Osprey Observer Inc. Purchases Christian Voice Monthly
In February, Osprey Observer, Inc. the parent company of the Osprey Observer Community Newspapers completed the purchase of the 11-year-old East Hillsborough Christian Voice. The Christian Voice, published locally by Matt and Tammie Seifter, has been covering local Christian news for 11 years. Read more
Community Ready For Annual Road Race
“It is our race, and we take pride in it. That is why it is so successful,” said FishHawk resident and Hit the Trails Running Gear owner Steve Dunn as he talked about the 12th Annual Road Race. Read more
Palmer House Gears Up For Holiday Season
The Palmer House Bed and Breakfast in Lithia is ready to cater to your holiday guests. Gail Palmer, owner of the Palmer House, said that she would like to thank the community for another great year and for its love, support and encouragement. Even in tough times like these, she said that the Palmer House is still a thriving business. “We have a lot of repeat customers,” she said. Palmer said Palmer House caters to locals, out of town guests, weddings, baby showers, holiday parties and more. Palmer House is located at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd. in Lithia and is described as having a “country feeling.” Each Suite is decorated with a different theme: suite memories, spring garden, southern cabin, suite memories and country morning. Palmer House and all of its suites are currently decorated for the holidays, with a tree in each suite and a larger tree in the grand room. Palmer says her most popular room is also the newest, Suite Memories. It has been open for about a year, she said. Activities that Palmer offers include horseback riding and canoeing. Upcoming holiday activities at Palmer House include a Christmas Tea with Joa Jane of Lah-Tea-Dah. The tea will be held at Palmer house on December 14 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25, with tax and tip included and are available through Lah-Tea-Dah. Tickets are not available at the door. To order your tickets, please call Jane with Lah-Tea-Dah at 326-4921. Next year, Palmer said she plans to start doing mystery dinners, couple’s retreats, network events, a wellness weekend with RobZFitness and financial coaching to be called “Romance and Finance” with Mike Larkin with Larkin Finance. Palmer also puts out a newsletter with specials in it every month. She said she will have specials in the newsletters for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, football packages for football season and more. “Basically we will have a new special every month,” she said. Palmer is active in the community, being a member of the FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG). She said she also gives back to the community by providing gift certificates to Palmer House for any event, like silent auctions. “We are always willing to give to charitable organizations because giving is better than receiving,” she said. She said that her and her husband would like to wish the community a blessed Christmas; “We’re successful because of you,” she said. She would also like to personally thank the Osprey Observer and Marie Gilmore for their outpouring in the community. She said she is also very excited about the shop local campaign and supports and pledges to shop local. For more information on the Palmer House and its upcoming events or to book a room, call Palmer at 654-0961 or visit the Website at www.palmer-house.com.
Lithia Pinecrest Road Widening Public Meeting Draws Crowds
Hundreds attended a recent public meeting concerning the proposed widening of approximately an 11 mile section of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. from its current two travel lane roadway to a six travel lane roadway, affecting the Brandon, Bloomingdale and Lithia communities from S.R. 60 in Brandon to C.R. 39. Read more
Local Moms Roll For A Cure
“An estimated 138,530 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2008,” reads the Website of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, inspiring the MOMS Club of Lithia to continue the fight, hosting the Fourth Annual Roll for a Cure.
Taking place on Thursday, November 20, at the Palmetto Club, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch, Roll for a Cure will be “a night of fun, food, prizes and bunko,” according to Terri Fischer, president of the MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, which is working in conjunction with the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek to host the event. The two groups were once one, having dispersed into two due to growth, and both felt the effects of lymphoma first-hand as they watched one of their own pass away from the disease, forging the conception of Roll for a Cure.
Residents will wine and dine on appetizers, desserts and a cash bar with a DJ on-hand to dole out the tunes and $2 and $5 raffle tickets will be available for purchase to win prizes. With last year’s event welcoming 130 residents and raising $8,500, the group is hoping for a turnout of 100 this year. “Our goal is to beat our amount raised last year, but we will be excited about any amount raised since all the proceeds from the evening go directly to benefit the amazing charity,” says Committee Chair Danielle Triplett of the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for Roll for a Cure, with games beginning at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in donating to a good cause can play bunko for $20. Sponsors of the event include: www.mountaincabinbythelake.com, Family Medical Care of Riverview, Superior Autobody in St. Petersburg, It’s Personal-Seriously Adorable Personalized Artwork, the Bank of Tampa as well as donations from sponsors such as Alycia Alverez Photography, RobZFitness, Studio 1 to1, Lowery Park Zoo, Stonewood Grill and Tavern and many more.
If you are a business owner and would like to make a donation to be incorporated within the prize baskets, need more information or would like to find out more about the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek, please contact Triplett at 294-0405 or visit www.rollforacure.info. To learn more MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, call Fischer at 654-9988. To inquire about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
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.
Bleu Donates Special Day For Victim
There has been a recent outpouring of support from the community for the East Bay High School student who was attacked at Bloomingdale Library in April. Read more
FishHawk Business Column September 2008
Arby’s coming to FishHawk Corridor
Arby’s has a new location under construction in front of the Tire’s Choice on FishHawk Blvd. The project is being built by Titan Development.
New Mailbox Store in FishHawk
FishHawk area residents now have a new option for all their shipping needs. The Postal Shop opened last month at 5668 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in the Publix at FishHawk Plaza offering shipping through FedEx, DHL, UPS and the United States Postal Service and other services, including key cutting, passport photographs, photocopies and a notary.
Owner Tim Kronenwetter, an Apollo Beach resident, adds, “We also carry a lot of neat retail items and offer gift wrapping.”
In addition, the store has high speed Internet and computer time rental, mail forwarding and fax services.
Kronenwetter is looking forward to the store becoming an important part of the FishHawk community. “It is a great area that continues to grow,” he says. “Everyone I have met has been so pleasant.”
For more information, call the store at 661-5668 or e-mail postalshop@verizon.net. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
New Vet and More in Plaza
“Our Shopping Center at FishHawk Blvd. and Osprey Ridge Dr. has opened to much success,” says Barclay Group Leasing Agent Matt Fuller.
According to Fuller, an animal clinic will join the current tenants, which include All Stars Italian American Grill, Exit Realty, After Image Salon, Tippy Toes Nails and Spa and DaSilva’s Coffee, this month.
Paw Prints Animal Clinic is currently under construction in the plaza and is scheduled to open soon with veterinarian care.
“We still have three small spaces available, each approximately 1,500 sq. ft.,” says Fuller.
For further leasing information, contact Fuller at 727-733-7585, ext. 324.
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 Stein-Mart-anchored Lithia Crossings Plaza making 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 outgoing 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.
Dog Gone Holistic Events
On September 6, Dog Gone Holistic, located at 5620 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia, will hold a Cat Call Adoption Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Also on September 27, the business will offer a Holistic Pet Nutrition Seminar held by Dr. Frances (Lea) E. Baker, DVM. It is a two-hour, free seminar from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It is free to attendees with a minimum donation of $10 for a local pet rescue group to secure a seat. Sign-up and donation suggested.
Please call 651-0842 or visit www.doggoneholistic.biz for more information.
Victoria’s Hosts Open House
School of Dance Holds Open House Victoria’s School of Dance, now located at 11958 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, will hold its Open House on September 20, Saturday, 1-4 p.m. within the Boyette Executive Center. Entertainment will be provided by the Spectrum Dance Team. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be for sale with 50 percent of food sales being donated to an organization still to be chosen. For more information, call 661-1172 or visit www.VSOD.net.
Park Square Holds Wine Fest
Park Square Cellar, located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia, is holding its Third Annual Fall Wine Fest through Friday, September 12, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, September 13, from 1-6 p.m. and Sunday, September 14, from 1-6 p.m. There will be live entertainment, light hors d’oeuvres from Fireside Grille, complimentary wine tasting featuring over 100 wines and more.
For more information, call 689-4560 or visit www.parksquarecellar.com.
Chick-fil-A Offers a Night Out with the Family
The newly revamped Chick-fil-A of Lake Brandon Village, located at 11325 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon, will continue to host “Kid’s Eat Free” nights on Tuesday nights from 5-10 p.m. with the purchase of a combo meal. There are activities for children from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with local businesses providing activities every second Tuesday of the month. Starting Thursday, September 4, from 5-8 p.m. the restaurant will also be offering monthly themed nights for children and their parents kicking off with an “Under the Sea” theme. There will be free face painting Diane’s Funny Faces as well as giveaways. Also, children can partake of free mermaid cake and bubbles and are encouraged to dress for the theme. A “Princess and Pirate” theme night is scheduled for Thursday, October 16.
For more information, call 655-1237 or visit www.chick-fil-a.com/lakebrandonvillage.
Carvel Hosts National Customer Appreciation Day
In May, Carvel successfully launched its new frozen beverage line with a Happy Hour event which resulted in locations system-wide giving away over 97,000 Arctic Blenders and Blended Coffees. The company had a very successful summer and has no one other to thank but its loyal guests. For that, Carvel is saying thank you by throwing a Nation-wide Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 20, from 12 Noon–5 p.m. Every guest that comes into the store within this time frame can purchase a small soft serve ice cream cone for $0.59. This is close to an 80 percent savings off the regular price. Additionally, every guest that comes in will receive a free Lil’ Rounder novelty.
Carvel, located at 117 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, can be contacted at 571-7841.
Curves Holds Open House
Residents are invited to come out to Curves’ Lithia location on Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to see what the women’s fitness center has to offer.
In addition to special offers, entertainment and products from local vendors, a special sign-up discount of 66 percent will be offered to anyone who signs up for one year during the open house.
Curves of Lithia is located at 5618 FishHawk Crossing Blvd., in the Publix at FishHawk plaza. Owner Nancy Marc, RN, MSN, can be reached at 413-8500 for additional information.
Avena Celebrates Anniversary
On Friday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m., residents are invited to celebrate one year of success for Avena Hair Studio with a Silpada Jewelry party.
The celebration, which will be held at the salon, located in the River Hills Plaza at 4379 Lynx Paw Trl., will also feature refreshments, including cheese and wine, raffles and an opportunity for residents to become familiar with the salon and everything it has to offer.
For more information, call the salon at 655-6404.
Storage Facility Opens
Crosstown Stor-N-More Self Storage, LLC, a family owned and operated company, opened its doors in July to a brand new, seven-acre facility housing more than 750 units. In business for more than eight years in other areas, Stor-N-More is excited to open its newest location in Brandon.
Climate controlled and non-climate controlled units, a state-of-the-art security system and RV and boat parking are just a few of the many amenities and services offered. Free truck usage is included with all move-ins.
Stor-N-More is located at 1505 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., just one block north of the Crosstown Expressway. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
For more information, call 627-8559.
New Office Suites Available
Crosstown Executive Suites at Stor-N-More, located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 301 and the Crosstown Expressway, is open with great locations to operate your business.
With furnished or unfurnished offices available, flexible lease terms and full administrative and receptionist services are available.
“Whether you need a permanent office space or just a place to meet with clients, we can suit your business needs and your budget,” says representative Erin Williams.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Williams at 626-0673.
Cruise On A Budget
FishHawk resident Dan Rondeau wants to help you have the vacation of your dreams this year. Rondeau recently opened www.1CheapCruise.com, a Website dedicated to finding the best deals on cruise vacations.
“My company is challenging the big boys in the online cruise market,” says Rondeau. “I cater to the cruise passenger that knows exactly what they want and reward them for their experience.”
Rondeau, who has more than 21 years of experience in the travel business, negotiates every sale for the customer and saves them time and money.
For more information, call 651-9727 or e-mail sales@1cheapcruise.com.
TechPlayZone Hosts Imagine Tomorrow
TechPlayZone, a popular science and technology center for children located on Boyette Rd., is joining forces with Imagine Tomorrow to offer an eight-week session of classes for children starting Monday, September 8.
Imagine Tomorrow is a nationally recognized curriculum established in 1991 offering classes to students ages 2-7 years, aimed at expanding their understanding of sophisticated technology in a fun manner.
“Every class brings new experiences designed to teach young students how to think creatively, express their ideas and apply the skills they are learning to solve problems and accomplish their goals,” says Brandi Hopper, Imagine Tomorrow representative. “This unique approach takes fundamental literacy concepts and brings them to life for children by immersing them in a story where they get to become the main character.”
According to Hopper, every class combines interactive video and software in a proprietary format that allows children to work at their own pace in a group setting.
“Created to incorporate core literacy and technology concepts, this program is designed to prepare all young children with the skills necessary to succeed in their future,” she adds.
For more information, contact Hopper at 404-1811 or e-mail puterbugs2@yahoo.com. For more information on TechPlayZone, visit www.techplayzone.com.
Resident Installs Solar Screens
A trip to visit his sister in New Mexico brought about a new way of life for FishHawk resident Kevin Sanders. After noticing the solar shields on his sister’s windows and how they helped save her money on air conditioning and heating bills, Sanders decided to bring the concept to the Brandon area and opened SUN BLOCK Screens of Florida, LLC.
According to Sanders, the screens block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat before it hits the glass, reducing the interior room temperature up to 15 degrees and can also cut air conditioning bills by up to 50 percent.
“During the daytime, your neighbors cannot see into your house, but you can see out. The screens actually allow 75-80 percent of the natural light into the room so you do not have to close your blinds or curtains during the day; but at night your neighbors can see in, so make sure you keep your blinds for nighttime privacy,” says Sanders, who runs the company with his son Shaun.
For more information and a free estimate, call 690-4637 or visit www.sunblockscreens.com.
Salon Thanks Clients and Offers New Services
Ambiance Salon and Spa is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Party and Open House on Friday, September 12, from 4–8 p.m.
According to owner Inna Konyayeva, residents are invited to the spa, located in FishHawk Ranch’s Park Square, to meet the staff and sample exciting new products and services which include Brazilian keratin hair straightening treatments and cupping massage, a modern adaption of the ancient art of Chinese cupping therapy.
“Guests will enjoy complimentary hair styling and consultations, nail treatments, skin evaluations, microdermabrasion skin treatment samplings, chair massages, mineral makeup makeovers and much more, says Konyayeva. “It is a wonderful opportunity for Ambiance Salon and Spa to open its doors to new guests as well as to give back and thank their clients for continuous support.”
The event will also feature wine, hors d’oeuvres, prizes and product samples.
For more information, call 657-6000 or visit the salon at 16132 Churchview Dr.
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 such as hair color, perms, relaxing techniques and hair extensions and spa services which include 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 661-1414.
New Team Member and More at Integrative Health Solutions
The summer brought some exciting changes to Integrative Health Solutions, formally Family Care Chiropractic, located in the River Hills Plaza.
“We changed the name to reflect the fact that chiropractic is just a component of the evidence-based, non-surgical health care services that we offer,” says Practice Director Dr. Nicholas Cammarata. “Other services offered include massage therapy, soft-tissue mobilization, rehabilitation and nutritional counseling. In our experience, we have found that integrating these approaches often creates a synergy that leads to better results.”
“We have also brought in an exciting, new, FDA-approved technology for pain relief: Class IV laser therapy,” says Nicholas. “It is fast and painless, and it has applications for many different musculoskeletal conditions.”
In addition, Dr. Andrea Cammarata, Nicholas’ wife, recently joined the staff, having graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2006. As a native of Valrico, she hoped to return to the area and offer this healing art to her hometown community. Now she is able to do just that, treating patients on Monday and Wednesday afternoons by appointment.
Mother to 19-month-old daughter Mia, Andrea treats all ages, and she especially enjoys working with pregnant moms who need natural forms of pain relief.
Hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–12 Noon and 3–8 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.–12 Noon and 3–6 p.m. and Saturday, by appointment.
For more information, visit the office at 4341 Lynx Paw Dr., the Website at www.integrate4health.com or call 868-1138.
Center Has Entertainment for the Whole Family
Looking for a fun location for a family outing? K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt opened recently on Bloomingdale Ave., offering a Playstation 3 gaming center in addition to an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Owned by John Tierney, the center is available for birthday parties in a private room, with three different packages available, and offers drinks and light refreshments.
Children under 3 years play for free.
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt is located at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon-6 p.m. Call 315-9813 for more information.
Free Listings Available
EZ Choice MLS is now offering a free MLS listing for all FishHawk residents. The listing will be good for 90 days with the promotion ending September 30.
Go to www.ezchoicemls.com and use promo code 150pC upon checkout for your free listing, or you can contact EZ Choice MLS at 653-9676 or info@ezchoicemls.com with any questions.
RobZFitness Opens Bootcamps To Public
As the most experienced and proven personal training studio in the Brandon/FishHawk area, RobZFitness continues to create effective ways that allow it to focus on client’s, now offering boot camps throughout the fall that are open to the public.
Rob Zulkoski, owner of RobZFitness said, “I really want to let everyone know that these classes are open to the public. Many people believe you have to be a RobZFitness member to join. You don’t. My boot camp classes are open for everyone.”
The four-week classes are just $189 and are designed to deliver results no matter what your level of fitness, be it beginner or experienced. Through fast paced, interval style training, each participant is motivated in the outdoor environment to excel beyond his/her current level of fitness.
Each 45-minute session includes a powerhouse of drills, relays, balance work, ball work, core training, agility training, resistance training, weight work and dynamic team work/team building exercises designed to surprise, motivate and inspire clients.
Zulkoski said that at RobZFitness, “We believe that we bring a higher education and years of experience to our boot camps. We are looking to always create effective ways to challenge people and this boot camp is just another way to change people’s lives for living a healthier life.”
By joining RobZFitness for an invigorating four-week program, you will increase your daily energy, drop pounds, lose inches, build long, lean muscles, decrease the middle bulge, trim your hips, shape your bottom, gain noticeable strength, endurance and overall stamina, all while adding flexibility and grace to your everyday movement. “You will see a firmer, shapelier, much livelier you in just four weeks,” Zulkoski said.
Zulkoski said that his Boot Camps are different from a regular workout or personal training session for the following reasons: “First of all, the workouts are outdoors in the open air. Studies show that your body burns more calories while exercising outdoors in a warmer environment than indoors in a controlled environment,” he said. RobZFitness boot camp training sessions are with a group of people trying to attain the same goals. “Studies also show that working out with a buddy or a friend is more productive, exciting and fun. You have the accountability factor that others hold you accountable to.”
“While we would love to be a ‘one size fits all’ program, success in our boot camp relies on a participant’s ability to utilize basic physical mobility,” Zulkoski said. “This implies continued capability to move from standing exercises to sitting exercises with relative ease and to either walk or run without difficulty.”
Those with serious chronic illness or ongoing physical ailments of the low back or knee joints may not be a good fit.
Dates for boot camps, which are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, are as follows: Fall Session two from September 23 – October 16, Session three from October 28 – November 20 and Session four from December 2 – December 23 with a special December 20 class at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
The 45-minute long boot camp sessions are held early at 5 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in front of the RobZFitness studio, located at 3438 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico in the Lithia Crossings Shopping Center and at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the FishHawk Sports Complex soccer field’s.
Cost for the RobZFitness Boot Camp is $189. Class size will be limited. No refunds will be allowed. For more information, call RobZFitness at 571-3700 or www.RobZFitness.com to register.
