South Seas Island Resort Is In Top Ten Of Family Vacation Destinations

Feeling the urge to hit the beach and craving the aquamarine Caribbean-type ocean waters, pristine sandy beaches complete with cabanas, umbrella drinks and service with style? Think you need to fly, boat or dream for a vacation like? Not so with South Seas Island Resort just three hours up I-75 on the historic Captiva Island. And, very much like an all-inclusive, once you are on-site on the 350-acre resort, everything is at your fingertips, or resort keycard which gives you access to all on-site recreation, food, ice cream, drinks, video games, spa treatments, fitness facilities, on-site Starbuck’s and more.

With families looking to ‘staycation’ more than ever, South Seas Island Resort is an excellent choice in a family destination, just a short drive away. Recently, the resort was honored to be named number three among the 10 Best Family Beach Resorts by Parents Magazine. South Seas Island Resort Managing Director Richard Hayduk, came to South Seas Island Resort, from a five-star Boca Raton destination and moved his family to take the position because he wanted to feel the historic ownership and pride in a property that he indeed found at South Seas Island Resort.

On a golf cart tour of the resort, (golf carts are available for guests to rent during their stay) Hayduk described the unique “resort village.” “The resort literally started as a key lime plantation producing the world’s largest crop of key limes. It was purchased in the 1800s and was a fishing camp.” Hayduk says that parts of the original bunkhouse still exist including fireplace mantel and brick flooring in King’s Crown where many wedding receptions and special events are held. “We have 330 acres and 990 units developed by Mariner Development and now owned by Blackstone Group,” says Hayduk. Blackstone Group is primary owner of Hilton Hotels.

The property offers accommodations for all needs. With hotel rooms, timeshare villas in one-three bedroom units with full kitchens and private million dollar condos and beach front single family homes available to rent through the resort. “We are eighty percent family oriented,” said Hayduk while giving a tour of the dual water-slide new H2Whoa! attraction in the Resort Pool Complex with sandy beach play area, two additional pools, cabanas, and hot tub with an ocean view overlook complete with sunset, dolphins and manatees. The resort is also offering new activities and programs designed especially for children and families including the Go! South Seas programs which include the Go! Fish program. A very successful addition to “things to do” at the resort that teaches kids of all ages to fish and learn about the importance of “catch and release.” “Once you come through the gates, you feel like family,” said Hayduk while nodding and introducing staff who have been with the property for 30 years.

Valrico residents Carol and Josh Cole have been to South Seas Island Resort twice and call their visits, “one of the most wonderful times of my life.” In May, the couple stayed in a beach front villa with a breathtaking sunset view to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. “I really can’t choose what the very best part of this resort is. Whether it was sunning on the beach, hunting for seashells, dining in the Harbourside Bar & Grill, walking among the beautiful yachts and boats docked there, or simply staying in our room and ordering in delivery, this was truly a time that I will always treasure.” In June, the couple and their three children returned to the resort. “One new thing we discovered this trip was the poolside cabanas; a much appreciated respite from the hot sun. We enjoyed lunch there and each cabana comes complete with refrigerator, lots of comfy seating and a TV.”

The entire property is family accessible from beach front to poolside by a trolley and trail system throughout. While cars are welcome, guests really just need a keycard and a towel to get around the resort with eight restaurants, multiple boat marinas with all size boats available for rent. With sunset cruises leaving for nightly tours of the bay, and pools, playgrounds, hot tubs, beach, boardwalk, golf course,  and even a sailing school on-site, South Seas Island Resort has something for everyone.

In addition to being a family destination, it offers the largest convention space available in the area. With 31,000 sq. ft. available, conventions, meetings, events and courses can be scheduled. And, with the many on-site eateries ranging from an upscale deli, Southern style BBQ to high end seafood, all catering requirements can be met. The resort is located at 5400 Plantation Rd. on Captiva Island.

For reservations and tempting photo galleries, visit www.southseas.com or call 866-565-5089.

Chadwick’s Square Retail Open To Public

Whether on Captiva Island to stay at the South Seas Island Resort or just for a day trip, Chadwick’s Square in the South Village located at the front of the resort property offers island shopping and dining opportunities with a resort feel.

Starting with H2o Outfitters providing all beach and summer wear boutique, followed by Fresh Squeezed – a Lilly Pulitzer Shop, Starbuck’s, Captiva Provision Company – an on-site deli, Holy Smokes Heavenly Barbecue and Better Burgers, 2 Islands Gallery and the Salon & Spa and fitness center there is something for everyone. Chadwick’s Square surrounds the conference meeting facilities and is very accessible to the front of the resort. This entire area is open to the public.

2 Islands Gallery is definitely a jewel of Chadwick’s Square offering a showcase of 24 local artists including a basket maker, jewelry designers, multiple photographers including nature photographer Clyde Butcher, weavers, painters and sculptors. Artists include such talents as Butcher, JoAnne Bedient; Ed Brown; Katie Gardenia; Susan Sadler; Kassie Sparks; Anisa Stewart and Christina Wyatt. Ft. Myers artist and talented musician Carolyn Hudson, showcases her one-of-a-kind jewelry line Cleo VII and is thrilled to blend her sterling, beadwork and shell jewelry which complements the island feel of Captiva. The gallery also offers artist showcases and events.

2 Islands Gallery located at 5400 Plantation Road and is open 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily and gives guests an opportunity to take home a handmade piece of local art as a stunning reminder of their vacation. For more information, call Perry Thompson at 239-823-2208.

Test Driving The New Chevy Camaro

WHO:

Camaro Fans, Muscle Car Fans and anyone who’s over 21-years-old with a valid driver’s license and wants to drive the all new 2010 Camaro.

WHAT:

Be one of the first people to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro! Chevrolet will have several totally redesigned Camaros available for anyone 21 and older with a valid driver’s license to drive. Chevrolet will also have hourly drawings on-site for event participants. Prizes include a limited number of exclusive tickets to the only advance screening in Tampa Bay of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, being held on-site after the Ride & Drive, and featuring the Camaro in its starring role as Bumblebee.

WHEN:

Tuesday, June 23, 2:30-6 p.m.

WHERE:

AMC Regency Square 20 Theater in Brandon
2496 W Brandon Blvd
Brandon, Fl 33511

ALSO:

Three of the lead designers for the 2010 Camaro will be on hand to talk about the new Camaro and answer questions.

Wisdom Teeth Produce Stem Cells

By Erin Roberts
Children enthusiastically place their fallen teeth underneath their pillows to wake up to a small gift from the tooth fairy in the morning. In the future, the tooth fairy could be replaced and those teeth may be exchanged for a prize of much higher value.
Recent studies discovered that wisdom teeth, as well as all first generation teeth, contain living cells, which can be developed in order to produce stem cells.
Stem cells are useful in the medical community because they have the potential to develop into any cell type and can be used anywhere in the body.
These cells can serve as a repair system for the body by replenishing damaged cells, said Dr. Richard Lamont, professor of oral biology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
After the tooth is extracted, the stem cells can be found in the pulp at the base of the tooth, Lamont said.
“The removal of wisdom teeth is a procedure that is performed every day, so if scientists are able to derive stem cells from these teeth, it could potentially have a huge impact on the medical world,” said David Walker, a D.M.D at Walker and Raynal D.M.D, a general dentistry practice in Brandon.
This research is in the very early stages, and it is possible that it could be 10 to 15 years before this study could be applied to clinical use, Walker said. Eventually these stem cells could help provide treatment to those affected by common dental diseases.
Periodontal diseases affect the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In severe cases, periodontal disease may cause tooth loss. Stem cells could be used to generate a whole new tooth and damaged gum tissue, according to Lamont.
“Periodontal disease is one of the most common infectious diseases in developed countries,” Lamont said. “Most people over 35 have experienced some form of periodontal disease and quite a significant number have periodontal surgery.”
“As a D.M.D, I refer patients to a periodontist or an oral surgeon on a daily basis,” Walker said. “The stem cells could eventually positively affect the treatments provided by these practices.”
Dental stem cells differ from the stem cells derived from embryos because the embryo is destroyed when the stem cells are removed as opposed to dental stem cells, which already exist in the body, Lamont said.
The usage of stem cells in the medical arena could provide treatments for a variety of conditions. The stem cells produced by first generation teeth provide an alternative option to the previous studies that involved the controversial usage of embryonic stem cells.
“I would support this over the use of embryos. My greatest concern lies with research that deals with human life,” said Pastor Kerry Beaty, of Lone Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Plant City.
Those that are against embryonic stem cell research and the usage of these cells for medical purposes may see this study with dental stem cells more favorably, Beaty said.
Lamont said, the further study of cell development through stem cells may provide openings in the future for new treatments of serious diseases and medical conditions.
Stem cells offer possibilities in the medical field to provide treatments to those with serious neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dental stem cells could also be a source to replace cells and tissues for some forms of cancer and heart disease.
More options for treatment by stem cells for medical conditions, disorders and disabilities can be conceptualized in the future as scientists further investigate the properties of dental stem cells.
“Research has been stifled by past controversy, but this study is potentially very exciting,” Lamont said.

Walker and Raynal, DMD’s, PA is located at 212 Moon Ave. N. Brandon. For information, contact 689-5928 or visit www.walkerandraynaldmd.com.