in martial arts) in judo and a Black Belt in BJJ. Cisneros has lived, trained and competed in numerous countries around the world in the

(L.-r.): Former WBO welterweight champion and boxing trainer Carlos “El Indio” Quintana, owners Sensei Franklin Cisneros and Íngrid Medrano-Cuéllar (with Matheo Cisneros) will toughen you up at AOLMMA on S.R. 54 inWesley Chapel. half-middleweight (160-178 pounds, Business & Professional Regulation) a weight class found in Judo) catat the gym. The Puerto Rican-born egory and also is an experienced MMA Carlos “El Indio” Quintana, a former fighter. welterweight world champion in the Medrano-Cuellar, a mere five feet World Boxing Organization (WBO), tall, is an elite level freestyle wrestler retired a little more than a year ago and who has competed in the 48 kg (or now teaches boxing classes to young under 105.5 pounds) category worldchildren and adults. wide. Her training, skill and strength Even Valles has benefited from the are so advanced that she is capable BJJ training with AOL MMA instrucof taking down male competitors on tors, and says that he has lost more the mat who are as tall and strong as than 50 lbs. — 30 of which were lost her husband — who stands 5’8” and from training alone, while the other 25 weighs in at 190 pounds! he says he lost using a combination of Medrano-Cuellar currently is diet and exercise. He also says that he training one of AOL MMA’s most has lost at least 10 percent of his body promising students, Caitlyn Doers, 16, fat, as well as gained muscle mass. who already has won championships at “I have definition in my arms and the 2013 North American Grappling calves, too,” Valles expresses proudly.

Association (NAGA) Pan American “I’m still losing weight.” Valles even Grappling Championship in Lakeland, utilizes a calorie counter that shows FL, in the Female Teen Division — inthat he burns up to 1,100 calories per cluding first place in the 130 lb. (welter hour during his training! weight) class and a second place in the From Humble Beginnings Absolute Championship (which has no For Valles, the civil war in El weight restriction) class.

Salvador (spanning from 1979-92) Professional boxer, referee and was a daily reality, with the military coach, Jerry M. Reyes — who trained fighting the leftist party, known as the the late six-time world champion Farabundo Mari National Liberation boxer, Hector “Macho” Camacho Front (Frente Farabundo Marti de a.k.a. “Macho Man” — is a Licensed Liberacion or FMLN). Valles (now 32) Trainer (through the Florida Dept. of

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(Left) Sensei Franklin Cisneros teaches Jiu-Jitsu techniques during a kids class. (Right) Alyssa Pierro, 15, of Wesley Chapel, trains with former World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Carlos “El Indio” Quintana. says that he grew up in the capital city of San Salvador in the throes of political turmoil. Despite his efforts to become a doctor, first studying electrical engineering (1999-2001) at Universidad Evangelica in San Salvador and later shifting to the university’s medical school (2001-02), the realization that as a doctor in his native land he would only earn about $300 per month after eight years of college was discouraging. Valles says that he emigrated to the U.S. in 2003 with only a backpack, and the jeans and shirt he was wearing, settling in the basement of his relatives’ home in Alexandria, VA. “The toughest part was the transition from medical school to my first

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jobs as a dishwasher in a Mexican restaurant and as a self-taught technician for a construction company,” Valles explains. “I worked my way up and then decided I didn’t want to work for anyone else.”

He adds that he never has returned to his native country. “I remember the end,” he recalls of the Salvadorian peace accords in January 1992. “Everyone thought there would be peace in El Salvador, but we were wrong.

It’s scary there. We take security for granted in (the U.S.).”

Valles moved to Florida six years ago, and now is the owner and general manager of not only AOL MMA, but also of Valles Auto Auction and

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the non-profit organization, Sports League of Wesley Chapel (SLWC), all of which are located on the same property. SLWC was created in January of this year to allow underprivileged children to train on full scholarships at AOL MMA and take advantage of the before- and after-school program.

Aiseen Reyes, a Wesley Chapel resident, has two young (ages 8 and 9) boys in the before- and after-school program, in addition to the kids’ athletic classes. Her children were the first to join the AOL MMA program.

She says she likes that the children get assistance with homework from a retired teacher and receive martial arts training, all for an affordable price.

“It keeps them active,” Reyes says.

“They learn self-defense and discipline.

I like that.”

She has witnessed first-hand the rapid growth that AOL MMA has experienced since last summer.

“Seven months ago, there were only four children in the kids’ classes,” she notes. “Now, there are more than ten boys and girls who attend regularly.

It inspires me that as they grow and mature with the program, they can learn leadership skills, too.”

Reyes adds that the AOL MMA instructors vary the exercises so much that it demands extreme focus from the young athletes. “I haven’t seen anything repeated, so the kids have to pay attention,” she says.

Valles also organizes “Fight Night” every month at the Freedom High gymnasium in Tampa Palms, which features at least ten fights. He says that on Saturday, February 15, 7 p.m., the first such card at Freedom will be shown on Mundo Fox, a Spanish Fox network cable television station, on Feb. 22. He adds that the March 22 Fight Night will feature USA Boxing.

The general public can purchase tickets for these events for $15 at Valles Auto Auction or at WingHouse of Wesley Chapel (5510 Post Oak Blvd.).

AOL MMA is located at 30115 S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call 526-3594 or visit AOLMMA.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 04 • February 15, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Pura Cycling Studio Introduces Personal Training, Yoga & More!

By Matt Wiley

Let’s be honest, it’s been a little cold outside recently, so cold that getting outdoors, hopping on a bike and riding several miles might sound pretty intimidating. However, it’s never cold at Pura Cycling Studio in the Shoppes at New Tampa in Wesley Chapel, where sweating out calories and getting “the good burn” are the goal each day and key for reaching the “Pura Vida” (“pure life”) mindset.

Following a trip to Costa Rica, Pura Cycling co-owner Stephanie Farquhar wanted to bring the “pura vida” mindset back to Wesley Chapel and decided to do so by opening a cycling studio with Alfio Carroccetto.

“Exercise should be fun and not a chore, so we wanted to create that for our members,” Farquhar explains.

“Our studio is all about escaping from the daily grind and taking the time to take care of yourself with a strong cardio and strength training routine centered around proper nutrition.”

Pura has done this during the last year+ by offering indoor cycling (just don’t call it “spinning”), but Stephanie and Alfio have recently added yoga and group fitness classes, as well as semiprivate personal training to offer a more complete fitness opportunity.

So, whether you’ve never stepped on a bike or have made it a major part

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of your life over the years, Pura Cycling has something that everyone can enjoy, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. And, it all starts with a consultation.

“We get to know your specific goals and motivations so we can find the program or programs that suit you best, then design your program to fit those specific goals,” Carroccetto says.

“We then take initial metrics like body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), inches measurements and your weight, as well as a few before pictures, so that we have a starting point. Then, we meet every month to reassess your progress, see where your successes have been and if we need to make changes.”

During that month, clients are encouraged to take part in Pura’s myriad of classes. For beginners, Farquhar recommends any of the studio’s 45-minute cycling classes.

“Any of our 45-minute cycling classes is great for beginners; however you control the intensity of the class and the instructors always give different cycling options throughout the class,” she says.

Customize Your Ride!

For example, Pura offers a “Morning Burn” class to get the workday started. It lasts 45 minutes and has a mix of interval training and strength work on the bike. Pura also offers a

Alfio Carroccetto & Stephanie Farquhar of Pura Cycling Studio (located in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just south of S.R. 56) invite you to join them for great indoor cycling, yoga and personal training classes to help you get in the best shape of your life.

“Strong Roots” class that also lasts 45 minutes, but is a strength ride to push your legs and body to your own limits.

Remember, no matter what class you take, you control your own intensity!

If you have more time and are looking for a longer workout, consider an “Escape” class. For one hour, riders of all experience levels put the “pedal to the metal” in a mix of terrain types (uphill, downhill, straightaways, etc.), for the ultimate burn!

“Pura Vida” rides are offered in both 45- and 60-minute increments

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and focus on endurance and strength training with pulse-pounding music and long climbs and straightaways.

Pura’s 30-minute “Elite Core” class also is a great option for right after a cycle session. Instead of relaxing and meditating with some yoga stretches, this class has you stretching resistance bands to help you tone up.

“Our most popular classes are the ‘Pura Vida’ rides combined with ‘Elite Core’ afterward,” Carroccetto explains.

“Riders get a full-body workout with 45 minutes of mixed terrain on the bike,

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(Left) Pura Cycling indoor cycling instructor Claire Forrester leads a “Pura Vida 45 Ride” class. (Right) Stephanie leads a personal training class.

followed by 30 minutes of core exercises off the bike. Participants can expect to burn anywhere from 400-700 calories with the cycling alone and up to 300 more calories when you add the Elite Core class!”

Any of Pura’s cycling classes can leave you winded and tight, which is why Stephanie and Alfio have added a yoga class to the mix to help you relax and unwind, immediately following the cycling session. Classes last 45 minutes and focus on poses that can be found naturally in cycling, while focusing on the muscles that just got used the most.

Personal Training, Too!

One of the newest additions to

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Pura Cycling’s repertoire is a semi-private personal training class.

“These sessions have a maximum of five participants per 50-minute class where we focus on functional fitness training, which is perfect for building muscle and shedding fat fast!,” Farquhar explains. “We call it our ‘FitPro’ accelerator program, in which we combine your cardio exercise (cycling) and strength training (semiprivate sessions) with flexibility (yoga) and proper nutritional counseling (which can include guided public shopping trips, monthly assessments and progress monitoring).

Classes are offered daily.

Each class is taught by one of Pura’s team of eight instructors, almost

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all of whom are Madd-Dogg spinning (although Pura prefers to call it “indoor cycling”)-certified: LuAnne Borak, Audrey Biggs, Julie Hinson, Claire Forrester, Christi Slaven, Erica Lembo and the newest addition to the Pura team, Tasha Bomar.

Accomplishments don’t go unnoticed at Pura. If customers take part in the “Kapok Loyalty Club,” which tracks the number of rides each member takes, he or she can earn free Pura products, such as Dri-fit shirts and gift bags.

“We track all of our members’ rides and when they hit milestones like 25, 50, 100 and 200 rides, they get free Pura ‘schwag’ and, of course, bragging rights for being on our leader board at

the studio,” Farquhar explains. “Our top rider, Domenica L, will hit 200 rides by the end of January — our first 200 milestone! We have more than nine other riders with more than 100 rides.”

Pura customer Clara knows the benefits of getting active at the studio.

“I had the wonderful opportunity of having a one-on-one spin class with (Faraquhar),” Clara explains. “The ride was fantastic! The entire staff at Pura Cycling is so warm and friendly. It’s a marvelous environment for anyone to get in shape.

Feel like changing your lifestyle for the New Year? Visit PuraCycling. com and sign up for a class or call the studio at 501-2124.

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Watergrass Teacher Wins State Music Award

By Matt Wiley

Music is known to bring joy to people’s lives. In the case of one Wesley Chapel educator, it is her passion that she has spent decades sharing with her students — and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

On January 17, Watergrass Elementary’s Karen Reinhold received the Florida Music Educators Association’s 2013-14 Music Education Service Award in recognition of her 30 years in music education. However, Reinhold, 54, says that she doesn’t feel like it has been nearly that long.

“I love doing what I do,” she says.

“The past 30 years have been a pleasure.

Receiving this award definitely is an honor.”

Reinhold says that she has been singing most of her life, a hobby that was bolstered by singing at her church while growing up in southern Illinois, where her father was a Baptist minister.

She says it wasn’t until high school, however, that she realized that teaching music was what she wanted to do.

“If it wasn’t for my high school chorus director, I wouldn’t be doing this,” Reinhold explains, emphasizing that her choral director really helped her realize that music education would be in her future.

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Following high school, she went on to get her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Reinhold began teaching in Pasco at Lake Myrtle Elementary in 1992.

She then taught music at both Denham Oaks Elementary in Lutz and Wesley Chapel Elementary before joining the staff at Watergrass in 2009.

“I love being able to instill a love for music in my students,” Reinhold says. “We’re always doing some sort of singing or playing instruments. We do it all, but I’d say the kids love the drums the most.”

Congratulations to Karen Reinhold from the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News!

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What’s more, we deliver care in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of our community. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is here for your heart care needs from minor issues to more serious conditions.

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Exclusive Clientele Salon — Where Every Client Is Treated Like Family! cut their hair is so important to

By Gary Nager

Even though it’s usually the maledominated barber shops that are famous for their unique banter between clients and haircutters on everything from presidential politics to sports to popular music, if you’ve been looking for a great, new place to get your hair cut, a place where every client is made to feel like family, you have to visit the incredible ladies at the new Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Cross Creek Plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa.

Of course, neither owner and Master Stylist Christy Johnson nor her equally-well-trained, ultra-talented crew of Master Stylists — Nica Kennedy, Tiffany Ivy and Sally Lingg — are men, but they all have fun speaking to any subject and always make their clients feel comfortable. “When I first moved to Tampa from Maryland, I found that a lot of the hair salons weren’t very welcoming,” says Christy, who has now owned three salons and has 30 years of experience in the industry. And, she is licensed to cut hair in four states (Florida, Maryland, California and Pennsylvania).

She adds, “So, when I opened my first Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Pebble Creek area a few years ago, my goal was that everyone who wanted a great hair style or color job — men and women of every color and ethnicity — should feel they were more than just customers to not only me, but also to everyone who works with me, and that we were able to provide professional styles and color for every hair type.

I even chose the name ‘Exclusive Clientele’ because we want to make all of our clients feel like they’re special to us.”

Speaking of special, Christy says

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her husband Thomas Johnson, who she calls, the “Michael Jordan of taxes,” believes in her ability and her goal of having the most popular salon in Tampa.

It was Christy’s “we are family” attitude that first attracted Nica, Tiffany and Sally to work with her and, like the owner herself, all of the stylists at Exclusive Clientele Salon also have had amazing training and experience.

For example, Nica has had 20 years as a stylist, as she, “went right from high school to hair school” in Delaware and moved to Tampa in 1995. She met Christy less than three years ago and worked with her at the original Exclusive Clientele Salon.

“I actually scouted out a few salons with a local product distributor when I asked for recommendations about salons in Tampa, says Nica, who is licensed in Florida and Georgia.“Christy really was the only one I met that I wanted to work with.”

Nica, who has been married for four years to her husband Frederick, adds that her specialty is creating precision, custom, “trendy” cuts for natural hair, as well as hair transitioning from relaxer to natural. “We all have similar training and stay up on the latest trends by going to trade shows and taking classes every year.”

Are You Kidding Me?

As someone who gets his hair cut only once every 6-8 weeks, depending upon how good the haircut turned out to be, I was stunned to learn that some women get their hair cut or styled every week, sometimes even twice a week!

In fact, Tiffany (who has 24 years of hair styling experience) says that for some women, having the same person

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them that 30 of them are willing to actually pay for her to fly back to her native St. Louis (she is licensed in Florida and Missouri) to cut their hair once every month.

“They’ll have local people do their weekly touch-ups,” says Tiffany, whose husband Jerry Ivy recently started providing great BBQ for customers of the Halftime Sports Lounge in the New Tampa Center plaza on Bruce B. The team at Exclusive Clientele Salon on Cross Downs (BBD) Blvd. “But, they Creek Blvd. now includes (l.-r.) Nica Kennedy, Sally all want me for their major styling Lingg, Tiffany Ivy and owner Christy Johnson. and coloring and especially, for my and we do. Not only can we give you weaving. I see all 30 clients in one week the proper cut for your hair type, we can each month and fly back to Tampa.” recommend and provide the best prodA New York State-licensed Cosmeucts (including Redken and nairobi) to tologist with 25 years of experience in the keep your hair as healthy as possible.” cosmetology field, including having owned And, perhaps best of all, Christy and managed her own salon and three and her styling team all offer free years as a cosmetology teacher, Sally Lingg consultations. “Anyone who wants to moved from New York to New Tampa last come talk to us about their hair is welyear with her husband and daughter and come,” says Christy proudly. “Whether wants to work close to where she lives. you’re black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Specializing in color and highlights. Sally blonde, brunette, redhead, or want to is equally comfortable with any member of know more about extensions, we hope your family — women, men, children and you’ll think of Exclusive Clientele Salon, says she is looking forward to building her where our goal is to leave all of our New Tampa/Wesley Chapel client base. clients happy and smiling.”

“I’m happy to be joining Christy in To that end, Christy recently added her ‘we are family attitude,’” Sally says. eyebrow threading with a woman of Indian descent to Exclusive Clientele Start With Healthy Hair!

Salon’s already impressive list of hair One of the things Christy and her styling, coloring and weaving services. crew all stress is that any hair type can Call or visit the salon for details. be “good” hair, as long as it’s healthy.

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23

Brrr! Recapping The Suncoast Art Fest & WC Chamber Business Expo

By Gary Nager

There’s no doubt that the ninth annual Suncoast Arts Festival, held the weekend of January 18-19 along Paseo Dr., the main drag at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, is one event that neither the artistic exhibitors nor the thousands of attendees will ever forget.

The temperature over the course of the weekend never really inched much above 50 degrees — a delightful temp for a fall day in the northeastern U.S., but darn near frigid to most Floridians.

The quaint Paseo Dr. was again visited by an estimated crowd of more than 100,000 people over the course

Among our favorite crafts at this year’s festival were the “Humi-dorable” cigar box purses and jewelry boxes by Susan Jordan.

(Left) Much of the art at this year’s Suncoast Arts Festival at the Shops at Wiregrass mall the “frigid” weekend of January 18-19 was spectacularly colorful. (Right) Among the exhibitors at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Arts & Business Showcase were the bundled-up ladies from Tampa Bay Insurance Center, which also is located in Wesley Chapel.

of the two days of the Fest and all proceeds from the event will benefit “Art for Kids,” a grant fund created by the festival’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit parent organization, Fine Arts of the Suncoast, Inc., to supplement arts education funding in public, private and charter schools in Pasco County.

The event featured more than 135 fine artists and craftsmen along Paseo Dr. Also on hand were sidewalk chalk artists, sponsored by Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts (TBBCA.org), a “Random Acts for Art” Entertainment Stage, all week-

end, sponsored by Team Farrell and a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Arts & Business Showcase along Piazza Ave., from 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

The Chamber’s Business Showcase was probably the most affected by the weather, as the sun went down early in the afternoon, which kept most of the Arts Fest visitors from finding their way to Piazza Ave. from Paseo Dr. I also really enjoyed watching the sidewalk chalk artists who recreated their spectacular artworks on the sidewalk in front of Dillard’s in the mall from small photographic prints of their

creations. I was told that there were prizes awarded for these chalk artists, as well as for the artists and artisans along Paseo Dr., but I was unable to attend on Sunday when those prizes were apparently awarded and I still hadn’t seen any announcements of this year’s prize winners on the event’s website at our press time for this issue, three+ weeks later.

I also missed the presentation of grants to local arts teachers, which was held on Saturday night and was emceed by Marvelous Marvin from WJQB-FM 106.3. The event’s present-

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(Above, l.-r.) The sidewalk chart art displays were among our editor’s favorites at the 2014 Suncoast Arts Fest. There also were unique crafts like the smoking Mystery Stone all along the route of the Arts Fest. Despite the cold weather, the festival had plenty of visitors.

ing sponsor was Wesley Chapel Nissan, which displayed a variety of beautiful vehicles along Paseo Dr.

A Very Special Artist

Perhaps my favorite artist at the festival was New Tampa resident Sara May, who is afflicted with a severe case of Multiple Sclerosis. I was admiring Sara’s work when I realized that she had created all of her beautiful, colorful and extremely intricate works of art using only her mouth!

Sara, who only has the use of two fingers on one hand, was being interviewed by a local TV station when I visited her booth and I plan to buy one of her creations from her website (MSMouthPaintings.com).

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For more info about the 2014 Suncoast Arts Fest, visit SuncoastArtsFest.com. For more information about the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, call 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber. com. Also, see the Community Calendar on page 13 for more info about the Chamber’s upcoming Health & Fitness (Below right) “Copenhagen in Winter” was one of our editor’s favorite works of art created by “mouth artist” Fair on Sunday, and New Tampa resident Sara May (at left in bottom right photo), who is afflicted with multiple sclerosis.

February 23!

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 04 •February 15, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

25

More Than 200 Attend Local Man’s ‘Shark Tank’ Watch Party!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Eric Johnson

Although none of the five multimillionaire/billionaire “sharks” ended up investing in his company during his Jan. 17 appearance on the hit ABC-TV show “Shark Tank,” local entrepreneur Ben Alexander says he is more excited than ever about his balloon entertainment company, Balloon Distractions.

Alexander, who was joined by more than 200 friends, business associates and Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel members at a “Shark Tank” watch party at PrimeBar in the Shops at Wiregrass mall as his episode of the hit reality series was being aired. Although he was lauded by the “sharks” for his unique idea and his energy during his appearance on the show, Alexander said he wasn’t too disappointed that his request for as $250,000 investment (in exchange for a 1/3 ownership stake in Balloon Distractions) was turned down by all five sharks — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban; real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran; “Queen of QVC” Lori Greiner; technology innovator Robert Herjavec; fashion and branding expert Daymond John; and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary.

“The most important thing about being on ‘Shark Tank’ isn’t necessarily whether or not the sharks invest in your idea,” Alexander said. “The key is that your website has to be ready for half

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(Above left) Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel member Ben Alexander’s appearance on “Shark Tank” included an impressive balloon drop to promote his company, Balloon Distractions. (Above right) Alexander and his wife Rachel (front), with Lauren & Pasco County Commission candidate Mike Moore.

a million hits the day of the show and thousands more after it airs. You never know who’s watching who might say, ‘I think that’s a great idea.’ Then, you have an investor/partner who really believes in what you’re trying to do, not just a ‘shark’ to give you money but not help you beyond the investment.”

Although he started his appearance on the show with an exciting balloon drop and presented unique balloon gifts to each of the sharks, a couple of them noted that Alexander’s business model for Balloon Distractions was somewhat flawed and Cuban even had to tell Alexander to “Shut up” because his energy wouldn’t allow the billionaire NBA owner to finish a sentence.

Although I wasn’t able to be onhand for the watch party at PrimeBar (I

was at the Billy Joel concert), Ben said that he was overwhelmed by the show of support from those who did attend.

(Above left) Alexander shows off some of his For more information, visit balloon-twisting magic. (Right) Among the Wesley BalloonDistractions.com. To watch Chapel Rotarians who attended the watch party at Ben’s “Shark Tank” episode, visit PrimeBar were American Cancer Society reps Robyn Liska (with hat) and Jannah McDonald.

ABC.go.com/shows/shark-tank.

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Lake Jovita G&CC Combines Country Club Elegance With Affordability

By Lauren Saslow & Gary Nager

The New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas are home to many upscale golf & country clubs, most of which are located inside large planned suburban communities. While each club offers a unique combination of amenities and scenic landscapes, none directly in our distribution areas can offer the naturally high elevation changes and quiet atmosphere quite like those at the semi-private, 36-hole Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club (LJG&CC) in nearby Dade City, just a few miles northeast of Wesley Chapel.

But, in this case, semi-private isn’t just another word for “public,” although LJG&CC is available for overnight stays that include full membership privileges. Few country clubs/golf resorts in our area can match Lake Jovita for elegance, quality golf, cuisine and especially, picturesque vistas. Even local professional athletes, such as members of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, have been known to frequent this Golf Digest 4.5-star-ranked courses.

The Lake Jovita Golf Course originally opened in 1926, but closed less than 10 years later, due the Great Depression. Dennis and Sun Lee of Sunden Tampa, LLC, opened the original LJG&CC, along with the South Course, in 1998. Their son Stephen also is part owner and serves as the club’s current general manager. The Lees also own Diamond Hill Golf Club in Dover, FL; Hemet Golf Club in Hemet, CA; and Trails of Frisco Golf Club and Tour 18, both in Dallas, TX. Now rated as one of GolfWeek’s “Top 25 Best Courses You Can Play in Florida (2013),” Lake Jovita’s South Course — a U.S. Open qualifying site — offers rolling hills, giant oak trees and serene freshwater lakeside views less than 20 minutes from most areas of Wesley Chapel and only 30-35 minutes from most of New Tampa.

Designed by former PGA & current PGA Champions Tour pro Tom Lehman and award-winning golf course architect Kurt Sandness, the 220-acre modern course takes full advantage of

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Dade City’s naturally occurring hilly landscape and the namesake 160-acre Lake Jovita. In fact, the course offers conditions more comparable with those you would expect to see in Georgia or North Carolina, yet it still caters to players of varying skill (Above) The scenic 11th hole of the Lake Jovita Golf & levels. The Par-5 11th Country Club South Course features a 94-foot tee-togreen drop, the largest of any golf hole in Florida. hole even features the (Right) The South Course’s majestic 9th hole offers largest tee-to-green one of the many on-course views of the club itself. drop (94 ft.) of any Photos for this story by Matt Wiley course in the state. sessments, nutritional analysis Located adjacent to Saint Leo and body composition analysis. Milton, University (SLU) — LJG&CC is home who is certified through the Aerobics & to the SLU men’s and women’s golf Fitness Association of America (AAFA), teams and the campus can be viewed has a background in Jazzercise instrucfrom some areas along the course and the SLU cathedral bells occasionally can tion, personal training, weight management counseling, and coaching bodybe heard — while highway noise and building teams. She previously owned other distractions are scarcely audible from any area on the course. The North and operated Crescent Fitness Center, Inc. in Dade City. The club’s group Course, also designed by Sandness and exercise calendar offers members a completed in 2005, spans 263 acres and maintains an open landscape with a Monday-Friday schedule of Boot Camp more contemporary feel and longer lay- and Power Yoga with Kim Risch (who is certified through the National Exercise out than the South Course. The North Trainers Association), spinning (indoor Course has hosted several Florida State cycling) taught by Jency Emo (who Golf Association championships. holds a YMCA Training Certification) Amenities Galore! and Body Fit classes taught by Milton.

In addition to golf, the country A private massage room also is available club offers members a variety of physifor appointments with Lake Jovita’s cal, social and dining amenities. The Licensed Massage Therapist.

32,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse, designed with The fully stocked golf pro shop is a combination of Mediterranean and staffed with professionals led by head Key West architectural styles, overlooks professional [and Class “A” member the 9th and 18th holes and houses a fit- of the Professional Golf Association ness center, full pro shop, a grill room, a (PGA)], Leo Cadden, who can help Grand Dining Room (as well as private members book a tee time, reserve dining areas and a veranda for outdoor rental equipment, assist with repairs or seating), business offices, locker rooms, shopping for clothing and equipment Men’s Card Room and Women’s Bridge and give private golf lessons. Cadden’s Club Room. Outside, there are four previously was the head golf professional Har-Tru clay tennis courts, a six-lane at Silverthorn Country Club in BrooksJunior Olympic (25m) swimming pool ville. Because no detail is ever overwith beach entry, and outdoor poolside looked at Lake Jovita, a variety of local grill (open during summer months). cigars also are on sale in the Pro Shop.

The 2,000-sq.-ft. fitness center In the hallway outside the shop is a includes free weights, as well as Cybex large bulletin board for men, women or cardio and circuit machines. Fitness couples to reserve tee times and signup director Debbie Milton is available for for golf events. personal training sessions, fitness asThe tennis center offers well-

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maintained Har-Tru courts (which is actually crushed stone, more durable and consistent than its European clay court counterparts), with a variety of programs for men and women, whether singles or doubles, with lighting for evening play. During the summer, the pool is used for swim lessons and water aerobics taught by Suzanne Hollis, who is a certified pool/spa operator and CPR instructor, although the pool itself is open year-round to members for swimming laps or relaxation.

Outstanding Cuisine, Too

Executive chef and food and beverage manager Brian Boismier (formerly the executive chef at Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club in New Tampa) leads his culinary staff of ten to create a unique dining experience for Lake Jovita’s members and their guests.

The Grand Dining Room offers two-story French Palladian windows for members to enjoy the spectacular views of the hardwood trees and pond, central fountain and surrounding golf course holes. It even is open to the public during select days and times, but business casual dress is required and reservations are suggested for large parties.

And, although assistant editor Matt Wiley and I only got to enjoy a couple of menu items in the Grand Dining Room, both the tender bourbon ribeye steak and an equally tasty fresh Gulf grouper with a savory saffron sauce, which I ordered on the side, were definitely delicious. Even the crisp house salad, grilled veggies and decadent tux

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edo cheesecake we tried for dessert were all fresh and taste-tempting, too.

The more casual Grille Room offers a laid-back atmosphere for lunch and dinner, with flat screen TVs and bar.

Both the Grille Room and the Grand Dining Room offer private rooms by reservation. The Country Club itself also can be reserved for very large special events, such as weddings, business meetings and golf tournaments.

Guests opting to stay on-site overnight at LJG&CC can enjoy full membership privileges while rooming in one of the 15 available Club Villas, each offering a spacious 1,700 sq. ft. of living space. The 3-bedroom/2-bath villas are fully furnished, with well-equipped kitchens, leisure rooms, and screened lanais, plus each unit overlooks the 17th and 18th holes. Rentals are available for up to four-guest-occupancy for nightly, weekly or even monthly stays.

These “Stay and Play” packages

Neighborhood News

LG&CC’s tournament and membership sales coordinator Dolores White-Sutton is available to assist prospective members with their selection from one of six packages, including Full Family Gold Membership, Tennis Membership, Fitness Membership, Family Social Membership or Single Social (Above) French Palladium windows in Lake Jovita’s Grand Dining Room provide more Membership. As a Rolex Allimpressive views, while the club’s outstanding cuisine (right) includes a grilled Bourbon American Junior Golf Association (AJGC) athlete (2003-05) ribeye (left) and fresh grilled Gulf grouper with saffron sauce. and professional golfer on the allow guests full membership Habitat for Humanity. Other recent Symetra Tour (2010-13), White-Sutton LJG&CC-sponsored events have benprivileges, including 18 holes of golf has first-hand experience in the world with golf cart, advance tee times and un- efited the Lewis Abraham Lacoochee of golf and the knowledge she needs to Boys and Girls Club and the children of limited use of the practice facility, as well help interested individuals or families as all club facilities and dining. Rates for LJG&CC’s groundskeepers, housekeep- identify the membership package that a nightly, single occupancy start at $160 ing staff and service staff. best suits their respective needs.

The club’s New Year’s Eve Gala during the months of January, May-SepLJG&CC Woman’s Club President, allowed members to ring in 2014 with tember and December. Peak rates (ocKim DeLisle, who also is a Lake Jovita curring February-April and October and dancing and dining, featuring entertainresident and 10-year member of the November) for nightly, single occupancy ment by former “American Idol” conclub, says she enjoys the social opporstart at $250. “Stay & Play” is an excel- testant Jonathan Cortez, Chef Brian’s tunities the club has to offer and that fabulous plated dinner and a midnight lent option for out-of-towners, New she looks forward to the weekly Happy champagne toast.

The Winter Fitness Tampa residents looking for a weekend Hour on Fridays because of the live Challenge, following the busy holiday getaway within driving distance, or for entertainment and the crowds that the season, offered members a ten-week guests of larger events such as weddings event attracts. challenge beginning mid-January to or tournaments.

“If you want to stay home, then focus on losing body fat and increasing Member & Community stay home,” she says, “but there’s always muscle strength. A weekly healthy-eatSpecial Events something social going on at Lake Jovita ing class was offered as a supplement to LJG&CC hosts numerous social Golf & Country Club.” the challenge for an additional fee. The and charitable events throughout the Lake Jovita Golf & Country 2014 Member-Member Golf Tournayear. The most recent events include Club is located at 12900 Lake Jovita ment for Men and Women is scheduled the 7th annual Lake Jovita 5K ReinBlvd. in Dade City. For more inforfor the weekend of February 15–16, deer Run/Walk (held last December), mation call (352) 588-2233 or visit which includes prizes, food and an which raised funds for the East Pasco LakeJovitaGolfCC.com. awards dinner.

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31

Peppe’s Back At Biagio’s Pizza & Pasta On Cross Creek Blvd.!

By Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley Despite the abundance of delicious New York-style pizza in Wesley Chapel, I still recommend taking a short drive down Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. to Cross Creek Blvd. to try Biagio’s II Pizza & Pasta, located in the only part of the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center that actually faces Cross Creek Blvd.

Mo, who purchased Biagio’s in June of 2013, is proud to announce that Peppe, the popular long-time pizza maker who helped make Biagio’s so popular with local residents, has been back since January.

That means that whether you’ve never checked out Biagio’s before, or if it’s been a while since you’ve sampled “Gourmet

(L. to r.) Among our editor’s favorite dishes at Biagio’s II Pizza & Pasta on Cross Creek Blvd. are the “rigatoni Leo” and chicken parmigiana with spaghetti. Marwa, Mo, Peppe and Tyler invite you to enjoy Biagio’s excellent pizza and more seven days a week.

Food at Pizzeria Prices,” you owe it to yourself to give it a try now.

Everything we’ve sampled at Biagio’s the past couple of weeks has definitely been yummy, including the excellent, custommade-for-us Margherita-style pizza pictured at left, as well as the tasty chicken parmigiana pizza, which is always among the several different varieties available by the slice anytime you visit. Our office also really enjoyed a half-sausage, half-cheese large NY-style pie, and sales and office assistant Antwon Gildon gave high marks to his gourmet slice and garlic knots that came with his twoslice lunch special (a fountain drink also included for just $6.50!).

I also recently chowed down You can design your own specialty pizza at Biagio’s, on a tender and delicious half veal like this Margherita-style pizza Peppe custom-designed parmigiana sub and I can tell you that Mo, Peppe and Biagio’s really for us during a recent visit.

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are building something truly yummy.

Among our office’s other favorite dishes were new graphic artist Julie Mills’ huge portion of meaty lasagne, assistant editor Matt Wiley’s portobello panini sandwich and general manager Nikki Bennett’s chicken Cardinal, which is two grilled breasts topped with spinach, roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella in a savory brown sauce. I also enjoyed the rigatoni Leo, which was served al denté as I ordered it, with grilled chicken, spinach and sundried tomatoes in a unique pink sauce. All very tasty indeed!

Because Biagio’s is more than just a pizza place, the menu is huge and even offers fresh homemade ravioli (I haven’t tried those yet), including lobster ravioli, hot and cold subs and wraps and even “Pastabilities” (where you create your own pasta). There’s even a variety of tasty soups (I really enjoyed the zesty pasta fagioli),

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 04 • February 15, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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hot appetizers like fried calamari and even sides like spinach, broccoli or mushrooms sautéed in garlic and oil. The homemade desserts include zeppoles and even baklava.

Mo, who has lived in New Tampa for three years, was a doctor in his native Egypt, but has raised his four children (three daughters and a son) in the U.S. — and all of them are now in school in

Asst. editor Matt Wiley recommends giving this portobello panini a try.

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!

(Clockwise from top left) Try the chicken Cardinal; Peppe gives this pizza thing another whirl; even the garlic knots are yummy.

Florida. In fact, his daughter Marwa, who is in pre-med herself at USF and hopes to become a surgeon someday, actually helps her dad out in the restaurant while she’s in school, as does daughter May, a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at the University of Tampa. Daughter Marim also is in premed at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, while son Mo is a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High in Wesley Chapel.

For more info about Biagio’s II (located at 10359 Cross Creek Blvd.), visit BiagiosTampa.com or call 973-4343.

Take out, delivery and even large catering orders are always available. Biagio’s is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday.

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33

Sushi Raw — For Everyone Who’s Been Missing Sushi Tsu In Tampa Palms!

By Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley

Although we have still had plenty of great Japanese restaurants to enjoy in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, I know I wasn’t alone in missing Sushi Tsu, which had been located, for more than a decade, in the same Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms, where our office had been located (until a few days ago) before it closed last year. In fact, even though Tampa Palms is a few miles south of the Pasco County line, I know plenty of Wesley Chapel residents who named Sushi Tsu as their “Favorite Sushi/Japanese Restaurant� in their annual New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Dining Surveys the past few years.

So, you can imagine how excited I was when I heard that the new Sushi Raw, which also has been located in the Shoppes at Amberly for less than three months, was owned by Sushi Tsu’s former top sushi chef, Fong Cheng, and that former Sushi Tsu owner Jay Choe and several other former employees from Sushi Tsu were helping Fong get his new restaurant off to a flying start.

Fong became something of a local superstar at Sushi Tsu, even though he hardly spoke English (he speaks and understands it a lot better now), from the moment he first started working for Jay.

Many local residents would ask for him by name and he never let them down. “He (Fong) can handle the sushi side of the business,� says Jay, who today is a sous chef at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in the West Shore area of Tampa, as well as a culinary educator. “I’m helping him learn the business side of the business.�

Also helping Fong by picking up some shifts at the new Sushi Raw are former Sushi Tsu chefs Nick, Tony and Roger.

So, no matter who prepares your food at Sushi Raw, you can rest assured that the fish will be fresh, all of the dishes will be delicious and the sauces will be outstanding.

Among the delicious items in this incredible sushi platter at Sushi Raw in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms. Among the favorites displayed in this platter are several different fresh ahi tuna choices, fresh red snapper, escolar (white tuna), grilled eel, veggie tempura and more.

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Fong, who lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife and two young sons, says he had quite a run on the crispy lobster appetizer we featured in last issue’s Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes column, so I’m sure that he’ll also sell a lot of my other favorite items pictured on these pages, including a unique calamari appetizer which includes sweet red peppers and a slightly spicy finish.

I’m showing quite a bit of sushi on these pages because Sushi Raw has some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Tampa Bay area. Among the new favorites I hadn’t sampled before I visited Fong’s place, including the spicy summer roll (with tuna, fresh greens and avocado wrapped in rice paper, instead of seaweed, in a spicy chile sauce), the spicy tuna Tokyo Roll, which adds tempura crunch for taste and texture, the spicy ahi tuna poki and the fresh snapper sushi seared with the skin on for extra texture and taste.

And, speaking of extra taste, I always order my Sushi Raw sushi with Fong’s incredible spicy tataki sauce, which deserves to be used on a lot more than just his perfect tuna tataki. I love dipping everything from hibachi steak to fresh veggies in the sauce, so be sure to ask Fong for a sample when you visit Sushi Raw.

More Than Just Sushi

Although I’ve only sampled a few of the entrÊes from Sushi Raw’s simple

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 04 • February 15, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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menu, I can already recommend Fong’s fried pork katsu, chicken or steak teriyaki, great tempura and my new favorite, the yakisoba, which is a nicely spiced steak dish with fresh broccoli and other veggies and lo mein-style noodles.

And, although Sushi Raw is only a couple of months old, it already is receiving a lot of great reviews on Yelp.com.

For example, Lisa C. of Tampa posted this rave on the website: “Saw this place open up and went in to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to see the old sushi chef from Sushi Tsu behind the counter! Great sushi plus some of the dinner selections that they had available at the old restaurant.

Would definitely recommend this place if you live in the New Tampa area and are looking for some yummy sushi!�

Sushi Raw currently doesn’t yet have its beer and wine license, but Fong and Jay promise that it is coming soon.

In the meantime, you can bring your

If you like calamari, you have to try the sweet pepper-infused calamari ast Sushi Raw. @NTWCNews

(Clockwise from top left) The sushi artist Fong at work, the delicious yakisoba, Tokyo roll and fresh summer roll, all among our editor’s favorites at the new Sushi Raw. (Below) Fong is being helped with his restaurant’s opening by former Sushi Tsu owner Jay Choe.

own adult beverages and enjoy them without having to pay an uncorking fee until the restaurant’s beer and wine license has been finalized.

Sushi Raw (15311 Amberly Dr., next to LA {formerly Lifestyle Family} Fitness) is open Mon.-Fri. for lunch (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and for dinner seven days a week (Sun.-Thur., 5 p.m.10 p.m., & 5 p.m.-11 p.m. on Fri.Sat. For reservations & more info, call 977-3838. And, please tell Fong, Jay and the rest of the crew that the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News sent you!

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

Big Names Coming To WC!

By Gary Nager & Matt Wiley

Prudential Tropical Joins Berkshire Hathaway

Prudential Tropical Realty, which for several years has had an office in Wesley Chapel (in the Shoppes of New Tampa plaza, at 1830 Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd., just south of the Shops at Wiregrass mall), has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, and now operates as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group.

Prudential Tropical, a leader in greater Tampa Bay’s residential and commercial real estate markets dating back to 1959, is the next in a growing roster of affiliate companies that have joined the network since September.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices now accounts for more than 22,000 agents and nearly 600 offices in 26 states.

“We are proud to represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a brand whose namesake is the world’s most respected company, according to Barron’s,” said Dewey Mitchell, broker/ owner at Florida Properties Group.

“We strongly believe our new brand will resonate well with clients of all types and help our company grow. Equally important, the brand will help our agents gain even more distinction in the Tampa Bay marketplace.”

Broker/owner Allen Crumbley said the decision to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was an easy one for him and Mitchell, since the brand reflects Berkshire Hathaway’s values of trust,

Allen Crumbley (left) and Dewey Mitchell of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group welcomed Prudential Tropical Realty into the Berkshire Hathaway family on Jan. 28. integrity, stability and longevity. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a great fit for our company because we live these values every day,” he said.

Crumbley added that the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will be a boon for recruiting. “Anyone in business knows that Berkshire Hathaway is the gold standard of corporations, and now we have the exclusive opportunity to represent the name in real estate.

Agents looking for a brand that is fresh, intelligent and respected should look no farther than this one.”

Mitchell, Crumbley and their management team commemorated the brand on January 28, during an agent event at A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa.

HSF Affiliates CEO Earl Lee attended the event and welcomed associates to the brand. “You have served your clients with distinction for years,” Lee said.

“We are honored you have joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”

For more info, call 907-8200, visit BHHSFloridaProperties.com or see the ad on page 11.

Although there are still a lot of unconfirmed rumors about what new businesses are coming to Wesley Chapel, we have a few for you that we’re at least confident enough to announce. First, the new Wal-Mart, which is quickly coming out of the ground and should be open for business sometime this fall on S.R. 54 (just east of Applebee’s), has plenty of “friends” that will also be built in the area across from Wesley Chapel Nissan and Century Kia of Wesley Chapel, including (drumroll, please), Hooter’s, which of course, couldn’t allow the new Wing House open on S.R. 54 without it’s chief competitor in the wings- and-sexy-shorts-wearing women restaurant/sports bar biz opening nearby.

Also reportedly to be included in the plaza around Wal-Mart are Chick-fil-A and Advanced Auto Parts (photo below), although a still-not-confirmed rumor certain to excite many locals is that Carrabba’s Italian Grill is seriously looking at the site, so we’ll definitely keep you posted.

We also expect a lot of popular places moving on or near S.R. 54 west of I-75 in the not-too-distant future, starting with Cody’s Roadhouse, which is expected to open in the former location of Remington’s Steakhouse (next to the Pinebrook

at The Grove shopping plaza) by sometime this spring. An interesting note is that Cody’s also had taken over the former Remington’s location on E. Bearss Ave. (near BBD) that is now occupied by PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grille.

But, perhaps the biggest news of all — at least for Wesley Chapel moms and dads looking for more fun stuff to do with their kids without having to drive — is that it appears that Chuck E. Cheese’s will be coming to a currently vacant parcel of land in The Grove shopping center off Oakley Blvd. (closer to the Cobb 16 movie theaters than to Outback). Although CEC Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of the mouse-themed kids party place with nearly 600 locations nationwide, has yet to confirm that the Chuckster will soon have a local home, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce was on hand when engineers for CEC were on-site surveying the property.

The only sad news to report is that Dave & Buster’s, which is basically like Chuck E. Cheese’s for adults and older kids with better food, also had been looking in The Grove, but has since withdrawn that interest. Again, we’ll keep you posted on all of these and any other new biz developments in our upcoming issues.

Ciccio’s Cali Cuts A Ribbon

If you were one of the many Wesley Chapel residents who breathed an audible sigh of relief when the new Ciccio’s Cali opened in the Shoppes at The Pointe plaza (in the same area as Olive Garden, Red Lobster & Stonewood) a couple of months ago, you’re certainly not alone.

Yes, Ciccio’s is back, as is manager Robert Garofano, and even though a few

Savor the flavors of authentic Italian recipes prepared by Executive Chef Owner Dominick.

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The friendly, professional staff at A Caring Dentist in the Windfair Professional Center off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel includes (l. to r.) Dr. Kimberly (not Kelly) Phelps, D.M.D., dental hygienist Raouf Marcos, dental assistants Treva, Mallory & Tina, office manager Stacy & Dr. B.K. Parasher, D.D.S. The photo was incorrectly labeled in the story in our January 18 Wesley Chapel issue.

of my old favorite dishes from when it was next to Publix in Tampa Palms are gone and it’s now beer and wine only, there’s no doubt that the health-conscious new lunch and dinner menu and the outrageously delicious new weekend breakfast/brunch offerings make Ciccio’s a must-try-again.

I was thrilled to sample that breakfast for the first time on January 18, when Garofano, his employees and District 7 City Council member Lisa Montelione cut a ribbon with the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce at the newest Ciccio’s Cali location (although another is opening soon in Brandon).

Look for a full review of the new Ciccio’s Cali (17004 Palm Pointe Dr.) in a future issue, visit CiccioCali.com or call 975-1222 for more info.

TGH Family Care Opens In City Plaza The new Tampa General Medi-

cal Group (TGMG) Family Care Center has opened in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping plaza. Hoplyn Beaton, M.D. and Scott S.E. Merritt, M.D., now are providing medical care to patients of all ages — from infants to seniors — including immunizations, treatment of illnesses and chronic disease management.

Dr. Beaton is Board-certified in Family Medicine and received her M.D. degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago before completing a family medicine residency at the University of Buffalo. Prior to joining TGMG, Dr. Beaton was a physician at the Florida Hospital Flagler outpatient clinic.

Dr. Merritt is Board-eligible in internal medicine and pediatrics. He graduated from Saba University of Medicine in Saba, Dutch Caribbean, and completed his medical residency at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY.

He previously was a physician at the TGMG Family Care Center Healthpark.

The Tampa Palms office is the seventh Family Care Center to open since 2012, with more locations planned, said Sharon Ford, TGMG’s director of ambulatory services.

The New Tampa office, located at 16011 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., is open weekdays, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For appointments and more info, call 844-8100 or visit TGMG.org.

La Fuente Mexican Restaurant Adds Cuban Cuisine

La Fuente Real Mexican Restaurant, located at 10032 Cross Creek Blvd. (at Kinnan St.) in the Cross Creek Center plaza, is still serving delicious authentic Mexican food, but recently also has added tasty Cuban cuisine, thanks to the addition of José, (photo bottom left), formerly of La Cubanita Café on BBD, who brings his own twist on many popular Cuban favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The impressive new breakfast menu includes items like Cuban toast, café con leché, egg wraps and sandwiches, huevos rancheros, pancakes and even French toast.

The delicious Cuban lunch items — shredded mojo pork, ropa vieja, masitas, black (and red) beans and rice, a variety of soups and more — are all nicely displayed in the traditional Cuban cafeteria style.

But, José and La Fuente owner Roger Rubio also promise that La Fuente still has its full, traditional real Mexican menu, from fajitas to chimichangas, enchiladas and more, plus Mexican and Latin American

beers on draft and in bottles, homemade sangria, as well as frozen margaritas and other popular wine-based cocktails, plus nice flat-screen TVs. Customized catering for all occasions also is available.

For more info (reservations are not required), call La Fuente at 907-0592 or visit MexicanFoodTampa.net.

Try Pebble Creek Golf Club For Your Wedding Or Special Event!

The Banquet & Events Center at Pebble Creek Golf Club (PCGC, 10550 Regents Park Dr.) is available for wedding receptions & ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, quince an eras, corporate meetings, reunions, anniversaries, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs and other events. The good news is that membership in the semiprivate club is no longer required to utilize PCGC’s spacious and elegant banquet hall.

More than 100 wedding events have been held at Pebble Creek during the past few years alone! And, PCGC’s banquet room offers seating for 200, with sweeping golf course views, a scenic courtyard with grandfather oaks, a new Veranda, billiards room and Mulligan’s Irish Pub, all choreographed for the most memorable events in our area.

A seasoned staff caters to your event’s taste and style, from simple cocktail parties to lavish catered wedding receptions and corp[orate outings.

PCGC events director Kathy Warren has more than 20 years of experience and she is available for tours and information at 973-3870, x232, or email her at KWarren@Ace-Golf.com.

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Wesley Chapel H E L P

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HELP WANTED - Part-Time Community Representative. Personable, friendly individual to provide community information and assist with realtor outreach program for established real estate development.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Working knowledge of Excel and Word.

Send resume to csummerson@crown-tampa.com.

HELP WANTED - Tampa Bay MatchMakers, Tampa Bay’s ONLY certified life coaching and matchmaking company, is seeking a parttime professional with excellent customer care and phone skills, for office administration and marketing responsibilities. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. Flexible schedule including afternoon/evening hours. Please email resume to Nancy@TampaBayMatchMakers.com HELP WANTED - Apple device tutoring needed in home! iPad, iPod, iPhone, music playlist organization, well versed in all areas required. $10/hour.

Please contact via email: Blewis816@gmail.com.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-onone care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 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 - Multiple position need to be filled at KW mega agent office. Team Bohannon is expending we need additional experienced Buyer’s Agents, and listing Agents. Skilled, highly organized, and experienced Transaction Coordinator…Just list and sell and we do the rest for you. We will provide you with lots and lots of quality leads. Contact Annette Bohannon Team Bohannon Keller Williams Tampa Properties. today at (813) 431-2840.

HELP WANTED - Plastic surgery practice in New Tampa is seeking a motivated, friendly medical assistant to work full time in both front office and back office capacities starting in January. Candidate must be professional, reliable, and familiar with computer software (Excel, Microsoft Word). Please send your resume and a cover letter with your qualifications for the position to TampaPS@gmail.com HELP WANTED - Award winning Real Estate Team with an overflow of serious prospects.

Seeking professional full t­ ime real estate agents who want to expand their horizons, make more money, and have a fulfilling life. Great training available, Keller Williams Tampa Properties, Annette Bohannon 813-431-2840 HELP WANTED - Medical Receptionist (Land O Lakes) We are a busy Primary Care Office that offers Aesthetics/Wellness to their patients.

This is a full-time position Monday through Friday and having to rotate Saturdays. Friendly, upbeat self-motivated, detail oriented, and has a professional appearance.At least one (1) year of experience in a health care setting a must. Will need to be knowledgeable ,able to multi-task.

Ability to work independently as well as with a team.-Knowledge of Insurance benefits and verification of services a must Please send your

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Classifieds resume to pew@gmsdocs.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT ­ RY WALL SPECIALI­ST - Not a handyman. AfD fordable 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.

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 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

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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 813994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com *EXPERIENCED PET SITTER *Will Walk, Talk and Feed and Play with your special Friend *FREE Meet and Greet *BIG or SMALL WE LOVE them all - references upon request **CALL (813) 446-1815**

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) 973-4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

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CAR SERVICES – Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded. Call Jay at (813) 966-1530

E D U C A T I O N / B A B YS I T T I N G

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L.I.F.E Academy for Learning, LLC- A licensed inhome daycare located in New River Township. The daycare is managed by Nora Dudley, who is an experienced elementary Florida certified teacher and is also First Aid/CPR licensed. She is a loving mother of two and is passionate about helping children. Call today to enroll your child and mention this ad to waive your registration fee! Tutoring sessions for grades K-3 are also available upon appointment. Contact Nora Dudley at (813) 395-8487 or for more information visit www.lifeacademyforlearning.com

MUSIC LESSONS - Private, Classical Music Lessons- Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar and Voice.

Traditional, European training with engaging, modern approach. Auditioning for Winter Term now.

Wendelken Studio of Musical Arts at Grace Episcopal Church. Recitals, Festivals, Competitions and Royal Conservatory of Music Credit opportunities, or simply study for the love of it. For further information about our internationally-recognized music school and to schedule an interview, please call Mary Wendelken, Director, at (813) 978-1771 and visit our website at www.TampaPiano.com

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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) 8575400 or visit www.­TranquilityPoolService.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pool­­ s 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

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES BASEBALL TRAINING - Ages 6-18, for private, group, team or league instructional development.

Get started...FREE PLAYER EVALUATION! New travelball academy starting soon, register online with your interest and train at our new 5 acre baseball ranch.www.rockstar-baseball.com or email ryan@ rockstar-baseball.com. Current Varsity Pitching and Hitting Coach at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic HS & Former Wiregrass Ranch HS Varsity Coach ( 2013 state semi-finalist).Former British National Coach, College player, youth coach and 8u travel ball manager. You practice... WE TRAIN! 813 992 1030

FITNESS & WELLBEING TAI CHI CLASSES - 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 private instruction in Tai Chi Chuan, Kempo, Chin-Na. Also Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 35 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 www.Tampa-Therapy.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 04 •February 15, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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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 TAMPA LAWN SALON - Inc. has been providing New Tampa residents service for over 10 years! We not only provide weekly landscape maintenance but are also licensed in pest control. Our services include: Lawn and Ornamental Fertilization, Pest Control, Landscape Design, Landscape and Sod Installation, Lawn and Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Lighting, Irrigation, Pressure Washing. Please call us for an estimate at 813.417.7301 and ask us about our FREE irrigation inspection!

CLEANING SERVICES 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 and equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company with over 20 years experience. “If it Needs to be Clean, We’re your Team! Call us for your free in home estimate today! 813-625-6045 D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more information, Call 758-9710.

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TIRED OF INTERNET DATING? Tampa Bay’s ONLY cer tified Life Coach and Matchmaker! Call Tampa Bay MatchMakers today to schedule your complimentar y consultation! (813) 907-0410 w w w. T a m p a B a y M a t c h M a k e r s . c o m

M I S C E L L A N E O U S UNABLE TO DRIVE, NO TIME, TO-DO LIST NOT GETTING DONE??? CALL: SMILESALWAYS @ 813-263-4244 for: Errands - Transportation - Doctor Appointments - Grocery Shopping Assistance - House Sitting - Girl Friday/Office Support and Concierge Services - Event Planning. Hourly, Daily & Long Term Rates. Tampa Palms Area. Friendly Trustworhly, Responsible, Resourceful, Reliable.

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