State Fair Has “Super” Theme
The Florida State Fair will return with the theme “Super Fair” this year from Thursday, February 4- Monday, February 15, at the State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa, on the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and U.S. Hwy. 301, near I-4.New to the fair this year are helicopter rides in the original Batcopter used in the TV series, a Las Vegas-style show called Celebrate! and frog jumping championships, in addition to the already popular Kachunga alligator show, Sea Lion Splash and Welde Big Bear Show and Grizzly Falls.According to Florida State Fair spokeswoman Denise Shreaves, the Batcopter will provide a 15-minute aerial tour of the surrounding area for two people at $30 per person. Two people are needed to ride the Batcopter. She said this and the Slingshot are considered “thrill rides” and are not included in ride tickets or armbands. The newest “fair food” this year is Fair Squares, which are described as fluffy, deep-friend goodness with pink powdered sugar topping. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure charity. Reaves said Fair Squares are similar to the French pastry beignet, meaning fried dough. Other discount offers include a coupon value book which can be purchased in advance for $4. Shreaves said it is similar to the entertainment book but is specific to fair vendors only. For instance, she said, you may have a coupon for $1 off a corndog, or in the Entertainment Hall, a vendor may offer $1 off a $10 purchase. Coupon books will be available for $5 at the fair. Other discount offers include 30 ride tickets for $24 per sheet and Pepsi armbands for $25 per armband. When residents purchase the ride tickets in advance, Shreaves said they get 10 more ride tickets.Special value days at the fair include the opening day armband for $20 after 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 4; student days at the fair are Friday, February 5, and Monday, February 15, and cost $6 for ages 12 through 12th grade and $5 for ages 6-11; senior days are Tuesday, February 9, and Thursday, February 11, and cost $6 for ages 55 and over; Thursday, February 11, is Salute to Veterans day where admission is free after 4 p.m. and there is free musical entertainment at 6 p.m. in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall; and 4-H and FFA days are Saturdays, February 6 and 13. For more information on the 2010 Florida State Fair, please call 621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com.
Riverview Business – August 2009
Sun City Resident Honored
Senator Ronda Storms and Jeff Atwater, president of the Florida Senate, recently presented the Senate Medallion of Excellence Award for outstanding public service to Sun City Center resident Dave Brown for his public service on a number of issues including flood plains and back flow valves.
Brown’s attention to the flood plain issue was drawn by a map displayed by Hillsborough County showing that his home on Burlington Cir. was subject to flooding. Amazed, he pointed out that the map, based in part on FEMA studies, could only be valid if water flows uphill. After more than a year of detailed study, it was found that Brown was right, and the finding meant a re-drawing of flood plain maps for much of Hillsborough County.
Earlier this year, Brown was presented with a plaque by the Sun City Center Community Association showing its appreciation for his tireless efforts on these projects.
It has been estimated that Brown’s work has saved the residents of Sun City Center hundreds of thousands of dollars by not having to install unnecessary “backflow” equipment around their homes, and for savings on flood insurance premiums where no compelling need exists.
For more information on Brown, please visit his Website at www.suncitydave.info.
Doggie Day Care Voted Brandon’s Best
Canine Cabana, Riverview’s premier dog day care and boarding facility, has been voted Brandon’s Best Dog Kennel. Customers voted online and through paper ballots to choose their favorite local dog kennel.
Canine Cabana offers full-time and part-time dog day care as well as boarding. In order to ensure that your dog will have a fun and safe visit, staff trained in dog behavior and pack behavior have a constant physical presence with the dogs during group play. Your favorite four-legged friend can enjoy a run on Canine Cabana’s one-acre, tree-covered property, a refreshing dip in a pool, or relax in their air conditioned play area. You will have a well-exercised, happy dog that will be ready to head home and relax with you at the end of your busy day or vacation.
Every dog that plays at Canine Cabana goes through a one-day behavioral assessment conducted by owners, Angie Frazier and Kendall Duncan.
Frazier and Duncan are long-time residents of the Brandon area and have over 20 years of animal care and behavior experience. At Canine Cabana, its personal goal is to build relationships with owners and dogs that last a lifetime. Since dogs are part of the family, Canine Cabana wants to be sure that its customers and their pets always feel like part of the family…The Cabana Family.
Canine Cabana is conveniently located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview, just off Boyette Rd., one mile west of Bell Shoals Rd.
For more information or to schedule your first day, call 672-WOOF (9663) or visit www.caninecabana.biz.
Winthrop Chocolate Shop Adds Treats
Bellafia Chocolate Boutique, located in Winthrop Town Centre, has expanded its gourmet product line by adding some scrumptious treats which include domestic and imported chocolates and nuts.
Domestic nuts include Indianola cinnamon pecans, Indianola Caribbean pecans and Indianola sea salt roasted pecans. Domestic chocolate includes Asher’s milk and dark chocolate assortment, Whetstone milk chocolate filled with raspberry or orange, Florida Gator Poop deluxe chocolate candy mix and Theo Organic Fair Trade Certified cherry and almond, dark and mint dark chocolate.
Chocolates available at the shop from Germany include Asbach Uralt Pralinen-Mischung (brandy filled), Fedora Gourmet Dark Chocolate, Schladerer Pralines filled with plum, cherry, raspberry and assorted liquor, milk or dark egg liquor filled Eierlikor Pralines, Hachez Talers in cherry, lemon and orange flavors, Hachez Shorts (55 percent and 77 percent) and Reber Latte Macchiato Schokies.
The Pernigotti small assortment of nougats is in from Italy, and from South Africa comes Fair Trade Certified Divine Chocolate in mint dark, fruit and nut dark, hazelnut, milk, white chocolate with strawberries and 70 percent dark chocolate.
Bellafia also offers sugar-free options including the Ritter Sports Diet in yogurt, nougat and milk chocolate from Germany, and Asher’s sugar free in solid milk chocolate, pecan and caramel and Asher’s milk and dark assortment.
Samples of gourmet chocolate and nut morsels greet every customer as they browse the variety of chocolates and nuts from all over the world.
Bellafia Chocolate Boutique is located at 6028 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview. For more information, call 657-1218 or visit www.bellafia4chocolate.com.
Local Resident Opens Law Firm
Riverview resident Michael Eisenberg recently opened Eisenberg Law Firm in Tampa at 3111 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 100. He has lived in Florida his entire life and graduated from Barry University of Law in Orlando.
Staff of Eisenberg Law Firm practices law in the following areas: wills, trusts, mortgage foreclosures, debt collection, landlord/ tenant and insurance defense.
Eisenberg is a parishioner at Nativity Catholic Church and has two children, Nick, 4, and Isabel, 19 months, with his wife of 14 years, Alice.
For more information on Eisenberg Law Firm, please call 350-7800.
New Accessories Shop Now Open
If you’ve been needing a necklace to go with that little black dress or a great pair of earrings to show off your new haircut, then head on over to Winthrop Town Centre, where new accessories shop Blumchen just opened up.
It offers costume jewelry like necklaces, rings and bracelets. For an accessory set, price ranges from $10-$15. The store also offers purses, which range in price from $25-$40.
Blumchen is located at 6026 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview. For more information, please call 470-9074.
Big Bend Preschool Welcomes New Director
Big Bend United Methodist Church Preschool is happy to introduce its highly-qualified and enthusiastic new director, Yvette Sasha Caballero.
Conveniently located in the Riverview Summerfield neighborhood, the preschool is a Christian-based educational institution that focuses on providing a safe and loving environment for nurturing children.
Caballero comes to the Big Bend school with 12 years prior experience in directing childcare centers. Now, she looks forward to meeting every child, parent, and teacher in the coming days at her new location.
She states, “I believe in open communication and working together as a team with parents and staff to motivate children and enrich them emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually.”
At Big Bend, children are taught developmentally-appropriate games as well as instruction in the ABCs and 1, 2, 3s.
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of infants, toddlers and each child at his level of development along the growth continuum. Guidance and activities in each classroom foster language, pre-reading, pre-writing, and other foundational skills.
The preschool is open to children from the ages of 6 weeks through 4 years old and offers free state-sanctioned voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) instruction. The center also provides after-school care for children through 12 years old. Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday all year round. Some flex schedules are available, too, to accommodate various needs.
Nutritious and child-appealing breakfast, lunch and snack are served, included in the school’s affordable rates.
Enrollment is now open. For more information, please call 671-3515.
Regional Energy Conference Held at HCC Ruskin Campus
Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Advanced Technological Education Center for Florida and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) jointly hosted the NSF sponsored Regional Energy Industry Forum recently.
This day-long event held at HCC’s SouthShore campus in Ruskin was targeted to identify and define new energy technologies and services in Florida.
Facilitated by the NSF Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC), the meeting of energy, industry and education experts was one of a series of eight energy-related nationwide forums to develop comprehensive regional snapshots of the emerging energy sector.
Cindy Amor, organizational effectiveness manager at TECO Energy in Tampa who also participated in the forum said, “The most valuable part of the forum is that it brought industry and education together to assess the future path of renewable energy in Florida, and determine strategies to prepare workers for the future direction of renewable energy.”
Amor says the biggest challenge is “interpreting the needs of the industry and integrating it into practical knowledge and skills.” She hopes education can meet those needs with better trained; better skilled workers that are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
For more information about the Forum or ongoing renewable energy-related initiatives in Florida, contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at 259-6577 or via e-mail at barger@fl-ate.org.
PartyLite Fundraising Programs Net 50 Percent Profits
How would your organization like to earn 50 percent profit on the next fundraiser? That’s just one of the many benefits of participating in the PartyLite Fundraising Program.
For more than 35 years, PartyLite has offered quality candles, home accessories and exclusive fragrances and has helped millions of people transform their lives.
As an independent PartyLite Consultant, Deanna Stec of Riverview welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve your fundraising goals. In addition to receiving 50 percent profit on all that your organization sells, you’ll enjoy a program that is simple and stress free. PartyLite offers some of its most popular candle products in a variety of fragrances, and its candles are boxed for easy gift giving and delivery. Speaking of delivery, it ships the products directly to each seller to eliminate sorting, storing or distribution by your organization.
For more information, please contact Stec at 957-5670 or www.partylite.biz/deestec.
Local Resident Comes To You To Fix Your Computer Problems
It seems that different viruses are popping up each and every day, and they are getting more difficult to eradicate. So, what can you do to protect yourself and your business? Local resident and owner of Vivjer Computers Jerry Rothstein recommends upgrading programs, anti-virus software and spyware regularly.
“If you are a business owner, I always recommend allowing me to come to your office once a month to make sure all the computers are up to date with their Windows updates, Anti-Virus updates and defrag of the hard drives. These steps would keep the computers running at a optimum level,” he said. “For residential customers, I usually recommend a plan of coming by every six months to do the above tasks.”
Vivjer Computers first opened in March of 2006, although Rothstein has been in the computer industry since 1994. He offers new desktop or laptop systems, repairs or upgrades of existing systems, networking (wired or wireless), virus, spyware, MalWare, Adware removal and remote assistance. He does all these services at your home or office. He charges $85 per hour, with no minimum. If he is at your place of business or residence for 15 minutes, he only charges $21.25.
“I go do my jobs, trying to solve the problem(s), knowing that each minute that they are down, especially for a business owner, means money lost,” he said. The thing Rothstein says he is most proud of is that people tell him how easy it is to talk to him about their computer problems. “I’m able to listen to them, even when they aren’t really saying the right verbiage about their problem, and tell them what’s going on in laymen terms,” he said. “I try very hard to keep all that technical babble out of my discussions and explain to them what’s happening so they understand what I’m doing to help them.”
Rothstein runs this business out of his home, so he is available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done to your satisfaction and keep the charges to a minimum”
For more information call 689-5028, 454-6325 or visit www.vivjercomputers.com.
FishHawk and Bloomingdale Business – August 2009
FishHawk Resident Named Top Lawyer
FishHawk resident, Marcus S. Lawrence, Jr., has been named by Florida Super Lawyers magazine as one of the top young lawyers in Florida for 2009. Less than 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state are named Rising Stars by Super Lawyers.
Lawrence is a founding member of Thorn Lawrence, P.L. in Tampa, Florida. His practice is focused in the areas of commercial litigation, construction litigation and military law. Lawrence is a graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law where he was a Reynolda Law Faculty scholarship recipient. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy as a JAG Corps attorney. Lawrence has represented clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to Tampa area business owners in jury trials and alternative dispute resolution proceedings to include mediation and arbitration. He is licensed in Alabama and Florida and is active in the Hillsborough County Bar Association where he currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Bar’s Leadership Institute and as Chairman of the Military Liaison Committee.
The selections for Super Lawyers are made by Law & Politics, a division of Key Professional Media, Inc. Each year Law & Politics undertakes a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers and an independent review of candidates by their attorney-led research staff.
For more information on Lawrence, please visit www.thornlawrence.com.
Flower Shop Offers A Tropical Paradise
Local Valrico resident for 21 years Karen Conrad began her business, Karen’s Flower Cart, seven years ago after 30 years of working for other floral departments.
Karen’s Flower Cart was formerly located within the Brandon Crossing Shopping Center on Falkenburg Rd. and Adamo Dr. in Tampa. She recently relocated to the Albertson’s Plaza on Lithia Pinecrest Rd.
Karen’s Flower Cart is a full-range florist offering arrangements for weddings, funerals, birthdays, gift baskets, corporate businesses and more. Prices range from $5 up to “as much as you want to spend,” says Conrad.
She says roses are still the most popular flower “but that’s just because guys don’t know any better,” she chuckles. Gerber daisies and sunflowers are a close second and third, according to her. “My favorite flower is Iris,” she said.
Conrad said her specialties include tropical flower arrangements and plants that will grow and flourish in the Florida weather.
Karen’s Flower Cart is a 1,800-sq.-ft. floral design shop located at 3335 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., next to Jaymer-Que BBQ. Its hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For more information or to place an order, please call 685-7655.
Beauty Supply Shop Soon to Open in Bloomingdale Square
If you have been looking for a place to get a hair straightener, extensions, makeup or any other beauty supply, then you are in luck. Sally Beauty Supply, the world’s largest retailer of beauty supplies, is opening soon in the Bloomingdale Square shopping plaza, located on the corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd.
At Sally Beauty Supply, you do not have to be a professional hairstylist or manicurist to shop there. Sally Beauty Supply will be located at 929 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.
For more information, please visit www.sallybeauty.com.
New Party Store Open in Lithia Crossings
If you’re planning a baby shower, wedding, birthday party or any other party, head over to Lithia Crossings plaza, where a new party store, amply named Party Your Way recently opened in late June.
The party place, located at 3474 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., offers cards, party supplies such as plates, cups, napkins, banners, gift bags and wrapping paper as well as piñatas, balloons, favors and picture frames.
Party Your Way’s slogan is “for all your party needs and last minute gifts.” Its store hours are Monday- Saturday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon- 5 p.m.
For more information, please call the store at 689-7869.
Beauty Meets Charm at New Day Spa
A new day spa recently opened in Bloomingdale East, called Charm Ville Day Spa, with the motto “Where Beauty Meets Charm,” and is owned by local Riverview resident Amna Hussein.
Charm Ville Day Spa offers a wide variety of signature facials, manicure, pedicure, massage, spa body wrap, threading, acyclic nails, wax and packages for special occasions such as bridal and party makeup’s.
Beginning in August, it will offer Wednesday as senior day and Thursday as student day and will host a back-to-school special.
Charm Ville Day Spa is located at 4312 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico in the Dr. Sonia Ruiz building, next to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and Marathon gas station.
It is open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Charm Ville Day Spa is closed on Sundays, but can be opened for a party of five or more.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 643-2400 or visit www.charmvilledayspa.com.
Realtor Recognized For Record Sales
The Chadderton Group was honored by Keller Williams Realty with First Place Achievement Awards in Written Volume and Sales Volume for the month of June. Laura Harris, broker of Keller Williams Realty, announced the Chadderton Group’s Written Volume (contracts written) was $2,697,800 and its Sold Volume (closed transactions) was $2,309,400, all taking place in a 30-day period.
The Chadderton Group is led by Ray Chadderton and can be reached at 601-0597.
Doctors At South Bay Hospital Pioneer New System
South Bay Hospital’s endoscopy suite now has an exciting new tool, SpyGlass. It’s state-of-the-art imaging system allows Gastroenterologists, physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system and diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas, to directly view and treat the biliary system —the system made up of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
The biliary system is the place where painful gallstones can accumulate and where life-threatening cancerous lesions can form. Traditionally, x-rays (black and white images) have been used to diagnosis and treat. Often these images do not provide enough information to obtain a complete diagnosis. However, with SpyGlass, physicians are now able to view the ducts in color.
“SpyGlass allows our physicians direct visualization of the biliary system,” says Janiece MacDonald, RN, BSN, Director of Surgical Services at South Bay Hospital, “which improves our ability to assist physicians in the care for their patients.”
If the physician finds a problem, the Spyglass tool is used to take clear, color images, allowing the physician to make a quick, accurate diagnosis. Treatment can begin for the patient right away.
“With this new technology, I can biopsy tissue, break up and remove painful gallstones, and eliminate blockages in the bile duct,” says Ashok Dhaduvai, MD, Gastroenterologist on staff at South Bay Hospital. “In some cases, this prevents my patients from needing major surgery.”
For more information about SpyGlass or Surgical Services at South Bay Hospital, contact Melissa Morgan at 634-0496.
Outdoors Store to Open in River Springs Plaza
An outdoorsman’s dream store will soon be opening in the River Springs Plaza on the corner of FishHawk Blvd. and Bell Shoals Rd. called Flint Creek Outfitters. This will be the store’s second location, with its other being in Ocala.
It will offer merchandise including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, camping equipment, fly-fishing rods and equipments, pet merchandise and more. Brand names include Patagonia, Orvis, Guy Harvey, Sperry Top Sider, Mountain Hard Wear and more, your next adventure lies with Flint Creek Outfitters.
For more information, please visit www.flintcreekoutfitter.com or call the Ocala store at 352-237-5325.
Convoy of Hope Still Needs Volunteers For August Outreach At Fairgrounds
Convoy of Hope, a non-profit organization which conducts community outreaches, will be coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa, on Saturday, August 1, and needs your help. Its mission statement is “Not a Handout, but a Hand Up.” Local Coordinator Jeff Arp and pastor of the Brandon Assembly of God, located at 710 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon, said, “I think people are generally excited about this coming to the community because of the need we have in the area.”
Convoy of Hope will be offering groceries, a health fair, and a kid’s zone including rides and popcorn, medical services, haircuts, hot meals, a connection to local churches and community organizations and job placement services free of charge. Several bands are scheduled to provide entertainment throughout the day.
According to Arp, approximately 40 churches, organizations and businesses have signed up to be a part of Convoy of Hope, including: One Thing Prayer Center, Christian Life Center, New Day Church, Rivers of Life Church, Revival Outreach Center, Quest Church in Seffner, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Brandon, Seffner Presbyterian Church, Lighthouse Ministries and Cynthia Pinckney Ministries, along with many more. So far, several Mary Kay representatives will be on-hand as well as individual hairstylists. Medical service professionals are still needed to provide physical evaluations, blood pressure tests and more. If people are involved in a community outreach organization and want to get involved, they can contact Team Leader of Community Services, Doris Haskell at 661-6325.
“Anybody can volunteer that has a desire to help,” Arp said.For those who want to volunteer, there is a “volunteer commissioning rally” to be held the Friday before Convoy of Hope comes to town, July 31, at the Florida State Fairgrounds from 6:45-8:30 p.m. At the rally, they will hear from Convoy of Hope national leadership, hear reports on how this has helped other cities it has been to and get to see the layout of the event center. The Convoy of Hope will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa. There are no requirements to come to the Convoy of Hope, although Arp said he will target the homeless, poor and working poor because, “They are in the most need.”
For more information or to sign up to volunteer with the Convoy of Hope, call Arp at 689-2345 or 527-4098. More information on Convoy of Hope is also available on its Website at www.convoyofhope.com.
Apollo Beach Residents Have Many Local Options At MiraBay Village
Apollo Beach residents will no longer have to travel to get their nails done, for a cocktail after work or to seek the advice of a Read more
Leadership Brandon Hosts 10th Casino Night
Put on your green dealer visor, break out your deck of cards and come roll the dice at the 10th Annual Leadership Brandon Alumni Casino Night. The annual Casino Night is planned for Friday, August 14, from 6:30 – 11 p.m. at Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon.
Crystal Colegrove, manager for Business and Community Development at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, said, “Currently, we are still seeking sponsors, items for the raffle and the silent auction.” “Games present will be: black jack, roulette, craps and a separate buy-in for a Texas Hold’em Tournament,” she said.
The Leadership Brandon Alumni Casino Night tickets are $30 per person, with a $20 buy-in for the Texas Hold’em Tournament. The ticket price includes: $2,500 in casino fun money, door prizes, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a complimentary beverage.“Funds that are raised go back to the Leadership Brandon program which will help pay for the class bus for the year and provide scholarship(s) for those who may not be able to afford to go through the program,” Colegrove said. “Nomination and application processes are necessary for the Leadership program, and there is a separate process to apply for a scholarship.”
”Leadership Brandon is a community leadership development program of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to “increase your understanding of the community and improve your ability to lead effectively,” according to its Website. Leadership Brandon recently graduated its 2009 class, and its 2010 class will have its opening retreat on Saturday, October 3.
For more information on the Leadership Brandon Alumni Casino Night, please call the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, located at 330 Pauls Dr., Ste. 100, in Brandon, at 689-1221 or visit www.brandonchamber.com.
Smaldone Wins Honorary Mayor’s Race
Longtime Brandon resident Connie Smaldone, who works at South Shore Group Real Estate, recently won the title of Brandon Honorary Mayor by Read more
Brandon Business – July 2009
New Pizza Place Opening Soon
The American Pie Pizza Company will soon be opening next to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s on Adamo Dr. in Tampa. It will be offering specialties like toasted ravioli, mozzarella marinara and sweet potato fries as starters, a BLT burger baguette and other sandwiches in addition to New York-style pizzas, including the Mozzarella Cheese White, BBQ Chicken, the All American Pie and more. For dessert, it will offer fresh fried chocolate dough and the American Cookie Pie. This will be the franchise’s seventh, location with others in Orlando and Pinellas Park.
American Pie Pizza Company is located at 9331 Adamo Dr. in Tampa and will be open Monday- Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 12 Midnight and Sunday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. For more information, please call 621-6569 or visit www.AmericanPiePizzaCo.com.
Dollar Store Comes to Kings Row
Family Dollar recently opened in the Kings Row plaza on the corner of Kings and Bloomingdale avenues. Family Dollar is located at 821 Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. It will be open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Family Dollar operates over 6,600 stores in a 44-state area, ranging from Maine to Florida and as far as Idaho and Arizona. A typical store ranges in size from 6,000 to 8,000 sq. feet.
For more information, please visit www.familydollar.com or call the store at 651-3943.
Bakery and Kitchen Offers Cuban and Latin Delicacies
Tio’s Bakery & Kitchen also recently opened in the Kings Row plaza, next to Family Dollar. Tio’s Bakery is owned by five-year Brandon resident Luis Estrada and opened 11 months ago. It offers “the best Cubans; people have been telling me since we opened,” Estrada said. In addition to Cuban sandwiches, which are served on freshly baked bread, Tio’s serves black beans, red beans, two soups a day, breakfast sandwiches, chicken, beef and pork empanadas and pastries. It will soon be adding on a new pastry chef as well. Most meals, Estrada said, average in price at $5.99 and most pastries are under $2. The 2,100-sq.-ft. restaurant offers seating for 26 inside and also offers catering.
Tio’s Bakery is located at 833 Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon and is open Monday from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wednesday- Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. For more information or to place a take-out order, please call 662-3861.
Consignment Shop for Your Little Ones
Local resident Summer Akins, recently opened Lil One’s Closet, an infant and toddler consignment store. Akins opened Lil One’s Closet in early February, and owns the business with her mother, Sherry Faivre. Lil One’s Closet sells cribs, crib bedding, clothing from premature to 5T, shoes, swings, bouncer seats, strollers, bassinets, pack and plays, toys, bottles and anything else that you need for you infant or toddler.
Akins said, “When customers come in with their kids, they can feel comfortable about it,” she said. “For the people that can’t afford to buy new things for their children at such high prices, and babies have so many things, it can get expensive, as fast as they out grow things.” Lil One’s Closet takes items in on consignment and is accepting any children’s clothing and accessories.
“All of our items are gently used in very good condition and some new, but at very affordable prices,” Akins concluded.
It is located at 430 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in Seffner in front of Brandon Rental. For more information, please call 661-4272. The store is open Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays the shop is closed.
Update Your Website Anytime with Pacesetter
Local Brandon resident and owner of Pacesetter Media, Dave Loebig, is rolling out a new service to his clients: update your Website anytime you want. This service will become available in July and will include a simple interface, a short learning curve, being able to update text, tables and content, uploading and posting pictures, search engine friendly URLs, per page titles, keywords, and descriptions (important for search optimization), options for a calendar and photo/product galleries and custom design and custom options. Other services offered by Loebig include Website design and hosting, graphic design, logo design, Web applications, print materials like business cards, post cards, door hangers and fliers and related services including professional photography and press releases.
For more information, please visit www.pacesettermedia.com or www.brandonbusiness.com.
Embassy Suites Tampa – Brandon Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomes Embassy Suites – Tampa Brandon to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Embassy Suites – Tampa Brandon has helped the environment by performing actions like recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum and steel cans, installing energy-efficient light bulbs in all hotel fixtures and fitting low-flow showerheads and toilets in its facilities. In addition, it has incorporated a water and energy saving linen program and now makes an initiative to use the services of environmentally preferred cleaners.
When staying at an Embassy Suites hotel, guests can contribute to the environmentally-sustainable initiatives by recycling beverage containers and newspapers when finished with them and by giving feedback. Embassy Suites hotels are asking for guests to express their ideas and appreciation for eco-friendly programs.
Life Line Screenings Offered at BRH
Brandon Regional Hospital (BRH) will be hosting lifesaving screenings. Over 5 million people have participated in Life Line Screening’s ultrasound screenings that can determine your risk for stroke, caused by carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms and other vascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States of both men and women—and a leading cause of permanent disability. Unfortunately, four out of five people that suffer a stroke have no apparent symptoms or warning signs. A package of four painless stroke, vascular disease and heart rhythm screenings costs only $139.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, which are limited, please call 1-800-395-1801.
Riverview Business – July 2009
UPS Employee Honored For 30 Years of Service
Karen Thomas was recently honored by UPS for completing 30 years of service with the company. Thomas, who is a part-time package center supervisor with UPS in Tampa, was recognized for her loyal service contributions. Thomas began her career in 1979 as an evening clerk with the company. Thomas and her husband, James, live in Riverview.
For more information on UPS, please visit www.ups.com.
Chamber Presents Check To Shriners
In late June, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon at the Riverview Civic Center on Park Dr. in Riverview with over 90 members in attendance, and it was sponsored by the chamber’s Thursday morning Leads Group with food catered by Sharon Silver of The Catering Company. This month’s luncheon was a special one in that the executive director of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Tanya Doran and Board of Directors spokesperson James Johnson presented the 2009 Hog Roast proceeds check of $2,730 to the Shriners Hospital for Children’s spokesperson Benjamin Carpenter and Egypt Shriners spokesperson Frank Goldston. It also welcomed 14 new members to the chamber. The GRCC luncheons are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Riverview Civic Center, located at 11020 Park Dr. in Riverview.
Next Month is its Member Appreciation Luncheon. If you would like to know more about the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce please call 234-5944 or visit the Website at www.riverviewchamber.com.
Insurance Agency Adds New Member
All Bay Insurance Group, located at 11345 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, continues its expansion by adding a new team member, Stephanie Parker. Parker was born in Texas but raised in Naples. She recently moved to the Riverview area with her husband and two children. Prior to joining All Bay Insurance, she was the Operations Manager of a fitness club, and she has a background in Customer Service and Insurance. She joined All Bay Insurance in 2009.
All Bay Insurance Group is an Allstate agency, providing insurance protection for personal homes, autos, boats, motorcycles, including life insurance. All Bay Insurance Group has been in business locally for three years and is one of the fastest growing, highest-rated customer service Allstate agencies in Hillsborough County.
The owner and agent is Joel Meek, who is a member of the Riverview Chamber, Apollo Beach Chamber, South Shore Business Association, Business Networking International and serves as a member of the Ruskin Chamber Board of Directors.
For more information, please call 677-1121.
Local Restaurant Gives Back to High School
Starting the first game of the season on Friday, September 4, and carrying through to the last game, S & S Tacos/Pizzas & Stuff will be open until 12 Midnight on Friday nights of all home and away Riverview High School varsity football games, donating 10 percent of the sales to the Riverview High School football team.
“With the help of Riverview High School’s students, parents, faculty and football team, we believe we can help you to reach your goals,” said owner Mike Self. “This will be a very exciting season, and we are so happy to be a part of the Riverview Sharks.”
The restaurant will also be creating a 3 by 5 card with the Shark’s logo, offering parents, students and faculty to bring in the card and with a minimum purchase of $5; it will donate $0.50 back to the school. “We look forward to helping the Shark’s reach the goals in the 2009 – 2010 school year,” Self said.
For more information on S & S Tacos/Pizzas & Stuff, located at 10664 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview, please call 677-8226.
Book Store Moves Locations
The Bookworm, a bookstore that buys and sells used books, both hardcover and paperback, recently moved locations from the Riverview Flea Market, where it started with one booth in 2006. It also offers children’s books as well as religious and specialty books. “We try to obtain books our customers are looking for,” said owner Jean Cummings.
It was previously located in The Riverview Flea market, and it has relocated nearby to 7414 Commerce St. in Riverview. Most books in the store run $1 to $5, with specialty books costing more.
For more information, please call the store at 598-4353 during business hours Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Ruskin History Center Reopens
The staff and management of the Ruskin Branch of Fifth/Third Bank are holding an open house to mark the installation in their lobby of the “first 16 feet” of Ruskin’s history. The Ruskin History Project so far is comprised of two 2 by 4 cases containing photos and artifacts from Ruskin’s’ past in a timeline that runs from the early ice age to the present era. Fred Jacobsen and Dr. Arthur “Mac” Miller started the Ruskin History Project as a way to save and to share Ruskin’s history with all the citizens of Ruskin. Miller is the grandson of one of the founders of Ruskin. “The hope is that one day this little history display might grow into its own building or perhaps be located in a community center.”
Bank Vice President and Branch Manager Ron Leybovich said, “The Ruskin history display is a welcome addition to the bank. We hope to sponsor more coffees for the community, perhaps quarterly to encourage discussion and sharing of Ruskin’s history.”
The Ruskin History Project can be found online at www.RuskinHistory.org.
Triangle Resolutions New Location
Damon Dye, licensed mental health counselor, celebrated the growth of Triangle Resolutions with friends, family and colleagues in June with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. Specialized outpatient counseling is now conveniently available in the Boardwalk Office Park, off Gibsonton Rd. near I-75. The new office is in a more confidential setting, located at the back of the office park, with separate facility entrance and exit.
Triangle Resolutions provides mental health counseling services for adults, adolescents and children. Service specialties include youth behavior, problem gambling and rapid resolution therapy. Dye is certified in clinical hypnosis, brainspotting and treatment of gambling addiction. He has completed his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology coursework and is preparing for both his comprehensive evaluation and dissertation. Dye provides counseling techniques designed to help clients resolve problematic symptoms and achieve better balance mentally, physically and emotionally.
Appointments are scheduled by contacting Triangle Resolutions via phone at 714-6107 or by e-mail at healing@triangleresolutions.com. Additional information is available on his Website, www.triangleresolutions.com.
Riverview Chamber Welcomes New Members
In early June, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce welcomed Creative Field, an Internet company specializing in designer laptop bags, MP3 and video players and print work, including photography, audio and video.
To learn more about Creative Field, located at PMB 108 13194 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview, you may visit www.creativefield.net, contact Dani Greenfield 954-815-6270 or e-mail greenfieldtech@aol.com.
Stress Relieving Spa Celebrates One Year
Serenity Stream Yoga & Wellness Spa will be celebrating its one year anniversary on Saturday, August 15. It opened its doors in June of last year and has had an amazing year. Along with yoga and Pilates, it has also added Zumba and Tai Chi to the list of classes.
Serenity Stream is inviting everyone to an anniversary celebration on Saturday, August 15. Free classes are being offered from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Zumba classes as well as a heath fair from 9 a.m. -1 p.m., including free health screenings, nutrition advice and local vendors.
Part of all purchases made on August 15 will be donated to the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO). ECHO provides immediate relief in the forms of food, clothing and household items to those residents of the greater Brandon area that have experienced a recent emergency. Since its inception in 1987, ECHO has assisted over 109,000 individuals, over half of whom were children, with the basic life necessities.
For more information on Serenity Stream or any of the classes offered, please call 368-6546 or visit www.serenitystream.com.
DEXA Scan for Osteoporosis is Now Available at South Bay Hospital
Do you suffer from osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease, because bone loss occurs without symptoms. You may not know that you have osteoporosis until your bones become weak and brittle. Even a sudden strain, bump or fall could cause a hip to fracture or a vertebra to collapse.
DEXA Bone Density Scanning is now available at South Bay Hospital’s Outpatient Diagnostic Center. A prescription is required for the scan, so talk to your doctor to see if you are at risk for osteoporosis and if you should be prescribed a DEXA Bone Density Scan.
South Bay Hospital is a 112-bed, acute care hospital serving Sun City Center, Ruskin, Wimauma, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton and the surrounding areas. South Bay offers a wide range of services including general and vascular surgery, urology, cardiology and colorectal surgery.
To schedule your DEXA Scan, talk to your doctor and then call 642-8468.
Frist Humanitarian Awards Given at South Bay Hospital
South Bay Hospital honored its Frist Humanitarian Award winners by hosting the Annual Service Awards Banquet. The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created in 1971 to honor outstanding individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities. This award recognizes individuals whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment and are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA.
South Bay Hospital’s 2008 Frist Employee Humanitarian Award Winner is Shonn Latimer. Shonn is also the secretary for South Bay Hospital’s Employee Advisory Group and volunteers to help with many of the EAG activities, such as the Hospital Clean the Grounds Day and the Holiday Party planning committee.
The 2008 Frist Physician Humanitarian Award Winner is Cecil Sue-Wah-Sing, MD. Dr. Sue-Wah-Sing demonstrates an avid commitment to his patients. Sue-Wah-Sing served as the South Bay Hospital Department of medicine chair from 2005-2006 and as chief of staff from 2007-2008. He is very active in the community and worked collaboratively with others to form the group, Concerned Parents of Autistic Children. This non-profit support group helps bring together parents and caregivers of autistic children as well as raise awareness about autism.
South Bay Hospital’s 2008 Frist Volunteer Humanitarian Award Winner is Marie Musgrove. Outside the hospital, she performs services within the community, including acting as minister of the Eucharist at her church, assisting with church bulletins and participating as an active member of her church’s bereavement committee.
For more information about the Frist Humanitarian Award and South Bay Hospital, please contact Melissa Morgan at 634-0496.
Buc-A-Day Outdoor Storage Is Expanding
Buc-A-Day Outdoor storage is pleased to announce a major expansion is underway. Due to the high demand for space within our facility, Buc-A-Day Outdoor Storage is adding an additional 5 acres of secured storage. Bringing the total acreage “inside the fence” to 11 acres. “Customers using our facility have been our best salespersons. We never envisioned having to expand before our first year in business” says owner Richard Crannell. Buc-A-Day Outdoor Storage is located on 18 acres at the corner of 3rd St. NE and 15th Ave. Ruskin.
Buc-A-Day has also made room for commercial vehicles and semi- tractors and trailers. Rates start at 99¢ cents per day for under 30’ in length. Added benefits for tenants are a referral program affording a tenant that refers someone who pays for 6 months or longer, a free month’s rent. Buc-A-day Storage also will give a new tenant one month’s free rent if they lease and pay for a full year upfront.
For more information, call 480-1916 or e-mail richard.crannell@verizon.net.
