New Tampa Issue 05-13

Inside:

Volume 21 Issue 5

Do You Have Plans For St. Patrick’s Day?

March 2, 2013

See Neighborhood Magazine!

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

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

Do Not Miss The 20th Annual ‘Taste of New TampaTM!’ Sunday, March 24, Noon-6 p.m., in Primrose Park, Tampa Palms

By Gary Nager As this issue arrives in your mailbox, the 20th annual Taste of New TampaTM is only about three weeks away. The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host the 2013 Taste on Sunday, March 24, noon-6 p.m., in Primrose Park, across from Freedom High and Liberty Middle School off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms.

Not only is this year’s Taste a milestone event that promises to be the biggest and best ever, it also will be the first major public event that will allow residents of Richmond Place, West Meadows, Hunter’s Green and all of the other communities located north of I-75 to access the event without having to get on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., as the new Gateway Bridge (which was set to open just before you received this issue, see page 6) will provide virtual door-to-door access for Taste attendees.

And, what a Taste it promises to be!

In the years that I was either the chairman of the Taste or the president of the organization that put it on, we averaged about 35 restaurants and beverage providers each year, with a high of nearly 45. Last year, only 15 restaurants participated, in part because the event got moved at the last minute from the Shops at Wiregrass mall to Paul R. Wharton High, but also because the economy had made it a lot less cost-effective for local mom-and-pop restaurants.

This year, however, I convinced the Chamber Board to reduce the cost to attend to just $5 per person in advance and $10 per person the day of the event (children 12 and under still get in for free) and to allow participating restaurants to charge from $1-$3 per “taste” (the restaurants will set their own prices).

And, so far, that strategy seems to have helped encourage more first-time restaurants to participate in the Taste.

One of the featured newcomers

among the 20+ restaurants that already have committed to participating will be Domani Bistro & Lounge, located on N. Florida Ave. in Old Seminole Hights.

Co-owner and executive chef Alex Knezevic says that with many of New Tampa’s favorite upscale eateries (Ciccio’s, Selmon’s, etc.) closing, he hopes the Taste will be a way for him to get New Tampa residents to drive 15 or 20 minutes to try Domani Bistro.

See “Taste” on page 30.

New Tampa Juniors To Host 16th Annual ‘Night of 5000’ March 2!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Capri Isle To Finish Cory Lake Isles, TECO Proposes Residential Rate Increase, Wharton Boys March Toward State Title, Lots Of Local Business Features & More!

Local 5Ks Push Physical & Emotional Limits, Get Irish On St. Patty’s At Mulligans & P.J. Dolan’s, Toast Is More Than Just A Wine Bar, Lots Of Nibbles & Biz Bytes & Much More!

Pages 1-42

Pages 43-60

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

Jazz,” and the event will again feature wonderful live and silent auction items, casinostyle gaming, live entertainment and dance music provided by Gigante Productions.

The Night of 5000 is the NTJWC’s biggest fund raiser each year and it raised $35,000 last year to benefit the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. This year’s primary beneficiary will be the Tampa Police Department’s “R.I.C.H. (Resources In Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. General Community Hope) House, a safe place to Martin Steele (left) was a featured play and learn and supervised after-school speaker at last year’s New Tampa Junhangout for youths in the Sulphur Springs ior Woman’s Club ‘Night of 5000’ gala. neighborhood of North Tampa.

Tickets to the “Night of 5000” cost $85 per person. For more info, visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org.

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The gala, which will begin at 7 p.m., always features great food, fun and welldressed New Tampa residents and this year should be no exception, as the Night of 5000 will be held at the beautiful USF Embassy Suites Hotel in front of the University of South Florida’s Tampa Campus entrance on E. Fowler Ave. This year’s theme will be “All That

Dated Material Please Rush!

As long as we’re talking about events you shouldn’t miss on this page, you might still want to try to grab tickets for the 16th annual “Night of 5000” gala, hosted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC), which will be held the same evening as the cover date of this issue — Saturday, March 2.

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Milorian Studios To Provide Our Video Production Services Look For Our First ‘Taste of New Tampa’ Preview Video By March 15, Plus Our Live Taste Coverage & More!

An editorial by Gary Nager What seems like two lifetimes ago, I graduated from the University of Florida College of Journalism & Communications with a B.S. degree in Broadcasting with a news emphasis.

A little more than 30 years later, I have held the same job in the print journalism business for 19 years (as of last month) and, although I love what I do, I’ve always wanted to get back to my first love — writing for film and TV. My problem is that I’ve never been a “techie,” but, since I’m now living in an age where people create videos that go “viral” with their iPads and even their cell phones, I assumed that it must be easier than ever to create videos that people will want to watch.

Not so much. The fact is that there is no personal electronic device that can create videos that look as truly professional as what you see on “real” TV, whether broadcast or cable. And, there really is no substitution for experience when it comes to shooting and editing quality video.

So, even though we’ve already achieved some local success with some of the short videos we’ve shot, I figured out pretty quickly that I really need an experienced studio with quality equipment to do the kind of broadcast programming I’ve wanted to do since I was in my 20s.

Enter Milorian Studios, located off S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel in the Brookside Professional Park, and president/owner Carlos Flores-Gordon.

Carlos, who has worked for more than two decades in the music, film and TV production business, is a long-time New Tampa

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

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Camille Gillies • Bonnie Mason • Kathleen Schiop Marketing Director Ashley Knoblach Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lamos Advertising Sales Rep Taylor Gardner Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 21, Issue 5, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, February 18, 2013. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

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

& Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reader who says he has wanted to work with me for some time, but especially since we posted our first video efforts on our website: NTNeighborhood News.com.

And, after touring his beautiful, fouryear-old building, which features music and video production studios and editing equipment the likes of which I’ve never seen before (it’s been more than ten years since I even toured a TV or radio station studio) and seeing the type of high-quality work Carlos and his amazing crew create at Milorian — for about a third of what it would cost in Miami or New York — he and I sat down and talked about working on a few projects together.

“As a long-time fan of yours and the Neighborhood News,” Carlos told me when we met, “I definitely feel a synergy with what you’re trying to do in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel markets. Let’s work on something together.”

Since I felt the same kind of kinship with Carlos and the impressive studio he quietly has created right in my own back yard, I suggested that I would like to start with a professional video shot on site during the upcoming Taste of New TampaTM on Sunday, March 24 (see pages 1 and 22-23 for details) — especially when Carlos said that he and his crew can provide any type of service needed to create such videos except for the actual writing, which of course, just happens to be our specialty at the Neighborhood News.

Carlos offered to first shoot a Taste preview video (which we hope will begin being shown on our website by Friday, March 15), create a short live feed from the Taste (which will air live on our website as the event is unfolding) and then compile a 2-3 minute video to wrap up the event. Our goal after those productions is to then offer

a package of services no one else can match for your business — a package which will include a similar 2-3 minute video about your business as well as a 30-second commercial you can air on any cable or broadcast TV station, as well as on both our website and yours, and a package of ads in the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News.

In other words we want to create a multimedia image for your business.

For more information, call general manager Nikki Bennett at our office at 910-2575. You also should check out Milorian.com to see the kind of work Carlos & Co. have already done. I’ll be

stunned if you’re not impressed.

Oakley’s Grille Raising $ For CCC I was supposed to mention in this issue’s Nibbles & Bytes column on pg. 56 (but I ran out of room) that Oakley’s Grille (17631 BBD Blvd.) is working with Tampa’s Children’s Cancer Center to raise at least $1,000 to help that very worthy cause.

Oakley’s will donate $1 for every delicious cheeseburger sold from now through June to the Children’s Cancer Center, so I hope you will visit & enjoy one soon!

For more info, see the ad on pg. 52, call 523-5075 or visit OakleysGrille.com.

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES....................Pages 1-42 Capri Isle To Finish The Buildout Of Cory Lake Isles.........................4 The Good, The Bad, The Widening Of Bruce B. Downs....................6 Camden Live Oaks Sells, Becomes Amberly Place................................8 TECO Plans Residential Rate Increase................................................10

New Tampa News Briefs.....................................12 Tampa Palms Blvd. Resurfacing Complete Fire Destroys Two Apartments In Richmond Place Lin Faces Life Sentence In Beating Death Of Wife Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute: Making Alzheimer’s A Memory......... 14 Bidding Closes For Proposals For ‘Fields At Wiregrass’................... 16 New Tampa Community Calendar......................20-21

Local Business Updates...........................22-31 New Tampa Chamber Newsletter.............................22 Royalty Lawn & Landscaping: Yards Fit For A King.............. 24 Maria Cherrez-VanGalder: An Honest Real Estate Agent........26 Anchor Title Helps Protect Your Real Estate Investments.......28 Medi-Weight Loss Clinics Can Help You Shed Those Pounds.........32 Lee Nails & Spa Is More Than Just Manicures & Pedicures ...34

Local Education Updates................................38 New Tampa Elementary Schools Receive Swiftmud Grants

Local Sports Updates...................................40-41 New Tampa Athletes Commit On National Signing Day......40 Wharton Hoops Still Marching Towards A State Title.............41

Neighborhood Magazine Recapping Two New Tampa-Area 5K Races.....................43, 45 Get Irish On St. Patty’s Day At Mulligans & P.J. Dolans.........46 Have A Bite With Your Vino At Toast!...................................50 Champions Dine At Winners Grill...........................................52 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’...............................56

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS....................58 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Capri Isle Will Put The Finishing Touches On Cory Lake Isles

By Matt Wiley Construction will soon begin on model homes in a section of Cory Lake Isles that has lain vacant for years.

The last parcel of land in Cory Lake Isles, the 27 acres known as Phase 7, will be developed by Kolter Land Partners (KLP), part of the Palm Beach Countybased Kolter Group, and will be known as Capri Isle.

However, unlike the many lavish communities inside Cory Lake Isles, many of which feature large homes on enormous lots, Capri Isle will feature 115 single-family homes, ranging from 1,700-2,900-sq.-ft., on lots that were originally planned for townhomes. The Capri Isle parcel has been sitting vacant since 2006. “(Capri Isle) will be a great addition to the community,” says KLP president Jim Harvey. “This is the last group of lots in Cory Lake Isles. The local housing market seems like it has turned over. We expect a lot of interest.”

Harvey says that the homes will not necessarily be that much smaller than others in Cory Lake—although many homes in the community are more than 4,000 sq. ft.—but that they definitely will be closer

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together. He explains that the lots that the homes will be built on are a combination of two townhome lots, which measure just more than 50 feet wide and about 80 feet deep.

Homes in Capri Isle will be constructed by Ryan Homes, which recently has moved into the Tampa market after building homes in Orlando and Pinellas County. These single-family homes will be either three or four bedrooms and will average in the mid-$200,000s, with model construction in April or May and sales beginning as early as this summer.

“Cory Lake Isles is a beautiful community that is well-established,” Harvey says. “New Tampa continues to attract new home demand. We believe that this is a high-demand price point (for this area).”

Harvey says that in addition to Capri Isle, Kolter also will see to the construction of a new resort-style pool for all of Cory Lake Isles, featuring paver decks and a luxurious bathhouse, as well as a waterslide.

Cory Lake CDD vice-chair Vicki Castro says that community response to the announcement of Capri Isle has been mostly positive, although, she says, “there always is going to be a vocal minority.”

The positive response partly is due to

the promise of a community pool, but also because Kolter is helping settle the community’s debt that it has been struggling with for several years.

Several years ago, Avatar Homes purchased the remaining empty lots in Cory Lake Isles from original developer and founder Gene Thomason. However, despite the planned townhome development, Avatar walked away from Cory Lake Isles and left the community with the Signs recently were posted outside of both enbill for the bonds it could no trances to Cory Lake Isles, advertising the new longer pay. The community has single-family-home development that will combeen struggling financially ever plete the buildout of the community. since.

Harvey explains that Kolter schedule. purchased the undeveloped Phase 7 propAs part of the deal, which was finalerty through a tax deed, due to unpaid as- ized in November, a traffic light also will sessments and defaulted bonds left from be put up at the Cross Creek Blvd. enAvatar. trance to Cory Lake, something that was “The CDD had a lot of debt associsupposed to be done when the Cory Lake ated with it,” Harvey says. “We bought Professional Center was originally conthe (Capri Isle) property and restructured structed. the debt.”

“The Kolter deal was a win-win for Castro says that Kolter brought a cre- everyone,” Castro says. ative financial plan to the table to get For more information about Capri Cory Lake Isles out of debt and that one Lake at Cory Lake Isles and Ryan bond even will be paid off a year ahead of Homes, call (855) 374-4954.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Good, The Bad, The Widening Of BBD In New Tampa

By Gary Nager & Matt Wiley We feel your pain, New Tampa, as you’re somehow still sitting in traffic on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., even though it appears that the widening of the portion of BBD from Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms to Pebble Creek Dr. is complete. And, it is...well, sort of, anyway.

Yes, we know that all four lanes in each direction have been paved and striped, so why are there still lines of orange barrels blocking you from accessing those lanes?

The best answer we can offer is that the explanation is complicated. First of all, Hillsborough County Public Works spokesperson Steve Valdez says that there are still “punch list items” — including center median work and landscaping on both sides of the widened area — that are being addressed.

As we’ve been reporting in virtually every issue, the computerized traffic signal synchronization has been an ongoing unresolved issue, but Valdez says the signals are now synchronized.

Uh-Oh! Valdez assures us that once the punch list items are addressed, which should be completed sometime this month, the lanes will open.

What those of us in the media have somehow missed up until this point, however, is that you may have noticed that the not-yet-open four lanes in each direction still reduce down to just two lanes in each direction under I-75, which (as we’ve reported before) also is being widened, with new bridges over BBD currently under construction.

The part we misunderstood is that because the areas under I-75 and the portions of BBD that access the interstate in both directions are actually part

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of the I-75 widening project, and are being paid for and constructed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), even when the rest of the current phase of BBD widening is completed later this month, traffic in both directions will still have to funnel down to two lanes in each direction from just past the old Lee Roy Selmon’s location on the north side to in front of the 7Eleven on the south side until the I-75 widening in that area also has been completed — which isn’t expected to be completed until the end of 2013!

This means that once the barrels are removed from the county’s portion of BBD, a major bottleneck will still be in place for another eight or nine months, as drivers who have been zipping along until they reach I-75 have to merge down to two lanes as they try to pass the interstate in either direction have probably noticed. - GN

Open Sesame, Gateway Bridge Speaking of bridges, the New Tampa Gateway Bridge should now be open to traffic, allowing New Tampa residents access to other parts of the community without always having to get on BBD. The $12.8-million bridge spans 0.7 miles and connects New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows to Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms, at the entrance to both Liberty Middle and Freedom High schools.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn was present at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 27 that took place at the intersection of Meadow Pine Dr. and New Tampa Blvd., on the West Meadows side of the bridge.

“Combined with the widening along BBD, (the bridge) will give the residents of New Tampa the traffic relief they deserve,” Mayor Buckhorn said in a press release. “Over the long term, the bridge

(Above) Once drivers along the newly widened BBD Blvd. reach the area around I-75, they will still have to merge down to two lanes from four until the end of 2013. (Below) The New Tampa Gateway Bridge, which will provide access from New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows to Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms, was expected to open to traffic on February 27.

and the convenience it provides to the surrounding neighborhoods will improve the quality of life for area residents.”

In addition to relieving congestion along BBD, especially near the I-75 interchange, the bridge also will provide easier and quicker access for emergency

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

vehicles. The overpass includes a fivefoot sidewalk on the south side of the two-lane roadway, and an eight-foot multi-use trail on the north side. Bridge construction began in May 2011 and, originally, wasn’t expected to be completed until July of this year. - MW

Camden Live Oaks In Tampa Palms Sold, Now Amberly Place

By Matt Wiley

Homes, located on New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows. Providence took over management of the 60-acre Camden property the same day as the press release, notifying residents via email, as well as with a letter posted on each door.

With new management comes change, which Providence vice president of property management Lisa Croushorn says will give a facelift to the community.

“We’re going to be doing some up-

Signs of change are on display along Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms. More specifically, these signs showcase the new name for the large apartment complex originally called Live Oaks Plantation, and which has most recently been known as Camden Live Oaks, but now is called Amberly Place.

According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office, Camden Live Oaks was sold in January to 5100 Live Oaks Blvd, LLC (also known as APH Property Holdings, LLC), for $63.4 million.

APH is a part of Prospect Capital Corporation, a New York Citybased business development and investment company.

In a press release dated Jan. 18, Prospect announced its entry into the real estate marketplace with three investment properties, one of which is Amberly Place.

Chicago-based Providence Management Co., LLC, which now is managing the 55-building, 770unit complex, also has a stake in the ownership of the rental community. New Amberly Place banners have replaced the Providence currently also owns and Camden Live Oaks signs that used to greet manages Portofino Apartment drivers on Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms.

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grades,” Croushorn explains. “There’ll be some major tree-trimming to get branches away from the buildings. We’ll also be pressure washing the buildings and repainting the shutters and doors.”

She says that Providence will be managing to exceed its residents’ expectations.

Location is what attracted Providence to the Live Oaks property.

“It doesn’t get much better than Tampa Palms,” she explains. “The buildings are well-constructed and have good floor plans.” The complex also borders the beautiful nature preserve that is part of

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Lettuce Lake Regional Park.

Croushorn says that Providence is working with the Tampa Palms Community Development District (CDD) to change the name engraved in granite on the Tampa Palms sign that fronts Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. at the Amberly Dr. intersection and that the company will be paying more than $6,000 to have that sign changed.

For more information about Amberly Place, please visit ProvMan.com and click on the “Properties” tab, or call 971-5100.

TECO Proposes Residential Electric Rate Increase

By Matt Wiley New Tampa residents should start taking steps now to conserve more power, if they want to be prepared for the rate hike that TECO (the Tampa Electric Company) is planning to propose. In a press release dated February 4, TECO announced to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) that it plans to request a rate hike of about 10 percent, which would add around $11 per month to the average residential power bill beginning as early as January 2014, if the hike is approved.

TECO officials say they will submit the proposal to PSC in April, after which PSC hearings and a vote will be conducted before the end of the year.

The reason for the rate hike? The TECO release says that due to increased costs and sluggish growth, the company is seeking to raise more than $135 million, which would add about 35 cents per day to the service cost of the average customer who uses 1,000-kilowatt hours per month.

TECO serves more than 675,000 customers in west-central Florida.

“There is never a good time to raise rates, and we empathize with our customers who are also feeling the effects of a

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difficult economy,” TECO president Gordon Gillette said in the release. “We have worked diligently to keep costs low, but (our) costs continue to outpace growth.”

Gordon noted that the relative price of electricity has gone down in recent years, when compared with the rising cost of other household commodities. The release states that TECO customers’ bills have dropped more than $12 per month in the past four years and that the utility company has not requested a rate hike since 2008.

“We are proud to offer our customers a great value — and rates that will remain among the lowest of Florida’s utilities,” Gillette said.

The TECO announcement comes just weeks after Pebble Creek’s private water provider, Pluris, announced a proposed steep rate hike for the New Tampa community, which will face a hearing before the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for approval.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, some common ways to conserve energy include unplugging appliances that are not being used, especially cell phone chargers, making sure ceiling fans are turned off when no one is in the room and investing in energy-efficient light

bulbs, particularly bulbs that are “Energy Star”-qualified.

These bulbs meet energy-efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, specifically compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and lightemitting diodes (LEDs). The Department of Energy website also says that old incandescent light bulbs waste more than 90 percent of their energy in heat alone because they are based on old technology.

For more information about how to better conserve power, please visit Energy.gov.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Tampa Palms Blvd.

Resurfacing Completed

News Briefs cle, which is where this year’s Taste of New TampaTM will be held on Sunday, March 24 (see pg. 1).

Although the widening of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the same area is Fire Displaces Households In still ongoing (see page 6), after more than Marquis Apartments two months of construction, drivers and A structural fire in Richmond Place bicyclists now can share the road in the has left two households without homes. northern portion of Tampa Palms.

According to Tampa Fire Rescue Since December 12, City of Tampa (TFR), just before 1 p.m. on February 11, crews have been working to resurface seccrews responded to a call of a vehicle on tions of Tampa Palms Blvd. and Comfire in a garage at 18002 Richmond Place merce Park Blvd. The resurfacing of these roads made access to the Shoppes at The Pointe, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Stonewood Grill & Tavern, as well as several apartment communities in the area, even more difficult than it was before. The roadways, which wind their way through the Tampa Palms Areas 4 and 8 and serve as gateways to the subdivisions within, have been re-striped and resurfaced, with added bike lanes.

The $1.2-million resurfacing project was completed on February 15 and improved about two miles of roadway in two sections — Tampa Palms Blvd. from Ebensburg Dr. (at the entrance to the Wellington community), all the way to A structural fire damaged these buildings BBD. The second section resurfaced and in the Marquis Apartment complex in re-striped Commerce Park Blvd. from Richmond Place.

Tampa Palms Blvd. to Primrose Lake Cir-

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Dr. inside the Marquis apartment community of Richmond Place. The fire was upgraded to a two-alarm fire, but was contained in just two apartment units and was extinguished quickly . No victims were found inside the apartments at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Following an investigation, TFR reports that a malfunctioning electrical appliance in the garage caused the fire.

Currently, the displaced tenants of the two apartments, a married couple from one and a male and female roommate and their dog from the other, are working with the American Red Cross and the apartment complex to find new apartments for the displaced residents.

No further information was available at our press time.

Lin Faces Life Sentence For Beating Death Of Wife Nearly two years after beating his wife to death, Chunping Lin has been convicted of second-degree murder and will face a life sentence in March.

According to published reports, on January 31, a Hillsborough County jury found Chunping Lin guilty for the May 20, 2011, beating of his wife and thenNew Tampa restaurant owner, Lixin Tian.

Lin, who is now 46, beat Tian, who was 43, in front of their son, who was 10 years

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old at the time.

Reports say that the six-member jury deliberated for more than 21 hours, listening to 9-1-1 recordings of the struggle that turned violent Chunping Lin after an argument about “missing money,” before deciding on the guilty verdict.

Lin was arrested five days after the beating at a neighbor’s residence in the Lake Forest subdivision on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and was charged with attempted murder and battery, as well as child abuse for a laceration to his son’s hand that was sustained during the struggle.

Tian was the owner of the Joy of Tokyo restaurant in the Oak Ramble Plaza on BBD, less than a mile from Lake Forest, in the space that now is occupied by Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge. Tian fell into a coma due to multiple skull fractures and brain trauma. She was removed from life support on July 15, three days after being moved from St. Joseph’s Hospital to Melach Hospice House. Lin’s charges were changed from attempted murder to murder shortly thereafter.No further info was available at our press time. — MW

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USF Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute: Helping To Make Alzheimer’s A Memory

By Matt Wiley “With age comes wisdom,” the saying goes, but as more and more of the elderly are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the opposite occurs. In his 2013 State of the Union speech, U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the issue of Alzheimer’s research. Some of that research is going on right in New Tampa’s back yard on the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa campus at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute on Fletcher Ave. “Today, our scientists are mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer’s,” the President says. “They’re developing drugs to regenerate damaged organs.”

However, at the Byrd Institute, the focus is not so much on regenerating, but on preventing. Dr. Dave Morgan, CEO and director of basic neuroscience research at the Byrd Center agrees with the President, but has a different approach.

“I genuinely believe that what we have learned in the last 20 years about this disease has given us the necessary knowledge and tools that we need to do something meaningful,” Morgan explains.

“One of the biggest breakthroughs really was recognizing that the amyloid protein

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is building up for years before the disease even starts.”

Dr. Morgan says that now, knowing that protein is prevalent in all Alzheimer’s patients, he believes that by 2020, Alzheimer’s will be able to be prevented.

The reason? Understanding how the disease works and identifying those at risk for several years and, in some cases, even decades before symptoms begin to show.

Understanding Amyloid & Tau It all comes back to the Amyloid that Morgan mentioned before. Amyloid is a protein produced by the human body. It’s supposed to be there and is produced by the body at the same, constant rate throughout the human lifespan. However, as the body ages, the rate at which the excess amyloid protein is removed slows down. That excess protein builds up as plaque in the brain. Amyloid plaque buildup itself does affect memory, but it doesn’t destroy neurons (cells) inside of the brain. But, Tau does.

Tau is another protein found in the human body, specifically, inside of the neurons in the brain, where it helps transport nutrients. Amyloid plaque outside of the neurons initiates “Tau tangles” inside those neurons, which causes a loss of brain synapses (connections between neurons),

leading to the death of those neurons. Amyloid and Tau proteins are similar to cholesterol, in that the body needs them, but only in the correct amounts.

Morgan explains that the Amyloid buildup can occur as early as 20 years before symptoms of Alzheimer’s begin to show, and that’s when most current treatment for Alzheimer’s will be most effective. He says that the most important instrument in the future of Alzheimer’s research is the PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner, which the Byrd Institute has on-site.

This $1.5-million piece of equipment, purchased through an outside donation, looks very similar to an MRI machine, but measures brain activity in two types of scans. The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, located on E. Fletcher Ave. Photo: USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute One type of scan measures sugar levels in the brain. When looking at through the body, sticks to Amyloid proa computer screen of the PET scan of a teins and glows during a PET scan, allowpatient, the doctor looks for color — dark ing the doctor to track how much of it is spots indicate inactivity. built up inside the brain, as well as allowThe second type of scan works with a ing the patient to begin necessary prevennew radioactive drug recently approved tive medication long before it’s too late. for trials by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Standing six stories tall, the moreAdministration). This drug, when introthan-14,000-sq.-ft., $3.5-million Byrd Induced to the body intravenously, travels stitute currently serves more than 5,000

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Byrd Institute CEO Dr. Dave Morgan Photo: USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute

patients and offers memory screenings, patient evaluation and assessment, neuroimaging, medication and psychological treatments, family counseling and research and clinical trials to develop new treatments. There are twelve research labs spanning two floors of the building, where more than 80 scientists, as well as graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, technicians and others work towards ending this degenerative disease.

Dr. Morgan describes the Byrd Institute as a “translational research center,” in which there are both scientists doing research and physicians treating patients, allowing for frequent interaction between the scientists and doctors.

“Ideas can quickly move from the

labs into testing,” Dr. Morgan explains.

“The model is working. USF is planning to add a similar cardiovascular building.”

Also included inside the state-of-theart facility is a “Memory C.A.R.E.” (Clinical Assessment, Research and Education) unit, located on the second floor, where families can bring their loved one who may be showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

In the unit is a “functional assessment center” (complete with a working apartment to determine if patients are capable of safely completing tasks around the house), as well as a driving simulator and balance machine, which can determine a patient’s risk of falling at home.

According to the Byrd Institute, more than 5.4 million people in the U.S. are suffering from Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death. In Florida, one out of every 40 people suffers from the disease, one out of every eight of those is 65+ and half of those are older than 85.

Even though the State of Florida spends $1 billion annually in Medicaid costs, it provides no annual funding to the Byrd Institute. But, Dr. Morgan is optimistic.

“My prediction is preventing Alzheimer’s by 2020,” he says. “The pool balls are set up. They’re just waiting for the shot to put them all in a pocket.”

For more information about the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, please visit Health.USF.Byrd.

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Proposal Bidding Closes For Design, Management Of Fields At Wiregrass

By Matt Wiley Seven proposals have been submitted by companies hoping to construct and operate the planned “Fields At Wiregrass” project, which received the go-ahead from Pasco County last November.

The proposal-bidding period opened on January 15 for the sports complex project, which will be built with $14 million in county tourism funds on more than 200 acres of land inside the Wiregrass Ranch DRI (Development of Regional Impact) that has been donated by the Porter family. Companies interested in both designing the complex and maintaining and operating it had until February 15 to submit their proposals.

Pasco purchasing director Scott Stromer says that the county received seven proposals for the design of the complex and two proposals for management, one of which is from a group of companies that includes Wiregrass Sports, the company the Porter’s formed to originally run the complex last year.

“We’re still in the preliminary stages,” Stromer explains. “We’re just starting to go through the proposals. We have to run the numbers and make sure that requirements are met.”

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Two separate listings appeared on the county’s solicitation website, one for the design of the park, and one for its ongoing management, operation and maintenance.

Stromer said that with both listings out at the same time, it would be easier for the designer and operator to communicate with each other, as well as with the county, to put together a plan that works for the Fields.

“This will make the process run more smoothly,” Stromer said. “It’s much easier having (the designer and operator) working together.”

Among the County’s requirements for the submitted proposals, included in the design must be eight, 300-ft.-fenced and fully-lighted baseball fields, each with electronic scoreboards, Major League Baseball-style dugouts and bleachers, one “championship stadium,” multi-purpose turf fields to accommodate soccer and lacrosse, walking/biking trails, a playground area, a 400-car parking lot, plus several other requirements. The designer also would be responsible for the infrastructure design for the entire complex and a recommendation of whether to use real grass for the fields or AstroTurf.

The seven companies that submitted

A conceptual design of what the Fields at Wiregrass could look like given to those who placed bids for design and management of the facility.

Graphic provided by Pasco County.

design proposals include Clearwater-based Deuel & Associates, who reconstructed Carpenter field in Clearwater, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Spring Training home; St. Petersburg-based George F. Young, Inc., which, among numerous other services, specializes in designing parks and athletic facilities; Tampa-based Long & Associates, which designed Strawberry Crest High School in nearby

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Plant City; Valrico-based Cribo Philbert Weaver Group; Jacksonville-based ELM, which constructed the Boston Red Sox Spring Training Camp in Ft. Myers, as well as the Jacksonville Zoo botanical gardens; Tampa-based King Engineering Associates, Inc., which helped design the original master plan for the Wiregrass Ranch DRI; and Orlando Based Bellwood-Herbert and Company, Inc., which designed the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach.

Stromer says that a committee made up of senior County staff, at least one County Commissioner and a representative from the Parks and Recreation department will review the design proposals, but he added that the roster of possible committee members is still undecided.

“The design proposals will be completely qualification-based,” Stromer explains. “We want a company with lots of experience building something like this.”

However, he says, cost will definitely be an issue for the operation and maintenance proposals.

For operations and maintenance, Stromer says that proposals must include an analysis of the company itself, as well as a summary of the company’s concept for running the complex, proof that there is a

market for the proposed concept, identification of the company’s advantage against competition in the region, as well as a marketing, operations and finance plan.

Most important is that the company must provide at least ten percent of the cost to construct the complex and will have to negotiate a revenue-sharing agreement with the county, if chosen.

The operations and maintenance proposals came from Tampa-based Blue Marble Strategic, LLEU, and a group proposal including Wiregrass Sports, LLEU, Turf Solutions Group, LLEU, and The Diamond Nation, LLEU. “The operations side is more of a

business review of the company making the proposal,” Stromer explains. “It’s pretty intensive. We’ll send the information off to an economist to run the numbers on the offers that we get.”

Since the February 15 proposal-bidding closing date, all proposals are sealed for 30 days, after which they become public record. The County now will spend 60-90 days going through both types of proposals, although Stromer says that the process may be expedited.

If the company cannot find partners to design and operate the facility within 24 months, it will instead become a Pasco district park.

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N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

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

For more information, or to join the club, email MOMsClubNewTampa _ southeast@yahoo.com.

‘WeWork’ At LifePoint Monday, March 4, 7 p.m. - “WeWork,” which meets Mondays at LifePoint Church (8702 Hunter’s Lake Dr., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., or BBD, in front of Hunter’s Green), is designed to help you search for jobs, improve interview skills, write a resume, negotiate a job offer, improve your attitude, develop networking skills or discover your gifts.

For more info, call 907-9818, or visit LifePoint.tv/WeWork.

New Tampa Tri Club Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 a.m. - A new local club has formed for the fitnessminded. Membership is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. All

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members receive club benefits, including a training schedule, group support, seminars and socials. The club hosts group bike rides/runs at the 13330 Morris Bridge Rd. entrance to Flatwoods Wilderness Park every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m., and a group run from Kona Multisport (previously, the “Ironman Store,” in the same plaza as Sweetbay & LA Fitness at BBD/County Line Rd.), at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays.

For more information, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampa TriClub@gmail.com.

BNI Millionaire Makers Wednesday, March 6, 7:15 a.m. The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., off BBD Blvd.). The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Contact Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for more details.

Business Networking Int’l Wednesday, March 6, 7:30 a.m. BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse

(18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.).

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

New Tampa Noon Rotary Wednesday, March 6, noon - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wed. for lunch at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are always welcome.

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

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

Tampa Toastmasters

Wednesday, March 6, 7 p.m. Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.) New guests always welcome.

For more info, call 428-6356.

Free ESL Classes Thursday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. - A FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) class is meeting at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD) on Thursday mornings. There is no charge to

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attend. The classes also discuss American culture and English idioms and slang.

Come practice your conversational English and make new friends in a fun and relaxed environment!

For more information, call the church office at 973-2484.

Food Addicts In Recovery

Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m. - Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Are you underweight or overweight or obsessed with weight or dieting? You are not alone. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a support group without any dues, fees or weigh-ins and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experiences and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. FA meets at Florida Hospital Tampa (on BBD) in the Camelot A room.

For more info, visit FoodAddicts. org or call Roz at 355-4197.

CBC Networking Thursday, March 7, 7:45 p.m. Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group, which meets every Thursday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (located at 5338 Primrose Lake Cir., near the New Tampa Community Park in Tampa Palms).

Call Annete Faurote at 407-9225 for more info.

Knights Of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry

Friday, March 8, 5 p.m. - Every Friday for the Christian month of Lent, excluding Good Friday (March 29), the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a “fish fry” at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (9724 Cross Creek Blvd.). Dinners cost start at $8 for adults and $5 for children and include fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies.

Clam chowder also will be available at an additional charge. All are welcome to attend. For info, call 907-7746.

Zen Meditation Group

Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. Enjoy meditation? Looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Sundays in the Arbor Greene Community Center (18000 Arbor Greene Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.) Aerobics Room. All faiths are welcome. You only need an interest in meditation and a more peaceful and relaxed mind and life.

For more information, call Jeremy at 528-6285.

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting

Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m. - The Northeast Tampa Women in Business

group meets the second Thursday of each month at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). This month’s speaker is Michelle Phillips, author of “The Beauty Blueprint.”

For more information, visit NETWIB.org or call 843-2354.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, March 15, 7 a.m. - The New Tampa Rotary club meets at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). Mort Elementary principal Woodland Johnson will be the guest speaker. For more info, call Eric Longphee at 202-1105.

Tampa Bay Rebels Tryouts

Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m. - The Tampa Bay Rebels are gearing up to defend their 2012 Florida Basketball Association title during the upcoming FBA season and will be holding tryouts at Freedom High in Tampa Palms (17410 Commerce Park Blvd.). The cost to try out is $20 and interested players must be at least 18 years old. For more information, visit TampaBayRebels.com.

documents, donate to Goodwill, give away old cell phones to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The first 100 to attend receive a free gift. The event will include food, drinks and a gift card raffle.

For more info, call 972-3430.

Tampa Palms Women’s Club Yard & Bake Sale Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. - The public is welcome to attend the Tampa Palms Women’s Club Yard & Bake Sale at Compton Park in Tampa Palms. Proceeds go toward the group’s scholarship fund.

For more info, or to rent a booth, call Elvea Kelly at 615-9500.

MADD Workshop At

Wharton High Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. Wharton High (20150 BBD Blvd.) will be hosting a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) “Power of Parents” workship in the school’s auditorium to educate parents about different ways to talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs.

For more info, please call Mrs. Sharon Hall at 935-2676.

Community Calendar items are printed free of charge. Submit your information & photos (in any digital format) to: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhood News.com, Attn: Matt Wiley.

FER’s Spring Cleaning & Recycling Day

Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. Florida Executive Realty (FER, 15802 Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms) is hosting its first “Spring Cleaning & Recycling Day,” where the public can come shred

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New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2012-13 Board of Directors President-Regina Ramalheira Board Members:

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

VP-Neil Heird Treas-Karen Hilton Secy-John Lore

‘Working To Improve The Quality Of Life In New Tampa!’

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

Non-Officers: Dr. Rachel Haviland Mark Lange Dr. Earl Meyer

Executive Assistant: Jayne Baker

We Are Proud To Present The 20th Taste Of New TampaTM & Other Events!

The 20th annual “Taste of New TampaTM” will be held Sunday, March 24, noon-6 p.m., in Primrose Park, located behind the Primrose School of Tampa Palms (5307 Primrose Lake Cir., off Commerce Park Blvd.).

Current New Tampa Chamber members may obtain a booth at the discounted fee of $200, while non-members have to pay $275, which includes the cost of a one-year basic Chamber membership. Restaurant members aparticipate for FREE and will receive ½ of each $1 Taste tickets they collect back to offset their food and other costs.

Presale admission for attendees has been reduced to just $5, . but that admission goes up to $10 at the gate. Kids ages 12 and under are admitted free. Food and drink tickets cost $1 and each vendor will decide what their tastes will cost.

We are still seeking sponsors, from one available title sponsorship of $10,000 (which guarantees the sponsor the primary position on all marketing on everything we print; for example, the goody bags and wristbands), to just $500, which allows you to display an advertising vehicle at the event.

You also have the opportunity to sponsor the “Battle of the Bands.” Battle sponsors will be able to place their banners alongside a very impressive, professional stage. The cost is $3,000 for one side of the stage or $5,000 to sponsor both sides of the stage.

All interested Taste business sponsors and exhibitors are urged to call

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Regina Ramalheira at 245-8893.

Entertainment Lineup

This will be the first time the Taste will feature a “Battle of the Bands” competition, with four local bands competing for a cash prize of $500. Here is the Battle lineup: 12-12:45 — Toxic Luv 1-1:45 — Skinny & Chubbies 2-2:45 — Nervous Energy 3- 3:45 — Serotonic Following the Battle, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will speak at 4:30 p.m. The Chamber also has booked the Big Brother Band to be the headline act for the 20th annual Taste. Google Big Brother, which has a huge Tampa Bay following. Our Closing Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m, when the $500 cash prize will be awarded to the “Battle of the Bands” winner.

Thanks To All Of Our Current Taste Sponsors: $2,500-$4,999 Primrose School of Tampa Palms Florida Hospital Tampa & Wesley Chapel (also providing bottled water) The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. BB&T Bank New Tampa Neighborhood News Tampa Bay Times

Regina Ramalheira, RE/MAX – First In Real Estate Sign-A-Rama We Love Logos Standard Pacific Homes

Thanks To All Of Our Current Taste Volunteers:

Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church Liberty Middle School Freedom High School Boy Scout Troop 142

We still need a team of 20 more volunteers to arrive at the event at 7:30 a.m. and stay until noon to direct the vendors to their booths and then to parking. Call Regina at 245-8893 to offer to help.

And this year, a portion of our net proceeds will benefit the Florida Hospital Foundation! See the story on page 1 for the complete list of participating Taste restaurants, as of our press time.

Other Upcoming Events

After the Taste, the Chamber is planning some fun evening events and we welcome your ideas. One thought we have is a

$1,500 Mini Cooper of Wesley Chapel

$500 New Tampa Family YMCA

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“Progressive Plaza,” where in 2 hours, attendees can visit 3 businesses located in the same plaza for drinks, appetizers and desserts. Let us know if you’re interested.

Tuesday, March 12, 11:30 a.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club - Our Guest Speakers are from the team at the upcoming New Tampa “Relay for Life!” We are looking for a $50 sponsor for this event, which will give you 10 minutes to feature your business, sell merchandise and pass out info to all attendees. We also welcome Chamber members to have a drawing or offer giveaways at our luncheons.

Tuesday, April 9, 11:30 a.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club - Our guest speaker will be Councilman Mike Suarez – City of Tampa District 1 At Large.

We are looking for a $50 sponsor for this event, too.

For all questions and registrations for any event please call our executive assistant Jayne Baker at 293-2464 or 2012-13 President Regina Ramalheira at 245-8893. You may also inquire on line on our exciting revamped NewTampaChamber.org website.

Royalty Lawn & Landscaping Will Treat Your Lawn Like Royalty!

By Matt Wiley Royalty is a word used for one of royal blood or royal status. With Royalty Lawn & Landscape, you won’t be the only one treated like royalty; your lawn and landscaping will make your home look like it’s suited for a king or queen.

Royalty Lawn & Landscape’s name is self-explanatory — it’s a full-service lawncare and landscaping company catering to the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas, as well as parts of Lutz and Zephyrhills.

Royalty owner and Wesley Chapel resident Brian Cholnik takes pride in not only his care and maintenance of your property — whether residential or commercial — but also his customer service.

“We care about our customers because we know how much they care about their own properties,” says Royalty owner and Wesley Chapel resident Brian Cholnik.

“We do high-end work for a mediumprice. There are companies in the area that are cheaper than us, but they usually do very minimal work for that price.”

For Cholnik and Royalty, maintenance is the main priority. If Royalty sets a schedule with a customer to take care of their landscaping on a specific day each

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week, weather-permitting, Brian promises they’ll always be there.

“If the weather is going to be bad in the afternoon, we’re there as early we can to make sure we keep our schedule with our customers,” he explains. “Worst case, we’ll be there early the following day. We service about 375-400 customers on a weekly basis, but we’re always looking for new customers to add to the family.”

In fact, that is the request that Cholnik says that he gets from people most.

Not specific requests for their landscaping (although Cholnik always sees to these special requests personally), but whether or not Royalty is accepting new clients.

“A lot of neighbors get a little jealous of our customers,” he says. “They’ll call me to say that they want better landscaping, too.”

Royalty provides a wide range of landscaping and lawn-care options, from the company’s basic residential service (which includes weekly mowing, trimming, edging and cleanup), to Royalty’s premium residential package that, in addition to the services provided in the basic package, also includes planter and flower bed maintenance, shrub and bush maintenance, and, of course, clean up. Royalty

also offers re-mulching and irrigation repairs.

Royalty takes care of everything from basic lawn care to full blown landscaping, which, Cholnik says, represents 90-percent of his customers. If you’re considering some new landscaping for your home, with Royalty, the process is simple.

“Basically, customers call us, we set Brian Cholnik, the owner of Royalty Lawn & Landscapup a free consultation ing, will help you design landscaping fit for a king. and give them some ideas,” Cholnik ex“We can do projects a third at a time. It plains. “The way Florida’s climate is, it’s may take three months, but we’re flexible. warm and can support tropical plants, but We accept credit, where most companies we still have cold spells. I try to recomonly want cash in hand.” mend fewer of the tropical plants and While Royalty offers many lawn and more plants that can survive if it does get landscaping services, there are certain servcold.” ices that the company does not offer.

Cholnik says that he and his landscap“I’m very clear with customers about ing team then will draw up pictures for the the services that we can and cannot procustomer and figure out costs, depending vide,” Cholnik says. “If there’s something upon the customer’s budget at that time. that we can’t do, I make recommenda“We can go from there,” he says.

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This is an example of the what your yard can look like if you hire Brian Cholnik’s Royalty Lawn & Landscaping crew. tions and point them in the right direction, especially with fertilization and pest control.”

Since fertilization and pest-control companies typically serve customers on a less-frequent basis, Cholnik says that he and his crew keep an eye out for issues associated with those services, even though Royalty may not offer them.

“If we see a problem pop up, we’ll let those companies know ahead of time be-

fore it gets worse,” Cholnik says. “We try to educate our customers about proper fertilization, which we don’t provide, but there are some companies that we highly recommend.”

In addition to offering a place for current and potential customers to learn Hillsborough and Pasco County watering schedules and the ability to price out landscaping projects, Royalty’s website also offers an entire list of companies that

Cholnik recommends to his clients for services that Royalty doesn’t directly provide. And, Brian says, in a struggling economy, small businesses “piggy-backing” off of one another is something that is essential for survival.

“Larger companies gave us a chance in the beginning, so we try to do the same,” he explains. “We try to make good relationships with other companies in the industry. We’re not here to undercut anyone. We just recently moved into Wesley Chapel Nursery (located off S.R. 54, just east of the bend at Curley Rd.) for storage.

Having them so close, it allows us to do more. We both benefit.”

Kelby Reed, a manager at Wesley Chapel Nursery, agrees. The nursery deems itself a “one-stop shop” for landscaping supplies, but also sometimes need a place to refer customers.

“Brian’s been buying supplies from us for quite some time,” he says. “It’s great having Royalty on-site because we sometimes have customers that come in looking for services we don’t offer, so we have a hand-in-hand relationship. We definitely help each other out.”

The Origin Of Royalty Cholnik, 32, says that Royalty began as a hobby in 2007, and a way to make money on the side while he was working at

an architectural firm. Now, he has a crew numbering nearly a dozen.

“I realized that I enjoy being outdoors and from there, (Royalty) became its own monster,” Cholnik says, jokingly. “I can’t complain. I’m making a living and making people happy about their landscaping. My customers are proud of their homes and want to protect what they have. It can be tough to keep up with homeowner association requirements in the communities in this area. But, that’s where we come in.”

Royalty client James Morrow can’t complain, either.

“I’ve been using landscaping business for 28 years, since I moved to Florida,” says Morrow, who lives in Seven Oaks with his wife Vena and golden retriever Deuce.

“I’ve changed companies many times because of reliability, or lack of follow-up.

But, Brian’s very professional, whether by email or by phone, and his prices are very competitive. If you want something special done, he’ll get it done for you. About the time I’m thinking something in the yard needs attention, I look outside and (Royalty) is already here working on it.”

For additional information about Royalty Lawn & Landscaping, please visit RoyaltyLawns.com or call 4699013 and please tell Brian the Neighborhood News sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Maria Cherrez-VanGalder - Honestly Helping Local Home Buyers & Sellers

By Bonnie Mason Are you thinking of buying your first home? Or, perhaps you’re a homeowner who wants to sell? Real estate consultant Maria Cherrez-VanGalder, with Charles Rutenberg Realty, has the skills, knowledge, passion and honesty to help you through the often daunting home buying or selling process.

Finding the right realtor is a process.

Maria says, “The most important thing when choosing a real estate professional is to find someone you can trust. Don’t be afraid to interview several agents before choosing one you feel comfortable will represent your interests."

“Your realtor should know the market you are buying or selling in, have access to the latest industry tools and proven relationship skills necessary to close the deal,” she says. Maria’s past clients will attest that you can depend upon her history of success and integrity in a business not always known for its great integrity. She is an experienced negotiator with expert knowledge of the New Tampa community — where she both lives and works — giving her an edge on obtaining the best results for her clients.

Maria learned the hard way — she lost her down payment funds on the first home she wanted to buy, due, for the

most part, to the strict credit requirements in place in the early 1990s. Later, she learned there was no reason to lose her down payment and vowed to become more educated about the home buying process. It is with this determination that Maria helps first-time home buyers through the entire process — from building credit to closing on a new home.

“It was a hard lesson to learn, but I feel it’s part of what makes me work even harder for my clients,” she says.

Maria received her real estate training with Mark It Realty Group with Broker Mark Weiss in 1998 and in 2002 began her career with Charles Rutenberg Realty, which is based in Clearwater, although Maria works out of her home in the New Tampa area and helps both buyers and sellers in her community. She also serves Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes and the Carrollwood area where she first began her real estate career.

With more than 4,000 agents in Florida, Illinois and New York, Maria can count on the support she receives from Charles Rutenberg Realty — believing completely in the company’s mission and tradition of excellence.

In The People Business

Maria understands that every client is unique and she treats every one of them

with respect — always considering the way she would want to be treated in any situation.

Client Elizabeth Welliver (with Maria in photo above) says, “While selling my home in Hunter’s Green, Maria put forth great effort in advertising and also hosted several open houses.

She does her work with passion and is obviously willing to do all she can to help her clients. Maria New Tampa resiident and real estate consultant Maria applies the concept of ethics in Cherrez-VanGalder of Charles Rutenberg Realty promises her clients — whether they are buying or selling their her work as a realtor.”

Maria says that a high perhomes — honesty, ethics and hard work. centage of her clients are repeat customers who come back to her parents moved her and her five siblings whenever they are ready to buy or sell a from Ecuador to New York City. That home for the second or even third time. experience of being in a new place and Her clients know that they can rely on the wanting to find “your place” has made relationship they built from their first enher into the compassionate agent her counter. clients experience every day. Maria has “I don't measure my success by sales, two adult children — Rob, who lives in but by the relationships I build along the New York City, and Dianne, who lives in way,” she says.

California. Maria and her husband Mark Maria was just 14 years old when her have been married for 21 years.

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First-Time Buyer Advice

Maria’s main advice to any homebuyer, especially first-time home buyers, is to buy only what you can afford.

“Anytime a client can’t comfortably afford the mortgage on a home, I advise them to be patient and wait,” says Maria.

“Many potential home buyers need to reassess their budgets to learn where they may have to make cuts. And, clients may even come to the realization that they need to save more money before taking the plunge into home-ownership.”

Many first-time buyers are right now finding it more difficult to obtain mortgage financing, due to the increase in restrictions brought on by the most recent nationwide financial crisis. Maria recommends taking whatever steps you can to fix your credit. “Although it may take some time to fix your credit,” she says, “you’ll still have time to buy at a low interest rate.” Maria provides her clients with a variety of options for getting help to fix their credit.

Preparing A Home for Sale

Maria suggests sellers be as objective as possible when pricing their homes. She says you can be competitive by obtaining at least three free market analyses from different real estate agents to allow a fair assessment of the value of your home and the current market. And then, price yours to sell. Another recommendation from Maria to sellers is to de-clutter each room

and closet in their homes. A home on the market should be clean and clutter-free.

If necessary, rent an off-site storage unit for excess furniture and other items.

What about current homeowners who are “upside down” in their homes?

Maria suggests staying in your current home until the market changes. She says, “The local market is becoming a seller’s market — home prices are slowly increasing across the Tampa Bay area. However, there are investors out there who are paying cash for homes and winning bidding wars with cash payments. This is good for sellers because they are selling at their asking price and sometimes higher.”

Perhaps the most important thing Maria says to remember about the current market is that many listed homes in our area are going under contract in 30 days or less and there are still many short sales locally, as well as REOs (real estate owned by banks).

And, while she says that the current market includes a high percentage of repeat home buyers, new home builders in the area also are ramping up to benefit from an expected increase in first-time buyers. For example, Lennar Homes is building at Easton Park and Meritage Homes at Bassett Creek — both in K-Bar Ranch — and both also are offering a variety of incentives, to make it easier for most home buyers to purchase. “I see a bright future,” Maria says. “The curtain is

rising to reveal a whole new picture.”

Part Of The Community

Maria is extremely active in the New Tampa and Tampa Bay communities and says she is passionate about helping others.

For example, she is a Board member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP)’ Tampa Bay chapter. NAHREP members act as advocates to help Hispanic families achieve the American Dream of becoming homeowners.

Maria also is a member of the North East Tampa Women in Business (NETWIB) and the Hispanic Professional Women's Association (HPWA) groups,

where she helped in fund-raising efforts for migrant children and families. And, last October, Maria raised money for the American Cancer Society and participated in “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event in downtown Tampa.

If you are in the market for a real estate consultant, Maria Cherrez-VanGalder is the advocate for you.

New Tampa resident Maria Cherrez-VanGalder, is a short sale-certified, full-time real estate consultant for Charles Rutenberg Realty in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 679-9595, or visit MariaFloridaRealtor.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Anchor Title Protects You & Your Important Real Estate Investments

By Camille Gillies With the Tampa real estate market starting to bounce back and more people considering buying or selling a home, now may be a good time to brush up on your knowledge of the title business.

If you’ve ever purchased property, chances are pretty good you’ve bought title insurance. That’s because most lenders require buyers to purchase title insurance as security for any real estate investment. But, do you really know what title insurance covers, or what a title company does?

One expert on the subject is Anthony Fowkes, owner of Anchor Title Services, LLC, which is headquartered in the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. A licensed title agent who started Anchor Title eight years ago, Tony says the title industry is not well understood.

“Most people probably don’t understand what we do,” Tony explains. “Basically, we are a non-interested third party between the bank, the buyer and the seller. We specialize in researching, delivering and recording closing documents, preparing settlement costs and closing statements, disbursing settlement funds

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and providing title insurance.”

Unlike homeowners or flood insurance policies that show up in your mailbox for renewal every year, title insurance for your home is a one-time premium, and rather than protect against hazards such as hurricanes and fires that may befall your home in the future, title insurance protects against loss from hazards that potentially already exist.

When purchasing a home, you are actually purchasing the title to the property, and that title may be limited by rights and claims asserted by others. Problems can arise when deeds, wills and trusts contain improper wording or incorrect names; outstanding mortgages and judgments exist, or the seller didn’t pay his taxes and there’s a lien against the property; or there are easements that must allow construction of a road or a utility line; pending legal action against the property could affect the purchaser; or incorrect notary acknowledgments are discovered.

How do you know whether any of these issues are associated with your real estate purchase? The title company does a search of public land records and when title problems are uncovered by the search, they try to resolve them.

Unfortunately, hidden hazards may

(L. to r.) Anchor Title’s post-closing manager Nahybi Amaya, agency manager Arlette Soler and owner/agent Anthony Fowkes can be found in the Cory Lake Professional Center.

emerge after closing: a forged signature on the deed prevents the buyer from taking ownership; an unknown heir of a previous owner claims ownership of the property; instruments were executed under an expired or a fabricated power of attorney; or mistakes were made in the public records.

These hazards can be as costly to a homeowner as any natural disaster — which is where title insurance comes into play. The title insurer pays for defending an attack on the title and will either “clear” or perfect the title or pay valid claims – all included in that one-time

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charge you pay at closing.

A Standard Of Excellence Anchor Title had no claims last year and was recognized by its underwriter, Stewart Title Insurance, with Stewart’s 2012 Foundation of Excellence Award and its 2012 Pacesetter Award for Anchor’s high volume of business.

“We conduct business all over Florida,” Tony says. “Because we have many locations, we can make closings very convenient for our customers. If you’re refinancing your current residence, we will even come to your home. We also work

with an attorney on short sales, if our clients need that type of expertise.”

Tony adds, “Many of the area’s top lenders and Realtors use our services. Anchor also handles numerous for-sale-byowner transactions. Our relationships with people are very important to us. We strive to be accessible to our clients, giving out our cell phone numbers and always having someone available to answer and return phone calls. It also helps that our staff is multilingual.”

One of the big things that Tony says separates Anchor from its competition is that, “We’re more modern. We’ve streamlined our technology to speed up the process so we have the ability to quickly access anything we need for our clients.”

Among the lenders on Anchor’s client list is Meriam Ibrahim, a senior mortgage banker with Chase Bank in Tampa. A top producer with eight years of experience, Ibrahim says the service she has received from Anchor Title has been “phenomenal” and that the title company’s people are the main reason.

“I give them a file and they run with it,”Meriam raves. “They offer amazing customer service. It’s the individuals themselves who set the company apart from other title companies. I’ve used them for several years and find them far superior to the national title companies I’ve used.”

In the real estate community, Christy Ianuzi, a Realtor with Prudential Tropical Realty in Tampa, says the team at Anchor Title is personable and professional.

“They care when there’s a problem and try to figure out a way to make things work,” Christy says. “They make sure the job gets done and when you need a closing to happen, they find a way to do it.

We use them as much as possible.”

A Look At The Market Working closely with the real estate and mortgage industries, Tony has keen insight into the Tampa Bay area real estate market – and the signs of life he says he is witnessing may pleasantly surprise you.

He says that Tampa’s inventory, or the amount of time it takes to sell all of the properties currently on the market, is “drastically low,” which is driving home prices higher. In fact, he says inventory overall in the Tampa Bay area, including New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, is at just 3.4 months, down from its high of 18.9 months of inventory.

“The deals are not really out there now,” he remarks, noting that recently he’s seen some homes get five offers the first day they are on the market — and some sellers even receive above-list-price and cash offers.

“Hedge funds are investing in the

Tampa market and are buying homes with full-price cash offers. The hedge funds, first-time homebuyers and international investors are the ones driving the (Tampa Bay-area) market.”

He adds that financing is getting a little easier because confidence in the market has strengthened, adding, “There are tighter (financing) guidelines (now), but they are loosening.”

Tony gains perspective on the industry at home as well, as his wife Lindsey is a Realtor with Prudential Realty. The couple lives in Cory Lake Isles with their daughters, ages 5 and 2.

Tony moved to Tampa in 2003 after

graduating from West Virginia University in Morgantown with a Bachelor’s degree in criminology and anthropology. He worked in sales and eventually decided to pursue a career in the title industry and open his own business. He says he is proud of his knowledgeable staff at Anchor Title, which includes agency manager Arlette Soler, who has 13 years of title experience, and post-closing manager Nahybi Amaya.

Anchor Title’s main office is located at 10347 Cross Creek Blvd, Suite B, in the Cory Lake Professional Center. For more info, call 907-7333 or visit AnchorTitleServices.net.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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“Taste” Continued from page 1 “For me, it was a no-brainer to participate,” Alex says. I hope other restaurants outside of New Tampa will realize what a great way this event is to introduce their restaurant to a large group of people who may never have heard of them before. I hope the Taste will get New Tampa talking about Domani Bistro!”

Unique menu items, like this not-fried, avocado-wrapped lump crab cake, are the More First Time Participants types of cuisine you can expect to sample Of course, not all of this year’s firstfrom Domani Bistro at the 2013 Taste. time participating eateries are outside of ery items and some of his bistro-inspired the immediate area. Among those that new menu items. have committed already — and there are Also in the Taste for the first time are at least 20 others who have said they are PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grille (see page interested, but simply hadn’t finalized 46) on E. Bearss Ave., PDQ Fresh Tentheir participation at our press time — is the new Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge in ders on S.R. 56, World of Beer in Tampa Palms, Oakley’s Grille on BBD in North the Oak Ramble Plaza on BBD just south Palms Village, the not-yet-open (at our of Tampa. Owners Eugenia and chef press time) Little Greek Restaurant in Hunter Yu are excited to offer samples of the New Tampa Center, Winners Grill their sushi and other Japanese dishes, as on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel (see page well as, perhaps, some from Hunter’s 52), Full Circle Pizza & Grill in the Pebhome country of Korea. ble Creek Collection and You Say When Also serving samples at the Taste for Yogurt in Highwoods Preserve. the first time will be co-owner Hector I also have received very positive Gonzalez of Toast Fine Wine Bar & Café, which also is located in Oak Ramble “maybes” from a number of other restauPlaza and which recently unveiled an excit- rants that have never participated before that had not yet confirmed their participaing new menu (see page 50). Hector says he will offer wine, coffee, Daily Bread bak- tion at our press time, including

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Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms, Burger 21 on BBD in the new Trout Creek area, CherryBerry Yogurt in Highwoods Preserve Acropolis Greek Taverna and Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Oak Ramble Plaza and even, I hope, Lee Roy Selmon’s, which is now planning to open on S.R. 56. Feel free to stop in to any of these eateries and tell them you want to see them participate in this year’s Taste. Maybe you can turn their “maybes” into “Yeses!”

Among the returning Taste restaurants this year are Café Olé on Cross Creek Blvd., Bruster’s Real Ice Cream on BBD, The Baker’s Gallery in the Pebble Creek Collection and Peabody’s in the Shoppes of Amberly.

I’m also still waiting to hear back from Tijuana Flats, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Sushi Tsu, Chili’s, Boston Market, Burger Monger, the new Petra’s Express Middle Eastern Cuisine (see page 56), Marco’s Pizza, La Cubanita Café, Taste of Boston, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and several others.

In other words, I fully expect to have 35-40 restaurants and beverage providers participating in this year’s Taste.

Sponsors, Entertainment & Our First Live Taste Video!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how important the sponsors and business

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You can again expect to enjoy delicious cupcakes from The Baker’s Gallery at the 2013 Taste of New Tampa. exhibitors are to the success of the Taste.

Without these participating businesses, who spend from $275 to $10,000 to help offset the cost of the event, this likely wouldn’t be the 20th anniversary of this great event. See pages 22-23 for the current list of this year’s sponsors.

I also hope, if you’re still interested in sponsoring or having a business exhibitor booth at this year’s taste, that you will call the Chamber’s executive assistant Jayne Baker at 293-2464 or visit TasteofNewTampa.info to get signed up today!

Every sponsor of this year’s Taste will be interviewed on camera in our first-ever Taste of New Tampa video! See page 3 for more details about the video and our planned live video feed!

Medi-Weight Loss — Your Non-Surgical Medical Weight Loss Option!

Medi-Weightloss Clinics®, with a location convenient to New Tampa on S.R. 54 in Lutz, offers expert medical help for losing weight without surgery or fad diets.

Whether you’re trying to lose 10 pounds to fit into your favorite bikini or 100 pounds to save your life, weight loss isn’t easy.

Kelli Maw, MD, the medical director at the Lutz location, noticed that many of her patients were looking for a program that would help them lose weight and, for many, the traditional, run-of-the-mill local weight loss options didn’t seem to be enough. That’s why Dr. Maw says she decided to join Medi-Weightloss Clinics®.

Dr. Maw, MD has more than 20 years of experience in family medicine, public health, and epidemiology. She holds a Master’s degree in public health, and is a graduate of Columbia University

32

in New York City, NY, and the Institute of Medicine in Yangon, Myanmar.

Dr. Maw is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. After nine years as the medical executive director for the Hernando County Health Department, she sees her position with Medi-Weightloss Clinics® as a natural progression of her preventive care advocacy, especially in the prevention of chronic diseases related to obesity.

“There are no magic bullets in medicine to prevent chronic diseases, but maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is as close as it gets,” Dr. Maw says. “One of the greatest things about Medi-Weightloss Clinics® is that we coach people to embrace a healthy lifestyle that puts them back in charge of their health and their weight.”

With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to get into shape.

With 85 locations in 21 states, including 25 locations throughout Florida, MediWeightloss Clinics® is the nation’s premier physician-supervised weight loss program. Since 2006, the Lutz location has been offering local residents a way to lose weight and keep it off, without having to resort to fad diets or invasive surgery.

“At Medi-Weightloss Clinics®,” Dr. Maw says, “we have physicians and nutri-

tionists on staff, and, in addition to the physical aspects of weight loss, we stress nutrition and education. We are committed to seeing patients keep the weight off.

We focus on education and a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and learning appropriate portion sizes.”

All Medi-Weightloss Clinics® physicians are members of the Society of Bariatric Physicians and have expert experience helping patients with significant weight problems, especially those who have weight issues and other associated medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.On average, patients lose 7 pounds the first week and 2-3 pounds each week thereafter for the first month.

Since opening, the Lutz location has helped its patients drop more than 30,000 pounds combined.

The program begins with a 90minute initial consultation, where the patient receives a comprehensive exam that includes a review of his or her medical history, a physical, EKG, blood work, a body fat analysis and weight and BMI measurements. Dr. Maw will discuss the patient’s goals with them and make diet and exercise recommendations as well as provide vitamin supplements and an appetite suppressant, if applicable. During weekly follow-up visits, which last 15-20 minutes, patients receive supplemental injections, a

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weight analysis and weight loss support.

MediWeightloss Clinics® patients also receive access to the Signature Kelli Maw, MD Patient Website, which features delicious, healthy recipes and hundreds of exercises. Patients also can track their weight loss success and log their fitness activities on the website.

Dr. Maw also keeps patients’ primary care physicians informed about their progress, allowing healthcare providers to align their care, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol medication dosages when warranted, which is an advantage of the physician-supervised Medi program.

And, Medi-Weightloss Clinics® aren’t just about losing weight, but helping patients embrace a healthy lifestyle, improve self-esteem and prevent chronic diseases. “We will coach and support you so that you can take charge of your weight and health and feel your best again,” says Dr. Maw. She adds, “We often don’t experience discomfort when we are gradually gaining

weight because in our society food is associated with celebrations, holidays, family gatherings, and other happy occasions.”

However, the reverse can be true when trying to lose weight. But, with the support and guidance of the professional Lutz staff, the process of losing weight doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Let Medi-Weightloss Clinics® help you make this summer the best bikini season yet!

The Lutz/Wesley Chapel MediWeightloss Clinic is located at 24420 S.R. 54, about a mile or so west of where S.R. 54 meets S.R. 56. For more information, call 909-1700 or visit MediWeightLossClinics.com/ Locations/Lutz.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Lee Nails & Spa — A Hidden Gem Worth Finding In Wesley Chapel!

By Kathleen Schiop Everyone loves to be pampered and I’m no exception. So, when I was invited to indulge in a spa pedicure at Lee Nails & Spa (located in the small professional center opposite TJ Maxx in The Grove Shopping Center off Oakley Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel, I jumped at the chance.

Owner Tony Truong, who has 16 years of experience in the nail business, opened the spa 4-1/2 years ago and says he has enjoyed loyal patronage ever since.

Since the plaza itself is (and always has

been) mostly deserted, I wondered how he has managed to not only stay in business, but also thrive. But, my questions were answered when I actually came to the spa.

As Tony says, “We believe we will continue to be successful because we trust our experience and how we treat our valued customers.”

He adds that he picked the location, because it is a very convenient plaza with plenty of parking. “It’s easy for our customers to get in and out quickly, and this area looks very nice, too.”

Elegance & Friendliness The first impression upon entering the spotlessly clean Lee Nails is one of elegance. A color scheme of soothing peaches, light browns and yellows greets the eye, and relaxing music is playing. With ten pedicure stations, the spa is able to accommodate large groups, but what first caught my eye was the cute child-sized station, which caters specifically to the little princess or prince in your family.

The spa offers a full range of services at affordable prices, ranging from a Lee Nails & Spa uses only the most hygieni- complete menu of manicures and pedically safe methods and equipment to ensure cures to waxing and facial services, as you’ll enjoy being pampered. well as a variety of eyelash treatments

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Your child can get a pedicure at the same time you do — in his or her own cool pedicure chair — at the elegant Lee Nails & Spa in The Grove in Wesley Chapel. and even permanent makeup.

My pedicure began when I was seated in a massage chair and my feet were placed in warm, swirling water. I turned to the customer next to me, and asked her how long she had been coming to this spa. April, a regular client who travels all the way from New Port Richey, said she had been to five other spas closerto her area before finding Lee Nails, and has

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been a loyal customer ever since.

“I love the cleanliness and the nail art work they do,” she said. “It’s unique and well worth the drive here.”

Of course, one of the primary concerns of any customer coming to a nail spa is hygiene. So, when my licensed nail technician Mya (one of seven at the spa) began, I first questioned her about the procedures Lee Nails uses to avoid contamination of their tools. She explained that all of the spa’s nail tools are soaked in a powerful antiseptic, placed in a sterilizer, then sealed in a bag. The bags are only opened when the nail technician begins work on the client’s pedicure.

After trimming and buffing my feet, Mya began a massage on my lower legs, using a mask which felt cool and tingly and had a wonderful aroma of eucalyptus.

She let the mask dry, then followed it with a cooling gel. My feet and lower legs felt fantastic. But then, she rubbed my legs with an orange scented sea salt and encased my feet with warm, melted paraffin wax, wrapped in plastic.

After the pink wax hardened, she peeled it off, leaving my feet feeling incredibly smooth. Utter bliss. The massage was incredibly relaxing, and Mya spent more time on the massage than I’ve experienced at other spas. I thought to myself

Cindy, the spa manager & Licensed Aesthetician at Lee Nails, reviews the spa’s menu of available services with the author of this feature.

Owner Tony Truong of Lee Nails & Spa has 16 years of experience in the nail care business. that Lee Nails would be the ideal place to come after one of my 5K road races as I dissolved into a little, contented puddle.

I also asked Lee Nails’ manager and Licensed Aesthetician Cindy about some of the spa’s other product and services.

She showed me the menu of spa services, featuring Galvanic Spa, NuSkin and Ageloc products, to name a few. She added that the spa uses nothing but the highest quality products to give the customer the

perming for those blessed with long eyelashes (I wish!) and eyelash extensions, (which is more up my alley), giving you a choice of either Push-up or Flare lashes done in 20 minutes, or individual extensions which take approximately 90-120 minutes to apply. Tony says he recommends the Flare lashes because the final look is fuller and the method uses less time and is more economical. And, once applied, Cindy also recommended stopping into the spa for eyelash maintenance about every two to three weeks to keep that beautiful, diva look.

While Mya finished polishing my toes with a beautiful burgundy OPI polish, a couple came in for his & hers pedicures. I

asked Mya if this was a normal occurrence, since nail spas often tend to be “no man’s land,” but she said they see a mixed clientele of both male and female, as well as families enjoying the spa services together.

After my experience at Lee Nails, I can certainly understand why.

Lee Nails & Spa is located at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 104. It is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

For appointments (which are not required) and more info, stop in or call 907-8100. Also, ask how you can get 15-percent-off all services of $20 or more offer just by mentioning this story when you visit Lee Nails & Spa.

best treatments possible. The wide range of facials surprised me. The Mini Facial Treatment, the Full Facial, and the Super Facial consist of varying degrees of firming, hydrating and brightening techniques, and there is also is an Acne Facial treatment available. I am tempted to come back for one of these treatments in the very near future.

Another service I asked Cindy about were eyelash treatments, since Lee Nails offers more of these treatments than I have ever heard of before. In addition to eyelash tinting, the spa offers eyelash

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New Tampa Elementary Schools Win Swiftmud Splash! Grants

By Matt Wiley Fresh water is the most precious resource on the planet, and students at several New Tampa schools soon will focus on the importance of its conservation, thanks to grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (aka “Swiftmud”).

The grants are part of Swiftmud’s “Splash!” school grant program, which provides teachers with up to $3,000 to educate their students about local watersheds, conservation, quality and water supply. Swiftmud’s Splash! program has helped teach students about Florida’s water system since 1997.

“The schools were chosen through a lottery system,” says Melissa Gulvin, education coordinator for Swiftmud. “This year, we received 56 applications from schools in Hillsborough County.”

In New Tampa, students in Jane Kemp’s fourth- and fifth-grade gifted class at Lawton Chiles Elementary, Jennell Graham’s fifth-grade math and science classes at Pride Elementary and Michele Paschal’s third-fifth-grade self-contained autism class at Tampa Palms Elementary are among the students at 94 different public schools in Swiftmud’s 16-county region that will take part in water-resources pro-

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grams available through the grants, 34 of which are Hillsborough County schools.

To be eligible to receive a grant, teachers had to fill out an extensive application that addressed the number of students involved, their grade level, an estimate of the budget needed for the teacher’s program, a list of the items would need to be purchased, a description of the activities in which students would take part in and out of the classroom, a message and a goal, or what the students would take away from the activities.

The program also has to relate to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and address one of the Sunshine State Standards—a level of knowledge a student must be able to demonstrate by the end of their current grade level.

While schools can be awarded up to $3,000, Gulvin explains that the amount awarded is entirely need-based.

Kemp’s class at Chiles was awarded $1,699. Her fourth- and fifth-grade gifted students will be learning about the water cycle, water pollution and aquifer recharging during a field trip to Sweetwater Organic Farm in Town N’ Country, as well as maintain a water-conserving garden at the school, while monitoring water use in the garden.

“Getting the grant is awesome for the kids,” Kemp says. “It gives (the kids) an opportunity to do some real hands-on activities to learn about water conservation.” Students in Michele Paschal’s class at Tampa Palms Elementary work in the She says school’s garden, growing vegetables they later will harvest, thanks in part to a “Splash! Grant” provided by the SW Florida Water Management District. that once the peat and soil cause Tampa Bay Watch is out of Hillsborarrive, her students will begin work on ough County, so we can’t use school growing tomatoes, lettuce, peppers onions buses. We have to rent charter buses. The and herbs, while using water conservation grant covers that cost.” techniques.

Graham’s class visited Tampa Bay Graham’s math and science classes at Watch on February 19, where they measPride were awarded $2,800 toward a field ured water quality in the Tampa Bay estutrip to Tampa Bay Watch in Tierra Verde ary, took samples and, using powerful in southern Pinellas County, to learn stereoscopes, were able to see plankton about estuary habitats. The students also and other living things in the water, before will learn how weather patterns are afdissecting some squid. fected by the water cycle, as well as the im“(The kids) really enjoyed it,” Graportance of rainwater as a water source ham explains. “The trip relates to our while they keep track of local rainfall. benchmark, what we’re teaching in the “It feels great to be able to provide a classroom at the time. Plus, they’re outgood, quality field trip for the kids,” Graside in nature.” ham says. “(The grant) really helps bePaschal’s class at Tampa Palms Ele-

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mentary received a grant for $2,984, which will help fund an experiment in which her autistic students collect rain water in barrels to supply water for the school’s garden. The students will share what they learn on the school’s morning news TV program and create a newsletter for the community.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for my students,” says Paschal of her third through fifth grade self-contained autism students. “It’s an opportunity for (my students) to have outdoor sensory experiences, which is really important for them.”

Paschal explains that the majority of her students are non-verbal, but are excited about the vegetables that they are

growing in the school’s garden and are trying to communicate the changes in the colors of different vegetables to the other students.

“The outdoor activities are really helpful for developing their communication and social skills,” Paschal explains.

She says that the class also is harvesting the vegetables they are growing and cooking with them in the classroom once a week, serving up dishes such as homemade salsa, pizza sauce and more.

“My room smells good,” she says.

For more information about Swiftmud’s Splash! program, please visit SWFWMD.State.FL.US and click on the “Education” tab.

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Several New Tampa Student Athletes Celebrate National Signing Day

By Matt Wiley & Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley If choosing the right college can be a tough decision for any high school student, choosing the right college that has offered you a full scholarship to participate in a sport at that school must be mind-boggling.

Nonetheless, on February 6, better known as “National Signing Day,” several New Tampa student athletes made their choices and put their names on the paper.

Students at Freedom and Wharton High, as well as at the private Carrollwood Day School (CDS) south and west of our area signed letters of intent to take part in everything from track & field to football, at schools from as far away as Georgetown University in Washington, DC, to as close as the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida.

Perhaps the biggest local signing was when Wharton’s Vernon Hargreaves III — one of the top five football recruits in the U.S., according to ESPN, Rivals.com and most recruiting websites — signed his letter of intent to become a University of Florida Gator in Gainesville. The 5-11, 190-lb. Hargreaves, who runs a 4.45 40yard dash, is one of the top cornerbacks coming out of high school this year.

Also signing from Wharton were three soccer players — Ashni Deschenes (17 goals, 4 assists), who will play at Stetson University in DeLand; Leah Chisolm-Allison (10 goals, 9 assists), who will play for Eckerd College in St. Petersburg; and Maria Areiza, who signed with Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena. MS.

Woodard & Five Other Freedom Athletes Sign, Too Family and friends packed the Freedom High cafeteria to watch their fellow students don the hats of the colleges they will attend.

“I’m really excited, not just for me, but for everyone signing today across the

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(Top left) Wharton High’s Vernon Hargreaves III (2nd from left) was among four National Signing Day signees at the school; Among Freedom High’s six signees (above, center) were (top right) Isaac Tanner and Faith Woodard. Carrollwood Day School’s signees (lower right) were Hillsborough County’s all-time and single-season rushing leader Robert Davis (standing) and QB Vidal Woodruff. (All photos by Matt Wiley, except Wharton, which was used by permission)

country,” said Freedom senior Faith Woodard, who signed to play basketball at Georgetown, a prestigious Ivy Leaguecaliber school in our nation’s capital with a rich basketball tradition. “I was so happy when I got the call from them.

They offered me a full scholarship.”

With her 6’-2” size, 22-pts.- and 9rebounds-per-game averages for the State semifinalist Patriots (see next page), it’s no surprise Woodard is getting a chance to play in the always-tough Big East.

Freedom football safety Nate Godwin was just as happy about staying close to home at USF as Woodard was about heading to DC. “I’m excited to know I’m going...to play for Coach Taggart (USF’s new football coach). We’ve got a great recruiting class.”

Also signing from Freedom on National Signing Day were football players Isaac Tanner, who will play at Western Kentucky Univ. in Bowling Green; Cody Coffin, who signed with Webber International Univ. in Babson Park, FL; and Richard Bisaccia (the son of former Tampa Bay Bucs asst. head coach & special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia), who will play at Middle Tennessee State Univ. in Murfreesboro. State high jump champ Sandra Akachukwu will join Tanner at Western Ky. on a track scholarship.

A few miles to the southeast, Carrollwood Day School’s student body gathered in the auditorium to watch Hillsborough County’s all-time rushing leader Robert Davis and QB/DB Vidal Woodruff sign to play at the University of Memphis and Bethel College in North Newton, KS, respectively.

Davis, finished his career at CDS with 5,576 rushing yards. He also set the county’s single-season rushing yards record with an incredible 2,221 yards this past season. The 5’-8”, 170-lb. RB runs a 4.58 40 and plays bigger than his size in-

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dicates. Woodruff, 6’-3” and weighs 210 lbs., threw for 1,649 yards and 25 TDs. Congratulations and good luck to all of these National Signing Day athletes!

Wharton Boys In Regional Final; Freedom Girls Ousted In State Semis

By Matt Wiley & Gary Nager The Wharton Wildcats are well on their way. After clinching the Class 8ADistrict 7 title on February 6 and dominating two rounds (see below) of the Class 8A Regional playoffs, Wharton still had a chance to wake home long-time coach Tommy Tonelli’s first-ever State title. Another win, at home, on Feb. 23 against Orlando University High (1711) would advance head coach Tommy Tonelli’s Wildcats to the State Semifinals for the first time in school history.

Getting to the Regional Finals hasn’t necessarily been a walk in the park for Wharton. The District title game pitted the 22-4 Wildcats against the Alonso Ravens (15-12), who actually at the half 34-30. However, the Wildcats had no plans of losing the title match at home and bounced back, outscoring the Ravens 18-13 in the third and 23-14 in the fourth for a 71-61 victory and a trip to the regional playoffs. Senior C.J. McGill scored 22, while fellow senior Sir Patrick Reynolds led the Wildcats in scoring with 23 points.

After a tough District championship, the February 14 Regional Quarterfinal match against North Port (14-14) was seemingly a walk in the park for the Wharton boys, who led 40-22 at the half and continued to dominate the Bobcats throughout the third and fourth quarters to a 76-39 win. This time, McGill led the team with 24 points, followed by Reynolds with 13 and senior Chase Litton with 12, sending the Wildcats south to Riverview High (Sarasota).

Riding the breezy victory against North Port, the February 19 Regional Semifinal against Riverview (21-8) was a whole other ball game. The game was tied 21-21 at the half, but the ‘Cats went on a 9-0 run to start the second half and kept building on that margin most of the

Sir Patrick Reynolds (above) and C.J. McGill (right) have Wharton High soaring towards the first-ever State title for coach Tommy Tonelli. Photos by Matt Wiley. last two quarters, en route to a 55-41 victory. Reynolds, who scored 17 points, and fellow senior Jaken Grier, with 16, were the top scorers for the ‘Cats.

McGill chipped in with 12.

Coach Tonelli says the key to the Riverview win was holding the Rams’ best player, 6’-8” forward Nick Havener to just 8 points and 7 rebounds. “C.J. and the whole team did a great job defensively, making sure he (Havener) didn’t get easy shots.”

He adds, “Riverview eventually started taking more chances, rushing their shots and fouling us. Our kids never let up. I’m really proud of them.

That was a very good team.”

took home both their District and Regional titles.

But, Pacholke told me several weeks ago that her goal this season was a State Class 7A title and she thought this year — when she inherited three senior transfer players, including star Faith Woodard,

who will play her basketball next year on a full scholarship to Georgetown University in Washington, DC, after averaging more than 22 points and 9 rebounds per game for the Pats.

Unfortunately, Freedom fell a couple of wins short of that goal when they were beaten 79-73 by Gainesville Buchholz High (26-4) in a showdown that wasn’t as close as that score indicated until the last 12 minutes of the game.

Buchholz led by 19 (58-39) with two minutes left in the third quarter, but that’s when Woodard and sophomore Taylor Emery brought the Pats back to 72-67 on a 29-14 run with just more than a minute left.

Pacholke and her Pats never got any closer than that, as the Bobcats made 6 of 8 free throws down the stretch to hold off the late rally and advance to the Class 7A title game against Davie Nova the night we went to press with this issue.

Woodard finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Emery scored 13 of her 21 points in the fourth quarter and also added eight boards against Buchholz. Pacholke says Emery will be one of the keys to another strong Freedom squad next year. Congrats, Pats!

Freedom Girls Fall To Buchholz Like Tonelli has with the Wharton boys, Freedom High girls basketball coach Laurie Pacholke has had a remarkably successful run in her four years leading the high school located in Tampa Palms, posting an 81-27 record, including 25-4 this year, when her Patriots

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Runners Pushing Their Limits & An Olympic Visitor Highlight Local 5Ks NTJWC’s ‘I Will Inspire’ 5K

By Matt Wiley Crossing the finish line at the end of a race brings with it a sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line at the end of a race in a wheelchair, just a few months after a life-altering accident brings with it an entirely different feeling: one of hope.

On February 16, more than 550 people participated in the second annual GFWC (General Foundation of Women’s Clubs)’s New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club “I Will Inspire” 5K and one-mile Family Fun Run, sponsored by the Florida Orthopaedic Institute.

Among the hundreds of participants running along Telecom Pkwy. (off nearby E. Fletcher Ave.) was Brandon resident Robert Peck, who recently lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident.

Peck, 57, took part in the Family Fun Run portion of the race, only he did it in a wheelchair.

“I had a personal reason to do (the one-mile fun run),” Peck explained. “I’m not going to let my handicap set me back in any way. I thought I’d get out there and prove to myself that I can do it and stay positive.”

While riding his motorcycle in Venice last November, Peck was hit by a car after a driver ran a stop sign. Due to his extensive injuries, he had to be transported by helicopter to Tampa General.

It was there that he met his orthopaedic

Robert Peck (left) was joined by his surgeon, Dr. H. Claude Sagi, at the “I Will Inspire” 5K hosted by the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club on Feb. 16. surgeon, Dr. H. Claude Sagi of the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, which also is located on Fletcher Ave. “I was lucky enough that (Dr. Sagi) was on duty at the hospital that day,” Peck said. “He’s been really inspirational for me.” And, speaking of inspiration, Dr. Sagi crossed the finish line — right next to Peck.

“I figured if Mr. Peck could get out of bed that early in the morning, it was the least I could do,” joked Dr. Sagi.

“These are the kinds of things that make you feel good about being a doctor. It’s difficult when people suffer these sorts of

injuries. You have to do what you can to encourage them and show support because it’s easy to get into a cycle where you bring yourself down. We try to get people like Mr. Peck back on their feet and happy again.”

Peck says that he plans to do the race again next year, only this time he will be crossing the finish line on two feet.

Net proceeds from the I WILL Inspire 5k went to benefit the I Will Foundation, a non-profit organizaFormer Olympic 100m champ Justin Gatlin awaits tion established to help people, with the will to work the start of the “Wishes for Wharton” 5K run, also held hard, overcome adversity and on Feb. 16. challenges caused by life alterJunior Woman’s Club, visit GFWCing illness or traumatic injury. The FounNewTampaJuniors.org. dation’s primary goal is to provide motivational and inspirational support through hands on training, coaching, and ‘Wishes For Wharton’ 5K financial support when necessary.

By Gary Nager “This year was very successful,” said Speaking of inspiration, what’s more Mandy Manno of the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club. “We had a inspiring than having one of the world’s fastest men — a former Olympic gold lot of inspirational participants who were medalist — as the official starter of a local willing to share their stories.”

5K race?

Manno says that the total amount The same day as the “I Will Inspire” raised has not yet been calculated, but 5K, Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic that the club already is looking forward champion in the 100 meters — and to 2014. bronze medalist in 2012 — appeared at For additional information about the “Wishes for Wharton” 5K & 1-Mile the I Will Inspire 5K, please visit IWillInspire.com. For the New Tampa See “5K Races” on page 45.

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“5K Races” Continued from page 43 Fun Run, an annual event held on Wharton’s campus on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.) where he promoted his affiliation with Track Nation, whose mission is to “bring the world of track & field together under one common goal that inspires us all to become one voice.”

Net proceeds from this year’s race will again be given to “Wishes for Wharton,” which provides the school’s teachers with grants to spend on various classroom materials and resources. Wharton principal Brad Woods estimates that this year’s nearly 150 runners and the race’s sponsors helped the event raise “between $4,000-$5,000 this year.”

Congratulations go out to Wharton track & cross country runners McKenna Graves — who was the overall race winner in a time of 17:50, 28 seconds better than his personal best — and women’s winner Mariah Henderson (20:31).

Graves said after that he, “really liked meeting Justin Gatlin and what he said about ‘going for it’ in whatever we do.”

Gatlin, who turned 31 less than a week before the Wharton race, says he is hoping to get a chance to compete for his second 100m gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After running 9.79 — the fastest 100 time ever by any-

Wharton cross country & track runner McKenna Graves took first place in the “Wishes for Wharton” 5K. one over age 30 at the 2012 Games in London — and finishing an eyelash behind Jamaican teammates Usain Bolt (9.63) and Yohan Blake (9.69).

Gatlin said that he plans to run in the world championships in Russia later this year, with an eye towards Rio 2016.

“That’s probably my last real chance to win another Olympic medal,” he said.

“That’ll be my last hurrah.”

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Do You Have Plans For St. Patrick’s Weekend? Here’s Some Suggestions!

By Gary Nager I may not be Irish, but I do have green eyes, so I’m excited about two upcoming local events for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Yes, the day for the “Wearin’ o’ the Green” is actually Sunday, March 17, but in this space I’ll tell you about two local events that aren’t waiting until Sunday to begin the festivities.

I’ll also tell you about two local car services who can get you home safely.

All-Weekend Bash At Mulligans Irish Pub At Pebble Creek GC St. Patty’s Day will be a familyfriendly two-day celebration for the Irish and “wanna-be Irish” when St. Patrick’s Days arrive at Mulligans Irish Pub, lo-

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cated at the Pebble Creek Golf Club (PCGC), on Saturday, March 16 & Sunday, March 17. Green beer will be flowing and there will be lots of great Irish eats, including corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, fish & chips and more, plus $5 Guinness pints, prizes, and live bands.

On Saturday, PCGC will host a St. Patty’s Golf Tournament, followed by live music in the evening. Then, there’ll be more contemporary and Irish bands (including a bagpipe player), plus an Irish buffet at Mulligans’ all-day Sunday St. Pat’s Bash, which will begin at noon and will stay hopping late.

More than 1,000 people attended last year’s Bash, which will spread from the pub and banquet room to the outdoor veranda and oak-shaded courtyard overlooking the Pebble Creek Golf Course, so this year’s 7th Annual BASH is sure to be a blast! There is no cover on Saturday and just a $5 cover on Sunday, although kids under 12 will be admitted free and there will be free parking, too.

Mulligans Irish Pub is located at 10550 Regents Park Drive, one block off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., opposite the Wal-Mart Supercenter. For more info, call 973-3870, x225.

St. Patrick’s Weekend Extended To Fri. At PJ Dolan’s!

Meanwhile, a few miles south of Mulligans, PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grill, located on E. Bearss Ave., just west of BBD, will begin celebrating St. Patty’s Day on Friday, March 15, and the festivities will continue all day Saturday and Sunday.

The fun begins at 3 p.m. Friday, with green beer, corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, bangers & mash and Guinness brats. There also will be karaoke on Friday night, 8 p.m.12:30 p.m., when you can sing everything from “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” to your favorite U2 song with no cover charge to celebrate this greenest of holidays.

Then, a full Irish breakfast will be served Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. On Sat-

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urday night, Funkin’8 will play live, beginning at 8 p.m., and there will be a $5 cover charge beginning at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, breakfast will be served 8 a.m.-noon and the celebration will resume at 3 p.m., with a $5 cover, unless you bring in the ad on page 52 of this issue, which will allow you free admission for you and a guest. There will be great free door prizes throughout the night and a great time is virtually guaranteed for all.

PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grille is located at 2836 E. Bearss Ave., in the Palms Connection plaza. For more information, visit PJDolans.com or call 374-2338.

Get Me Home Safely!

Of course, local law enforcement will be out in force all weekend, so if you can’t drink responsibly or designate a driver over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I suggest calling either of the car services that advertises in this publication to get you home safely.

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Instead, call my buddies Ace Jenkins at Ace in the Hole Car Service (8105446) or Jay at Glow Wheels (9661530) and tell them the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you!

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Toast Wine & Café Is So Much More Than Just A Wine Bar!

By Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley When local favorites like Ciccio’s Lodge and Lee Roy Selmon’s exited the New Tampa area over the last few months, Toast Wine & Café (located in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just south of Tampa Palms) co-owner and wine expert Hector Gonzalez already had the idea for transforming Toast from “just” a wine bar that also served some interesting flatbreads, salads and cheese platters, into more of a sit-down restaurant.

Well, to that end, the interior of Toast has undergone quite a few changes — Hector and his partners have greatly expanded the kitchen, changed the former cigar smoking room into the new walk-in humidor (which means no more smoking inside the place), reduced the number of bottles of wine and added a new coffee area, as well as a few more tables and chairs.

You can’t go wrong with Toast’s “Top Shelf” Cuban sandwich (above) or jumbo shrimp cocktail Bordeaux (right).

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But, the biggest change at Toast is the new menu. There’s a little something for just about everybody on it and quite a few new items warrant rave reviews.

Hector, who has his “Level 1” wine sommelier certification, has more wine knowledge than just about anyone I know. While he’s had no formal culinary training, he has been doing food pairing meals at Toast with a lot of great Bay-area restaurants and caterers since Toast opened 4+ years ago and, like so many of you, he’s also a big fan of cookCo-owner Hector Gonzalez of Toast Wine & Cafe in the Oak Ramble Plaza (on BBD south of Tampa Palms) ing shows on the Food Network. invites you to try his excellent new menu items, including some of the best lump crabcakes you’ll find anywhere.

He’s been working on this new been Cuban sandwich guy, but Hector’s amazingly tender filet mignons, one of each menu for at least two years. new “top shelf” pressed Cuban, with Genoa topped with goat cheese and sun dried My favorite new items on the menu are salami, cappacola, pork cushon, pickles and a tomatoes, Maytag blue cheese and an the jumbo lump crabcakes, which are loaded spicy Coney Island mustard is just outraAdobo beer glaze. with lump crab and topped with a semi-spicy geously good.

If you’re looking for sandwiches, Toast peri peri pepper aioli and served with mixed And yes, Toast still offers its wine now has artisan slider sandwiches, where greens. Assistapas, from a mini Caprese salad to antipasto you can choose 1-3 sliders from pork tant editor/ pairings, cheese and fruit and more, as well cushon (belly), chicken burger, filet mignon photographer as a chicken and cheese quesadilla and the and roast chicken and you can add your Matt Wiley already-popular flatbreads, of which my fachoice of an incredible potato gratin or wild raved about the vorite is the not-so-traditional pizza version, mushroom risotto. Three sliders and a side jumbo tiger with tomato sauce, mozzarella, black olives is a nice “small plate” meal for two. There’s shrimp cocktail and roasted chicken. also a variety of panini sandwiches and Bordeaux and everyone at the office enjoyed The Veggie, we both enwhich combines spinach, buffalo mozzarella, Great Coffee, Too! joyed the beef roasted red peppers and oregano.

Also new at Toast is truly delicious coftenderloin trio, But, my favorite sandwich so far is a bit fee, including everything from freshly which is three of a surprise to me, because I’ve never really brewed or French press coffee, which Hec-

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(Clockwise from top left) The pork cushon and roasted chicken sliders, Toast’s wonderful French press coffee and Daily Bread jams, peanut butter and other toppings, selection of fine wines and the tasty beef tenderloin trio are all good reasons to visit! tor says he creates from a variety of gourmet beans from a private roaster, to awesome Segafredo Zanetti Italian espresso and caffé lattés. “We saw a need for a great coffee and breakfast place in the area,” Hector says, “so we now open at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast.”

And, with the coupon on page 54, your next latté is on the house!

Don’t expect omelets or egg dishes (at least not yet), but Toast does have popular low-fat Greek yogurt and oatmeal, which can be served with raisins, almonds, fruit, cinnamon, granola or brown sugar. There’s also Cuban cheese toast (my next item to sample) and a variety of sticky, tasty breakfast buns topped with everything from marshmallow fluff to peanut butter, strawberry jam, chocolate “gravy” and pumpkin butter and with names like the “Fig Capone,”

“PB&J All the Way” and “Gimme S’Mores from Orlando-based Daily Bread Bakers.

And, oh yeah, Toast still has a great selection of fine cigars, an even better selection of fine wines (try a glass of the Urban Malbec-Tempranillo blend) and even a variety of craft beers to which the aforementioned Matt Wiley gives two thumbs up.

And, speaking of beer, if you’re looking for a little something different to do on St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m.5 p.m.), Toast will have corned beef & cabbage, Irish cheese trays and those Top-Shelf Cubans and great craft beers and every “Leprechaun” in attendance will receive an “I Got Lucky at Toast” T-shirt.

Toast Wine & Café is located at 14921 BBD Blvd. For info, call 6323105 or visit ToastWineandCafe.com.

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Winners Grill — Finally, A ‘Sports Grill’ With Great Food!

By Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley For those of you who are long-time New Tampa residents, you probably remember the old Winners Sports Grill locations in Wesley Chapel and in the same space as Ciccio’s Lodge in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center. You may even have tried the Winners in the Wesley Chapel Village Market, on S.R. 54 near the intersection of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., since the Tampa Palms location closed.

But, if it’s been a while since you visited the Wesley Chapel Winners — even if it’s only been a couple of months — you owe it to yourself to try it again.

About 17 years ago, owner Gerry Malynowsky actually opened all of the original Winners restaurants — in Tampa Palms, Oldsmar and this same Wesley Chapel location — but sold them all to pursue other endeavors, including, most recently, as the executive chef at the T. Pepin Hospitality Center on N. 50th St. in Tampa, and executive chef for Puff n’ Stuff Catering, where he was provided 5,000 meals each day of last year’s Republican National Convention.

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Of course you’d expect to find great Buffalo and honey garlic wings (far left) at Winners Sports Grill in the Wesley Chapel Village Market (S.R. 54 at Bruce B. Downs Blvd.), but how about zesty wine mussels (center), crispy conch fritters loaded with fresh conch meat (right) or our editor’s new favorite herb-crusted baked half-chicken with homemade chicken gravy (below).

During his three-year tenure at Pepin, Gerry, a classically trained chef himself who received his formal training at the Culinary Institute in Montreal, Canada, hired fellow chef Kasia Lavigne. who also has had years of outstanding professional experience after earning her prestigious Cordon Bleu culinary degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. The two eventually began dating and when Gerry had to repossess the Wesley Chapel Winners in November, he brought Kasia in to not only cook the food — so he could focus on marketing and running the business — he also had her redesign Winners’ “boring” (Gerry’s words) sports bar menu.

“I have so much experience purchas-

ing food for Pepin and the catering company that I knew I could provide much higher quality food at Winners and still sell it at a very fair price,” he says. “I told Kasia to get creative and we both think the new Winners menu will appeal to a much larger number of people, but without turning off or scaring away the location’s existing customer base.”

Starting Fresh!

The new menu, which was just unveiled to Winners’ customers three weeks ago, still has many of the same appetizers — including fried mozzarella sticks, “dirty” chicken fingers, quesadillas, Buffalo shrimp and, of course, big, plump chicken wings — but Gerry and Kasia

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have added some new items too delicious to ignore.

Although I’m allergic to mussels (sigh), I have to say that the zesty garlic sauce that Winners’ new wine mussels appetizer is literally swimming in — which combines white wine, shallots, Pernod liqueur, fresh basil and diced tomatoes —

(Left) Chef Kasia Lavigne and owner Gerry Malynowsky invite you to sample Winners’ delicious Cowboy burger (above) and “just like Grandma’s” shepherd’s pie (below).

is as good or better than what you can get at most Italian restaurants. I also recently gobbled down an order of the new conch fritters, which are loaded with fresh conch, and assistant editor/photographer Matt Wiley raved about Winners’ new peel-&-eat shrimp. My favorite new dish is the savory herb-crusted half baked chicken, served with your choice of sides.

Also new to start are a made-freshdaily hummus appetizer, which combines garbanzo beans, fresh lemon zest, cumin, garlic, olive oils, Kalamata olives and grilled flatbread for dipping, as well as

parmesan garlic breadsticks served with a homemade marinara dipping sauce.

Fresh Fish? Really?

Because both Gerry and Kasia love their fresh fish, they have added not only a fresh catch of the day prepared grilled, blackened or fried, as well as delicious grouper tacos, made with blackened fresh

If you want truly fresh (and delicious!) grouper tacos (left), Gerry says you have to start with truly fresh black Gulf grouper (right). black Gulf grouper and served on soft flour tortillas with a savory Baja slaw, spicy chipotle mayo and fresh lime. If you doubt that the fish could possibly be fresh, Gerry will be happy to tote out one of the beautiful 7-9-lb. black grouper filets he brings in fresh every week to prove you wrong.

Other items we’ve sampled are the “Just like Grandma’s” shepherd’s pie (layered with creamy corn mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese and gravy), the awesome Cowboy burger (topped with American cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings and BBQ sauce), Lou’s Buffalo Birdie sandwich, the new wine mussel pasta, new chicken Marsala, herb-crusted baked chicken (my new favorite dish), homemade soups, fresh salads, fajitas and

even a new grilled flank steak topped with a homemade chimichurri salsa.

In other words, if you love great food at a fair price (only the catch of the day can cost more than $12.99), Gerry and Kasia have your taste buds covered.

And of course, Winners is still a great place to watch a Lightning, Rays or Bucs game, grab a quick lunch and Happy Hour is actually served all day, with 2-for-1 well cocktails, domestic drafts and house wines. Large party platters also are available for takeout.

So, to satisfy your craving for great food and great service at always fair prices, visit Winners Sports Grill (5429 Village Market), call 973-7474 or visit WinnersSportsGrill.com. And, please tell Gerry I sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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

By Gary Nager

on Saturday. Check out the great deals in the ad on page 25 of this issue, or call 991-7007 or visit CBAC.com for info.

Petra Express Opens In Highwoods Area

Veggies & Stuff Produce Stand Opens On BBD

If you want great deals on the freshest produce, we suggest a visit to our friend Jeffrey McCullers’ new Veggies & More Produce Stand, located at 14529 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., less than a mile south of Tampa Palms, next to the new Compass Self Storage facility. With hundreds of fresh fruits and vegetables — locally grown, whenever possible — from avocados to beautiful tomatoes, Veggies & Stuff also sells fresh, homemade sweet breads, raw honey, live herbs and flowers and guarantees your satisfaction.

And, with the flyer on page 55 of this issue, you’ll receive 10% off your first purchase. See the ad for restrictions.

Veggies & Stuff is open every day at 10 a.m. and stays open until 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, and until 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Christian Brothers Auto Opens In Trout Creek Area

For those of us who have been ripped

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In our last issue, we told you that the Greek Villa Restaurant, located off BBD behind FedEx Office, next to the new Taste of New York Pizza in the Highwoods Preserve area, had been sold only two weeks after it opened.

Well, a delicious new restaurant has Owner Marty La Barbera (far right) now opened in that space and we hope and his master mechanics at the new Christian Brothers Automotive on BBD. you’ll visit the new Petra Express Middle Eastern Cuisine because not only does it off by unscrupulous auto repair shops (I serve great lamb gyro sandwiches, but also know I have!), I suggest visiting the new wonderful beef shawarma sliced from a roChristian Brothers Automotive, located at tating spit (photo below), plus hummus, 20303 Trout Creek Dr., with frontage on grape leaves, falafels, lentil soup, beef, BBD (near Burger 21 & Auto Zone). chicken and lamb kebabs and more.

Christian Brothers is a growing franPetra Express (17503 Preserve chise with locations in 11 states, including Walk Ln.) opens every day at 11 a.m. for three in the Tampa Bay area. Local owner lunch and dinner. For more information, Marty La Barbera, whose previous career visit Petra-Cuisine.com or call 984-9800. was in criminal justice, says cars have always been his hobby, but now, he has three master mechanics working for him during his “retirement.”

“What attracted me to the Christian Brothers brand is that my mission is always to contribute to my community and my faith is part of that. I wanted to be part of a company that promises quality care, honesty and integrity.” Marty also promises that you’ll be stunned by not only the beautiful waiting area, but also the immaculate condition of the garage.

WingHouse Coming To Christian Brothers Automotive’s Former Buffalo’s SW Café!

New Tampa location is open MondayIt’s been vacant a few years already, but Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

the former Buffalo’s Southwest Café, located on S.R. 54 near the intersection of Old Pasco Rd. will soon become the newest Ker’s WingHouse.

Crawford Ker’s newest Wing House may help make the northern part of Wesley Chapel a little more of a destination for business people and local residents, but it also has pretty good food.

Yes, the always-hot Wing House girls will still be the biggest attraction, but the naked (unbreaded) wings and other betterthan-Hooters fare and staying open for all of the live, pay-per-view UFC and boxing matches also will help make Ker’s Wing House as big a hit locally as it has been in it’s current 20 locations throughout Florida since Ker opened the original restaurant in Largo in 1994. Converting the long-vacant Buffalo’s building will take “a few months,” according to a WingHouse spokesperson.

Bottom line? You definitely can expect to have a new place to hang for the 2013-14 NFL and college football seasons. Need we say more? I didn’t think so.

For additional information, visit WingHouse.com.

Lee Roy Selmon’s To Open On S.R. 56?!?

Although there’s not yet a sign posted at the site, we’ve been told by a spokesperson for MVP Holdings Tampa, the parent company of Lee Roy Selmon’s, PDQ and Carmel Café, that those of us who have missed Selmon’s since the New Tampa location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. closed late last year won’t have to wait too much longer.

The new Selmon’s reportedly is set to open — as early as April somehow — on a

currently vacant piece of land just off S.R. 56, between the existing Texas Roadhouse and Ashley Furniture and in front of Shapes Total Fitness, which will give it visibility from both I75 and S.R. 56, as well as a central location between the Shops at Wiregrass mall and The Grove shopping center. We’ll keep you posted.

The white stakes to the left mark off where the new Lee

Check Out Eyeglass World!

If you haven’t yet visited Eyeglass World, located next to Verizon Wireless on S.R. 54 (Wesley Chapel Blvd.), just west of I-75, you need to get in there soon!

Basic eye exams at Eyeglass World are the least expensive in the area, at only $39!

Contact lens exams start at $99 and include a prescription for glasses. Glasses are buy one, get a second pair (aka “BOGO”) every day, starting at two pairs starting at as little as $78! Some restrictions apply and of course, your cost may be higher, based on the frames and lenses you choose.

Eyeglass World features a huge selection of 3,000 frames to choose from and a wide variety of lenses to suit any prescription. Among the best-known brands available are Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ray Ban, DKNY, Coach, D&G, Vera Bradley, Anne Klein and many more.

Stop in to Eyeglass World (27835 S.R. 54) or call 907-9122 for more info and please tell store manager Elisa Shah we sent you!

The New Tampa YMCA’s

Roy Selmon’s restaurant will be built off S.R. 56.

First Master Trainer

The New Tampa Family YMCA, located on Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms, continues to focus its efforts on strengthening the community and making an impact on healthy lifestyles. The New Tampa Y has taken this to heart by encouraging their Personal Training team to elevate their education to levels unmatched by the surrounding local gyms, and that’s just what one of our local trainers has done.

Here in New Tampa, we have the first trainer in the Tampa Metro YMCA Association be promoted to Master Trainer status— Shandra Valenzuela (photo). Along with being a Master Trainer, Shandra leads the New Tampa Y’s LiveStrong (see below) and Diabetes Prevention programs to help ensure all of our members receive the best possible experience and results.

For more info, including about the next LiveStrong Spinathon on Apr. 20, call 866-9622 or visit TampaYMCA.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D HOME

PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 HELP WANTED - Medical Billing Personnel, parttime, flexible hours, Local PT Clinic. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Join our mission to create greater awareness for our clients. By using cutting edge promotional marketing methods, we bring the products to the local market.

We strive to create strong presence in our community for the products and services we represent, we go above and beyond for a level of success that far exceeds our competition. Contact Us Today (813) 501-4915.

29140 Chapel Park Dr. Wesley Chapel www.centurionconcepts.co HELP WANTED - Licensed insurance agent needed for Wesley Chapel P&C Agency. One year of agency experience preferred. Must have 4-40 or above license. Part-time and full-time openings available. Good customer relationship and organizational skills required. Competitive salary with bonus structure. If interested, please forward your resume to info@insurancenewtampa.com

EDUCATION

/

BABYSITTING

PROFESSIONAL TENNIS LESSONS - Recently relocated USPTA/PTR teaching professional available for private/group/team tennis lessons. Former Head Tennis Professional at the #2 and #3 Tennis Resorts in the U.S. Past coach of former #1 singles player at the University of Florida. Call Steve Brady at (843) 422-3993 or email sbrady@hargray.com CC ACADEMIC INTERVENTION & ENRICHMENT SERVICES - Individualized and data driven tutoring services provided by certified and highly trained reading teachers. Serving grades K-12. Specializing in FCAT and SAT/ACT Prep Call or email to inquire about our services and our specials! ccteaching@gmail.com www.facebook.com/CandCtutoring 813-728-0202 OR 813-679-5262 PIANO LESSONS - 25+ years experience. Reasonable rates. Teaching children, teens and adults. Two locations.

Call 813-994-7857

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TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

JUST ASK JULIE PET SITTING - Cat sitting and midday doggie walks * Serving you since 2002 * Bonded, Licensed and insured * Pet First Aid Certified Instructor * Certified Dob Obedience Trainer/Instructor * Ask about my kitty express visits * julie@justaskjulie.com or 813-892-9543 NEW TAMPA PET SITTING SERVICES Under New Ownership! Please call Larisa at (813) 546-3887. Thank-you for your business over ALL these years! Please call Marina at (813) 416-5301 for references!

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Classifıeds I M P R O V E M E N T

DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate (813) 784-5999 NEED HOME MAINTENANCE – Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582.

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

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

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

DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. (813) 215-1177 WEST COAST FLOORING INC - Hardwood, Laminate, and Carpet; Over 25 years experience in sales and installations; Repairs: Large and small jobs; We even do exterior pavers; Free estimates - Call Doug at (813) 215-4817 HANDYMAN SERVICES - Handyman Services, Disposal and fan installations. Painting, dry wall repair, calking, tile and wooden floor installations, gutter cleaning, and much more. Great prices! Call 813.907.6994.

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. 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 and businesses, with over 25 years experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

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BRIDGE PLAYERS WANTED - Daytime.

Weekdays. Once, twice, or more per month for three hour sessions in selected homes of members in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. Actual schedule depends on availability of players. One-two tables maximum. Party bridge, not Duplicate. Intermediate level. Enjoyable, warm, casual people. Free. No frills. For details call Harry at 813-907-2541 or Jane at 813-355-3665.

FITNESS &WELLBEING L TAI CHI CLASSES - open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few months. Adults Course: Thursday evening’s 7-8 pm. Seniors Course: Tuesday afternoons 12-1 pm. Space is limited! Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 30 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org. Peter #787-7560 or Email peter@chuan-fa.org LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $55 for 1 hour!

Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL (727) 372-6389 Lic #MA47546.

GROUP THERAPY CLASSES – 4 groups starting: 1) Adult Stress Management, 2) Children’s Social Skills, 3) Parenting Skills, and 4) Mind-Body Wellbeing. Cost: $20-$30 per week. Conducted by licensed therapists with over 10 years of experience. Limited Space, Call Today. We also provide individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Call Dr. Brad Palermo, Licensed Psychologist – (813) 666-5885. Website: www.Tampa-Therapy.com SHAKLEE - has been making people healthier for over 50 years. When you pick Shaklee, you will know three things to be true. It is always safe. It always works.

And it is always green. Shaklee’s products include: “Natural”nutritional supplements including Sports Nutrition, Weight loss products, Beauty and skin care products, Environmentally-friendly household cleaning products.

Call George: 813-501-2856, Gbspyros@aol.com, www.gbspyros.myshaklee.com/us/en/

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FIND YOUR DREAM HOME FROM YOUR CELL PHONE! - Wish you could see home details while you are driving around looking at homes? NOW YOU CAN! With Team Bohannon's Mobile MLS Search application, you can search for any home in the area on your cell phone.

Check out price, beds/baths, details, maps, even photos – all from the convenience of your cell phone. SEARCH PROPERTIES WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WANT! GET IT NOW - Text: MLS4YOU to: 87778 Compliments of Doug, Annette and Dale Bohannon Coldwell Banker (813) 979-4963 REALTOR - Let me Find your Dream Home for you,... I WILL DO THE WORK! - You will get my full attention to your Real Estate needs. Call me directly at 813-679-9595 or email me: vangalder1@aol.com. MARIA CHERREZ -VANGALDER, Realtor, Ceritfied Short Sale Expert; Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc.

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TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa’s #1 Choice!! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today @ (813) 857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call (813) 312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 5 • March 2, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.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 LAWN CARE - We Specialize in Residential Lawn & Landscape Maintenance! Landscaping, Mulching, Cleanups, Palm/Tree Trimming & Sprinkler Repair also available. Owner Operated over 17 years. Call us today for Reliable Service for everything that grows @ your property (813) 973-3825 or visit: ntlcpropertymaintenance.com

CLEANING

SERVICES

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 300 clients in New Tampa!

For more information, Call 758-9710.

M.Y. CLEANING SERVICE - Offering Residential cleaning. We offer complete bath & kitchen cleaning, as well as dusting and polishing furniture.

We provide our own supplies. Free estimates! Your satisfaction is our priority! With 5 years of experience, we guarantee meticulous cleaning!

Call Mila: (813) 516-3554.

CLEANING, LAUNDRY, YOU NAME IT!$68.00 introductory special, Mon-Wed. Make your list, put us to work! Anna's Housekeeping - A BBB Accredited Business Servicing Florida since 1991.

We have private housekeeper rates with agency Backup coverage! Licensed and all housekeepers are background checked.

Call 813.985.1150.

SHINING CLEANING SERVICES - We will always do quality work. Specializing in move in, move out and deep cleaning. We Do details work.

Let us do the work for you. You can always count on us to be reliable and honest. (813) 822-8998 www.shiningcleaningservice.com Cal for a Free Estimate.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S SPRINGER STORAGE: RV & Boat Storage Port Richey, FL Starting at $35.00 mo. Pay first two months, 3rd month free. 24 hour access & 24 hour monitoring.

Call to reserve your spot.

(813) 833-1191.

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.

FOR SALE - Solid wood Drexel Heritage, Italian Traditional style, Dining Room Set: Dining room table w/ leaf 86 in. long, 42 in wide, 6 chairs w/ burgundy and gold accent cushions, and matching lighted china cabinet. For pricing or more information please call (813) 6901062.

LOOKING TO PLACE A LISTING? Call The Neighborhood News

813-910-2575

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4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2 Car Garage 2,386 SF | Built 1997 | Private Conservation Offered Offered for $225,000

4 Bed + Den + Bonus Room | 4 Bath | 3 Car Garage 3,692 SF | Built 1990 | Over Sized Conservation Offered Offered for $495,000

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4 Bed + Den | 3 Bath | 2 Car Garage 2,720 SF | Built 2000 | Pond Offered for $319,000 Offered

4 Bed + Den | 2.5 Bath | 3 Car Garage Large Conservation 2,913 SF | Built 1995 | Large Offffered for $369,000 Offered

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3 Bed + Den | 2 Bath | 3 Car Garage 2,053 SF | Built 2004 | Conservation Offered Offered for $239,900

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