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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 18 • August 28, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com 1

Volume 18Issue 18

August 28, 2010NEWS

WESLEY CHAPEL

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County Issues A Mosquito Warning, OurExclusive Community Calendar, Business

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A ‘Staycation’ Visit To The Hampton Inn & Suites, Upcoming Concert

Listings & More!See pages 23-40!

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Inside:Another ‘Summer Staycation’ Story!

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Caroline Dr.-Area Residents Happy To Have Access To S.R. 54

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finally get the state agency to agree toallow that variance, at least in part, andnow, the new design for the roadwaycalls for a one-way median opening,which will allow the drivers headingeast on S.R. 54 to make a left turnonto Caroline Dr.

“We just wanted easier access toour homes, and we’re thrilled andhappy that [FDOT was} willing to lis-ten,” Winsett says.

She also adds, however, that the

residents also are very grateful for thesupport of county staff members,including project managers AndyAlipour and Bob Shepherd, both ofwhom attended the review committeemeetings, as did a representative of theGreater Wesley Chapel Chamber ofCommerce, and Pasco County com-missioner Pat Mulieri and Rep. WillWeatherford, who were not able to

By Michael Smith

The residents of the Citrus Traceand SaddleRidge Estates subdivisionsoff of S.R. 54 and Caroline Dr. inWesley Chapel are “thrilled,” now thatthe Florida Department of Transporta-tion (FDOT) has agreed to allow anadditional opening in the median ofS.R. 54 that will allow (easier) accessto their communities.

As we reported in an earlier issue,many of the residents of those com-munities, which together include morethan 200 homes, were upset becausethe original design for the widening ofS.R. 54 (which is being widened fromtwo lanes to six lanes with a four-foot-wide median in the middle) did notinclude an opening in the median atCaroline Dr. That meant that CitrusTrace and SaddleRidge residents trav-eling eastbound on 54 would have togo past Caroline Dr. and make a U-turn at the traffic signal at Boyette Rd.in order to get to their homes, andthose who wanted to go east on S.R.

54 would first have to head west andmake a U-turn at the traffic signal atthe entrance to Saddlebrook Resort.

Besides being inconvenient, someof the homeowners felt that all thoseU-turns posed a safety issue, despiteassurances from county officials thatthe timing of both of those traffic sig-nals would be lengthened in order togive the residents enough time to safe-ly make the U-turns. Undaunted,some of the concerned residents gottogether to form what they called theCaroline Drive Access Committee, andtook their case to FDOT’s AccessManagement Review Committee, athree-member panel that meets toconsider such applications for medianopening variances on state roads.

According to Jamie Winsett, whois the secretary of the SaddleRidgeEstates Homeowners Association andalso served as secretary of the CarolineDrive Access Committee, it took twomeetings with the FDOT panel andsupport and input from county staffmembers and local elected officials to See “Access” on page 6.

Although the event started earlyenough in the day (8 a.m., with theWalk/Run kicking off at 9), it wassweltering on the new blacktop of S.R.56, as yours truly and at least 200 oth-ers ran, walked and (some) biked sepa-rately marked 1-, 2- and 4-mile courses.

While the walk was being held, atleast 20 different WCCC-member busi-nesses (and a couple of political candi-dates) were greeting attendees withbrochures, coupons, business cards anddisplays about their respective business-es. Some of those businesses providedfree food and beverages, including CosiCafé, Publix, Bagelicious & More,Boardwalk Frozen Custard and others.

Although it took a little too longin that heat, Wesley Chapel Chamberexecutive director David West allowedall four Pasco County commissioners

An editorial by Gary Nager

For those of you who still haven’ttaken a car or bike ride (or walk) alongthe new extension of S.R. 56 — whichnow extends all the way to MeadowPointe Blvd. — you owe it to yourselfto check out the newest addition to theWesley Chapel road network, whichofficially opened to traffic on July 31

with a fun four-mile Walk/Run andfree Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber ofCommerce (WCCC) Mini BusinessExpo and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

By the way, even though the S.R.56 extension is entirely in Pasco, it alsohas major ramifications for New Tampadrivers who someday hope to be able toavoid the traffic on Bruce B. Downs(BBD) Blvd. (more on this below).

See “S.R. 56” on page 32.

S.R. 56 Extension Now Open All The Way To Meadow Pointe Blvd.

At least 200 people took part in the inauguralWalk/Run at the S.R. 56 extension Grand

Opening & Ribbon Cutting o July 31.

The red arrow points to where a new median access will be added on S.R. 54.

2 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 18 • August 28, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The past fewmonths, while our now-

beloved Tampa Bay Rays have beenjockeying with the New York Yankeesfor the best record in baseball, Raysprincipal owner Stuart Sternberg hasbeen much more public in his cam-paign to build the Rays a new stadiumlong before the team’s lease at Tropi-cana Field expires in 2025.

In late June, Sternberg said thatthe Rays will consider ALL possiblelocations in the Tampa Bay area, notjust in St. Petersburg or even all ofPinellas County, but in Hillsborough,Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota ifthe right opportunity comes along.

Well, while listening to his mostrecent news conference on the stadiumissue, I had a brainstorm — why notbuild the Rays’ news stadium ateither Wiregrass Ranch or at thetroubled Cypress Creek Town Cen-ter site?

Now, I know St. Pete mayor BillFoster “offered” to allow the Rays tomove out of the city of St. Pete to loca-tions closer to Hillsborough County,but Sternberg and the Rays said theywould consider any viable location inthe Bay area because the team can’tmake money at Tropicana Field.

On July 31 (yes, the one game welost), I attended one of the three sold-out games against the Yankees — thefirst time the Rays ever sold out an

entire series before it was played —which just happened to be the sameday the eastbound extension of S.R. 56to Meadow Pointe Blvd. opened (seepage 1). It was the first time I ever gotto meet J.D. Porter of the Porter Fami-ly Trust on which the Shops at Wire-grass mall and two schools already arebuilt and the planned hospital, collegecampus and thousands of residentialunits will someday be built.

I have been to at least five otherRays games this year already. But, Iknow that not everyone is able to settheir own schedule the way I can andyeah, for a packed game like that, thedrive is a bit of a pain in the butt. Usu-ally, however, especially for a weeknightgame, the traffic (once you get off S.R.56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., ofcourse) really isn’t too bad and theentire trip without traffic is only about45 minutes from where I live.

But, this isn’t about whether ornot the Rays can make their currenthome work — Sternberg already knowsthe team can’t get the luxury box rev-enues he needs at the Trop — it’sabout finding the best place for theteam’s “permanent” home.

I wasn’t going to write this editori-al until I spoke with someone from thePorter Family Trust about it and I hadthe opportunity to talk to J.D. Porterabout it immediately after the openingof the S.R. 56 extension. It was so hotthat day that I decided to wait untilafter the event, when Aja Wiregrassopened for lunch specifically to servethose who attended. I asked Porterwhat he thought of my idea and he saidthat not only was the site already being


Table of ContentsNEWS UPDATES.....................................Pages 1-9News Briefs..................................................................4YMCA Officials Searching For Wesley Chapel Site Kevin Ambler Cited In Traffic CrashHealth Officials Issue Mosquito Warning

Access (cont. from Page 1).................................................6Wesley Chapel Community Calendar........................8-9

BUSINESS UPDATES...................................10-19Smith & Wesson Home Security Services...................10-11Family Wellness Center Of Tampa Bay.......................12-13Grandeur Hair Design.....................................................14Sophia’s Boutique............................................................16Business Briefs.....................................................18-19

Ziva Beauty LoungeSouth Beach SunglassesPerfect HaircutGunter & Gunter Insurance

EDUCATION UPDATES...............................21HALO Academy Offers Special Needs Program

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE......23-40Hampton Inn In The Staycation!’ Spotlight!...23, 34Tampa Bay Entertainment Calendar...........................24-25Pulse Salon Event Highlights Local Artists.....28Neighborhood Nibbles.............................................30‘Staycation’ Features On Pagelli’s & Spa Moritz......34-35

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...38

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager

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Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighbor-hood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part,without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley ChapelNeighborhood News writers are their own and do notreflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissionsand advertisements for Volume 18, Issue 20, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, Sep-tember 14.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will considerpreviously non-published outside editorial submissions ifthey are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words.Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to editand/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makesno guarantees regarding publication dates.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not returnunsolicited editorial materials.

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© 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager considered, but that the Porter familywould welcome the relocation of thestadium not only to Wiregrass, but evento the even more accessible CypressCreek Town Center area at the intersec-tion of I-75 and S.R.s 54 and 56.

“It’s a long shot,” Porter admitted.“But we’d love it. All of the roadswould already be in place before theyeven start building the stadium and itwould surely be a great thing financiallyfor this area.”

Porter’s correct that Wesley Chapelis a long shot to get the stadium, con-

sidering that Foster and other Pinellasofficials don’t even want the Rays tomove to Hillsborough, much less skippast our county to Pasco. But, it stillmakes sense and, as an insane baseballfan myself, I would welcome it bothpersonally and professionally.

Even if the stadium would some-how be able to be moved to theCypress Creek site, instead of Wiregrass,Porter and his family — and all of thebusinesses and developments near S.R.56 — would benefit, as it would allow

See “The Rays” on page 32.

To Keep The Rays In Tampa Bay, Bring ‘Em Here!


News BriefsWESLEY CHAPEL into the entrance of the Cheval Coun-try Club. In doing so, however, heturned into the path of a 1994 Toyotadriven by 71-year-old Janet-LeeThomas Troupe. The front end of theToyota struck the right rear end ofAmbler’s vehicle and flipped over.

According to the report, neitherdriver suffered serious injuries, althoughTroupe was transported to UniversityCommunity Hospital by ambulancewhile Ambler was taken to St. Joseph’sHospital-North by his wife. Ambleralso was charged with violating theright of way.

County Steps Up SprayingAfter Fatal Mosquito Bites

Health department officials inboth Pasco and Hillsborough countieshave have issued warnings about expo-sure to mosquito bites in response to arising number of cases of eastern equineencephalitis (EEE) in both animals andhumans, including a pair of deaths thatoccurred in July.

Late last month, the HillsboroughCounty Health Department elevated anearlier advisory to a “Mosquito-BorneIllness Alert,” after an infant in theBrandon area died from the disease,which is carried by birds and transmit-ted to humans primarily through mos-quito bites. A Lutz woman died fromEEE on July 1, and at least half a

dozen horses statewide, including twoin Pasco, have tested positive for thedisease over the past several weeks.

In humans, EEE causes flu-likesymptoms, which eventually worsenand can progress to swelling of thebrain. It is fatal in about a third of thecases, and health officials said that sur-vivors typically suffer from significantbrain damage. Usually, there are onlyabout a half dozen cases of EEE report-ed nationwide in any given year, andthe two local deaths were the first inthe state of Florida since 2008.

“Although somewhat rare occur-rences, mosquito-borne diseases can bevery serious,” says Pasco CountyHealth Officer David Johnson.

Health officials say that there hasbeen an increase in the overall mosqui-to population statewide, and thereforemore insects are liable to be carryingEEE. Those that are most at risk forcomplications from the disease are thevery young and the elderly, as well asthose who have other health issues.

While officials in both countieshave ramped up their mosquito eradica-tion efforts, they also advise residents totake steps to protect themselves againstbeing bitten.

For additional information, visitthe Pasco County Health Depart-ment website at DOH.state.fl.us/chdpasco. — MS

Park Improvements Are OnHold, But YMCA OfficialsStill Hope To Build In Pasco

With the county facing hugebudget shortfalls, there is no money topay for the planned improvements tothe Wesley Chapel District Park(WCDP), but officials with the TampaMetropolitan YMCA say they are hop-ing to find a suitable place to build abranch in the Wesley Chapel area.

When asked, Pasco County Parksdirector Rick Buckman said that withthe current state of the economy, theplanned second phase of the WCDP(which was to include, among otherthings, an aquatic facility and a full-sized gymnasium) is on indefinite hold.

“Right now, there’s nothing in thebooks to continue development at thepark,” Buckman says, although he didsay that the aquatic facility and multi-use building at the park already havebeen designed. “Unfortunately, we’relosing staff [in the budget], so we needto cover what already exists.”

Buckman added that the countyhad been in talks with officials from theTampa Metro YMCA about the possi-bility of that organization taking overconstruction and management of thenew facility, “But it was a bit beyondtheir means as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Robert Wiggins, agroup vice president for the YMCA,says that the organization recentlyreceived the results of market studiesthat were done to determine if therewas enough interest in the WesleyChapel area to warrant the constructionof a new YMCA there.

“Our studies actually showed thatwe could sustain two [new YMCAs],one in both Wesley Chapel and LandO’Lakes, in terms of membershipbase,” Wiggins said.

However, as with the county,money is an issue.

“We don’t have a ton of capital to

work with,” he said. “If the perfectpiece of property came available at areasonable enough price, then wewould be able to move forward, but wehaven’t found that yet.”

Wiggins said that the organizationhas even talked to officials with thePasco County School District about thepossibility of a partnership, and thoseconversations have been “very recep-tive,” but nothing concrete has yetemerged. He also says that there havebeen some cases in other areas wheredevelopers have offered to partner withthe YMCA to build a facility withintheir community in place of a conven-tional community clubhouse but, so far,that has been a dead end as well.

So, Wiggins says that the YMCAhas started talks with a commercial realestate professional to help find a suit-able location. Although he declined toelaborate as to specifics, Wiggins saidthat the S.R. 54 and Bruce B. DownsBlvd. corridors are some of the areasthe organization is looking at, but hesaid that they usually try to build newfacilities far enough away from existingones, in this case, the New TampaFamily YMCA in Tampa Palms, so thatthe two facilities don’t cannibalize eachothers’ members.

Ambler Cited In Traffic CrashState Rep. Kevin Ambler (R-Lutz)

may have had his mind on his ongoingpolitical campaign for the District 12seat (which includes most of WesleyChapel) in the Florida Senate earlierthis month when he turned into thepath of another vehicle, causing thatvehicle to hit the rear end of his SUVand then flip over.

According to a report issued bythe Florida Highway Patrol, Ambler,49, was traveling north on N. DaleMabry Hwy. in a 2010 Mercedes SUVshortly after noon on August 14 whenhe attempted to make a left-hand turn

attend personally but who did sendrepresentatives to support the resi-dents’ cause.

“We really appreciate how con-cerned everyone was about our situa-tion,” Winsett says. “They listened andwere proactive on our behalf, and thatcertainly bodes well for all residents.”

According to Kent Fast, a plannerwith the FDOT access managementdepartment, the agency tries to accom-modate the needs of citizens wheneverpossible. Fast says that on roads likeS.R. 54, which is considered a Class 3highway, FDOT regulations call formedian openings to be at least one-quarter-mile apart, and since the trafficsignal and median opening at theentrance to the Saddlebrook Resort isless than that away from Caroline Dr.,that is why the original plan did notallow for an opening at Caroline Dr.

“But, our overriding mandate issafety,” Fast says, which is why themembers of the Access ManagementReview Committee have the authorityto overrule the original staff decisions insome cases. He adds, however, thateven the committee members are notallowed to deviate more than 10 per-cent from the agency standards, whichis why they could not approve a full sig-nalized median opening at CarolineDr., because the standard for signalizedintersections is that they can’t be anycloser than one-half mile apart.

Fast also noted that the medianopening at Caroline Dr. could be onlytemporary, because a tentative agree-ment with the developer of a plannedcommunity at the end of Caroline Dr.,Estate Woods, could require the devel-oper to make improvements to TupperRd., which is just to the west of Caro-line Dr. Those improvements willinclude re-aligning Tupper Rd. with theentrance to Saddlebrook Resort, thusproviding another access point to theneighborhoods off Caroline Dr.

However, Commissioner Mulierisays that while the planned community

has received zoning approval, there isno official agreement in place at thistime which would require the developerto make those improvements to TupperRd. In addition, since the Pasco Boardof County Commissioners had to voteto approve the re-design of S.R. 54 toinclude the new median opening, andto pay the $35,500 that it cost to makethat change, she doubts that theywould be willing to pay to have itremoved again in the future. In themeantime, Mulieri says she is happythat the FDOT agreed to allow themedian access.

“I know the area, because I havevisited there many times, and I realizedwhat an imposition and hardship thatwould have been for the residents [tohave to make the U-turns to get intoand out of their neighborhoods],”Mulieri says.

Bridge At 54 & I-75 Bridge At 54 & I-75 Is Now FinishedIs Now Finished

Meanwhile, in other area trans-portation news, construction of thenew bridge over S.R. 54 at I-75 is nowcomplete, save for a new coat of paint,which means that the nightly closures atthe intersection will (thankfully) becoming to an end.

According to FDOT spokesmanJohn McShaffrey, the actual construc-tion work on the $33-million project,which included tearing down the oldstructure and building a new single-span bridge that would accommodatenot only the widening of S.R. 54 butalso the future widening of I-75, is fin-ished, and the only thing thatremained, as of our press time, was topaint the new span. McShaffrey saysthat the painting work was to have beenalready completed, but it has beendelayed because of high levels ofhumidity, which affects the way thepaint adheres to the bridge.

“They’ve been trying to get itdone every night, but they can only doit if they have the appropriate levels ofhumidity,” McShaffrey says. “But, as faras the construction itself goes, every-thing’s open that’s going to be open.


“Access”Continued from page 1

You won’t see any more closures associ-ated with that project, and now thecounty can do the widening of S.R. 54underneath the bridge.”

One local businessman who hasbeen greatly affected by the bridge con-struction, Ken Santo of Santo’s ItalianGrill and Skinny’s Sports Bar in thePinebrook Plaza, says “It’s about time,because it’s killed our nighttime busi-ness. Hopefully, our customers willremember to come back now that thebridge is open.”

Construction crews already areworking on S.R. 54 west of the inter-state, removing curbing and beginningthe process of widening the roadwaybetween Old Pasco Rd. and the bridgefrom four lanes to six, according tocounty spokesperson Deborah Bolduc.

I-75 Widening I-75 Widening Schedule AdvancedSchedule Advanced

Speaking of I-75, we learned lastweek that the planned widening of theinterstate between Fowler Ave. and S.R.54 (and eventually beyond), which hadbeen delayed several years because of alack of funding, has now been movedup once again.

For instance, the section betweenFowler Ave. and Bruce B. DownsBlvd., which will be widened to eightlanes, wasn’t scheduled for constructionuntil 2015. Now, however, that sectionwill be let out for bid in June 2011,according to FDOT spokesperson KrisCarson, as will the section betweenBBD and S.R. 56, which is planned forsix lanes and had been scheduled forconstruction in 2017. Meanwhile, thesection between S.R. 56 and S.R./C.R.

54, which also will be widened to sixlanes, wasn’t scheduled for constructionuntil 2020 but will now be let for bidthis October.

Carson says that the primary rea-son the projects were allowed to be re-scheduled was because the agency hassaved substantial amounts of money onother projects because the bids forthose projects were less than what wasoriginally estimated. Also, while theoriginal plan was to work from south tonorth, Carson says that the northern-most segment will be widened firstbecause the amount of funding that isimmediately available fit with the fund-ing needs for that project. Plus, thatproject is almost completely designedand therefore will be ready for biddingsooner. Also, the two lower segmentshave been designed together and willbe constructed together, so that therewill be more efficiency during the con-struction process.

The new bridge at S.R. 54 and I-75 is now complete.


Community CalendarWESLEY CHAPEL mail [email protected] Chapel Rotary Club

Wednesday, September 1 – TheRotary Club of Wesley Chapel meetsWednesdays, 12:15 p.m., at Dempsey’sSteak House at Saddlebrook Resort(5700 Saddlebrook Way).

For more information, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, September 1 – TheWesley Chapel Civil Air Patrolsquadron meets every Wednesday, 6:30p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park(4241 Birdsong Blvd.).

For more information, visitwesleychapelcap.com or call CherylSpence at 973-7270.Networking For Success

Thursday, September 2 – TheNetworking For Your Success groupmeets every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10a.m., at Song & Dance Studio (27221Foamflower Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel.

For more information, call JohnAnglada at 298-3232 or visit Net-workingForYourSuccess.com.WC Wind EnsembleWC Wind Ensemble

Thursday, September 2 – TheWesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, acommunity group of brass and wood-wind players, meets every Thursday at6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel(27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54).

New members are encouraged to join. For more information, contact

Glenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail [email protected].

WC Sunrise RotaryWC Sunrise RotaryFriday, September 3 – The Wes-

ley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meetsevery Friday at 7:15 a.m. at the Lex-ington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lex-ington Oaks Blvd.).

For more information, callLynne Wilson at 695-6466.

WOW Biz For WomenWOW Biz For WomenFriday, September 3 – WOW,

aka the Women of Wesley Chapel, abusiness networking group for women,meets on Fridays at 7 a.m. at Cosi Café(28139 Paseo Dr., in the Shops atWiregrass mall). Reservations arerequested, and may be made by send-ing an e-mail to [email protected].

For more information, call Deb-bie Yoerg at 788-6237.

High Holy DaysWednesday, September 8-Friday,

October 1 – Visitors are welcome toobserve the Jewish High Holy Days atShoresh David Messianic Synagogue atTrinity Church (33425 S.R. 54). Seat-ing for the Fall Feasts is free, and thedinners are “covered dish.” Dates andtimes are as follows:

•Erev Rosh Hashanah - Wednes-

Artists, Crafters WantedThe Tampa Palms Women’s Club

is looking for local artists, crafters andvendors to participate in the club’sannual Arts & Crafts Festival Underthe Palms, which will be held at theCity Plaza in Tampa Palms on Satur-day-Sunday, October 16-17.

For more information andapplications, call 977-2261 or visitTampaPalmsWomensClub.com.

Adult Co-Ed KickballGOKickball Tampa, a co-ed adult

kickball league, is holding open regis-tration for its fall season throughThursday, September 2. The seasonstarts on Sunday, September 12, andgames will be held at the Family ofChrist Christian School (16190 BruceB. Downs Blvd., Tampa Palms). Thecost for registration is $55 per person.

For more information, or toregister your team or as an individ-ual, visit GOKickball.com/tampa.

Wesley Chapel ToastmastersMonday, August 30 – The new

Wesley Chapel Speaks ToastmastersClub meets every Monday, 6:15 p.m.,at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetingsare open to all interested parties.

For more information, call 406-5931 or visit Toastmastersd84.org.Free Networking Int’l

Monday, August 30 – Free Net-working International (FNI), a groupof area business owners, meets eachMonday for networking and discus-sion, 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks GolfClub (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.).

For more information, callStacy Dalton at 469-5499.Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, August 31 – BusinessNetworking International (BNI), agroup of business professionals whowork to support each other throughqualified business referrals, meets everyTuesday at 7:30 a.m. at Song & DanceStudio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.).

For more information, contactNancy Cross at 789-7836 or by e-mail at [email protected] Pasco Networking

Tuesday, August 31 – The EastPasco Networking Group meets everyTuesday morning, 9 a.m., at BeefO’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. DownsBlvd., in the Shops of New Tampa atWesley Chapel plaza).

For more information, contactFrankie Ammons at 479-7997 or e-


day, September 8, 6 p.m.; RoshHashanah – Thursday, September 9,11 a.m.; Erev Yom Kippur – Friday,September 17, 7 p.m.; Yom KippurMorning Service – Saturday, Septem-ber 18, 11 a.m.; Yom Kippur Cov-ered Dish Dinner – Saturday, Sep-tember 18, 7 p.m.; Erev SukkotCovered Dish Dinner – Wednesday,September 22, 6 p.m.; Sukkot – Fri-day, September 24, 7 p.m.; Sh’miniAtzeret-8th Day – Wednesday, Sep-tember 29, 6 p.m.; Simchat Torah –Friday, October 1, 7 p.m.

For additional information, call760-3269.

PACAThursday, September 9 – The

Pasco Alliance of Community Associa-tions (PACA) will meet at 7 p.m. atthe Land O’Lakes Community Center(5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.).

For more information onPACA, contact either membershipdirector David Quinones at 991-1505 or club president Joe Wyatt at907-2081, or visit the PACA web-site at MyPACA.org.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club

Thursday, September 9 – TheWesley Chapel Republican Club meetson the second Thursday of eachmonth, 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel

Hyundai (27000 Wesley ChapelBlvd.). New members and guests arewelcome to attend.

For more information, contactPeter Hanzel at 907-6614 or [email protected].

NE Tampa Women In Business

Thursday, September 9 – TheNortheast Tampa Women in Businessclub will hold its monthly dinnermeeting at 6 p.m. at Hunter’s GreenCountry Club (18101 Longwater RunDr., in the Hunter’s Green subdivi-sion). The group’s guest speaker willbe Lauren McQueen of the AmericanCancer Society, who will discuss theRelay for Life.

Reservations are requested. For more information, or to

make a reservation, visitNETWIB.org or call 841-5932.

MOMS ClubMOMS ClubMonday, September 20 – The

Moms Offering Moms Support(MOMS) Club of Wesley Chapel, anon-profit social group for stay-at-home mothers, meets at 10 a.m. onthe third Monday of each month atthe Lexington Oaks clubhouse (26304Lexington Oaks Blvd.) for activities,field trips and more.

For more information, contactHeather at [email protected].

Live Maine Lobsters Available To Benefit Mission TripCrossroads Community United Methodist Church (26211 County Line

Rd., two miles east of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel) is currentlytaking orders for live Maine lobsters to raise funds for an upcoming missiontrip to the African country of Uganda.

Orders will be taken through Sunday, August 29. The cost is $12 forone lobster and $20 for two. Cooking instructions will be provided uponrequest, or the lobsters can be cooked for an additional donation. Orders canbe made in person at the church 9 a.m.-noon, and the lobsters will be readyfor pick-up on Friday, September 10, between 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the church.

The money that is raised through this sale will be used to send a team ofeight people to Kabaale Village in Uganda this coming December, where theywill continue the church’s ongoing missionary outreach by helping to providephysical and medical needs in the community clinic and presenting a four-daychildren’s program with puppetry, music, crafts and Bible study.

For additional information, contact Pastor Jeff Smith at 907-5815,or by e-mail at [email protected].


Smith & Wesson Security Services Offers Peace Of Mind!By Michael Smith

I used to have a friend who kept asign on his front porch, ostensiblyintended to warn off burglars, that read— “This home protected by Smith &Wesson.”

The novelty sign was referring tothe loaded pistol that my friend kept ina drawer in his desk, and whether itreally acted as a deterrent to any would-be burglars is questionable. The prob-lem with relying upon a gun for yoursole means of home security is twofold:

Number 1, you have to be therewhen the burglary occurs (or else, thegun itself is likely to be stolen), and 2,you have to be able to get to it and beable to use it effectively, which can bedifficult, to say the least, in the midst ofa stressful situation such as a burglary.

Now, however, Smith & Wessonoffers a more reliable (and less danger-ous) means of protecting your homeand family. In 2008, the 156-year-oldfirearms manufacturer teamed up withNationWide Digital Monitoring Co. (adivision of the 100-year-old New YorkMerchants Protective Co.), one of theindustry leaders in the home securityfield, to offer a complete range of mon-

itoring and alarm systems for bothhomes and businesses.

“With home security, it’s not aquestion of if you’re going to need it,but when you’re going to need it,” saysSteve Ferrall, president of Smith &Wesson Security Services of Florida, oneof the authorized dealers serving theTampa Bay market.

Ferrall notes that according to sta-tistics, homes and businesses are bur-glarized at the rate of approximatelyone every 15 seconds nationwide, andmore than half of all residential burgla-ries take place in the daytime, whenhomeowners are more likely to be away.Locally, a report issued by the TampaPolice Department’s District 2 office,whose jurisdiction includes both theNorth and New Tampa areas (roughlybetween Busch Blvd. and Pasco Coun-ty), listed 25 different successful orattempted residential burglaries over theperiod from July 27 to August 2. Inmost of those cases, the burglars man-aged to gain access by breaking win-dows, but several others simply kickedin a door, which has become a popularmethod of entry for burglars over thepast couple of years.

In two cases, however, the burglars

were frightened off by alarms beforethey were able to steal anything.

Ferrall says it only makes sense thatburglars would try to avoid homes thatare protected by alarm systems, espe-cially if they are from a company withsuch a long-standing reputation forquality as Smith & Wesson. He saysthat the home security packages offeredby Smith & Wesson include only top-of-the-line equipment. In addition, theNationwide Digital Monitoring Co. hasreceived a 5-Diamond certificationfrom the Central Station Alarm Associ-ation (CSAA), which is the highest rat-

ing an alarm monitoring facility canreceive from the CSAA.

Right now, Smith & Wesson Secu-rity Services of Florida is offeringhomeowners a free security consulta-tion, which can assess their particularneeds and options, and, for a limitedtime, the company also is offering freeinstallation of its premium protectionpackage, which includes sensors for upto four doors, one motion detector, a106-decibel alarm siren, a keypad andcontrol panel, a yard sign and fourstick-on decals for windows and doors.

Twenty-four-hour-per-day, seven-

When your home is protected by Smith & Wesson Security Services of Florida,you get much more than just a few lawn signs.


days-per-week monitoring starts at just$21.95 per month, and that packagealso can be upgraded or customized,however, to include such other optionsas glass break detectors, smoke and/orcarbon monoxide detectors, digitalcommunication (which allows the com-pany to send alerts and alarm informa-tion directly to your cell phone), med-ical alert systems, gas leak and flooddetectors and more.

Other packages also include real-time video monitoring, which can pro-vide you with actual photographs orvideo whenever your alarm is activatedor deactivated, video that you can

access with your computer or web-enabled cell phone. And, all of the sys-tems can be customized to protect yourbusiness as well as your home. Really,the options are just about unlimited —and after all, what’s more importantthan your family’s safety and security?

“A home security system is a sim-ple deterrent, not an insurance policy,but it is the best way to be proactive inprotecting your home and your lovedones,” Ferrall says.

For additional information, or toschedule a home or business securityanalysis, call 443-0874 or (888) 594-3316 or visit SWSSFlorida.com.


Family Wellness Center of Tampa Bay Celebrates Its Second YearBy Melissa O’Brien

Just two short years ago, RichardKay, M.D., opened the Family Well-ness Center of Tampa Bay, Inc., in theWindfair Professional Center justbehind the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel,off of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (north ofS.R. 56). Since then, he has continuedto welcome families from around theWesley Chapel area into a growingpractice that is all about managing,maintaining and improving the healthof patients and their families.

“My ideal is seeing patients on aroutine basis to keep them healthy andhelp prevent them from getting sick,”says Dr. Kay, a Board-certified familyphysician. “My wife Marie and daugh-ter Bobbie work in the office with me,and we have created a real family envi-ronment. It goes along with the entireconcept of family medicine.”

Dr. Kay says a family physician is adoctor who can take care of the entirefamily, usually from ages five and up(after their immunizations are com-plete). He adds that the conceptbehind having a family doctor is tocreate caring relationships with patientsand their families. “A family physicianknows your family’s health history andhow it can affect you,” he says. “We

are trained in a full range of medicalprograms through all the stages of apatient’s life.”

According to FamilyDoctor.org,Americans make more than 200 mil-lion office visits to family physiciansannually, which is more than any othermedical specialty. Family doctors aretrained for three years in real practicesettings, treating patients in the office,the hospital and at home and they alsore-certify more than any other medicalspecialty. Family doctors also continueto educate themselves beyond the basiccertifications, allowing them to applythe latest medical breakthroughs to theeveryday care of their patients.

“I love treating people of allages,” says Dr. Kay. “We really careabout our patients as individuals and,of course, want to keep them healthy.We make sure we don’t rush ourpatients and we want to help themwith anything we can. I enjoy this typeof practice because it allows me to seea full range of medical concerns,including patients with heart failure,diabetes and other ailments. Our goalis to keep them well. We believe inpreventive medicine and our staff alsocan help patients with their exerciseand nutrition needs.”

Dr. Kay says treating the entire

family can help explain medical condi-tions in the individual patient.

“For example, one person in thefamily may have allergies and the childmay come in with asthma,” he says.“Knowing the parent’s history makes iteasier to diagnose what may be hap-pening with the child.”

Dr. Kay says he knew he wantedto be a physician when he was a child.

“My pediatrician made a housecall when I was ten and I knew sincethen that this was what I wanted todo,” he says. “I was raised in Miami,and received my medical degree fromTulane University in New Orleans andperformed my residency in FamilyPractice at St. Vincent’s Medical Cen-ter in Jacksonville (FL). I have prac-ticed medicine for 30 years, and for tenyears prior to opening my practicehere, I was with a managed care com-pany, practicing medicine on both theeast and west coast of Florida.”

For Seven Oaks resident ConnieQuaglia, Family Wellness Center ofTampa Bay has been just right for her.

“Dr. Kay listens to your needs andfollows the appropriate medical guide-lines,” says Quaglia, who is a patient ofDr. Kay’s, as are her two daughters. “Ireally like his office staff because theyare nice and friendly, too. I like the

concept of family medicine because Ifeel like the doctor has better access toyour family history. It makes sense thatyou would have a more complete pic-ture when you are treating both theparent and the children.”

Lynne Wilson of Wesley Chapelsays her experience at Family WellnessCenter of Tampa Bay also has beenvery positive. “It is a very warm,friendly place to visit because they are afamily,” says Wilson. “They remember

Dr. Richard Kay, above, of FamilyWellness Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.,

treats patients of all ages.


your name at the front desk and Dr.Kay has even called me at home to fol-low up with me personally.”

Wilson says that Dr. Kay has a wayof making the complicated seem sim-ple. “He knows how to explain thingsto you and keep your conversation ontrack,” she says. “When you talk withhim, you feel like he is really listeningto you. I have found him to be veryapproachable and I have recommend-ed him to other friends.”

Dr. Kay says that getting out intothe community has helped his practice.

“We went to the Wesley ChapelChamber of Commerce Art Festivallast year and as a result, 20 new fami-lies joined our practice,” he says. “It’s

been great getting to know those 20new, entirely different families.”

The Family Wellness Center ofTampa Bay is located at 2718Windguard Cir., Suite 101. Theoffice is open Monday, Tuesday andThursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 9 a.m.- 3p.m. on Wednesday and Friday and10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday. Theoffice has openings now for schoolphysicals and sports physicals andcan see patients with conditionssuch as allergies, osteoporosis, sleepapnea and more. Gynecological, pre-ventive care and physicals also areoffered. For more information, visitNewTampaFamilyWellness.com orcall 994-0611.


Grandeur Hair Design-Bringing The ‘WOW’ Factor To New Tampa!

Vickie, Teresa (aka Juliet), Summia, Maher and Courtney will be all smileswhen you visit Grandeur Hair Design on BBD Blvd. at County Line Rd.

By Gary Nager

There’s no doubt that the NewTampa/Wesley Chapel area has manywonderful salons from which to choose,but if you appreciate being able to say“WOW” when you enter or leave asalon, you might want to visit the newGrandeur Hair Design, located in thesmall plaza facing the Sweetbay super-market and L.A. Fitness just south ofthe intersection of County Line Rd.and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

Owner and Master Stylist MaherAl-Aghawani and his wife Summiainvite you to visit a truly elegant, mod-ern hair design studio where you will betreated the way you hope to be treatedand you will leave with both a goodfeeling and a great haircut.

As a young man from Syria, Maherbegan his career at a local salon wherehe showcased his talent and ambition.He soon became the head stylist andthen, he made the move to the moreprestigious LeMeridien Hotel HairSalon. Maher quickly became a localhousehold name. His journey tookhim to the L’Oreal Academy du Pariswhere he honed his skills and masteredthe art of European hair design.

At the ripe age of 24, Mahermoved to Boston, where he joined aprestigious salon on the high-end New-bury St. During that time, he was fea-tured in several newspaper articles andTV programs highlighting his uniqueand cutting edge style. In 2007, Maherand his family moved to Tampa withthe dream of owning his own salon.While he looked for the best possiblelocation, Maher worked for AvalonSalon and Spa and later at AthenaSalon, both in the Tampa Palms area,while still traveling back and forth toBoston to service his loyal clientele.

Maher’s vision, dedication, artistictalent, and ambition culminated in theFebruary 2010 establishment ofGrandeur Hair Design in New Tampa,where he already has assembled an out-

standing small team of professional,experienced and friendly stylists.

Teresa (aka Juliet) Rubio hasworked in the Tampa Bay Area for 25years. Specializing in color and cuts,Juliet is the newest member of theGrandeur team. With more than 20years of experience Vickie Sanchez’scareer has developed and beenstrengthened through numerous pro-fessional training seminars (including arecent seminar for Sebastiani hair prod-ucts) and hands on applications, suchas, coloring, cutting, perming and thenew Keratin smoothing treatment.Vickie has worked in the Tampa Palmsarea for nine years and she is a trueMaster Stylist at Grandeur.

Behind the front desk is Maher’swife Summia, who helps run the busi-ness side of the business. Summia andCourtney, the receptionist, greet every-one by name and always have a smilefor every client.

“This is a great place to work,”says Courtney. “We love our jobsbecause everyone leaves here happy.”

On my many visits to the salon todate, I have to say that I have found theentire staff to be extremely friendly andpatient and that every client I have seenleaving the salon has walked away witha big smile on his or her face. You’llalways be offered a cup of fresh-brewedcoffee or other beverage at Grandeurand there’s no doubt that Maher andhis happy crew aim to please.

“I think a visit to the salon shouldbe exciting,” he says. “We invite every-one who lives in New Tampa and Wes-ley Chapel to experience the differenceat Grandeur Hair Design.”

Right now, new customers whovisit Grandeur and who mention thisstory in this publication will receive $20off any service of $100 or more or $10off any service under $100, whetheryou get just a cut, a color job or a Ker-atin smoothing treatment. But, whatMaher and his crew promise most of allis satisfaction.

“If you’re ever not completely sat-isfied with any service we provide, bringit to my attention and we will make itright,” he says. “We are all about cus-tomer service and satisfaction here. Ourgoal is to maintain a friendly, approach-able environment offering the highestquality service possible. Our stylists arehighly educated and are here to provideyou, our guests, with the best experi-ence possible.”

And. Maher says he is always onthe lookout for additional stylists at

Grandeur and he will accept applica-tions in person only.

“My only requirements are thatyou must be professional, experienced,talented and friendly,” he says. “I willnever settle for anything less.”

Nor should you.Grandeur Hair Design (6431

County Line Rd., Ste. 107) is openTuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.,and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday.For appointments and info, call 994-9455 or visit GrandeurHD.com.


sandals which allow youto switch out the designon top of the sandalwith Velcro.

I even told Charlesthat he should exchangesome of his jewelry items with mymom’s unique boutique in downtownSarasota (Marilyn’s), because she alsooffers every possible accessory to com-plete a woman’s outfit.

When you visit Sophia’s, also besure to check out the incredible “HighHeeled Art” of Andy Warhol-mentoredartist and shoe designer Mark Schwartz.One reviewer said Schwartz’s paintings“transform every woman’s obsession

into a work of art” and I have to agree.To find out more about Sophia’s

(19020 BBD Blvd.), including thedetails about the upcoming “SushiNight” (with door prizes and horsd’oeuvres) on Thursday, September16, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., call 971-6900.Or, see the Sophia’s ad on page 11for coupons worth $10 off any pur-chase of $50 or more and $5 offpurchases of $25-$49.

Sophia’s —An Old Friend’s Affordable New (Tampa) Boutique! By Gary Nager

If you recognize my friend CharlesTuozzo, the owner of the new Sophia’sboutique in the far left photo, it’sbecause he used to own Charles Jewel-ers in the City Plaza at Tampa Palmsshopping Center. Although that store isstill called Charles Jewelers, Tuozzohasn’t owned the popular local jewelrystore (which has been in City Plaza forabout a decade) the last few years andhe says his new boutique for womenwill not compete with his old jewelryand fine watch business (even thoughhe does have just a few yellow andwhite gold jewelry items for sale).

Instead, Tuozzo’s new venture —an upscale, perfect-for-our-area bou-tique called Sophia’s (named for theyounger of his two daughters) in thePublix-anchored New Tampa Centerplaza across Bruce B. Downs (BBD)Blvd. from Hunter’s Green, is an eclec-tic collection of great Staxx costumejewelry, as well as a line of children’scostume jewelry called Gianna Couture,(named for Tuozzo’s older daughter),unique clothing items from TreasureRock, Mark Schwartz (more on himbelow) and other designers, Mud Piebaby picture frames and piggy banks,Big Buddha and Mary Francis hand-bags and accessories, Voluspa and

Aspen Bay candles, Thymesbath and body products,and so much more. Youreally have to visit Sophia’sto truly take it all in.

“And, I bring in newitems almost every day,”says Charles. “We’ve had alot of fun trying to createspace for all of the new cos-tume jewelry that keepscoming in the door.”

I attended the GrandOpening of Sophia’s in lateJuly, as did at least 40 or 50of Charles’ former cus-tomers and quite a fewpassersby.

“A lot of the women who havestopped in have commented that this isexactly what this area needs,” saysCharles. “A unique, affordablewomen’s boutique.”

It’s hard to argue with the guy,espcially after I saw quite a few greatgift ideas for everyone from babies andyoung children to moms and evengrandmas. Among my favorites werethe “Gators” dishes and glassware, theTreasure Rock dresses and tops, as wellas several of the fine and costume jewel-ry items and the “SwitchFlops” byLindsay Phillips, a 26-year-old Clearwa-ter resident. SwitchFlops are flip-flop

The walls at Sophia’s are filled withtops, dresses and handbags you

won’t find anywhere else.

(L. to r.) Gianna, Charles and Sophia invite you tocheck out Sophia’s in the New Tampa Center plaza.


Sunglass Shop ClosingSunglass Shop ClosingAdjacent to Ziva Beauty Lounge,

South Beach Sunglasses owner DavidKirschmann says he is closing his storeby Tuesday, August 31, and betweennow and then, he says, “everythingmust go!” To stimulate sales (see adbelow), Kirschman is offering 40-80-percent off everything in the store,which includes such outstanding brandsas Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, Dior andDolce & Gabbana.

I’ve bought several pairs of quality,low-cost sunglasses at South Beach(yeah, I lose a lot of ‘em, that’s why Iappreciate the store’s amazing selection

for less than $20) and I will be sorry tosee the store and its owner go.

“I’m moving the store to SouthTampa,” says Kirschmann. “I think thistype of store will do better there.”

For more information, stop inthe store at 19651 Bruce B. DownsBlvd., call 345-8536 or visit SouthBeachSunglassCompany.com.

GarGary Gunter Allstate y Gunter Allstate Now Open On S.R. 54Now Open On S.R. 54

Although he currently is the pres-ident of the New Tampa Rotary Clubwhich meets for breakfast every Fridayat 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf &Country Club, Gary Gunter hasreopened the Allstate Insurance officelocated in the Westbrook ProfessionalPark, located across S.R. 54 in WesleyChapel from Saddlebrook Resort &Spa Tampa.

Gunter will provide Allstate’sauto, home, business and life insur-ance services at the Wesley Chapellocation, but he also is a partner, withhis wife Joyce, in Gunter and GunterInsurance, LLC, which has an officein New Tampa. We’ll provide addi-tional information about Gunter andGunter Insurance in a future issue.

To contact Gary Gunter All-state Insurance (28955 S.R. 54),

By Gary Nager

Ziva Replaces Mane StopZiva Replaces Mane StopAlthough the old Mane Stop salon

was a mainstay for many years in thePebble Creek Collection, the new ZivaBeauty Lounge, which opened recentlyin the former Mane Stop location, is amuch more upscale, full-service unisexbeauty salon that surely will be a wel-come addition to the area.

Co-owners Gladys Millan and herson Vinny have brought together anoutstanding staff of stylists, all dedicatedto delivering customer satisfaction withexcellent service, quality products andan enjoyable atmosphere at a very fairprice for the quality you receive.

The salon is named for the Slavicgoddess of love and fertility, who wasworshiped throughout what is nowPoland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia,Slovenia, and Germany, before Chris-tianity expanded into the area. Zivameans “living, being, existing.”

Vinny says he and Gladys searchedwithin the New Tampa area for sixmonths before finding the perfect loca-tion. He adds that Gladys’ clients willappreciate the elegant new salon and allof the highly professional and qualifiedbeauticians hired to provide outstand-ing styles and the friendliest service.

Gladys, who has worked in alltypes of prestigious, upscale salons forthe past 35 years, also is a certifiedinstructor who has created a large clientfollowing locally through hard workand dedication.

“At Ziva, our focus is on you,” saysVinny. “We expect our reputation in thearea to grow and bring in many morenew clients and beauticians. We arealways looking for talented, experi-enced, friendly stylists.”

For an appointment at ZivaBeauty Lounge (19651 Bruce B.Downs Blvd.), call 973-8819 or visitZivaBeautyLounge.com.

Business Briefs — Ziva Salon, South Beach Sunglasses & More!

The friendly team at Ziva Beauty Lounge in Pebble Creek includes (standing, l. to r.)Alexis, Ashley, Kandey, Vinny, Dunia, Yvelisse, Felicia, Brittnay and (seated) Gladys.


call 994-3900 or e-mail him [email protected].

PerPerfect Hairfect Haircut Salon Opencut Salon OpenInside Meadow Pointe!Inside Meadow Pointe!

Those of you who don’t live inMeadow Pointe most likely have noidea that the Perfect Haircut Salon hasbeen serving customers at the inter-section of County Line Rd. andMansfield Blvd., in the plaza next tothe CVS Pharmacy inside MeadowPointe. The salon has been open lessthan a year, but because its location isa mile or two from both Bruce B.Downs Blvd. and S.R. 56 (but not farfrom Long Middle School), it is oneof Wesley Chapel’s best-kept secrets.

The owner, Hakim,who previously was withGreat Clips, says he and hisfellow stylist Cristina (for-merly with Supercuts) caterto men, women and childrenof all hair types and providenot only great styles, but alsocolor jobs, perms, waxingand eyebrow threading serv-ices from a professionallytrained, experienced staff.

Hakim says, “We gen-uinely enjoy meeting thepeople in this communityand want nothing more thanto make our clients happy.”

The Perfect Haircut Salon also isoffering some great specials, including$10 scissor or clipper haircuts formen, women and children with the adin this issue. The salon also offers aCustomer Loyalty Card that gives youyour eighth haircut free when you buyseven. Hakim says he also is hiringstylists who already have a followingand promises a great compensationpackage for those who join the team.

The Perfect Haircut Salon islocated at 30030 County Line Rd.,across from the Meadow Pointe 2clubhouse. It is open Monday-Sat-urday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., and 9 a.m.-6p.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday).For more info, call 907-0003.

• Cleanings(Ages 4 and up)

• Crowns, Bridgesand Implant Crowns

• Veneers• Zoom & Take

Home Whitening• Root Canals &

Extractions

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

(across the street from Wharton H.S.,in front of Live Oak)

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, DMD

WELCOME TOFAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi

866-9913“Let Our Family Be Here For Yours”

Cristina and Hakim invite you to visit thePerfect Haircut Salon inside Meadow Pointe.


HALO Academy Offers A Program For Special Needs StudentsBy Michael Smith

In 2007, when New Tampa resi-dent Christy Raile was looking for aschool program that could accommo-date her 3-year-old son Austin, who ishearing impaired and also suffers from avariety of other health issues, she saysthere were only two options:

One, to send him to a specialschool near downtown Tampa, whichwould mean that the pre-schoolerwould have to ride a bus for two hoursto and from school every day. Or, sendhim to the Florida School for the Deafand Blind in St. Augustine, whichwould mean that he would stay therethroughout the week and only be ableto come home on weekends.

Neither option was acceptable,Raile says, so the nurse practitionerdecided to start her own school, whereshe knew that Austin would receive thespecial attention and assistance that heneeded.

Unfortunately, Raile’s vision wassidetracked, after her husband was diag-nosed with a serious medical conditionof his own, but now, he is doing betterand the school, which Raile calls TheHALO Academy (for Hope, Achieve,Learn, Overcome) is active once more

and accepting students for the 2010-11school year.

Raile emphasizes, however, thateven though the school was created toaccommodate Austin and other hear-ing-impaired students, through the useof sign language and other means ofcommunication, it is not a “deafschool.” She says that she and her staffhave the resources and ability to workwith children who have other disabilitiesas well, without segregating them awayfrom “mainstream” students, as is oftendone in the public school system.

“I wanted to create a school thatsays ‘yes,’ because I encountered a lotof ‘nos,’” Raile says. “If we can feasiblyhelp your child, we’re going to do it asa group.”

The HALO Academy is located atthe Grace Episcopal Church (15102Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms), and hasopenings for a total of 30 students from3 years of age (pre-K) through the thirdgrade. (Raile says she would considerexpanding to include fourth grade stu-dents, too, however, if there was ademand for it).

The school is currently in theprocess of becoming certified by theFlorida Department of Education toaccept McKay Scholarships for disabled

children, and they dooffer before- and after-school care.

Classes began onAugust 25, but Railesays that even thoughour Wesley Chapel issueisn’t reaching you untilafter that date, call theschool to see if space isstill available.

For additionalinformation, call 316-6171 or visit HaloAcademy.com.

Christy Raile (center) works on math problems with herson Austin and other kids at the HALO summer camp.

general manager, who toldme that even though the kidsare going (well, they’re actu-ally back now) back toschool, there are still plentyof “staycation” opportunitiesat the hotel.

“And, we continue tobuild new community part-nerships every day,” she said.“We want the Hampton Innto be the hotel you think ofwhen you want to get awayor have out-of-town guestsvisiting, or when you have ameeting or event from just afew to 100 people.”


See “Staycation” on page 36.

Wesley Chapel’s Hampton Inn — Your ‘Location Staycation’!You Can Visit Spa Moritz, Pagelli’s, Aja & More When You Stay At The Hampton Inn!

By Gary Nager

The first few installments of our“Summer Staycation Spectacular” serieshave all been about resort hotels whichprovide virtually anything you canimagine — from fine dining to golf tospa services and even entertainment—all at one location.

But, not every hotel is a resort, soif you have out-of-town guests comingdown for a visit or you and the family(or just you and your significant other)want to get out of the house and enjoya luxurious stay in a beautiful roomwhich provides easy access to more din-ing, shopping, salon and spa services,etc., than ANY single resort can offer,you might want to do what I didrecently and visit the Hampton Inn &Suites, located just off the S.R. 56 exitof I-75, right here in Wesley Chapel.

This isn’t to say that the 94-room(including 29 Studio & Jacuzzi suites)Hampton Inn doesn’t have amenities— it actually has some features the bigresorts don’t provide — like big-enough-for-two Jacuzzi tubs, plush“Cloud Nine” beds, free bottled water,flat-panel HDTVs, high-speed internetaccess and a delicious, “On the House”complimentary breakfast every day, plusfree hot coffee virtually any time of theday or evening. There’s also availableguest laundry facilities, a safe depositbox, refrigerators, microwaves and even

a “wet bar” in many of the roomsBut, the old Madison Ave. saying

“Location, Location, Location” is whatreally sets the Hampton Inn (and its“sister” hotels — the Wingate Inn byWyndham and Holiday Inn ExpressHotel & Suites, both of which arelocated near I-75 in New Tampa) apart.

And, with the current Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. construction inNew Tampa, even those other NewTampa Hospitality Group hotels can’tmatch the Wesley Chapel HamptonInn’s easy access to I-75, I-275, S.R.56, S.R. 54 (one exit north), BBD, TheShops at Wiregrass, The Grove andother shopping centers, multiple golfcourses and all of the other great din-ing, shopping and fun — all within fivemiles or so of this beautiful hotel.

So, if you need some incentive tocheck out the Hampton Inn (otherthan all of the Greater Wesley ChapelChamber of Commerce events heldthere), I’ll recap what I was able to doduring my recent stay.

Gary’s ‘Itinerary’—The Hotel I checked into the Hampton Inn

early on a recent Tuesday afternoonand was able to get in a nice workoutin the state-of-the-art fitness room,take a dip in the hotel’s nice pool, lux-uriate in that aforementionedwhirlpool tub and spend some timetalking with Janet Arnold, the hotel’s

You may not be able to see the Wesley Chapel Hampton Inn & Suites fromS.R. 56, but it’s nice to know it’s there when you need it!

This Jacuzzi tub is a welcome sight when you checkinto your room at the Hampton Inn & Suites.


For the students now find them-selves sitting in the classroom onceagain, thanks to the beginning of thenew school year, the summer of 2010may officially be over, but thankfully,they, and the rest of us, can still lookforward to some great concerts andother events all around the Tampa Bayarea over the next month or so. Here’sa rundown of some of the highlights:

Last Damn Show 12Saturday, August 28, 6 p.m.,

St. Pete Times Forum (401 Chan-nelside Dr., Tampa) — The LastDamn Show 12, presented by radiostation WLLD-FM (Wild 94.1), fea-tures a collection of today’s hottesthip-hop and R&B artists, includingthe prolific headliner Gucci Mane.

Mane has appeared on more than150 songs on 40 different albums andmixtapes in 2009 alone, includingMariah Carey’s “Obsessed,” TreySongz’s “LOL” and others. Alsoappearing at Last Damn Show 12 arehip-hop heavyweight Rick Ross (“TheBoss”), Nicki Menaj, Mystikal, J.Cole, Miguel and John Blu, with evenmore acts yet to be announced. Tick-ets cost $25-$150.

For more info, call 301-2500or visit SPTimesForum.com.

Air SupplySaturday , August 28, 8 p.m.,

The Palladium Theater (253 FifthAve., St. Petersburg) - They may beconsidered something of a guiltypleasure at this point, but the twoRussells that make up Air Supply(Graham Russell and Russell Hitch-cock) had a pretty impressive string ofhits back in the day, including all thosesappy “love” songs: “Lost in Love,”“All Out Of Love,” “The One ThatYou Love” and “Making Love Out ofNothing At All.”

For ticket prices and otherinformation, call (727) 822-3590or visit SPCollege.edu/palladium.Creed, with Skillet & Theft

Wednesday, September 1, 7:30pm, 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphithe-atre (4802 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., at theFlorida State Fairgrounds) — Afterscoring three multi-platinum albumsin the late 1990s and early 2000s, themembers of Creed found that theirartisitic and personal differences weretoo much to bear and went their sepa-rate ways. A 2009 reconciliation led tothe release of a new record, “Full Cir-cle,” and now, of course, a tour, alongwith Christian rockers Skillet and new-comers Theft.

For tickets and additional

information, call 740-2446 or visitLiveNation.com.Tears For Fears

Wednesday, September 1, 8p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 N.McMullen-Booth Rd. in Clearwater)— Riding the wave of 1980s nostal-gia that is currently sweeping theland, Tears for Fears (i.e., RolandOrzabal and Curt Smith) recentlycompleted a tour Down Under withSpandau Ballet and liked it so muchthat they decided to hit the roadagain here in the States, this time ontheir own. Expect lots of flickeringlighters and an audience singingalong to the old hits like “Shout,”“Everybody Wants to Rule theWorld” and “Head Over Heels.”

For more info, call (727) 791-7400 or visit RuthEckerdHall.com.

Toby Keith’s “American Ride” Tour

Friday, September 3, 7:17 p.m.,1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre(4802 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., at the Flori-da State Fairgrounds) — Followingthe success of last year’s joint tour,country music stars Toby Keith andTrace Adkins are back for more withtheir “American Ride” tour, in sup-port of Keith’s 2009 album of the

same name. The pair are two of thehardest-working guys in the music biz,and have the record sales to show forit. They are joined by newcomer Jaronand the Long Road to Love.

For more information, call740-2446 or visit LiveNation.com.

Rockstar Energy DrinkUPROAR Festival

Sunday, September 5, 3:15p.m., 1-800-ASK-GARYAmphitheatre (4802 U.S. Hwy. 301N., at the Florida State Fairgrounds)— Featuring a lineup of some of theheaviest bands around, including Dis-turbed, Avenged Sevenfold, StoneSour, Hellyeah, Halestorm, Airborne,

Summer 2010 Is Winding Down, But The Great Shows Go On

Relive the softer side of the ‘80s withAir Supply, who will perform at The

Palladium on August 28.


Hail the Villain and New Medicine,the UPROAR Festival has beendescribed as “an assault on the sens-es.” What more do you need to say?

For tickets and other info, call740-2446 or visit LiveNation.com.

Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato& Friends from Camp Rock

Wednesday, September 8, 7p.m., 1-800-ASK-GARYAmphitheatre (4802 U.S. Hwy. 301N., at the Florida State Fairgrounds) -In almost complete opposition to theabove show, the Jonas Brothers, DemiLovato and their friends from the WaltDisney musical “Camp Rock” are stillhot among the teen crowd. This visit

is part of their ongoing World Tour. For ticket prices and other

information, call 740-2446 or visitLiveNation.com.

Catch the Jonas Bros. & Demi Lova-to at The Amp on September 8.


GinaRathbun.com or call 928-5478.

I also was impressed with theMacStone unique and vintage hand-made jewelry creations from MasterDesigner Caren MacKay (423-725-2534) and even the selection ofkitchen products offered by Pam-pered Chef consultants TereseLocash and Jo Cook (call 841-3844 or visit PamperedChef.biz/LoveToCookInLutz), who alsobrought along some decadenthomemade tiramisu cups that weredefinitely a great complement to theincredibly artistic hors d’oeuvrescreated by personal chef and catererAdam Frapwell.

Frapwell, the boyfriend of PulseSalon stylist Gretchen, broughtalong a beautiful cheese and fruittray, but the real artistry was dis-played in the four hors d’oeuvres hebrought to the event that hadeveryone in attendance raving.

I love a good mozzarella, tomatoand basil (caprese) salad, but Adam(who previously worked at Café Frescoon S.R. 56 and who still bartends atThe Brass Tap in the Wiregrass mall) isthe first person I’ve seen take a grapetomato, a ball of fresh mozzarella and asprig of basil with a drizzle of balsamic

dressing all together on a stick. Yum!Next, I sampled some of the most

delicious seared tuna I’ve had (andthat’s saying a lot, isn't it, regular read-ers?), served on some sort of deliciouscracker and topped with a sesame-inspired Asian slaw. Bottom line? I hadeight of them in just a few minutes.

Because of my allergy to shrimp, Ididn’t get to sample the incredible-

By Gary Nager

I have to admit that when Iattended the Grand Opening celebra-tion of the new Pulse Salon & Spa inthe Redfern Professional Park (locatedbehind the Dunkin’ Donuts on BruceB. Downs Blvd. in Seven Oaks) lastmonth, I wasn’t expecting what I saw.

I had taken pictures, met andreported about all of the stylists andstaffers at Pulse (Kori, Alberto, Tisha,Gretchen, Sabiha and Mary) a coupleof issues ago, so I figured the GrandOpening would be, you know, theusual meet-and-greet with maybe somerefreshments and a chance to get yourhair cut or something.

Wrong! For the evening of theGrand Opening on July 29, Pulsebecame a place to sample amazing,unique hors d’oeuvres created by a fan-tastic local chef I’ve known for sometime, as well as a location for a smallshowing of outstanding figure art creat-ed by New Tampa resident Gina Rath-bun (the wife of Stonewood Grill &Tavern proprietor Dave Rathbun).

In addition, Pulse even had an areaduring the event where local independ-ent merchants were able to sell theircostume jewelry and other accessories,as well as products being sold by local

Pampered Chef distributors. And,although attendees could certainlymeet, talk to and make appointmentswith the talented stylists and spa staffersat Pulse, there wasn’t a strand of hairfalling to the floor that night. And, itwas awesome!

In the remaining space on thesepages, I will gladly recap what I sawthat night for you.

Of Artists, Artisans &Of Artists, Artisans &Great ChefsGreat Chefs

I have to admit that although Ihad spoken with Gina Rathbun beforeand have known her husband for manyyears, I had no idea that she was such atalented artist.

Gina graduated from the Universi-ty of South Florida with a Master ofArts degree in communications, but hassince decided that she can best expressherself through figurative art. She hashad many showings in Ybor City, aswell as at the Tampa Bay PerformingArts Center, the Beck Gallery in Lutzand at The Great Frame Up in WesleyChapel.

I definitely appreciate Gina’s eyefor figurative art and, thanks to myfriends at Pulse Salon, I may be in themarket to buy one of her creations.

For additional information, visit

Pulse Salon Event Highlights Local Artist, Personal Chef & More!

Local artist Gina Rathbun’s creationswere on display during the Grand Open-ing of the Pulse Salon in Wesley Chapel.

looking shrimp cocktail on acucumber slice, but I didwolf down quite a fewchicken satays, which werenot only really delicious (thecoconut milk flavor wasn’toverdone, as it is at someAsian restaurants), butwhich also were served on abanana leaf!

If you don’t think theguests at your next party willbe impressed with Adam’sculinary artistry, well, let’sjust say I disagree. He cancustomize your menu to suityour dietary restrictions andneeds and will even dohands-on cooking lessonsfor individuals and groups.

For additional infor-mation, call Adam Frap-well at 943-8081. ForPulse Salon & Spa (3756Turman Loop, off MysticOak Blvd. in Seven Oaks),call 428-6917.


If these creations by personal chef Adam Frapwell (far left) don’t have yourmouth watering, Gary’s pictures must not be doing the chicken satays (samepic), seared tuna with Asian slaw (above left), shrimp cocktail bites (right)

justice. Adam is a true culinary artist — and his food is delicious, too!


Neighborhood Nibbles—Updates On Ciccio’s & The New Bella VitaCiccio’sCiccio’s//LodgeLodge AddsAddsBrunch (Again)Brunch (Again)

If you didn’t check it out the lastfew weekends, when Ciccio’s/TheLodge in the City Plaza at TampaPalms shopping center began servingbrunch every Saturday and Sunday, youhave to go check it out this weekend.

A couple of years ago, Ciccio’sbegan serving brunch when the restau-rant was in its smaller location adjacentto the existing restaurant that has previ-ously been everything from BostonCooker to Winners and The Lime. But,when the smaller Ciccio’s closed andreopened with menu selections fromboth Ciccio’s and The Lodge, anotherSouth Tampa favorite from TampaPalms Ciccio’s proprietor Robert Garo-fano and his partners, the weekendbrunch went bye-bye.

But now, Garofano says brunch onSaturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-2:30p.m.) is back by popular demand andthis reporter already has flipped for thecrispy thick-slice French toast (photo)with fresh bananas and strawberries(there are other fruit and toppingoptions, too) and for the create-your-own egg white (or egg) omelettes, thecreamy grits and of course, the mimosasand outstanding atmosphere we’vecome to expect at Ciccio’s/The Lodge.

Garofano says the re-opening ofthe remodeled Publix in City Plazaalready has helped Ciccio’s, which (likemost of the businesses in the plaza)stayed open during the renovation. So,if you’re looking for the best $6 “powerlunch” in our area, Ciccio’s/ TheLodge has you covered!

Ciccio’s/The Lodge is located at16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. Call975-1222 or visit CicciosLodge.com.

Circles Is Now Bella VitaCircles Is Now Bella VitaAs I’ve reported previously, Circles

New Tampa Bistro in the Pebble CreekCollection (on Bruce B. Downs Blvd.,about a mile south of County Line Rd.)has changed owners and now, even thename has changed.

But, don’t be sad, because the newBella Vita Ristorante & Market is nowserving great Italian and American spe-cialties in Circles’ former fine dining

side and will have great preparedfoods, sandwiches, homemaderaviolis and more in the marketside (which is set to open aroundSeptember 15).

I can already tell you the piz-zas are now truly New York-stylewith a pizza sauce Santino makeshimself, the pasta dishes are alwaysserved al dente and you can stillget Circles’ sesame-crusted tuna!

Call Bella Vita Ristorante& Market (19651 BBD Blvd.)at 973-7703 and tell Sandy andSantino that we sent you!— GN

If you crave true New York-style pizza,check out Bella Vita Ristorante & Market.

on hand (Ann Hildebrand, MichaelCox, Jack Mariano and chair PatMulieri, whose district includes WesleyChapel) to speak, as did Pasco Countyadministrator John Gallagher, StateRep. Will Weatherford and J.D. Porter,who represented the Porter FamilyTrust, which provided the WiregrassRanch land for the 56 extension (as

well as for the mall, two schools (sofar), as well as the future 80-bed hospi-tal and Pasco-Hernando CommunityCollege campus).

Our thanks go out to West (whopromised the next walk/run will be incooler weather) and all of the WCCCfolks and sponsors who helped literallythrow an outstanding event together inonly 3-4 weeks and to Aja at Wiregrass,which opened for a refreshing lunchafter the event.


the residential component of theWiregrass Ranch development tobecome even more attractive to adeveloper to replace Pulte Homes.

Plus, the fact remains that bythe time the stadium could bebuilt, I-75 will be widened fromFowler Ave. to S.R. 54, S.R. 54will be widened to past Curley Rd.,Bruce B. Downs will be widenedfrom S.R. 54 all the way to BearssAve. and S.R. 56 will extend all theway to Morris Bridge Rd. Placing thestadium here might cost the Rays somePinellas fans (who aren’t exactly com-ing out in droves with the stadium in

St. Pete), but would make the drivemuch more attractive to fans in Lake-land and even Orlando.

Longshot or not, I’m on boardand will send this editorial to the Rays.A guy’s gotta have a dream, right?

“The Rays”Continued from page 3

Is Tropicana Field obsolete? Can the Rayspossibly move to Wesley Chapel?

“S.R. 56”Continued from page 1

That New Tampa Thing That New Tampa Thing Although, as I said before, S.R. 56

is located entirely in Pasco County, theextension of that road to MeadowPointe Blvd. does also have majorimplications for New Tampa, especiallybecause there will still be bottleneckson the Hillsborough side of BBD,which will continue to be widened inphases for at least the next 3-5 years.

For years, Pasco officials haveavoided allowing a connection fromKinnan St. in the Cross Creek area toMansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe(MP), even though that connection has

been part of Pasco’s long-range plan formany years.

Pasco administrator John Gal-lagher has long said that the only con-nection his county would allow wouldbe from at least two miles east of Kin-nan/Mansfield in the Easton Park/K-Bar Ranch area. That extension willmeet up with MP Blvd. at the countyline, but until the long-delayed 56extension to MP Blvd. was completed,there was no reason for New Tampa tohook up to it. We will provide anupdate on this important planned proj-ect in an upcoming issue.

Among those who helped cut the ribbon on the new S.R. 56 extension on July 31 were(l. to r.) Pasco County commissioners Michael Cox and Ann Hildebrand, Honorary

Mayor of Wesley Chapel Debbie Yoerg, Pasco commission chair Pat Mulieri, StateRep. Will Weatherford, Wesley Chapel Honorary Deputy Mayor Theresa Jacobs,Pasco County clerk Paula O’Neill and J.D. Porter of the Porter Family Trust.


You’ve seen pictures of the break-fast area at the Hampton Inn before — in our stories about some ofthe Wesley Chapel Chamber eventsheld there, including the cover storyfrom our last issue, when the Cham-ber’s “Honorary Mayor of WesleyChapel” was named. But, Arnold saidthe room itself can be reconfigured anyway you like and she has even held awedding reception in the room. Thehotel also has a deal with caterer MarkVesh, although Arnold says you canbring in your own caterer, too.

“Plus, we are working not onlywith Busch Gardens and the Orlando-area theme parks, but with local restau-rants, spas and more to promote thoseattractions here,” she says.

For reservations and additionalinformation about the HamptonInn & Suites (2740 Cypress RidgeBlvd.) in Wesley Chapel, call 973-2288 or visit Hampton-Inn-and-Suites-Tampa-Wesley-Chapel-FL.com

“Staycation”Continued from page 23

The beautiful rooms and suites at the Hampton Inn off S.R. 56 are appoint-ed with everything you need for a great “staycation.”

This is just a small portion of thebreakfast buffet available every day

at the Hampton Inn & Suites.

A Convenient & Delicious Visit To Pagelli’s During our stay at the Hampton

Inn, we decided to have dinner at Pag-elli’s Italiano in the nearby (less thantwo miles away) Shops at Wiregrassmall, figuring that we could go dosome dancing at the Aja Wiregrassnightclub afterwards — and even take ashort, inexpensive cab ride back to thehotel if we decided to have a few drinksalong the way (which we did).

Pagelli’s is a really pretty Tuscan-inspired ristorante that is the secondlocation (the other is near the MiromarOutlet mall in Estero/Ft. Myers) forbrothers Vince, Tony and Joe Can-gialosi and their Mama Josie which payshomage to Gramma “Nona” Pagelli,whose husband Vincezo was from thetown of Borgetto on the isle of Sicily.

Even though it is only a two-loca-tion “chain” (the family does also owna third restaurant, the Firepit City Grill,also in Ft. Myers), Pagelli’s is followingthe lead of most chain restaurants,offering some spectacular savings ondinner for two. Right now at Pagelli’s,you can share an appetizer, two entréesand a dessert, for just $29.99 every day,4 p.m.-6 p.m. (Note-the deal is onlybeing offered for a limited time).

Although there are four appetizers(including a tasty fried calamari,bruschetta flatbread and an eggplantparmigiana appetizer) available, I chosethe mozzarella caprese salad, which is ahuge stack of fresh mozzarella, thickbeefsteak tomato slices and basil toppedwith a wonderful balsamic drizzle.

From the possible entrée choices(chicken parmigiana, marsala or Paler-mo, salmon limone, grilled breadedtilapia, sausage rustica, a unique shrimpand scallop scampi, spaghetti withmeatballs or sausage are the others), thetwo I selected were —

1) Pagelli’s decadently different“Mama’s lasagne,” which is in a bed ofwhite cream sauce and uses more meatand less cheese than traditional lasagne.I don’t prefer it to the “usual,” but it isyummy and our advertising customerservice manager Nikki Bennett and herhusband Jeff say it’s their favorite.

2) My favorite dish at Pagelli’s isthe perfectly grilled rib pork chop,smothered with onions and mush-rooms. I’m not usually a big pork chopguy, and I also have enjoyed Pagelli’sgrilled sirloin and lamb chops (whichalso can be combined with scallops in agreat mixed grill, which sadly isn’t avail-able on the $29.99 dinner for two spe-cial), but Pagelli’s is truly delicioso.

The desserts are great, too, andinclude a chocolate bacio, creme brulée,cheesecake and a chocolate chip take onthe traditional cannoli, which was mychoice on this most recent visit.

American coffee, espresso, cappuci-nos and lattés are available for an extra

charge, as are a wide variety of after-dinner cordials. In addition, although Ihaven’t sampled it yet, I’ve heard froma few customers that Pagelli’s has agreat Sunday brunch and I haveenjoyed several of the Italian red wineson the decent list, as well as the ice-coldItalian Peroni beer on draft and the bardoes also feature all of your favoritepremium martini vodkas and top shelfscotches and bourbons. The room alsois large enough to feature entertain-ment, which usually is availableWednesday-Saturday evenings.

Pagelli’s Italiano is located at2001 Piazza Ave., in the Shops atWiregrass. It is open for lunch Fri-day-Sunday only and for dinnerevery day at 4 p.m. It stays openuntil 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday anduntil 11 p.m. on Friday-Saturday.Call 991-1414 or visit Pagellis.comand please tell Vince and GMHoward Cohen we sent you! — GN

So, here’s what you get for $29.99 atPagelli’s (top to bottom): a greatmozzarella caprese salad, Mama’slasagne, pork chop alla griglia and

a chocolate chip cannoli. Yum!

have perfected the best chocolatemartini in town.”

Although we didn’t indulge inany salon services, Dennis and Dyanwere proud to have added, in 2009,former Shepré Salon (on CrossCreek Blvd. in New Tampa) ownerSheila Ayers and her entire staff ofeight professionally trained stylistsand colorists. “We are really grow-ing our salon services,” says Dennis.

And, speaking of salon services,Spa Moritz’s “Italiano Spectacular”package includes your choice of aShellac (a hybrid nail polish that laststwo weeks with no chipping) mani-cure, a Signature pedicure or a hair-cut and conditioning treatment, aswell as your choice of a Europeanfacial or a Swedish massage (25 min-utes each) AND a $15 Pagelli’s giftcertificate, all for just $90, a $15 sav-ings off the regular prices if sold sep-arately. You can even upgrade thatpackage to a $178 total value for $33more with a full 50-minute VitaminC facial or a 50-minute massage withClarisonic foot treatment. No othersubstitutions are allowed, but Ipromise that you can’t beat it!

In addition to the new Shellactreatment — which Dyan says “hastaken the country by storm and we’reproud to be one of the few Bay-areasalons and spas who carry it” — shealso says that Spa Moritz also nowfeatures Thai and Bamboo massage.

“And, we give you 25-percent-off all services (some restrictionsapply) if you come in any day duringyour birthday month,” says Dennis.“We also have the most incrediblewedding party packages.”

‘Suite Passes’ For Athletes‘Suite Passes’ For AthletesDyan also is looking forward to

October 15, when an exclusive websiteof a company called “Suite Passes” willbe unveiled. The company, the brain-child of Tampa Palms resident NikkiClark (whose husband Adrian is a 6’-

5”, 330-lb. offensive lineman for theFlorida Tuskers United FootballLeague team based in Orlando; JonGruden’s brother Jay is now theTuskers’ head coach), will provide realestate, dining, spa and other servicesfor professional athletes who movefrom city to city. Adrian stopped in fora massage during my visit and he saysDyan and Dennis have been a big helpto Nikki as she launches her company.

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By Gary Nager

When I visited Pagelli’s for dinner,I had no idea that the restaurant alreadyhad a deal going (see below) with SpaMoritz Salon & Spa, one of the nicestsalons and spas not only in NewTampa, but in the entire Tampa Bayarea. Located a mile or so off Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. — one exit southon I-75 from the Hampton Inn — inthe OrthoTechnology plaza oppositeFreedom High on Commerce ParkBlvd., Spa Moritz is an elegant day spathat will keep you coming back.

Owners Dyan and Dennis Pillerhave created a true Tuscan-styledaward-winning oasis where you will bepampered and treated like royalty,whether you receive outstanding hair-cut and coloring services from theirstaff of top-notch, professional stylists,luxurious nail services from nail techni-cians who can teach you how to bettercare for your own nails, or any of awide variety of licensed massage thera-pies, skin and body treatments, facials,peels, permanent makeup and eventooth-whitening services from licensedaestheticians and so much more.

And, at Spa Moritz, it’s not justthe beauty of the place (the lobby,which is packed with wonderful gift

items for sale and browsing, is trulymagnificent) or the training of the staffor even the state-of-the-art equipment,it’s the way you’re made to feelthroughout your visit. It really is like amini-vacation you can enjoy withouthaving to pack a bag (or drive very farfrom the Hampton Inn).

During our visit, we enjoyed anoutstanding couple’s Swedish massagewith LMTs Bronia and Charity, a not-at-all unpleasant couple’s CoconutCreme pedicure with nail techs Chris-sy and Jillian and a European facialwith Merly. We also really appreciatedthe delicious chocolate martini thatwas served with the pedicure, aboutwhich Dyan says, “We now believe we


Make Any Day A Day Of Relaxation & Pampering At Spa Moritz!

Dyan & Dennis Piller (5th and 6th from left in back row) and their smiling, profes-sional staff at Spa Moritz in Tampa Palms will make sure you enjoy your visit.

What do you give the editor who has (almost)everything? A cocnut cream pedicure & achocolate martini at Spa Moritz, of course!

A couple’s massage is a great way to relax!

Pro football player Adrian Clark lovesgetting a massage at Spa Moritz!


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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL ClassifıedsJoin OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team!Ortho Technology, an international ortho-dontic supply distributor located in NewTampa, is seeking talented energetic candi-dates for the following full-time positions: Distribution Associate: High energy individ-ual needed to receive, restock, pull & pack cus-tomer orders. Fast paced environment. Basicmath & computer skills, ability to stand/walkfor entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required.QC Inspector: Entry level position respon-sible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrsexp w/QC responsibilities. Ability tostand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basiccolor differentiation and basic math req’d.Small parts/med device experience a plus.We provide a great work environment, excellentbenefits package and growth potential. Submitresumes to [email protected].

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Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned& Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding cus-tomer service. Relax & enjoy while we keepyour pool in pristine swimming condition!Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Christoday for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit usat www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to seewhy we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! Newcustomers mention this ad & receive onemonth FREE!

Aquatec Pool Service **Special Offer: Newcustomers get 1 Month FREE!** We followstrict National Swimming Pool Foundation(NSPF) standards - We do pools right. Alltechnicians are in uniform, drug-free, and back-ground checked. Quality, professional service.Licensed & Insured. Call Today 780-8616or visit our website www.aquatecpool.comto see why you should choose us!

Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping &Lawn Service do the work for you. We providelandscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree &hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertil-ization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN

Lawncare. Residential/Commercial We are aFather and Son Business. Licensed and Insured.Affordable pricing for all. Per cut or with a contractup to you.Call Patrick or Dora anytime.(813)907-1234 (Hauling Service too!)

Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-serviceproperty maintenance available for residential& commercial. One-stop shopping withlicensed, insured professionals. Specializing inlandscape design with conceptional drawings& renderings available. Let your imagination& our professionals come together to createdreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120or visit www.EverydayGardenersClub.com

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-SittingService. You say goodbye - we say hello. Catsare happiest when in their own home, sur-rounded by familiar sights, sounds & smells.When you are away, we feed, cuddle & playwith your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Wehelp deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail& rotating lights/blinds, giving your home thatlived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Crosscertified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior,pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles,concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded.References available. Free estimates. YOURNEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RES-IDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124.

Tai Chi Classes open to the public at theClub Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength,Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reducedstress. Class Times Tues. 2:30-3:30 pmand 7-8 pm. Also Wed. 8-9 pm. New beg.classes starting every few months. Call formore details. Also personal instruction inTai Chi, Kempo Karate, Fitness trainingand more. With more then 30 years oftraining and teaching exp. Call Peter today#787-7560

Tired of working out of your house? Is along commute getting to you? Need space inNew Tampa? Cory Lake Professional Center.Office suite available. 950 sf. Call David –813-494-8654

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