New Hair & Nail Salon Opening Soon
Ego Hair & Nails, a full service salon, plans a late September opening in the Publix-anchored Shoppes of Lithia, on the southeast corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Lithia Pinecrest Road. In addition to hair and nail services, the salon will offer tanning, massage, facials, waxing and more.

The salon promises to offer excellent service by licensed professionals in a clean atmosphere. Hair services including cuts, color, style, blow dry, cellophane, hot oil treatments and more will be offered at competitive prices. Nail services include pink and white, gel, regular acrylics, manicures, designs, air brushing and spa pedicures. For more details, call 653-3546 or 657-3885.

Robin's Florist's Newest Location Flourishes
After experimenting with expansion throughout the Brandon area, Robin's Florist & Designs owner Robin Marshall has found the one location to satisfy all of the business' and customers' needs. The new store is located at 4336 Bell Shoals Rd.

"As soon as we moved in, we had neighbors stop in to welcome us," says owner Robin Marshall. "It just seems to be the perfect fit." Marshall has closed her two other area locations to focus on the new store.
For more details or to place your order, call 651-4472.

New Walgreens Now Open
Anticipated to open much earlier in the year, the newest Walgreens, located at Boyette and Bell Shoals roads finally opened on Tuesday, August 7. The source of the delay is rumored to be pipeline construction, but the store's assistant manager Lakisha Fountain could not confirm this. "They just kept telling us, we will be open next week and then kept putting it off without telling us why," she says.

The new store offers all of the traditional departments including photo processing, pharmacy, school and office supplies, beauty care, baby items, vitamins and more. Store hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week. For details or to order your prescription, call 689-7339.

LeaderBoard of Tampa Partners With Ace Range
LeaderBoard of Tampa is pleased to announce its new partnership with Ace Golf Range of Brandon, Riverview and Tampa. "LeaderBoard of Tampa is excited about our plans to be the experts in golf tournament services and entertainment," says LeaderBoard's Bob Gaudreau. "We will jointly develop a putting tournament services business that will feature many exciting opportunities to raise money playing golf and other games that Ace Range features on their fantastic lighted property." He adds, "We will also introduce a regular special monthly series that will be directed toward charities wanting take advantage of this fantastic new one-stop service." For details, call 685-1509.

Famous Dave's Legendary Barbecue Moving Into Town
St. Louis-style spare ribs, Georgia chopped pork and Texas beef brisket are just some of the highlights of the menu at Famous Dave's Legendary Barbecue. Brandon residents will be able to enjoy Dave's "succulent meats, savory seasonings and lip-smacking sauces" when the restaurant opens in mid-November in the former Sioux City location at Providence Road and Causeway Boulevard. "Pending permitting, we plan to open November 15," reports managing partner Tim Hall.

A franchisee, this will be Hall's fifth location and he has plans to open a minimum of eight more restaurants, from Clearwater to Naples, within the next five years. The concept originated about eight years ago and restaurant has won hundreds of awards since its inception. From best pork at the Mankato Ribfest to best sauce at the Great American Rib Cook Off in Cleveland, Ohio, the company touts winning more awards than it can fit on its walls.
To find out more, visit www.famousdaves.com.

New Cleaning Company Sweeps Into Area
Maids America is expanding and will now offer its cleaning services to residents and businesses in Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and Sun City.
With more than 20 years in the cleaning business, Maids America opened its first location more than a year ago in the New Tampa area, where it has served more than 600 clients. Unlike most national cleaning firms that are franchises, Maids America locations are entirely company-owned with a local manager operating each location. "By not having to pay a royalty, we are able to offer our clients service an affordable rate and pay our staff more," says company president Scott Todd. For more information, visit www.maidsamerica.com or call 661-7749.

Auntie Anne's Opens at Westfield Shoppingtown
You don't have to take a trip to New York to enjoy great-tasting, hand-rolled soft pretzels, as Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels recently opened in Brandon's Westfield Shoppingtown.

Along with 10 varieties of pretzels, Auntie Anne's also offers a variety of dipping sauces Auntie Anne's Old Fashioned Lemonade and gourmet coffee.
Auntie Anne's, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based franchisor that supports 800 Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Pretzels locations in 42 states and 13 international territories. Visit www.auntieannes.com for more details.

New at Market Street Mortgage
Along with a new location at 1463 Oakfield Dr., Suite 102, Market Street Mortgage also welcomes a new loan officer. Brian McMorrow is pleased to be part of the team at Market Street Mortgage and is looking forward to offering clients an efficient and professional loan application experience. Contact McMorrow at brian.mcmorrow@msmcorp.com or by calling 681-7700 ext.19.

Dr. Henry Currently Accepting Patients
Andrew D. Henry, M.D. has moved his practice to 9270 Bay Plaza Blvd., inside Brandon Health Management's office (Suite 620). The office is located off of Ware Blvd., behind Ferman Chevrolet. Henry is board certified in endocrinology and internal medicine and has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for the past three years. He accepts most major insurances and is currently accepting new patients. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Please call 676-0234 to schedule an appointment.

Happy Anniversary
A Caring Touch Massage Therapy owner Bernie Dunn is celebrating her first year anniversary in her location at 931 Oakfield Dr. on September 16. Dunn, a licensed massage therapist, offers relaxation/Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue therapy, sports massage and chair massage, which is a quick pick-me-up when time is at a premium. For more details or to schedule an appointment, call 849-0023.

New Programs at Music Showcase
Music Showcase is now offering several new programs that cater to the entire family. Seven years ago, Music Showcase opened as a full-line music store, specializing in music education. During the past seven years, the store has grown to become a retail store and education center dedicated to promoting music education both privately and publicly. Musical instruments are both for rent and for sale, from band and orchestral instruments to guitars, amps, keyboards and drums. Brand names include Yamaha, Selmer/Bach, Pearl, Fender, Dean and others. In addition to private and group lessons for every instrument, Music

Showcase now offers programs for every age, from infants to senior adults.
Tunes for Tots is a program for babies through preschoolers. It teaches children basic musical concepts, as well as shapes, numbers, letters, body parts and days of the week through music movement and rhythm. Music Showcase will also offer home school programs in general music, musical theory, band, orchestra and chorus/show choir. For more information, call 685-5998.

Ribbon Cutting at Dive Shop's New Location
On Wednesday, September 10, head over to Depth Perception Dive Center's new location, on the southwest corner of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Adamo Drive, for a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and open house. For more details about diving and adventuring, call 689-3483.

Call Brandon Dermatology For Skin Care Needs
Brandon Dermatology, the office of Dr. Andres Tobon, located at 342 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in the Bloomingdale Executive Park is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Tobon practices cosmetic and general dermatology and is board certified. He cares for both adults and children.

The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with some evening and Saturday appointments available. Most major insurance plans are accepted. For more information or appointment availability, please call 662-3376.

Huntington Learning Center Earns Accreditation
Congratulations to the Huntington Learning Center as the school recently earned accreditation by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. Accreditation indicates that the schools' educational services, staff and facilities meet or exceed essential standards of educational quality.
Accreditation is a voluntary method of quality assurance. Hunting Learning Center is located at 819 E. Brandon Blvd. For more details, call 681-1500.

Mobile Massage and More
After 13 years of owning and operating his own wellness center in Ruskin, Gerald Curwin is now offering mobile massage therapy to residents in the FishHawk area, as well as appointments through his new affiliation Terrell Therapies of Brandon, Inc.

Terrell Therapies, located on the corner of Lithia Pinecrest Road and State Road 60 (behind Florida Orthopedic), offers St. John Neuromuscular, muscle kinesiology, prenatal, sports and Swedish/relaxation massages. The mother-daughter team of Sally and Kelly Terrell own the business. Also on the staff is Heather H. Smith, a specialist in relaxation massage and a certified prenatal masseuse and Joe Williamson, who has a diploma in massage therapy and is currently studying for certification in sports massage. For details, call 643-2022.

.

RIVERVIEW AREA

New Boutique Accepting Consignments
Barb's Boutique recently opened in the Summerfield Center at 11363 Big Bend Rd. The store carries consignment clothing and accessories for infants, children, men and women. "All of the items are high quality and in new condition," says owner and Riverview resident Barbara Waluzak. "I don't accept anything that is missing buttons, stained or in poor condition." She adds that everything is reasonably priced.

Waluzak's background is in retail clothing store management and she says, "I've always done consignment shopping and noticed a need for it in this area." Business has been good so far, according to Waluzak and she currently is accepting consignments. Aside from clothing, the store also offers purses, belts, scarves and some jewelry. Store hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more details, call 741-3665.

Gator Ice Cream & Slush Readies For Opening
Although delayed a bit, Gator Ice Cream & Slush owner John McCormick says his store is set to open the first week of September in the Summerfield Center on Big Bend Road. While preparing for the opening, John already has become involved in the community, donating slush to local sports teams and organizations. "The slush really is a big hit," he says. "Kids say they haven't had anything quite like it before and its great to see them all walking around enjoying some."

Aside from the newly popular slush that comes in flavors such as blueberry, lemon and pina colada, the store also will serve Clearwater-based Working Cow Ice Cream in a variety of flavors, coffee and other treats. For more information, call 340-3499.

Riverview Chamber of Commerce Gets New Digs
The Riverview Chamber of Commerce has moved from its location on U.S. Hwy. 301 to a new temporary office in the Winthrop Barn Theater, located on Bloomingdale Avenue, east of Providence Road. The Chamber was forced to move after the building they leased space in was sold and the new owner raised the rent, according to executive director Debra Smith. Smith adds that the Chamber is extremely grateful to Winthrop developers John and Kay Sullivan for their support and help to find them a new home so quickly. You can still reach the Chamber at 677-2604 or by emailing info@riverviewchamber.com.

Florida Executive Realty Opens New Office In Riverview
Florida Executive Realty recently opened an office at 10312 Bloomingdale Avenue to service the Brandon, Riverview and SouthShore areas. The 2,400 sq, ft. space, previously home to Florida Mortgage Connection, is just a temporary space, reports office manager/broker George Ide. Although he could not divulge a location, he says the company has plans to build its own 10,000-12,000 sq. ft. office in the area. "We are still in the permitting and planning stages," he says.
Since 1992, Florida Executive Realty has been providing its real estate expertise throughout the Tampa area with offices in Tampa Palms, Carrollwood and South Tampa. "We felt the major growth of this area and knew our company could fill the needs here," says Ide. The office currently has seven agents and is looking for new and experienced agents to join its Brandon team. He says that Florida Executive Realty offers an extensive, free training for new agents to make start-up as easy as possible.

In 2002, the Kenst Report named Florida Executive Realty third in total sales volume in the area and in the past two months, according to Ide, the company has set all-time records in sales. "We are excited about working in the Brandon area," he adds. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday and weekend, by appointment. For more details, call 623-2800.

East Bay Prep Looking Toward October Opening
Permitting problems at Summerfield Center have set back the planned September 1 opening of East Bay Preparatory Private School. Currently, directors are home schooling the children until the school opens. When open, the school will offer advanced learning for students from kindergarten to grade 12. "Students advance at their own pace, in order to maximize potential," says director Daniel Whittman.

Classes will be held 8 a.m.-4 p.m., with early drop-off and late pick-up available. To enroll your child or find out more, please call 672-6270 or 767-9566.

Kid's Community College Hosts Official Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Although serving the Riverview area for more than a year, Kid's Community College recently held an official ribbon cutting with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Located at 10544 Lake St. Charles Blvd. in Riverview, Kid's Community College is a comprehensive community college for children ages four months through five years and first through fifth grades.

Based on the 1st Degree Learning Curriculum, the school's program emphasizes several learning styles to stimulate visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses. "We believe that children learn in multiple ways and each child's education needs to be personalized to help nurture an individual's development," says campus director Mary West. "Today, the importance of education cannot be overstated," says Kid's Community College president Tim Kilpatrick.
For more details, please call 671-1440.

TiffanyExpress.com Now Open
Furniture, jewelry, pottery, gifts and accessories are among the items available at TiffanyExpress.com, the newly opened store at 6347 Hwy. 301 S., next to Animal Specialty Feeds. Riverview residents June and Claude Council opened the store in August, but will host an official grand opening sometime in October. June says the store is filled with a variety of unique items, from bath salts she creates herself to stained glass clocks and an assortment of candles. Store hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. June adds that they are available by appointment after hours and anyone coming later in the day should probably call ahead because she will occasionally close around 6 p.m. For more information, call 841-8339.

New Cleaning Company Sweeps Into Area
Maids America is expanding and will now offer its cleaning services to residents and businesses in Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and Sun City.
With more than 20 years in the cleaning business, Maids America opened its first location more than a year ago in the New Tampa area, where it has served more than 600 clients. Unlike most national cleaning firms that are franchises, Maids America locations are entirely company-owned with a local manager operating each location. "By not having to pay a royalty, we are able to offer our clients service at an affordable rate and pay our staff more," says company president Scott Todd. For more information, visit www.maidsamerica.com or call 661-7749.

Dr. Henry Currently Accepting Patients
Andrew D. Henry, M.D. has moved his practice to 9270 Bay Plaza Blvd., inside Brandon Health Management's office (Suite 620). The office is located off of Ware Blvd., behind Ferman Chevrolet. Henry is board certified in endocrinology and internal medicine and has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for the past three years. He accepts most major insurances and is currently accepting new patients. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Please call 676-0234 to schedule an appointment.

Ribbon Cutting at Dive Shop's New Location
On Wednesday, September 10, head over to Depth Perception Dive Center's new location, on the southwest corner of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Adamo Drive, for a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and open house. The event will be held beginning at 5 p.m. For more details about diving and adventuring, call 689-3483.

Networking Meeting
The monthly Riverview Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting will be on Tuesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The luncheon and networking event is held at the Riverview Civic Center, 11020 Park Dr. State Representative Sandra Murman will be the guest speaker and sponsor. The cost is $8 for members and visitors are welcome. Please register in advance by calling the Chamber office at 677-2604.

New Walgreens Now Open
Anticipated to open much earlier in the year, the newest Walgreens, located at Boyette and Bell Shoals roads finally opened on Tuesday, August 7. The source of the delay is rumored to be pipeline construction, but the store's assistant manager Lakisha Fountain could not confirm this. "They just kept telling us, we will be open next week and then kept putting it off without telling us why," she says.

The new store offers all of the traditional departments including photo processing, pharmacy, school and office supplies, beauty care, baby items, vitamins and more. Store hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week. For details or to order your prescription, call 689-7339.

Famous Dave's Legendary Barbecue Moving Into Town
St. Louis-style spare ribs, Georgia chopped pork and Texas beef brisket are just some of the highlights of the menu at Famous Dave's Legendary Barbecue. Brandon residents will be able to enjoy Dave's "succulent meats, savory seasonings and lip-smacking sauces" when the restaurant opens in mid-November in the former Sioux City location at Providence Road and Causeway Boulevard. "Pending permitting, we plan to open November 15," reports managing partner Tim Hall.

A franchisee, this will be Hall's fifth location and he has plans to open a minimum of eight more restaurants, from Clearwater to Naples, within the next five years. The concept originated about eight years ago and restaurant has won hundreds of awards since its inception. From best pork at the Mankato Ribfest to best sauce at the Great American Rib Cook Off in Cleveland, Ohio, the company touts winning more awards than it can fit on its walls.

Hall says the menu is filled with slow-roasted, hickory-smoked barbecue favorites, plus a variety of appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and homemade desserts, plus a full bar. If you can't wait to try famous Dave's Rich & Sassy BBQ Sauce or would like to find out more, visit www.famousdaves.com.

Auntie Anne's Opens at Westfield Shoppingtown
You don't have to take a trip to New York to enjoy great-tasting, hand-rolled soft pretzels, as Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels recently opened in Brandon's Westfield Shoppingtown.

Along with 10 varieties of pretzels, Auntie Anne's also offers a variety of dipping sauces and Auntie Anne's Old Fashioned Lemonade and gourmet coffee. Glazin' Raisin, parmesan herb and maple are some of the pretzel flavors, while strawberry cream cheese, chocolate, carmel and sweet mustard are just a few of the featured dipping sauces. The key to the perfect pretzels is the combination of hand rolling; baking to a golden brown and never letting the pretzels sit around for more than 30 minutes.

New in September, guests visiting any Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels store nationwide will now have the option of buying a pretzel or an order of Stix - fresh, four-inch, soft pretzel sticks.

Building on a popular optional menu item, KidstixTM, Auntie Anne's realized kids of all ages were enjoying the "untwisted" treat. Apparently, the convenient packaging provides easier portability, making Stix a great snack for the lunch box.

Stix will be available in Original and Cinnamon Sugar and on-sale until November 1.

Auntie Anne's, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based franchisor that supports 800 Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Pretzels locations in 42 states and 13 international territories. Visit www.auntieannes.com for more details.

Call Brandon Dermatology For Skin Care Needs
Brandon Dermatology, the office of Dr. Andres Tobon, located at 342 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in the Bloomingdale Executive Park is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Tobon practices cosmetic and general dermatology and is board certified. He cares for both adults and children.

The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with some evening and Saturday appointments available. Most major insurance plans are accepted. For more information or appointment availability, please call 662-3376.

Happy Anniversary
A Caring Touch Massage Therapy owner Bernie Dunn is celebrating her first year anniversary in her location at 931 Oakfield Dr. on September 16. Dunn, a licensed massage therapist, offers relaxation/Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue therapy, sports massage and chair massage, which is a quick pick-me-up when time is at a premium. For more details or to schedule an appointment, call 849-0023.

New Programs at Music Showcase
Music Showcase is now offering several new programs that cater to the entire family. Seven years ago, Music Showcase opened as a full-line music store, specializing in music education. During the past seven years, the store has grown to become a retail store and education center dedicated to promoting music education both privately and publicly. Musical instruments are both for rent and for sale, from band and orchestral instruments to guitars, amps, keyboards and drums. Brand names include Yamaha, Selmer/Bach, Pearl, Fender, Dean and others. In addition to private and group lessons for every instrument, Music Showcase now offers programs for every age, from infants to senior adults. Adjacent to the music store, all programs are housed in the brand new education center equipped with 16 teaching studios, a recording studio and state-of-the-art recital hall featuring lights, professional sound system, outstanding acoustics and stage.

Tunes for Tots is an exciting new program for babies through preschoolers. It teaches children basic musical concepts, as well as shapes, numbers, letters, body parts and days of the week through music movement and rhythm. Baby classes begin with newborns and include parent/child interaction and stimulation of the baby's senses. Songs will encourage motor movement and interaction appropriate for each age group.

In addition to these new classes, beginning in September, Music Showcase will offer home school programs in general music, musical theory, band, orchestra and chorus/show choir. These classes will be divided based on a student's level and will be available during the day for those who do not attend a public or private school regularly. For more information about the school and all it has to offer, please call 685-5998.