Eye On Business Riverview/Apollo Beach/Ruskin
Norgard Insurance Holds Ribbon Cutting
In early March, Norgard Insurance Group, located at 809 E. Bloomingdale Ave. # 387, hosted a Ribbon Cutting at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
Norgard Insurance Group offers its clients a variety of benefits the not limited to medical benefits for a group or individual, pre-paid legal, supplemental benefits, life and disability insurance and retirement planning.
For more information, please contact Dwayne Lewis at 928-4508 or via e-mail at dwayne@norgardinsurancegroup.com or Chad Norgard at 454-5072 or via e-mail at chad@norgardinsurancegroup.com
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Tampa Bay Printing Grand Opening
Now located at 501 S. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa with Tampa Centre, Unit C-7, Tampa Printing will be hosting its Grand Opening with specials from Precision Car Audio (PCA) and The Glass Bandits including full feature car alarms installed for $125 and free windshield installation with full coverage insurance.
It is also offering 35 percent window tint for $100 on any vehicle with a life time warrantee and a free power window motor and regulator diagnostic, a $25 value.
It is also offering 10 percent of your next order of $100 or more from Tampa Printing.
For more information, call 230-9890 or visit www.813TampaPrinting.com.
New Yogurt Shop Open In Brandon
Feel good about supporting a healthier world. Relax your mind, body and soul by escaping to your nearest DJ’s yogurt stop, located at 2946 Providence Lakes Blvd. in Brandon.
The yogurt shop is a self-serve style of natural frozen yogurt in 12 flavors with 33 varieties of toppings and fresh seasonal fruits. It has zero grams trans fat, is low in calories and carbs. Any flavor with unlimited toppings is 0.39 cents an ounce.
It is having a grand opening special of 50 percent off all purchases.
It will be having a raffle drawing giveaway for DJ’s yogurt stop customers, which includes a three gigabyte laptop, two eight gigabyte digital cameras, two eight gigabyte Mp3 players and two $50 gift cards. The final drawing will be March 31 at 6 p.m.
DJ’s Yogurt Shop is located on the corner of Providence Lakes and Causeway, next to Starbucks. It is open Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
For more information, call the shop at 655-9808.
Chick-fil-A goes WiFi
Join the Honorary Mayor Tammy Holmberg at 9 a.m., on Wednesday, March 25 at Chick-fil-A Lake Brandon Village, located at 11325 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon.
Celebrate with owner Paul Holmberg and his staff as they cut the wire for a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
Bring your laptop and try out the WiFi, while enjoying free coffee and breakfast.
For more information, call 655-1237 or visit www.Chick-fil-A.com.
Biker’s Bay
Lenny and Nora Gillespie, owners of the franchise Biker’s Bay, a motorcycle repair shop, are celebrating the business’ one year anniversary. It is the only Ride In/Ride out bike shop in the Brandon area.
They are also members of the Faith Riders at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon.
It is located at 9520 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., by the Sheriff’s Department, three blocks west of Falkenburg Rd. For more information, please call 740-2453 or e-mail noraandlenny@earthlink.com
Computer Help
Providence PC Consulting provides in-house computer, network and application support for all your residential or small business needs.
Owner Jay Drennan started the company after 25 years of experience with computers and related technology. Providence PC Consulting offers a wide variety of solutions, including website design and hosting, data backup and recovery, audio/visual and video production, software training, virus and spyware removal, high speed router set-up and various troubleshooting and repair needs.
For more information, visit its Website at www.ProvidencePCC.com, e-mail Drennan at jay@ProvidencePCC.com or call 393-9495.
Title Company Receives Award
All American Title is proud to announce that it has been notified by its underwriter Stewart Title Guaranty Co. that it was one of its top 10 agents in the entire state of Florida for 2008.
All American Title Company has two offices, one in Brandon at 679 W. Lumsden Rd. and one in the South Shore area at 609 18th Street S.E. in Ruskin.
For more information, call 684-3330 or 649-9740. More information is also available on its Website at www.allamtitle.com.
Liberty Tax Is Just What The Doctor Ordered; Free Tax Preparation for Hospital and EMT Employees
To honor these often unsung heroes, Liberty Tax Service is offering free tax preparation for all emergency medical technicians and hospital employees during the week of March 2-6. The company will offer this service at their Brandon offices located at 231 W. Brandon Blvd. and 10827 Bloomingdale Ave. for first-time customers.
“EMT and medical professionals work selflessly each and every day, saving lives and making friends and family comfortable through times of stress and pain. It’s our pleasure to be able to give back just a little to these individuals who perform life-saving miracles every day,” said Stephanie Nussbaum, general manager and owner of Liberty Tax Service.
Call Liberty Tax Service at 681-5358 if you’re eligible for this promotion, and you’d like more details.
Planet Smoothie Has New Owner, Outlook
Planet Smoothie in Brandon has been in operation for nine years. Eight months ago, Tony Menendez opened Planet Smoothie by University of South Florida (USF) and has enjoyed running this store and seeing it grow. In December of 2008, he was presented with the opportunity to take over the Planet Smoothie Brandon location and was not very familiar with the area. “In taking a good look I immediately fell in love with Brandon,” he said.
Menendez said he is trying to build a new customer base to go on top of the great loyal customer base that Planet Smoothie already has and is actively looking for events, parties and meetings to cater.
He is also trying to educate potential customers out there about Planet Smoothie and its great products. Planet Smoothie uses all fresh fruit in its smoothies and no preservatives. “This is what I feel makes our smoothie such a great tasting product,” Menendez said. “We also have very unique names for our smoothies that stick with you like the ‘Chocolate Elvis’ and ‘Yo’ Adrian’ to name a few.”
Menendez said the USF store is very involved with the community and Planet Smoothie Brandon will be no different.
Planet Smoothie Brandon is located at 11391 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon.
For more information, call the store at 653-9515 or visit www.planetsmoothie.com.
Cuenelli’s Peruvian Chicken
Mayla Cuevas recently opened Cuenelli’s Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken with the support of her husband Erick and her sons Kito and Daniel and her daughter Gabriela, who work in the restaurant with her. The Peruvian restaurant first opened in October and offers authentic Peruvian food, cooked from scratch. The 1,200 sq. ft. storefront is complete with an oven that was shipped from Peru. It cooks on charcoal only, using no electricity or gas. “That’s what gets us the great taste of the chicken and is what we are known for,” said Mayla.
Cuenelli’s other popular dishes include Bisteck a lo Pobre, a sirloin steak served with white rice, beans, fried egg, French fries and plantains; Lomo Saltado, a grilled sirloin with onions and tomatoes served with white rice and French fries and Papa a la Huancaina, boiled potatoes topped with spicy creamy cheese sauce. It also serves some traditional Peruvian desserts including Alfajores or Peruvian cookies, flan and cuatro leches or four milk cookies.
The restaurant can seat 40 people inside, with room for approximately 35 on its patio area.
Mayla said that she has been getting requests for Peruvian ceviche and will begin to serve it on the weekends. Cuenelli’s is available for dine in, take out and also does catering.
The Cuevas’ have been local Riverview residents for six years and say they plan on participating in local Winthrop events with the other tenants.
Cuenelli’s Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken is located at 6260 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview within the Winthrop Town Centre. It is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 12 Noon – 8 p.m. and is closed on Monday. For more information or to place a takeout or catering order, call 681-7773.
Kiddie Kat’s Childcare
A new business recently came to the area, Kiddie Kat’s Childcare, located at 1109 E. Camellia Drive in Brandon
Kiddie Kat’s is a licensed family childcare home and is looking to fill all current openings. The business was opened for two reasons. First, to help parents afford quality childcare at a reasonable price and second, to assist in teaching a strong foundation to our future. “Nurturing Our Future,” is the motto of Kiddie Kat’s, according to its owner and provider Kathi Collins.
The rates are very competitive, and the quality of care is extraordinary due to a low class size.
The following services are offered: structured environment; healthy, nutritious, tasty snacks and meals provided; diapers provided; indoor/outdoor activities; north Brandon/Seffner area, educational development based; daily workout video with Bert, Ernie and Big Bird; infant/toddler CPR and first aid certified; early childhood development certified and babysitting Available.
For more information, call 571-7085 or 918-7772 Collins is also available via e-mail at kathi@kiddiekats.net. Kiddie Kat’s also has a Website at www.kiddiekats.net.
Women’s Care Offers Extended Hours
To make those well women’s visits and paps a little easier for its patients, Women’s Care is staying open late on Tuesday nights in the Brandon office for those ladies who need evening appointments. One Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) will be on-site until 7:30 p.m. seeing patients in May, every Tuesday.
Also, Women’s Care is starting to perform in-house surgeries such as NovaSure and Essure procedures in the office.
Women’s Care of Brandon is located at 731 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 681-9171.
The Salon at Remington Provides Professional Services
The Salon at Remington, a Cosmetology program part of Remington College recently opened and held a ribbon cutting at its location at 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. # 400 in Tampa.
The Salon at Remington is a MATRIX signature school. It uses professional products from Matrix, Design Essentials, Pevonia and OPI.
All services are performed by students under the strict supervision of a licensed instructor. The salon functions and provides all services of a full service salon and spa including manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing. Hair services include cuts, color, perms, relaxers, up do’s, braids, hair extensions and many more services.
If you’re interested in starting a cosmetology program, please come and take a tour of Remington’s campus. It has classes starting monthly. Remington also has many other diploma and degree programs. You can reach the admissions department at 935-5700.
The salon is open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m., appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 316-4470.
Brandon Regional Unveils New Cancer Treatment With CyberKnife
By Kathy L. Collins
Brandon Regional Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony in early March and unveiled its newest weapon in the fight against cancer, CyberKnife. Read more
Eye on Business Valrico
Sprouts Open on Lithia Pinecrest Good news for parents and children throughout the Valrico area. Sprouts, a play, music and art facility, opened recently on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., just south of the intersection of Lumsden Rd. Sprouts, which opened in the area five years ago, encountered many obstacles while attempting to move into its own freestanding building which kept the business closed for just over a year. “Sprouts is back and stronger than ever,” says Rene Vojnovic, owner and operator. “The new building is designed specifically for the children.” According to Vojnovic, the little white cottage has wall murals throughout, thanks to the work of local mural artist Ann Migowski and is designed for safe play. Classes are offered for children from 9 months to 5 years, with parent/child play-music with colorful, soft play equipment and mats for structured, fun, kid-friendly classes and art classes in a custom-made room with easels displaying the work of the world famous artists. In addition to the Mommy and Me play, music and art programs, Sprouts and Vojnovic obtained child care licensing, allowing Sprouts to offer a new Moms Morning Out each Monday. Children 3-5 years can spend the morning at Sprouts without a parent or caregiver and enjoy music, snacks and art. Sprouts’ classes are already underway. Visit www.sproutskids.com for information including schedule, fees and to register for a free trial play-music class or contact Vojnovic at 653-2233 or 393-9084. Creamery Comes to Valrico Soft serve ice cream fans keep your eyes open in the Lifestyle Family Fitness-anchored plaza at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd. According to representatives at Toppers Creamery, the soft serve ice cream franchise will be opening a location in the plaza in the next 90 days. Toppers offers high quality chocolate and vanilla soft serve with a variety of toppings to mix in. For more information, visit www.topperscreamery.com and check future issues of the Osprey Observer. Chamber Hosts Business Seminar The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar this month to help members find balance in their lives during these tough economic times. “Life Balance” is presented by Black Diamond Associates and will be held on October 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Chamber’s TECO Energy Board Room. The cost, which includes lunch, is $18 for members, $12 for Elite members, no charge for Platinum Elite members and $30 for prospective members. The following topics will be addressed in this seminar: life balance truths, balance quadrants, formula for success and closing the balance gap. To register for this Biz Ed 101 Session, contact Amy at 689-1221 or via email at abelliveau@brandon chamber.com. Space is limited. Biz Ed 101 is a professional development program of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan Association. Salon Welcomes New Stylists There are some new faces at the All Me Salon on Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Talented hair professionals Master Stylist Martie Webb, Advanced Stylist Rachel Weaver, Melissa Haynes and Joe Caglianone, who has 30 years of experience, all recently joined the team at the upscale north Brandon salon. All Me Salon is located at 1263 Kingsway Rd. and can be reached at 651-1213. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Valrico Resident Promoted at Scottrade Scottrade, a leading branch-supported online investment firm, has promoted Valrico resident Brian Courtney to manage its Tampa branch office, located downtown at 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Ste. 104. As branch manager, Courtney is responsible for branch operations, managing personnel and providing customer service. Courtney began his career at Scottrade nearly two years ago as a stock broker at the St. Petersburg branch office. He has 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. “Scottrade is focused on customer interaction,” said Courtney. “Working directly with our customers is something that I value.” As a leading online investment firm, Scottrade offers a full line of investment products, online trading services and market research tools to help investors take control of their financial future. Scottrade provides customers the convenience of buying many stocks online at just $7 per trade and the support of the largest branch network among online investment firms, with over 350 nationwide branch offices. Named Highest in Investor Satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, Scottrade is dedicated to exceptional customer service and unprecedented value. Scottrade is also one of the FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America. For more information, visit www.scottrade.com. New Market Offers Fresh Produce From handmade glass jewelry to homemade fudge, there is something for everyone at the new farmers; market, taking place on Wednesdays from 12 Noon-6 p.m. at the Lancaster’s Hydro Farm Produce stand. Vendors’ items, including organic herbs and plants, artwork, photography, pet portraits, shea butter imported from Africa and orchids will be for sale. In addition, visitors can purchase funnel cakes, popcorn, hotdogs, homemade fudge and Italian ices. The stand is located at 5329 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Dog Groomer Comes to You Does your dog get stressed out at the thought of a trip to the groomer? Then let the groomer come to you! Valrico resident Joy Simms, owner of Pampered Paws Mobile Dog Grooming, serves Brandon area dogs with services including baths, haircuts, ear cleaning and nail trimming. “Each dog is cared for one at a time, so that your pet does not sit in a cage for six to eight hours until we get around to them,” says Simms, who started her business at the age of 21. “Being in a loud, strange environment for several hours is very stressful for dogs. Our service is far less stressful. The best benefit is that you don’t have to take two trips to the groomer nor have to deal with the hassle of loading and unloading your pet.” For more information, call 562-PAWS(7297). YMCAs Challenge Corporations This year, the Brandon area YMCAs will take participants on a wild adventure full of mental and physical challenges at the 2008 Corporate Challenge: Survivor! fundraising event. Held on Friday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at YMCA Camp Cristina, a 65-acre outdoor adventure site in Riverview, the event will put teams of six–10 members from local organizations head to head in a day of healthy team-building competition. The Corporate Challenge Volunteer Planning Committee is comprised of Riverview and Brandon area community leaders, including Tanya Doran of Spacewalk of Brandon, Cathy Middleton, Russ Young of South Bay Hospital, David Van Dyke of Gevity, Tyler Niermann of Wachovia and Melissa Poague of Media General. Sponsorships are available, and team entry is $500, which includes all activities of the day, light breakfast, lunch, and a signature commemorative bandana. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Building Strong Kids Campaign, which helps make YMCA participation possible for children and families in the Brandon area regardless of their financial circumstances. For more information, call Bryan Beckham at 677-8400. Photographers Recognized Local photographers Edward Booth and Betty Huth, owners of Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery, recently received the Florida Service Award for service to the profession at the Florida Professional Photographers Annual Convention. “We both were honored to receive the Florida Service Award given for service to the profession,” says Booth. “Receiving this award in just three years is very unusual.” According to the duo, they have worked together for 18 years to create family portraits with the expectation that they will be handed down from generation to generation. “We pride ourselves in providing our clients with exceptional portraiture of families and children,” says Booth. “It’s a pleasure that we continue to strive for, that of seeking excellence in preserving precious memories.” Since moving to the area from California in July of 2005, Huth and Booth have been active members in the Riverview and Greater Brandon area communities volunteering their services to numerous charity organizations, clubs and civic centers. They are also members of the Brandon 86’ Rotary Club. The Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery is located at 11711 Nikki View Dr. in Brandon in Lake Brandon Professional Park. For more information, call 571-2100 or visit www.hbphoto.com. Hospital Welcomes New CNO “Susan Laber, RN, BSN, MHA, CHCQM, has been promoted to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Brandon Regional Hospital,” says Mike Fencel, the hospital’s chief executive officer, “replacing Cheryl Goforth who was promoted to CNO at Trident Health Systems, in Charleston, South Carolina.” Prior to assuming this role, Laber was the interim CNO for several months, as well as assistant CNO at Brandon from 2006-2008. Since her promotion, Laber and her family have relocated from the Sarasota area to FishHawk Ranch. Laber’s vision for her nursing team can be boiled down to “do what is right for patients first and inspire others to do the same thing. The opportunity lies in providing an environment where patients are the number one priority; use data to make positive changes; challenge the status quo and create a positive culture where nurses want to work.” For more information, call the hospital at 571-5105. Bonefish Grill Awarded Top Honors Consumers have voted and the results are in: Bonefish Grill has been awarded the Platinum Award in the seafood category at this year’s Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards. Platinum is the highest honor. The annual survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine and now in its 28th year, is considered a key measure of success for restaurant chains across the nation. For the 2008 awards, more than 3,100 consumers were asked to rate 120 restaurant brands on eight customer satisfaction attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience. “We are especially thrilled that this award is voted on by consumers,” says John Cooper, president of Bonefish Grill. “It means our customers appreciate the lengths we go to in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Congratulations and thanks go to our teams across the country.” Patricia Daily, Restaurants & Institutions’ publisher, says, “The R&I Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards is a people’s choice award that conveys to the industry and beyond which restaurants have earned consistent business and guest loyalty and why.” Complete survey results are available through Restaurants & Institutions magazine (www.rimag.com). For more information and sample menus from the restaurant, visit www.bonefishgrill.com. Winn Dixie Helps Hurricane Victims Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. announced recently that customers can help their neighbors affected by the 2008 hurricane season by simply donating at any neighborhood Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie is implementing its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program in all of its 521 stores as a way to assist the American Red Cross, which has seen its Disaster Relief Fund depleted after an active year of disasters. The Red Cross provided food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the communities affected by the storms that battered Florida and the Gulf Coast during the past month. Similar efforts across the country have forced the Red Cross to launch a national drive to raise $100 million to keep the Disaster Relief Fund afloat. Winn-Dixie customers will find “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” donation sheets available at all registers, where they can donate an amount between 0.50 and $500 directly to the American Red Cross. The cashier will scan the Neighbors Helping Neighbors donation sheet, which automatically adds the amount designated by the customer to the total bill. “Our neighbors face a long and difficult recovery process, and we want to do everything we can to help them,” says Terry Grooms Derreberry, Winn-Dixie manager of corporate giving. “Our hearts go out to those who were impacted by these storms.” The American Red Cross provides immediate response in more than 70,000 disasters each year through its Disaster Relief Fund. Disasters include fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Contributions to the relief fund are used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims, as needed. The Winn-Dixie in the Bloomingdale Plaza at 179 Bloomingdale Ave. can be reached at 681-7337. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.
Eye on Business Riverview October
Rita’s Water Ice Opens In Riverview
Looking for a delicious, cool treat? Then head over to Rita’s Water Ice which opened recently in Riverview. With flavors of Italian ice, which are made with fresh fruit in the store ranging from green apple and raspberry lemonade to mango and lemon, old fashioned frozen custard and layered gelatin, the franchise, owned by Riverview residents Lucio and Marleny Rodriguez, has something for everyone.
Rita’s Water Ice Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, is the largest Italian ice concept in the nation and is currently operating in 17 states with more than 500 stores.
“Rita’s signature product is its Italian ice, often referred to as water ice, which is much smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with real fresh fruit; mixed onsite in batches and served within 36 hours,” says Rodriguez, who moved with Marleny from New Jersey two years ago. “Real fruit adds dramatically to the taste of the ice, which comes in over 30 different flavors.”
Rita’s also offers cream ice, Italian ice flavors that, according to Rodriguez, are as smooth and silky as ice cream, in different flavors.
Rita’s in Riverview is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 Noon-9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 12 Noon-10 p.m. The store is located at Summerfield Square, 13149 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview.
Please call the store at 741-0ICE (0423) for directions or to learn the available flavors of the day.
Fishing Fun At Little Harbor
The popular sport fishing television and radio show, Reel Animals Fishing, which is aired weekly on NBC and Florida Sun Sports, recently filmed an episode at The Resort & Club at Little Harbor in Ruskin.
Captains Billy Nobles and Mike Anderson ventured out into Tampa Bay from one of the Little Harbor marinas and spent the morning of Wednesday, September 3 fishing for redfish, snook and trout.
While the captains fished, the film crew toured the 124-acre Resort & Club at Little Harbor, a Caribbean-style waterfront island resort and residential seaside village, complete with lush tropical landscaping, island-style hospitality and the natural wonders of a waterfront resort. Little Harbor is a full-service AAA Travel Three-Diamond resort which offers its guests a secluded beach, two restaurants, lounge, Tiki bar, tennis, marinas and a bounty of amenities.
The show airs each week in the Tampa Bay area on NBC on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and again on Sunday at 11 a.m. and on the Florida Sun Sports Network on Friday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The very popular fishing duo is also viewed regionally in 23 markets and will soon be expanding into the Canadian market. You can also listen in to captains Nobles and Anderson on ESPN radio WHBO 1470 AM on Sunday mornings or log onto www.reelanimalsfishingshow.com.
For information and reservations at the Resort & Club at Little Harbor, call 1-800-327-2773 or visit www.staylittleharbor.com.
New Manager at Self Storage Centers of America
Self Storage Centers of America recently announced the addition of Sheila Burnett as general manager for the new storage facility located at 9234 Causeway Blvd.
Burnett brings a strong real estate, accounting, sales and marketing background to the storage facility which opened in early October.
“We are excited about providing a full range of moving and storage services in a unique setting for local residents, and we are pleased that Burnett will be instrumental in the marketing and leasing for the store,” says Larry Jordan, partner of Self Storage Centers of America, Inc.
Self Storage Centers of America offers climate controlled and standard storage in a variety of sizes as well as boat, RV and vehicle storage. Additionally, a full range of boxes and quality packing supplies are available. This gated facility also features extended personalized access hours and a friendly professional staff.
For more information, call Self Storage Centers of America at 621-7867 or visit www.selfstoragecentersofamerica.com.
Storsafe Opens for Boats and RVs
Looking for somewhere to store your RV or boat? Then look no further than Storsafe, which opened recently in Gibsonton.
“Storsafe is a premier RV, boat and self storage facility,” says Marketing Manager Karin Mundt. “We found that there was a need in the area for covered, enclosed and open RV and boat storage since we have so many boaters in the area.”
According to Mundt, many residents living in communities with restrictions that do not allow storage of boats and RV use Storsafe.
Some of the features at Storsafe include 50 amp services, wash down areas, an air station and a RV dump station. The entire 20-acre facility is built to withstand hurricane strength winds and in addition to the RV and boat storage, the building offers climate controlled and non-climate controlled storage.
“We also provide the customers with moving boxes, locks and a free moving truck,” says Mundt. “We have 24/7 computerized access control for the customers and 24 hour video recorded surveillance, monthly specials, military discounts and senior citizen discount.”
Storsafe is located at 12704 S. U.S. Hwy. in Gibsonton and can be reached at 341-STOR(7867). For more information, visit www.storsafeselfstorage.com.
Triangle Resolutions, LLC Opens Doors
Triangle Resolutions, LLC and owner, Damon Dye LMHC, NCGC, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the support of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce last month for the new business hoping to help residents seeking life balance.
Dye, a licensed mental health counselor and nationally certified gambling counselor, started Triangle Resolutions, LLC in July, 2007, and recently began serving the Riverview community from his office at 10014 Park Place Ave. off Gibsonton Dr., between U.S. Hwy. 301 and I-75.
Dye has a master’s in mental health counseling and is currently pursuing his doctorate in counseling psychology. He serves as a primary referral for the Florida Council on compulsive gambling, and is board certified in clinical hypnosis to treat clients dealing with trauma. Dye also has extensive experience counseling children from the ages of 3 to 17.
Triangle Resolutions, LLC is proud to open its doors to offer discreet services for a wide variety of life challenges. Hours include evenings and weekends to accommodate all schedules. Consulting services and workshops are also available.
For more information, call 714-6107 or visit www.triangleresolutions.com.
Pulte Nears Halfway Point in Ventura Bay
Pulte Homes is almost 50 percent sold-out at Ventura Bay, its gated community at Bloomingdale Ave. and Gornto Lakes Rd.
“To date, nearly half of the 206 homes have been sold in this 20-acre community that will have 29 residential buildings when completed,” says Scott Campbell, Tampa division president. The community’s amenities – including a pool and cabana – are complete.
Prices start at $156,900 in Ventura Bay, where Pulte Homes has two furnished model homes.
The Montenero model, with 1,715 sq. ft. of living space, has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It also includes a covered, screened lanai and an attached two-car garage. Pricing starts at $175,900.
The 1,580-sq.-ft. Milan model also has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, as well as a covered, screened lanai and an attached one-car garage. It is priced from $156,900.
The Montenero features an 18-by-24-foot living-dining area with triple sliding glass doors opening to the lanai. Similarly, the Milan has a 17-by-19-foot living-dining area, also with triple sliding glass doors to the lanai.
Both designs feature three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor, and a powder bath on the first floor.
Sales are being conducted from the Ventura Bay sales center at 10286 Post Harvest Dr. Office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 12 Noon-6 p.m., Sunday. Call 627-9333 for more information.
South Bay Installs Mammography Unit
South Bay Hospital is pleased to announce the installation of a new digital mammography unit at the South Bay Hospital Outpatient Diagnostic and Rehab Center. Digital mammography produces a higher quality image than traditional mammography, during a shorter exam time for the patient.
The image produced by the digital mammography unit is a high resolution image that can be enhanced and manipulated. This means that the physician can zoom in on questionable areas and make adjustments to the image. This technology expands the ability to detect abnormalities and breast cancer in more women.
Digital mammography also allows for less time in the exam room and less time waiting on results. Since the image is instantly transferred to a computer, there is no longer the need to wait on film development. This means patients are able to get their results sooner.
“Waiting for mammography results can be very stressful,” says hospital CNO and breast cancer survivor Terrie Jefferson, RN. “Reducing that wait time for our patients while producing a higher quality image for diagnosis can help ease some of that anxiety.”
For more information about digital mammography, contact Melissa Morgan at 634-0496, or to schedule a digital mammography, call 642-8468.
Serenity Stream Empowers Women
In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness month, Serenity Stream Yoga & Wellness is beginning a Women’s Empowerment series that will continue on through 2009. Judy Shepherd, licensed clinical social worker, and Ellen MacKay, registered yoga teacher, will join together to promote health and well-being through an hour of education and group discussion and an hour of yoga.
The start-up workshop in October will focus on simplifying life, appropriately being named, “I Have Everything I’ve Ever Dreamed of but Why am I Still Not Happy?” In this workshop, participants explore why people become dissatisfied with their lives, despite the fact that they are achieving their goals and appear to be successful. This workshop helps participants develop strategies to really simplify and enjoy life. The yoga section of the workshop will involve becoming aware of and enjoying the subtleties of basic yoga postures, breath and meditation.
Monthly workshops will begin in January, featuring such topics as “Are You a Mess from Stress?”, “Relationship Check-Up,” and “Creating Joy in Your Life.” Each workshop will include an hour of related yoga postures including focus on balance, stress relief, partner yoga and strength building.
Serenity Stream Yoga & Wellness is located at 11954 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. The class will take place on October 25 from 3–5 p.m. and tuition is $35.
For more information about this workshop and other classes offered, visit www.serenitystream.com or call 368-6546.
Photographers Recognized
Local photographers Edward Booth and Betty Huth, owners of Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery, recently received the Florida Service Award for service to the profession at the Florida Professional Photographers Annual Convention.
“We both were honored to receive the Florida Service Award given for service to the profession,” says Booth. “Receiving this award in just three years is very unusual.”
According to the duo, they have worked together for 18 years to create family portraits with the expectation that they will be handed down from generation to generation.
“We pride ourselves in providing our clients with exceptional portraiture of families and children,” says Booth. “It’s a pleasure that we continue to strive for, that of seeking excellence in preserving precious memories.”
Since moving to the area from California in July of 2005, Huth and Booth have been active members in the Riverview and Greater Brandon area communities, volunteering their services to numerous charity organizations, clubs and civic centers. They are also members of the Brandon 86’ Rotary Club.
The Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery is located at 11711 Nikki View Dr. in Brandon in Lake Brandon Professional Park. For more information, call 571-2100 or visit www.hbphoto.com.
Local Hair Stylists Open New Salon
Local Hairstylists Maria Elena Martinez and Siriinthip “Tipp” Chanthamart recently opened En Vogue hair Salon in Summerfield Shoppes, located on Big Bend Rd. in Riverview across from the Summerfield Golf Course. With over 37 years of combined experience, Martinez and Chanthamart practice the newest technologies in hair, updating their clients look with the perfect color and cut. Specializing in color design and utilizing the latest techniques, they listen to their clients and can provide a full beauty makeover. Also on staff is PJ Hughes with 25 years of hair styling experience. If you desire a classic look, funky color or anything in between, En Vogue Salon will meet your needs. An exclusive Keune distributor (www.keune.com) affords for a variety of hair products to choose from. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with appointments available by calling 672-3632 or salonenvogue2@yahoo.co.m
Eye On Business
Photographers Recognized
Local photographers Edward Booth and Betty Huth, owners of Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery, recently received the Florida Service Award for service to the profession at the Florida Professional Photographers Annual Convention.
“We both were honored to receive the Florida Service Award given for service to the profession,” says Booth. “Receiving this award in just three years is very unusual.”
According to the duo, they have worked together for 18 years to create family portraits with the expectation that they will be handed down from generation to generation.
“We pride ourselves in providing our clients with exceptional portraiture of families and children,” says Booth. “It’s a pleasure that we continue to strive for, that of seeking excellence in preserving precious memories.”
Since moving to the area from California in July of 2005, Huth and Booth have been active members in the Riverview and Greater Brandon area communities volunteering their services to numerous charity organizations, clubs and civic centers. They are also members of the Brandon ‘86 Rotary Club.
The Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery is located at 11711 Nikki View Dr. in Brandon in Lake Brandon Professional Park. For more information, call 571-2100 or visit www.hbphoto.com.
Tennis Store Opens at BSAC
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) is now home to the Brandon area’s first tennis pro shop, The Tennis Shack of Florida, offering a wide variety of products for every tennis player’s needs, from apparel to custom stringing services.
According to owner Tim Plossl, the store will carry brands including apparel by Adidas and Fila and shoes by Adidas, Fila, Prince and Babolat.
For more information, call 315-9810 or visit www.mybsac.org.
New Business Brings Fun to the Streets
Valrico residents James and Josette Delaney are bringing a taste of the tropics to the Brandon area.
The Delaney’s recently opened a franchise of Kona Ice, a traveling Hawaiian Ice van offering 20 flavors of shaved ice and ice cream.
In addition to traveling through local neighborhoods, Kona Ice can be scheduled for private parties or group events.
“Kona has its most fun when they are supporting the community,” says James. “Whether you are a school, a church, or an organization looking for fundraising ideas, Kona Ice is there to help. In a time crunch, don’t worry because under the right conditions we can serve over 200 people in less than an hour.”
For more information, call 484-6595 or visit www.kona-ice.com.
A Massage and Rehab Clinic Opens in Brandon
A new clinical, medical and rehab massage clinic, A Touch of Wellness, opened its doors recently at 915 Oakfield Dr. Ste. A. and celebrated with a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 15.
“A Touch of Wellness, is a massage and rehab clinic with a softer feel which caters to the diversity that is part of what makes Brandon so great,” says Scott Robinson, L.M.T., owner. “We specialize in auto injuries, sports injuries, and any soft tissue injuries. We also offer nutrition consulting, nutritional supplements, and will be adding a chiropractor to the practice within the next 45 days.”
The practice’s two massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques from Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and Reiki to Hot Stones and Relaxation massage.
In addition to taking patients at their Brandon office, A Touch of Wellness makes outcalls for any patients not ambulatory and offers corporate accounts.
For more information, please call Robinson or Sharon Aldrich, L.M.T., M.M.P. at 689-7799.
New Store is 4Reel
With fall on the horizon, the temperatures will be just right for outdoor activities like fishing and camping and a new store, 4Reel Fishing and Camping Supplies, which opened recently in the SteinMart-anchored Lithia Crossings Plaza makes shopping for those outings a breeze.
From camping lanterns and air mattresses and fishing tackle and hooks, 4Reel has a wide variety of supplies.
“Our store carries something for every person in the family,” says Cheryl Phelps who owns the store with her husband Mike. “We have fishing and camping supplies for the most experienced to the up and coming.”
Valrico residents who grew up fishing and camping on the Alafia River, the Phelps see the Bloomingdale area as a perfect place for the store.
“The area is so family oriented as well as out going and that combination spells camping and fishing,” says Cheryl.
4Reel Fishing And Camping Supplies is located at 3430 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be reached at 651-5151. For more information, visit www.4reelfishingsupplies.com or stop by the store Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Aquali Opens In Valrico
With a wide range of services from master technicians, Aquali Salon and Spa opened recently on Erindale Dr. in Bloomingdale.
“All of our stylists are master technicians, many of whom have furthered their skills by becoming educators for product lines, including Alterna, Rusk, Sexyhair and Scruples,” says stylist Hannah McArty.
The full service salon and spa offers services including hair color, perms, relaxing techniques and hair extensions and spa services including acrylic nails, manicures, spa pedicures, facials and full body waxing.
“Aquali salon and spa is a green friendly environment,” says McArty. “Not only do we recycle, we offer coffee and fruit flavored water in glasses rather than non bio-degradable cups. We are trying hard by taking small steps to preserve our environment just as you are at home.”
Aquali Salon and Spa is located at 3652 Erindale Dr. and is open Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, call 653-3736.
Cruise Planners Offers Deals
October is National Cruise Vacation month and Sherry Leybovich ECCS, CTA, owner of Cruise Planners, is celebrating with The World’s Largest Cruise Event, offering clients values and incentives on cruise travel to the world’s top destinations.
“The World’s Largest Cruise Event is a celebration where lucky agents like me get to give the gift of great savings on cruises, and our clients are the guests of honor,” says Leybovich. “Best of all, Cruise Planners is extending what is traditionally one special night into an entire week of offers and incentives, so the gifts will keep coming from October 4 to the 10.”
According to Leybovich, a prize-a-day giveaway has been incorporated into this year’s cruise event week where clients can enter a daily contest for fabulous prizes and ultimately be entered into the week end grand prize of a free cruise.
Cruise Planners will host a cruise night on October 6 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Club located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch where clients can learn more about Cruise Planners and the new Royal Carribean Oasis of the Seas, which will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in December 2009. Representatives from the US Postal Service will be on hand to take applications for passports and to answer questions on the new regulations concerning passports. Lights refreshments will be provided by Bellafia Chocolate Boutique and Lah-Tea-Dah.
Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative national cruise agency headquartered in Coral Springs, that operates a franchised network of more than 700 experienced travel professionals who independently book cruises and other associated travel. Leybovich has also earned many personal awards and is one of the top franchisees within Cruise Planners. She is currently one of the finalists for home based business of the year through the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call at Leybovich 657-0844, or visit www.cruisesforu.com.
Hospital Welcomes New CNO
“Susan Laber, RN, BSN, MHA, CHCQM, has been promoted to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Brandon Regional Hospital,” says Mike Fencel, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, “replacing Cheryl Goforth who was promoted to CNO at Trident Health Systems, in Charleston, South Carolina.”
Prior to assuming this role, Laber was the Interim CNO for several months, as well as Assistant CNO at Brandon, from 2006-2008. Since her promotion, Laber and her family have relocated from the Sarasota area to FishHawk Ranch.
Laber’s vision for her nursing team can be boiled down to “do what is right for patients first and inspire others to do the same thing. The opportunity lies in providing an environment where patients are the number one priority; use data to make positive changes; challenge the status quo and create a positive culture where nurses want to work.”
For more information, call the hospital at 571-5105.
Bonefish Grill Awarded Top Honors
Consumers have voted and the results are in: Bonefish Grill has been awarded the Platinum Award in the seafood category at this year’s Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards. Platinum is the highest honor. The annual survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine and now in its 28th year, is considered a key measure of success for restaurant chains across the nation.
For the 2008 awards, more than 3,100 consumers were asked to rate 120 restaurant brands on eight customer satisfaction attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience.
“We are especially thrilled that this award is voted on by consumers,” says John Cooper, President of Bonefish Grill. “It means our customers appreciate the lengths we go to in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Congratulations and thanks go to our teams across the country.”
Patricia Daily, Restaurants & Institutions’ publisher, says, “The R&I Consumers’ Choice in Chains awards is a people’s choice award that conveys to the industry and beyond which restaurants have earned consistent business and guest loyalty and why.”
Complete survey results are available through Restaurants & Institutions magazine (www.rimag.com).
For more information and sample menu from the restaurant, visit www.bonefishgrill.com.
Winn-Dixie Helps Hurricane Victims
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. announced recently that customers can help their neighbors affected by the 2008 hurricane season by simply donating at any neighborhood Winn-Dixie.
Winn-Dixie is implementing its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program in all of its 521 stores as a way to assist the American Red Cross, which has seen its Disaster Relief Fund depleted after an active year of disasters.
The Red Cross provided food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the communities affected by the storms that battered Florida and the Gulf Coast during the past month. Similar efforts across the country have forced the Red Cross to launch a national drive to raise $100 million to keep the Disaster Relief Fund afloat.
Winn-Dixie customers will find “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” donation sheets available at all registers, where they can donate an amount between $0.50 and $500 directly to the American Red Cross. The cashier will scan the Neighbors Helping Neighbors donation sheet, which automatically adds the amount designated by the customer to the total bill.
“Our neighbors face a long and difficult recovery process, and we want to do everything we can to help them,” says Terry Grooms Derreberry, Winn-Dixie manager of corporate giving. “Our hearts go out to those who were impacted by these storms.”
The American Red Cross provides immediate response in more than 70,000 disasters each year through its Disaster Relief Fund. Disasters include fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. Contributions to the relief fund are used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims as needed.
The Winn-Dixie in the Bloomingdale Plaza at 179 Bloomingdale Ave. can be reached at 681-7337. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.
Melonie Hall, Brandon Regional Hospital, Committed to Community
By Derek Maul
Born: St Louis, Missouri, 1962
Raised: Freehold, New Jersey
Moved to Florida: 1978
Lake Brantley High School,
Seminole County: 1980
Florida State University: 1984
Moved to Brandon: 1988
Member: St. Andrew’s United
Methodist Church
Brandon Regional Hospital’s Melonie Hall is a self-confessed overachiever.
As director of marketing and public relations for Brandon’s biggest employer (1,600 on staff), Hall has more than enough work to keep her busy.
“I like being stretched,” she said. “I don’t like being bored.” Being stretched this year has involved co-chairing the 2008 Leadership Brandon class; board work with Camp Rotary Florida, Young Life, and the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce; extensive leadership roles at St. Andrews’ United Methodist Church and active membership with the Brandon ‘86 Rotary.
Then she sets the alarm for 4 a.m. every morning so she can work out at the YMCA at 5 a.m.
The energetic Hall has been with Brandon Regional Hospital (BRH) since October of 2007, when she left her position as The Tampa Tribune’s southeast advertising manager in order to take a new challenge in the heart of Brandon.
“I was impressed with leadership style of CEO Mike Fencel,” she said.
“I can do any job if I have a great boss, I wanted to work here in Brandon, and it felt like a calling. I’m getting to help people here.”
Helping means getting the word out. “I get to share the good news about what happens here every day,” Hall said. “Lives are being saved. They don’t see themselves as heroes but I’m truly in awe and I love to tell people those stories.”
“I think my role is educational. A key element in hospital marketing is to let people know and to help with prevention. We’ve seen an increase of people getting to hospital on time.”
BRH, she said, sees hundreds of patients every day. “We average 200 a day in the Emergency Department,” she said, “Sixty percent of those are admitted. We have 367 beds, but that will be 407 after the neuroscience floor opens in December.”
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hall spent most of her growing up years in Freehold, New Jersey. In 1978, after a year as an exchange student in Finland, she moved to Florida and graduated from Lake Brantley High School in Seminole County (1980).
“I graduated from Florida State (1984) in hospitality administration,” she said, “and found out that I loved marketing. By then I’d spent several years in guest relations with Disney.” She was hired by Club Corporation of America to work in marketing.
After four years at their Knoxville Headquarters, she moved to the regional office in Tampa, eventually helping open the Hunter’s Green Country Club.
Later, after a couple of years at home with her daughter, Hall was hired by the Tampa Tribune.
“I’ve lived in Brandon since 1988,” she said. “I love this community; I love my church; I’m here; I’m committed. I think great things are on the horizon for all of us. I love the way we rally around each other as a community.”
It’s one of the reasons she is committed to Leadership Brandon. “It’s a concentrated effort to see how we can make Brandon a better place,” she said. “You see about 30 individuals come together to learn more about community, and improve leadership skills and to contribute.”
“Relationships, networking – the community instantly becomes a better place. They make you believe anything is possible. ”
Even over-achievers have to relax. Hall says she does that by reading, baking, spending time with her family and working out at the YMCA.
And, with seven of HCA’s (Hospital Corporation of America), 170 plus facilities located in the United Kingdom, Hall is hopeful there will be some travel in her future “I love to travel,” she said, “especially Europe.”
BRH Welcomes Newest Surgeons
“More than 58 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease, and many more are at risk for developing it,” states a brochure provided by Brandon Regional Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center, drawing attention to its continued commitment and goal of providing services and patient care in the Brandon community.
There is little doubt that with more than a million suffering heart attacks each year and another 780,000 experiencing strokes, hospitals and medical centers will continue to focus on the care they currently give and are hoping to provide in the future.
It appears that BRH has done just that. With such grim statistics as well as future growth in mind, BRH was pleased to announce the strengthening of its staff having added a number of new cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons to its heart surgical unit.
An event in July welcomed the staff and included surgeons, doctors, nurses, guests and the media in order to meet Gary H. Dworkin, M.D. and Ignacio G. Duarte, M.D., both of whom will become full-time staff members of the hospital’s heart unit as well as Leah A. Teekell-Taylor, M.D., who will provide her expertise on an on–call basis at BRH.
“Brandon Regional is demonstrating a real can-do attitude of continued high quality programs which, of course, ultimately benefits the patients,” said Dworkin, who brings 17 years of experience to the center as a heart surgeon.
Duarte, with eight years of surgical experience, was also pleased with having the opportunity to be a part of BRH.
“This is a new venture for our group,” Duarte said, adding, “We have recognized the growth and the need in Brandon and are happy to offer our services.”
The “group” Duarte was talking about is CSA (Cardiac Surgical Associates), now the country’s largest private surgical practice which is currently caring for patients at three other West Florida HCA hospitals: Largo, Northside and Osceola.
While impressed by the incoming surgeons’ clinical performance, the changes they have produced and confident of the improvements their presence will bring to the hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center, Brandon Regional Hospital CEO Michael Fencel was thankful for the hard work performed by the center’s former surgeons.
“We are grateful for the services provided by them which have earned the hospital its reputation for excellence for the past six years,” Fencel said.
Fencel also explained that the hospital’s contract with CSA begins August 1, and by the end of November, all five (two on staff and three backup) surgeons will be aboard.
According to BRH Director of Cardiovascular Services Jill Benford, one of the changes benefiting the hospital as well as providing positive results for both the patients and the nurses is the training given by the new surgeons through in-services and the like which will allow patients to leave the Intensive Care Unit post surgery sooner while opening rooms for new patients in need of immediate care.
For more information about the Heart and Vascular Center at BRH, please visit www.brandonhospital.com or call 681-5551.
Around Town
Sweetbay Offers Cooking Classes
Sweetbay is now offering the “Taste the Passion Cooking Class” every second Saturday of every month from 1-2 p.m. Call 643-5564 or see the store, located at 16751 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, for more details.
Companies Unite
TRW and Associates, Inc. of Tampa is pleased to announce that it recently signed a five year, multi-million dollar agreement with Gramercy Capital Corporation (NYSE: GKK) to provide the company with project management, consulting and facilities management on all building and construction projects all while helping it conserve energy and waste. The scope of work includes overseeing approximately 11 million sq. ft. for 900 banking facilities, including branch locations for Bank of America, Wachovia and Fifth Third banks. The joint venture is slated to begin in July and marks one of TRW’s largest contracts in company history. TRW has been mindful of the environment and dedicated to “green” service since its conception in 2003.
Concert Series Continues into August
Summer is far from over, so gather up your beach blankets, chairs, friends and neighbors every Friday night through August to catch FishHawk’s Annual Summer Concert Series with performances on: August 1 featuring The GoDaddies, a current rock and dance band with just the right amount of classics thrown in. The GoDaddies possess a wide range sound with three part harmonies and a song list to be enjoyed by all; on August 8, Crystal Blue, a four-piece band that features four lead vocalists, all with distinctive styles, returns to center stage to rock out the park; on August 15, Yesterdayz, a 60s tribute band, will take residents back to the decade of peace, love and rock and roll with the popular sounds of the 1960s; on August 22, Disco Inferno, a 70s tribute band, will surely have you grooving and moving to some of the best disco songs of all time; on August 29, Revenge of the Spazmatics makes its first appearance, center stage, with popular hits from the 1980s. The Summer Concert Series is free and open to the public being held at Park Square at FishHawk Ranch, located at 16144 Churchview Dr. in Lithia, every Friday night through August beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information on scheduled performances, please visit www.fishhawkconnect.com or call 654-6360.
Village Players Perform
The Village Players present Noises Off, the brilliant, award-winning comedy by Michael Frayne. It will take place at the James McCabe Theater, located at 506 5th St. in Valrico, on August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 with all proceeds benefiting the restoration of the theater as well as future community events and programs. For more information, call 657-1834 or visit www.villageplayers.scriptmania.com.
Resident Donates Locks to Charity
Lauren Crisp, recent graduate of Newsome High School, has been letting her hair grow this last year to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. This charity uses donated hair to make wigs for women affected by cancer. Stylist Leah Almeida of Studio Tripp, located at 4340 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia Plaza, cut Crisp’s hair for the donation.
Walk Against Pediatric Cancer
The Cure Kids Cancer Challenge will be taking place on Saturday, September 13, at Park Square in FishHawk Ranch. Residents are encouraged to register at 7:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. start, choosing from the 5K Walk/Fun-Run or the One Mile Family Walk. There will be food, festivities and family fun. The event is open to the public with a $25 per entrant fee or a cost of $100 per team, up to six participants. To register, visit fastercure.org or call 269-0955 with any questions.
Palmetto Club to Host Luau
The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia, will be hosting the Tropical Island Luau on Friday, September 5, from 7-11 p.m. Tickets, costing $15 each, are to go on sale August 11. There will be hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and entertainment. For more information, contact the Osprey Club at 657-6629.
Residents Clean-up Buckhorn County Park
For five hot hours in July, 47 adults and children of the Buckhorn and Buckhorn Preserve subdivisions in Valrico volunteered their time to help clean-up the Buckhorn County Park. The joint effort was organized by the Buckhorn Homeowners Association and Buckhorn Preserve Homeowners Association. Buckhorn Park is a small eight-acre park that features a jogging trail, playground equipment, basketball court and green area. The volunteers pulled weeds, picked up trash and broken glass, sifted small debris from the playground sand, weed-wacked the fence and other areas, edged, spread two large pallets of mulch, cut tree limbs and mowed some of the areas. Jeff Mauch of the Hillsborough County Parks Department arranged to supply the mulch for the work. The volunteers celebrated their work by socializing during a hot dog barbecue picnic at 12 Noon on the work day. For more information, contact Ken Nailling, chairman of Buckhorn HOA’s Park & Security Committee, at 684-9688.
Auxiliary Donates $8,000 to Clinic
The Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary has contributed over $8,000 to the Dover Health Clinic, located at 14254 S.R. 574 in Dover, since 2000, prior to it being renamed after former Senator Tom Lee. The auxiliary has supported the Greater Brandon Community with over $750,000 in total scholarships and donations since its inception for over 31 years. The auxiliary’s main fundraising vehicle is through the two hospital gift shops, which the volunteers staff and purchase merchandise for throughout the year.
Help Stuff the Bus
The Kiwanis Clubs of Brandon and Sun City kicked off their first “Stuff the Bus” campaign today by delivering boxes to area businesses for the collection of school supplies. On August 7 from 7-8:30 a.m. residents are welcome to visit Kmart, located at 1602 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, to help fill an entire bus with school supplies which will be allocated to schools within the Brandon and South Shore areas. Drop boxes will also be located at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Sun City Chamber of Commerce, Kmart, Music Showcase and Beef O’Brady’s in the local area (Call for drop point verification). For more information, visit www.brandonkiwanis.org.
GFWC Announces Scrapbooking Event
The GFWC Brandon Jr. Woman’s Club will be holding Santa in September Scrapbooking Croportunity to benefit its annual Children’s Holiday Party for underprivileged children in the Brandon area. The event will take place on September 20 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost will be $25 which will include lunch, scrap space, snacks, a goodie bag and more. Vendors will be on hand along with classes and raffles. Any business who would like to donate a raffle prize will be advertised the day of the event. To register or donate an item, please contact Becky Goble at agoble@aol.com or 651-9333.
Leadership Brandon Alumni Night
On August 15, from 6:30-11:30 p.m. the Leadership Brandon Alumni Ninth Annual Casino Night will be held at the Palmetto Club located in FishHawk Ranch at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia. Tickets are on sale for $30. For more information, call Aubrey Primrose at 244-5525 or by e-mail at aprimrose@sptimes.com or call Miranda Avecillas at 765-1021 or by e-mail at Miranda.avecillas@wachovia.com.
Local Troop Visits New Mexico
In June, Troop 610 of Lithia visited Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. According to Troop Leader Peter Williams, Philmont has enormous mountains, the likes of which never seen in Florida. There are towering pines and thick copses of aspens, trickling streams, and a brilliant blue sky. Out at Philmont, one can see the stars undiluted by any city lights, shining in all their glory. On Mount Baldy’s peak, which is 12,441 feet above sea level, one can see the entire camp in its glory, stretching out in thick forests and diamond sheets of water. Along with the view from Baldy, the troop hiked about 80 miles in 11 days, usually gaining about 200 feet of elevation every day. Most days, while hiking, the troop would have Philmont programming, which entailed tomahawk throwing, branding, lassoing, tree climbing, a challenge course including a line of tire swings and a climbing wall, rock climbing, repelling and horseback riding. The troop saw the top of Tooth of Time, deep valleys, babbling streams, and many incredible animals. There were bears, rattlesnakes, chipmunks, mule deer and mountain lions. Then there was Felipe Alajandro Cortez. Felipe was the troop’s burro for three days, but it seemed much longer. He never really wanted his saddle, so he was prone to take off down the road. He also dragged two of his handlers in his sprints and kicked three people. One day at a staff camp, a kitten spooked him, causing him to chase the entire staff onto their porch. Overall, the troop found Felipe to be a lovely addition to the group. The group delighted in the exquisite adventure it took part in. For more information, visit www.troop610.net.
Girl Scouts Promotes New Program
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida assumed the lead role for the Florida Girls Collaborative Project (FGCP), a project that informs and motivates girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields. The FGCP offers a number of resources for collaborating partners to implement STEM programs for girls and young women across the state and brings together leading organizations to share resources and collaborate on future STEM projects. This year, the FGCP will host its annual conference at the University of Central Florida’s Student Union in Orlando. The conference, held on Friday, October 10, will bring together lead organizations from across the state to learn more about mini-grant funding, successful STEM projects, evaluation methods and networking. To find out more, contact GSWCF Director of Program Services Amy Foster at afoster@gswcf.org or (800) 881-4475, ext. 210 or at 262-1764. Those interested in learning more about the programs can visit www.ngcproject.org/directory.
League Unveils Fall Season
The FishHawk Youth Baseball League will host a fall baseball season at the new FishHawk Sports Complex from September 2-November 22. Registration will be held at the complex’s concession building on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, August 21, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for the FishHawk Youth Baseball League as well as the Miss Tampa Bay Softball League. On Wednesday, August 27, from 6-9 p.m. only registration for baseball will be held. The fees are $65 for T-Ball, $85 for Rookie/Minor Divisions and $105 for Major/Junior Divisions (with paid umpire). The team will have a football friendly schedule. For more information, please log onto www.fishhawksports.org or e-mail vintille@aol.com.
Rookies Holds Tryouts
Rookies Academy will be holding tryouts for boys ages 8-14 for the Seminoles AAU Baseball Teams. Tryouts will begin on Saturday, August 2. The team is located in the Brandon area. Also, Rookies Academy will start taking registration for after-school programs starting at the beginning of the new school year. It will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. If interested, please call 857-2847 for times and place. For more information, visit www.rookies-bsa.com.
BSAC Offers Free VPK
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center Academy of Early Learning, located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon, is offering free VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten). All children who turn age 4 by September 1, 2008 are eligible. The VPK program at the BSAC Academy of Early Learning addresses all aspects of your child’s cognitive, socio-emotional and physical development. It has four available options to suit your family’ busy schedule: 8-9 a.m.-Early Drop off; 9 a.m.–12 Noon-VPK; 12 Noon–2:30 pm-Lunch & Longer; and 2:30–6:30 p.m.-All Stars Program. Or choose all four. Space is limited, so register today. Contact Kim Dearth at 689-0908 or at kdearth@mybsac.org for more information.
Dinner & a Show at Little Harbor
Death Bemoans Her will be performed on Thursday, August 7, from 6-10 p.m. at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor located at 611 Destiny Dr. in Ruskin. The cost is $50 per person which includes dinner and drinks. Get your team together and solve the mystery of the murder at the special meeting of the Gazillionaire Girls Group. Proceeds from this event go to the Ruskin Honorary Mayor Campaign of Mary Ann Wilhelm, president of Wilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning. Charities benefiting from this campaign are the Scholarship Fund of the SouthShore Charter Chapter ABWA and Deputy’s Darlin’s. For more information, call 645-3291.
Young Writer’s Workshop Announced
A fun, fabulous and free workshop for aspiring writers ages 11-18 is offered by creative writing instructor and author of nine books, Debora M. Coty. Come and laugh while you learn. The Young Writer’s Workshop will be from 10 a.m.- 12 Noon on Saturday, August 9 at the Brandon Barnes & Noble bookstore in Brandon. For more information, call 681-7516 or e-mail dcoty@earthlink.net.
Paint at Center Place
Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon, is offering the Art of Acrylic Painting with instructor Harvey Berman. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students will be introduced to the application of color by the use of palette knifes, brushes and the methods of glazing. Subject matter will be either by instructors’ choice or students’ preference. Subject matter can be either landscapes, still life or seascapes. Students will also be introduced to the basics of painting portraits as the sessions progress. The supply list will be provided. The class runs through August 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The fee for members is $40 while non-members pay $50. Another class will run through September 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 1-3 p.m. The fee for members is $40 while non-members pay $50. For more information, call 685-8888.
Boating Safety and Seamanship Course
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 74 of Brandon, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave. in front of J.C. Handley Park, will be offering a Boating Safety and Seaman (BS&S) course in the Brandon area designed to help the new and average boater improve on their skills and knowledge to be a safer recreational boater. The BS&S course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Lab Administrators. Successfully completing the course with a passing grade qualifies the participant to become eligible for a state issued boating education ID card. Many insurance companies offer boat insurance discounts. The fee is $50 (and only $45 for each additional family member) which includes materials. The presentation will be held Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. beginning August 11 for nine weeks, not including Labor Day. To pre-register, call 1-800-704-4216 or go to www.cgaux74.org. The Flotilla also offers free Vessel Safety Checks the first and third Saturdays of every month at Williams Park in Riverview at the boat ramp on the Alafia River. For information, contact Robert Lowry at 685-3130.
BSAC Offers New Program
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center will kick off its new Kaleidoscope Home School Program with an open house on Tuesday, August 5 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon and from 5-7 p.m. Home school parents and children will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet program coaches. The program begins Tuesday, September 2 and runs from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Registered students will experience swimming, diving, gymnastics, martial arts, self defense, tennis, track and field and arts and crafts. The first session ends December 9, and all students will receive a certificate of completion for their home school portfolios. For more information, please call 689-0908.
Judge Ok’s Bid For New Hospital
Southern Hillsborough County may be one step closer to getting a new St. Joseph’s Hospital on Big Bend Rd. located in Gibsonton.
An administrative law judge has recommended that the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) approve St. Joseph’s request to build a new, 90-bed satellite hospital on Big Bend Rd., about a mile east of I-75.
According to President and Chief Executive Officer Isaac Mallah, existing hospitals in the area are overcrowded and the population continues to grow.
In 2005, St. Joseph’s filed its first certificate of need application asking the State for approval to build a new hospital. The request was denied, but St. Joseph’s appealed the decision, requesting an administrative hearing that was held last fall. After hearing directly from representatives of St. Joseph’s and their opponents, the judge determined there is a need for an additional hospital based on population growth, hospital capacity and service needs. It also was noted that “an additional hospital would afford patients with another choice of provider in the southeastern portion of the County.”
“We want to build a new, high-quality hospital for this community,” said Mallah. “This is definitely a step in the right direction for the future of health care in southern Hillsborough County.”
Historically, AHCA supports a judge’s recommendation, indicated Mallah.
“We are hopeful AHCA will agree with the judge and approve the application because it is the right thing to do for the community,” said Mallah. A final order from AHCA could come later this summer.
Regardless of the outcome, St. Joseph’s Hospital officials will be back before a judge in February 2009 discussing a second CON filed by the hospital in October 2007. That request for St. Joseph’s Hospital to bring a new facility to Big Bend Rd. was denied; instead, the state approved the relocation of a hospital from Sun City Center to Big Bend Rd.
“It is our hope that we will go into the next hearing with AHCA’s final approval to build our hospital,” said Mallah. “That would make it unnecessary for South Bay Hospital to move from Sun City Center to Big Bend Rd.”
For more information, contact Lisa Patterson at 554-8134.
