12-10 wcnn 1-40 web

However, Pasco County chief proj-ect manager Bob Shepherd tells us thata new contract has been awarded forthe job, and work is scheduled toresume within the next week.

“At this point, there are approxi-mately 20-25 days worth of work to bedone,” Shepherd says. “That includeslaying down some additional asphalt,doing the final striping and installingtraffic signals at Mansfield and MeadowPointe boulevards.”

Shepherd says that there also aresome problems that need to beaddressed with some of the under-ground utility work that was performedby WDG, which, along with someother final touches, mean that the road-way won’t be entirely finished until Jan-uary 2011, but he says that the agree-

ment with new contractor Ripa & Asso-ciates includes a scheduled opening dateof August 2.

That is especially important, hesays, because with construction workgetting under way on the widening ofS.R. 54 between C.R. 581 (Bruce B.Downs Blvd., BBD), the county wantsS.R. 56 to be available for drivers whowould like to be able to bypass thatroadwork.

“We really need that link,” Shep-herd says.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com 1

Volume 18Issue 12

June 5, 2010NEWS

WESLEY CHAPEL

The Direct-Mail Newspaper Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Since 1993!

WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge • Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg

NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key • K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • West Meadows

THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO:

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS &SPORTS UPDATES

Incidents & Accidents In The News, A Variety Of Local Business Features,

WRH Crowns A State Pole Vault Champ& Much More!

See pages 3-22!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Check Out Our Exclusive Summer CampGuide, A Review Of The New Super Buffet

Restaurant, Lots Of ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’ & More!

See pages 23-40!

Also Inside This Issue!

Inside:Our Exclusive

Summer Camp Guide!In Neighborhood Magazine!

Wiregrass Ranch Moving Towards A ‘World Of Possibilities’By Michael Smith

Just a few years ago, there was verylittle to see on the 5,000-acre WiregrassRanch site, which occupies almost theentire area along the east side of BruceB. Downs Blvd. (BBD, or CR/SR 581)between State Roads 54 and 56, asidefrom a few dozen cattle that were thelast of the herd that used to roam theproperty when it was a working ranchowned by the Porter family.

Although they were reportedlyhounded for years by eager developersoffering huge sums of money, the fami-ly refused to sell the land, waiting forthe right developer and the right dealto come along to match their vision forthe property that had been their homefor decades. Then, in the early 2000s,the family finally settled upon a planthat would eventually bring thousandsof homes, retail stores, restaurants,schools, offices and recreational facilitiesto the site — and it looked like thePorter family’s vision was finally on thepath to fruition.

First came the JC Penney depart-ment store, which opened in 2005 asthe cornerstone of what would becomethe Shops of Wiregrass mall, whichitself opened with great fanfare in 2008.Two new public schools also opened,Dr. John Long Middle School andWiregrass Ranch High, on propertydonated to the Pasco County SchoolDistrict by the Porter family, which alsohas donated land for a professional ten-nis center and a branch campus ofPasco-Hernando Community College(PHCC).

Meanwhile, builder Pulte Homesalso signed on in 2004 as the masterdeveloper of the residential portion ofthe project, unveiling plans for severaldifferent communities (to be built bydifferent Pulte homebuilding divisions)on the site, and other entities joined inas well, bringing along plans for an 80-bed hospital, additional retail and more.

Despite all of those ambitiousplans, however, progress has been slowin coming, thanks to a variety of issuesand obstacles that have arisen along the

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Dated MaterialPlease Rush!

See “S.R. 56” on page 5.

By Michael Smith

Stop me if you’ve heard this before(and I know that you have), but PascoCounty officials have once againannounced a new schedule for theopening of the long-awaited S.R. 56eastward extension from MansfieldBlvd. to Meadow Pointe Blvd. that will

allow drivers to begin using the road-way by early August.

Earlier announcements of theopening of the extension had to berevised after the original contractor,WDG Construction, Inc., abruptlyabandoned the project when the com-pany went out of business, leaving offi-cials to search for a replacement.

State Road 56 Extension To Open To Meadow Pointe Blvd. By Aug.

way, such as when Pulte pulled out ofthe project last year because of thedownturn in the real estate market.

But, there have been some signifi-cant developments over the past coupleof months that could clear the way forthe project to get back on track muchsooner than was previously expected.

PHCC Under WayPHCC Under WayFor instance, on April 10, officials

with PHCC held a ceremony to mark

the site of their new campus, which willbe located on 60 acres of land nearWiregrass Ranch High. College officialssaid that they hope to break ground onthe facility, which will be called thePorter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, inearly 2012, and to open it to studentsin the fall of 2013.

State Rep. Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) also helped the college

See “Wiregrass” on page 6.

This sign on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. says a PHCC campus is coming to Wiregrass by 2014.

2 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 12 • June 5, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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I drive the WesleyChapel area at least a fewdays of each work week,

stopping in to chat with the businessowners. Similar to what’s happeningwith the widening of Bruce B. DownsBlvd. (both north and south of thePasco/Hillsborough county line), arecurring theme of most of my conver-sations with the merchants locatedalong S.R./C.R. 54 (on both sides of I-75) is how the concurrent widening ofBBD, I-75 and S.R./C.R. 54 is affect-ing their respective businesses. And thenews, to be honest, isn’t very good.

In the type of down global econo-my we’re experiencing, with entirecountries on the verge of bankruptcy,the news isn’t all good, even with theU.S. economy apparently coming outof its recent recession. But, making analready untenable traffic situation alongS.R. 54 in particular even worse (untilsometime in 2012) is really wreakinghavoc with anyone trying to run a busi-ness in that area.

For example, Sonny’s BBQ owners(and New Tampa residents) Jim andChristina Hoff recently completed amajor renovation to their popular eatery(located on an outparcel of the Publix-anchored Hollybrook Plaza at the inter-section of S.R. 54 and BBD), whichincluded opening a full-service bar (aSonny’s chain prototype) inside therevamped restaurant (see page 32).

But, the fact the drive-by traffichas slowed significantly on both BBDand 54, Jim says that hasn’t translatedinto many more people stopping in tocheck out the beautiful new bar or themuch prettier interior inside Sonny’s.

It’s even tougher on Skinny’sSports Bar owners Ken Santo andBucky Wolden. Even though Skinny’s islocated west of I-75 (as is Santo’s Ital-ian Grill, which Santo also owns), wherethere currently isn’t any constructiongoing on, Santo says the nightly closingof the I-75 bridge over S.R. 54, whichwas scheduled to continue into the firstweek of June, “has really hurt us. Theydon’t close the bridge until 9 or 10 atnight, when most of the businessesalong 54 are closed or closing, but atthat time, Skinny’s is usually just heat-ing up. Even though we moved to alarger location [in the same Pinebrookat The Grove plaza on 54], no onewants to negotiate that detour (eithernorth to S.R. 52 or south to S.R. 56)to come here.”

It’s the same no matter where youlook along 54, whether the businessesare day or nighttime-oriented. Thenumerous auto dealerships along 54,especially those located east of I-75, areoffering as many deals as possible tostimulate more customers to stop inand buy a vehicle. The restaurants inthat same area, including Winners Grill,Los Vallartas, Woody’s Pizza & Wings,Sonny’s, Applebee’s and Super Buffet(see page 30) are all just hanging inthere waiting for the economy toimprove even more and for the road

construction to be completed. Thesame is true as you head further east on54, where everyone from SaddlebrookResort & Spa to Bagelicious & More(see page 32) are trying to maintainacceptable levels of business while theroadwork continues.

And of course, the situation is nodifferent when you head south onBBD, which will end up having threelanes in each direction from the countyline north to 54 by the end of this year.

“There’s no doubt that we’ll domuch better when they finish the con-struction,” said one business owner in

the Shops at Wiregrass who asked notto be identified. “We just have to dothe best we can until it’s done.”

In short, the businesses in WesleyChapel need your support now morethan ever. Even though our neighbor-hoods aren’t packed with nearly asmany “snowbirds” (part time residentswho go back up north for the summer)as other parts of Pasco County, businessin the summer months does generallytaper off until the kids have to go backto school in the fall. So please, supportyour local merchants, Wesley Chapel!

Thank you.


Table of ContentsNEWS UPDATES.....................................Pages 1-9 News Briefs..................................................................4Local Man Killed In Pedestrian Accident, Teacher Charged With DUI, Motorcyclist Dies In I-75 Crash

S.R. 56 (cont. from Page 1)...............................................5Wiregrass (cont. from Page 1)............................................6

Wesley Chapel Community Calendar........................8-9

BUSINESS UPDATES...................................10-15Keeps Carpet One Floor & Home.............................10-11Fido’s Funland...........................................................14-15USA Gold Buyers.......................................................16-17

EDUCATION UPDATES....................................18QHE Students ‘Take Over’ The Florida Aquarium, WC Soccer Club Tryouts Scheduled, Students Enjoy End-Of-The Year Activities

LOCAL SPORTS UPDATES..............................20Sports Briefs..............................................................20Local AAU Team Wins Second Straight Title,WRH’s Kazanski Claims State Pole Vault Crown

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINEArea Summer Camp Programs Offer Lots Of Fun...23-25Aykroyd Draws A Crowd To ABC Liquors.....................28T’s Boutique Is Now Your Local Brighton Outlet...........29Super Buffet Has Something For Everyone...............30-31Neighborhood Nibbles....................................................32Urban Culinary Cuisine Offers Great Food & Great

Entertainment....................................................34-35

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...38

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483

Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.comAdv. E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial E-mail: [email protected]

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager

Managing EditorMichael SmithCorrespondents

Joshua Litton • Melissa O’BrienAdvertising Customer Service Managers

Nikki Bennett • David ZachariaArt Director Billing ManagerTony Sica Ashley Knoblach

Office & Marketing AssistantKaren Glenn

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighbor-hood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part,without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley ChapelNeighborhood News writers are their own and do notreflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissionsand advertisements for Volume 18, Issue 14, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Tuesday, June 8.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will considerpreviously non-published outside editorial submissions ifthey are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words.Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to editand/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makesno guarantees regarding publication dates.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not returnunsolicited editorial materials.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the rightto edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neigh-borhood News is not responsible for errors in advertisingbeyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, norfor the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

© 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager

Businesses On S.R. 54 Need Your Support Now More Than Ever!


News BriefsWESLEY CHAPEL

Wesley Chapel Man Struck &Killed By Semi

A 53-year-old Wesley Chapel resi-dent was killed in late May, after hewalked into the path of a tractor-trail-er in Hillsborough County.

According to a report issued bythe Hillsborough County Sheriff’sOffice (HCSO), Richard WayneMelvin, of 5631 Pat Rd., was standingon a median at the intersection ofGunn Highway and W. LinebaughAve. at around 1:30 p.m. on May 25.At the same time, Edward Scott, 63,of Riverview, who was behind thewheel of a 1994 Peterbilt semi truck,was waiting for the traffic light tochange so he could turn ontoLinebaugh Ave.

As the light changed, however,Melvin stepped off of the median anddirectly into the path of the truck.Melvin, who ironically would have cel-ebrated his 54th birthday on May 30,was pronounced dead at the scene ofthe accident.

No charges have been filed in thecase, but an investigation is ongoing.

Teacher Found Asleep InVehicle Charged With DUI

A local high school teacher was

arrested and charged with drivingunder the influence after she wasfound sleeping in her vehicle in aschool parking lot.

According to areport issued by thePasco County Sher-iff’s Office (PCSO),Leah NicoleZachewicz, 26, ofZephyrhills, wasfound sleepingbehind the wheel ofher Kia SportageSUV in the parkinglot of Dr. JohnLong Middle School in Wesley Chapelat around 2:30 a.m. on May 9.

Zachewicz, who teaches languagearts at the nearby Wiregrass RanchHigh, attempted to start the vehicleafter she was awakened, and thenopened the door, vomited and thenfell to the ground outside of the car.

She was given a series of fieldsobriety tests, which the report saysshe failed, the report states, and thenblew a 0.116 on a breathalyzer test,which is at least 30-percent above thelegal limit of 0.08 percent that indi-cates driver impairment.

Zachewicz told officers that she

had consumed six glasses of wine earli-er in the evening.

Zachewicz was released from theLand O’Lakes Jail on her own recog-nizance later that same morning.

Riverview MotorcyclistDies In Crash On I-75

A 30-year-old Riverview man waskilled May 2 when the motorcycle hewas riding left the highway and over-turned in the median of I-75 justnorth of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd.exit. According to a Florida HighwayPatrol report, Matthew G. Lyle waschanging lanes while traveling north-bound on the interstate after 9 a.m.

when he apparently lost control of his2007 Honda motorcycle.

The motorcycle veered into themedian, and as Lyle began to applythe brakes, the bike overturned, eject-ing the driver, who then struck ametal construction sign.

Although he was wearing a hel-met, Lyle was pronounced dead at thescene of the crash at 9:28 a.m. Noother vehicles were involved in theaccident, and the FHP investigationinto the cause of the crash is continu-ing, including toxicology tests todetermine if alcohol (or any othersubstance) was a contributing factor.— Michael SmithLeah N.

Zachewicz

S.R. 56/BBD UpdateS.R. 56/BBD UpdateIn addition to the resumption of

work on the S.R. 56 extension, PascoCounty officials also approved an agree-ment May 17 that will allow work tomove forward once again at the inter-section of S.R. 56 and BBD. As youmay recall, the work there, which isrelated to the currently ongoing widen-ing of BBD between S.R. 54 andCounty Line Rd., has been delayed formonths because of a conflict over therelocation of power poles and under-ground utilities in that area.

The poles and utilities belong toTampa Electric Co. (TECO), and whilethe design for the roadway and inter-section improvements called for therelocation of 43 poles (at a cost ofapproximately $10,000 each), TECOrefused to pay for the work, saying thatthe cost should be borne by the countyand/or Crown Community Develop-ment (the developer of Seven Oaks),which was required to make the inter-section improvements under its devel-opment agreement with the county.

Besides that, in addition to therelocation of the poles, once workbegan in the area just south of theintersection, a large underground ductbank that is part of TECO’s infrastruc-

ture for customers in both Pasco andHillsborough counties was found to belocated within the right of way.

“No one even knew it was therewhen they did the original design,”Shepherd says.

Shepherd adds that the duct bankwas in conflict with the drainage planfor the roadway, which meant that it,too, would have to be removed (at acost of approximately $1.5 million), orthe project would have to undergo a“significant” redesign in order to workaround it. TECO officials did not wantto pay for that, either.

So, the county threatened tomove the duct bank itself and sue theutility company for reimbursement.Instead, however, attorneys for thecounty, TECO and Crown managed tocome to a compromise that seems tohave settled all of those issues.

Under that settlement, TECOagreed to pay $680,000 to Crown topay for a partial redesign of the projectto revise the drainage plan and addi-tional construction costs to workaround both the duct bank and themajority of the poles, which will beallowed to remain where they are.

TECO spokesman Rick Morerasaid that the company already has paidthe money and has begun to work onmoving a total of 10 poles on both theeast and west sides of the roadway, inaddition to installing four new transmis-


sion poles in the area of WilliamsburgDr., and transferring the power lines tothe new poles.

The county, meanwhile, alsoallowed Crown to modify plans for abike path along the side of the roadway,reducing it from 10 feet wide to 8 feetin order to accommodate the powerpoles that will remain in place. Pascoofficials also issued a right-of-way usepermit to allow the duct bank to alsoremain in its existing location.

Shepherd says that the settlementdovetails nicely with the plans for the

opening of S.R. 56, since it means thatthe intersection improvements shouldbe completed by August as well. Onceall of the work has been completed, theintersection of S.R. 56 and BBD will benot only the largest one ever construct-ed in Pasco County, but one of the twoor three largest in the country.

“When it’s done, it’s going to havetriple left-turn lanes in each direction,”Shepherd says. “When we started look-ing at the plans, we realized that it defi-nitely was going to be the biggest inter-section in the state.”

“S.R. 56”Continued from page 1

When it is completed, the S.R. 56/Bruce B. Downs Blvd. intersection will beamong the largest in the entire country.


obtain state money to build the cam-pus, and school officials are currently inthe process of selecting a design for it.

Pasco County Board of CountyCommissioners chair Pat Mulieri(whose District 2 also includes WesleyChapel), taught at the two-year collegefor more than 20 years and retired as aProfessor Emeritus, and is very enthusi-astic about the new opportunities thatthe campus will bring to the area.

“I think it’s going to be wonder-ful,” she says. “If you think of thewhole synergy of the plan, it meansthat once the college opens, then stu-dents will be able to attend classesthere and they can work right there atthe Shops, and eventually even live inthe homes [and apartments] that aregoing to be built.”

Mulieri also says that the hospitalgroup, a partnership between the Flori-da Hospital and University Communityhealthcare organizations (which is plan-ning to build a full-service hospitalabout a half-mile north of the mall), isgetting close to filing plans that willallow construction to move forwardwith that facility as well. A spokesper-son for the partnership declined to

comment, however, on when that con-struction will actually get under way.

Tennis (Or Hockey), Tennis (Or Hockey), Anyone?Anyone?

Finally, although plans for the ten-nis center have officially fallen by thewayside, we learned last month that thePorter family has approached countyofficials about the possibility of tradingthe land that the family originallydonated for the center for another sitewithin the Wiregrass property.Although negotiations over the pro-posed swap are only just getting start-ed, Mulieri says she would definitelysupport a trade.

“Since the tennis center hasbecome defunct, that land has becomean albatross,” she says. “I think movingit would be an excellent idea.”

The county already holds the deedto the 40 acres of land where the tenniscenter was to be built, which is nearSaddlebrook Resort, but there are noroads leading to the site, and Saddle-brook officials balked at having visitorsuse their gated entrance to get to it.

So, the Porters have proposedsubstituting another site which wouldbe more centrally located within theWiregrass property and which wouldalso include additional acreage for the

“Wiregrass”Continued from page 1

necessary access roads. William Merrill,an attorney who is representing thefamily in its negotiations with thecounty, says, however, that the proposalis only in the earliest stages and nodecisions have yet been made about theexact location of the new site.

“We are in discussions with thecounty to work out the best possiblelocation for both the county and thePorters,” Merrill says.

If the land trade does go through,both Mulieri and Merrill hinted at thepossibility that there could already be abuilder waiting in the wings with a planto build a multi-purpose recreationalfacility on or near the new site thatcould include an ice hockey arena andmore. Coincidentally, a pair of formerpartners who had previously talkedabout building an ice hockey facility inthe Wesley Chapel area have beenquoted in the daily newspapers as say-ing that they are now looking at build-ing separate projects in the area.

One of them, a St. Petersburgbusinessman named G. Vallee Bain,even met with members of the PascoTourism Development Council inMarch to discuss his plans for a470,000-sq.-ft. facility that he says hewants to build on a site near TheGrove at Wesley Chapel shopping plaza

at S.R. 54 and I-75. The proposalincludes a mix of hockey, laser tag,bowling, restaurants, a hotel and more.Meanwhile, Bain’s former partner,Patrick DeLorenzo, also told reportersthat he is in the process of puttingtogether plans for a hockey-based facili-ty somewhere in (or near) WiregrassRanch.

We were not able to reach eitherBain or DeLorenzo to talk to themabout the details of their respectiveproposals, and Porter attorney Merrillwould only say that the family is “indiscussions with people concerningsports and recreational opportunities inWiregrass. No specific agreements havebeen made yet,” he notes, “but I sus-pect things will happen quickly oncethey do.”

That, Mulieri says, is one of themain reasons why she decided to runfor re-election this year, so that she canbe on hand to witness the fulfillment ofthe plans that will complete the trans-formation of the Porter family’s formercattle ranch into a thriving communityof homes, families and businesses.

“Everything is really starting tocome together,” she says. “It’s just sothrilling to be here and see this wholenew world of possibilities that is open-ing up.”


Community CalendarWESLEY CHAPEL For more information, contactFrankie Ammons at 479-7997 or bye-mail at [email protected].

Wesley Chapel Rotary ClubWednesday, June 9 – The Rotary

Club of Wesley Chapel meets everyWednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Las Vallar-tas Mexican Restaurant (in the VillageMarket shopping center at S.R. 54 &Bruce B. Downs Blvd.).

For more information, call 263-7188 or 383-6683.

Civil Air PatrolCivil Air PatrolWednesday, June 9 – The Wesley

Chapel Civil Air Patrol squadron meetsevery Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., atTampa North Aero Park (4241 Bird-song Blvd., off S.R. 54).

For more information, callCheryl Spence at 973-7270 or visitWesleyChapelCAP.com.

PACAThursday, June 10 – The Pasco

Alliance of Community Associations(PACA) will hold its regular monthlymeeting at 7 p.m. at the LandO’Lakes Community Center (5401Land O’Lakes Blvd.). This month’sguest speaker will be Pasco Countyproperty appraiser Mike Wells. Thepublic is invited to attend.

For more information, contact

membership director DavidQuinones at 991-1505 or presidentJoe Wyatt at 907-2081, or visit thePACA website at MyPACA.org.

Networking For Networking For Your SuccessYour Success

Thursday, June 10 – The Net-working For Your Success group meetsevery Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., atSong & Dance Studio (27221 Foam-flower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.).

For additional information, callJohn Anglada at 298-3232 or visitNetworkingforYourSuccess.com.

WC Wind EnsembleWC Wind EnsembleThursday, June 10 – The Wesley

Chapel Wind Ensemble, a communitygroup of brass and woodwind players,meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. atHyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). Newmembers are encouraged to join.

For more information, contactGlenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail [email protected].

Red Hat SocietyRed Hat SocietyThursday, June 10 – A new chap-

ter of the Red Hat Society for ladiesover 50 meets on the second Thursdayof each month at different locations.

For more information, send ane-mail to [email protected].

MS Support GroupSaturday, June 5 – A new multi-

ple sclerosis support group will meetonce a month at noon on Saturdays atthe New River Branch Library (34043S.R. 54).

For more information, callNoreen at 312-3345.

WC ToastmastersWC ToastmastersMonday, June 7 – The Wesley

Chapel Toastmasters Club meets everyMonday, 6:15 p.m., at Hyundai ofWesley Chapel (26944 Wesley ChapelBlvd.). Club meetings are open to allinterested parties.

For more information, visitToastmastersd84.org or call (352)567-1508.

Free Networking Int’lFree Networking Int’lMonday, June 7 – Free Network-

ing International (FNI), a group of areabusiness owners, meets each Monday, 8a.m., for networking and discussion atthe Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140Lexington Oaks Blvd.).

For more information, call StacyDalton at 469-5499.

Business Networking Int’lTuesday, June 8 – Business Net-

working International (BNI), a group

of business professionals who work tosupport each other through qualifiedbusiness referrals, meets every Tuesdayat 7:30 a.m. at Song & Dance Studio(27221 Foamflower Blvd.).

For more information, contactNancy Cross at 789-7836 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Homeowner SeminarTuesday, June 8 – Hope For

Homeowners Consulting, LLC, willhost an educational seminar for finan-cially distressed homeowners, 6:30p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church(29617 S.R. 54). Topics to be dis-cussed include how to avoid foreclo-sure, short sales, loan modifications,property management and more.

For more information, contactTina Danielson at 230-9245 or byemail at [email protected].

East Pasco NetworkingEast Pasco NetworkingTuesday, June 8 – The East Pasco

Networking Group meets every Tues-day morning, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s(1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in theShoppes at New Tampa of WesleyChapel plaza).


WC Republican ClubWC Republican ClubThursday, June 10 – The Wesley

Chapel Republican Club meets on thesecond Thursday of each month, 7p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai(27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54).New members and guests are alwayswelcome to attend.

For more info, contact PeterHanzel at 907-6614 or by e-mail [email protected].

WC Sunrise RotaryWC Sunrise RotaryFriday, June 11 – The Wesley

Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meetsevery Friday, 7:15 a.m., at LexingtonOaks Golf Club (26140 LexingtonOaks Blvd., off S.R. 54).

For more information, callLynne Wilson at 695-6466.

Butterfly, Herb & Native Plant Fair

Saturday-Sunday, June 12-13 –The University of South FloridaBotanical Gardens (12210 USF PineDr., on the Tampa campus of theUniversity of South Florida) will hostits 2010 Butterfly, Herb and NativePlant Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdayand 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Theevent will include a variety of activitiesfor children and adults, includinginformational talks, a caterpillar pet-ting area, snake exhibit and more, and

there also will be a variety of plantsand herbs available for purchase.Admission costs $5 for adults; childrenand Botanical Garden members get infree.

For more info, call 910-3274or visit cas.usf.edu/garden.

Networking On The NinesTuesday, June 15 – Come and

make friends and business contactswhile playing a round of golf at theWesley Chapel Chamber of Com-merce’s monthly “Networking on theNines” event, which begins at 3 p.m.at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club(26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). Thecost is $15 per player, which includesgreens fees and cart.

For more information, call RobKellogg at 817-5655.

Networking CoffeeWednesday, June 16 – The Wes-

ley Chapel Chamber of Commercewill host its monthly Business BuilderNetworking Coffee, 7:30 a.m., atCracker Barrel restaurant.

Contact the Chamber Office at994-8534 for more information.

Monthly Chamber MixerThursday, June 17 – Regions

Bank (1333 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.)

will host the Greater Wesley ChapelChamber of Commerce’s MonthlyMixer, which begins at 6 p.m.

Call the Chamber office at 994-8534 for more information.

‘The Little Mermaid” BalletSaturday-Sunday, June 19-20

— Danzamericas Project is proud topresent “The Little Mermaid,” a balletperformance featuring the amazingdancers of America’s Ballet School(which is located in Tampa Palms).

America’s Ballet Theatre, led byartistic director and former prima bal-lerina Paula Nunez, has won theAmerica’s Youth Grand Prix (YAGP)

each of the last three years (2008-10).“The Little Mermaid” will be

performed at 7 p.m. on June 19 andat 3 p.m. on June 20, in Theatre 1 atthe University of South Florida (USF)College of the Arts.

Presale tickets are available nowby calling 558-0800 or visit Danza-mericasProject. org.

Our Community Calendar is afree service for area businesses,

nonprofit and other groups.

Submit items [email protected] or visit

WCNeighborhoodNews.com.


Revitalize Your Floors With Keeps Carpet One Floor & HomeBy Michael Smith

Even though you walk on themevery day, you probably don’t thinkmuch about the floors under your feet,but, if you are getting tired of lookingat the same old carpeting, linoleum, tileor whatever it is you currently have,then you might want to consider givingyour home a fresh, new look, with helpfrom the flooring experts at Keeps Car-pet One Floor & Home.

Located just west of Morris BridgeRd. on S.R. 54 (less than a mile east ofNew River), Keeps Carpet One hasbeen providing high-quality, fashion-able flooring solutions for area residentsfor two decades, according to ownerand president Leslie Egan, who pur-chased the business from original own-ers Larry and Pat Kieper in 2008.

Keeps is Pasco County’s onlymember of the Carpet One network ofstores, which includes more than 1,000locations worldwide, and Egan saysthat affiliation allows her and her staffto offer their customers a huge selec-tion of flooring options (and more) tosuit every taste and budget. They alsocan provide professional design andinstallation services, so they really haveeverything you need to get the job

done right from start to finish.And, if you haven’t shopped for

flooring in a while, you might be sur-prised at all of the latest innovations,styles and varieties that are now avail-able at Keeps.

“We really have a lot of new andexciting products,” Egan says.

In addition to major carpet andflooring name brands such as Shaw,Mohawk and Armstrong, Keeps alsooffers a wide variety of Carpet One’ssignature flooring lines, which includecarpeting by Tigressa, Bigelow, GoodHousekeeping, Millcraft, and Relax,It’s Lees; hardwood by AmericanExpressions, Biltmore and HanoverHills Hardwood; and literally hundredsof styles of tile, laminate, and vinylflooring products that can match anydécor and add lasting beauty to yourhome for years to come.

Egan says that one of the newestand increasingly popular products tohit the market is called DuraCeramicby Congoleum, which is a compositeproduct that combines a limestone tilebase topped with polyurethane vinyl. Itprovides the same appearance as fulltile, but is much more resistant tocracking and chipping, which meansthat it is more durable and easier to

care for than any other tile product. “It can also be installed right over

the existing tile, and it comes with a20-year warranty,” Egan says, addingthat Carpet One is known for provid-ing the best warranty coverage for all ofthe products that they sell.

Another one of the great featuresoffered by Keeps is the store’s in-homedesign services, which allow you toshop for your new flooring withoutever having to actually visit the store.All new customers can receive a free,in-home visit by a designer who will

bring samples, discuss the variousoptions and provide a free estimate ofwhat the job will cost, so you can get abetter idea of how the colors and stylesof the samples will look in your home.You also can browse through Keeps’exclusive “Floor Explorer” feature onthe store’s website, which allows you tosee samples and learn the specifics of allthe products sold at the location.

Then, once you make a decision,Keeps has much of its inventory readyfor installation in the store’s onsitewarehouse, which means you can be

In addition to many styles of carpeting, Keeps Carpet One also offers hundreds of varieties of hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring and more.


enjoying your new floors within a weekto 10 days of your order, and all of thework is done by experienced techni-cians who have been certified by theInternational Certified FloorcoveringInstallers Association (CFI), so you cantrust that the work will be done right.

Jerry and Sandy Linder ofZephyrhills certainly are happy with theservice that they’ve received from thestaff at Keeps, so much so, in fact, thatwhen they were looking for carpetingand linoleum for their new house, theywent back to Keeps, which alsoinstalled carpeting in their formerhome a few years before.

“They’re the best,” Sandy says.“We wouldn’t use anybody else. Theyare very nice, prompt and professional,and they really go above and beyondon their service.”

More Than Just Flooring!And, to help you complete your

home’s new look, Keeps also offers agreat selection of window treatments,such as custom draperies, blinds andshutters, wall coverings, faux finishes,area rugs and more, and Egan notesthat not only can a home makeoveradd significant value if you’re trying tosell your home (especially in this tighteconomy), it also can add to yourenjoyment for years to come if you areplanning to stay in your home.

“My motto is, ‘If you can’t move,improve,’” she says.

To see what Keeps Carpet Onecan do for you and your home, visitthe store at 34120 S.R. 54 to get ahands-on preview of what’s avail-able. The regular hours are Mon-day-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 9a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Or, call 377-3406 to scheduleyour free in-home consultation, orvisit KeepsCarpetOneZephyrhills.comto check out the online “FloorExplorer.” And, don’t forget tomention either this article or theadvertisement from this issue of theWesley Chapel Neighborhood News toreceive a 10-percent discount on thecost of your purchase.

Keeps owner Leslie Egan is ready tohelp you make over your home.


By Gary Nager

Although neither of my dogs cur-rently lives with me, as a long-time petowner, I always appreciate findinggreat services for my dogs.

One place for your pets that I canheartily recommend is Fido’s Funland,which is located a bit of a drive fromNew Tampa (in the S.R. 54 area ofWesley Chapel), but which also pro-vides we-come-to-you pet sitting andother services for your dogs and cats.

Fido’s Funland is a partnershipbetween principal owner Douglas Fra-zier and Lori Vassallo, who also previ-ously worked together for many yearsat a bank in the Wesley Chapel area.In addition to offering your pets theopportunity to enjoy doggie daycareand boarding at their facility (more onthat below), the Fido’s Funland vanalso will come to your location for“potty” walks during the day, pet sit-ting in your home, feces removal, pettaxi service (they will gladly take yourdog or cat to the groomer, veterinari-an or dog park) and even personal petshopping if you ever need to pick upfood, medications, etc. All Fido’s Fun-land “Pet Playmates” are bonded andinsured and certified in pet CPR andFirst Aid, but more important (at least

to me) is the fact that they all loveyour pet almost as much as you do.

If you bring your pet to theFido’s Funland location, you’ll get tomeet Frazier’s three dogs (who are allcocker spaniel/King Charles spanielmixes), Annabelle, Madison and Jake,who are all friendly and always readyfor a new playmate to join in the fun.

“One of the first dogs we took inwas a Lab who loved people, but did-n’t really like other dogs, especiallywhen he’d meet them while on a

leash,” Lori explains. “But, after a lit-tle socialization with Doug’s trio, heplayed with them all day.”

The day I visited Fido’s Funlandwith Goldie, I explained that althoughshe actually loves other dogs, her pref-erence is to socialize with people.Once I saw how sweet the spanielswere and how happy Goldie was say-ing hi to Doug and Lori, I knew hereexperience at Fido’s Funland would bea great one.

Sure enough, when I returned a

few hours later, my 10-year-old, chub-by golden was happy to go back homeand she slept like a baby all night. Iwould definitely feel comfortable leav-ing her for a weekend or longer at theFunland and I’m certain even a ram-bunctious puppy would feel just as athome as Goldie felt there.

Of course, Doug and Lori recog-nize that for New Tampa and manyWesley Chapel residents, there arecloser places to bring your pets, whichis one reason why Fido’s Funland also

Fido’s Funland — Quality Services & A Doggone Good Time!

(Left) Douglas Frazier made sure Goldie wasn’t thinking about jumping in this koi (fish) pond at Fido’s Funland, although hiscocker spaniel/King Charles spaniel mix Jake (right) did hop in to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pond a few minutes later.


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(L. to r): Goldie, Lori Vassallo, Annabelle, Doug Frazier, Jake and Madison allhad a great time hanging out together at Fido’s Funland in Wesley Chapel.

The Fido’s Funland van brings quality pet-sitting services and so much moreright to your front door.

offers the aforementioned serviceswhich they bring directly to you. Inother words, whether you need petsitting in your home or theirs, Fido’sFunland is a great place for all of your“Fido” and “Feline” sitter needs.Goldie gives it four paws up!

Fido’s Funland Fido & FelineSitter Services is located off of S.R.54 in eastern Wesley Chapel. Forappointments and more informa-tion, call 381-6360 or visit FidosFunLand.com. You also may e-mailthem at [email protected].


USA Gold Buyers — Get More Money For Your Gold!By Kim Thomas

Perhaps more than ever, we areconscious what things cost. Whethershopping for the best deals or puttingdollar values on our own possessions, allof us want to keep as much of ourhard-earned money as possible. And,when we decide to sell something, wewant to get the very best price for it.

At USA Gold Buyers, located onS.R. 54 between Bruce B. Downs Blvd.and I-75 (next to Walgreen’s), you areguaranteed to get top dollar for yoursilver, gold and platinum.

“It’s pretty much impossible foranyone to get a better price for theirgold than they will at our store,” saysUSA Gold Buyers owner David McIn-tyre.“We’ll beat any of our competitors’prices on gold jewelry by 10 percent.And, we pay 92 percent of spot ontradable gold coins and bars.”

In fact, during our conversation,David received a phone call from USAGold Buyers’ Tarpon Springs storemanager Ashley Paul, who let himknow that she just beat out a competi-tor’s price by more than 25 percent!

The great thing about gold is thatit has held its value in this economy.Even old, tangled and broken jewelrycan still earn you top dollar. Each USA

Gold Buyers store will purchase yourgold (any karat), silver and platinum inany form, including jewelry, flatware,serving trays, watches and coins.

In addition, USA Gold Buyersoffers customers a variety of ways to selltheir precious metals, including a safeand secure storefront, home parties andeven fund-raising opportunities forchurches, schools, sports and othercharitable/nonprofit organizations.

McIntyre owns nine USA GoldBuyers stores, with seven in the greaterTampa Bay Area, including one storelocated on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. inTampa, one on SR 54 in New PortRichey, as well as locations in TarponSprings, Lakeland and Bradenton.

David notes that USA Gold Buyerscan offer customers the best price possi-ble for their precious metals. because,“This is our specialty. We only buy pre-cious metal and diamonds (and dia-monds are only purchased at the DaleMabry location). We don’t sell any-thing. We don’t repair anything. We

pay the best price for gold, period. Weupdate our pricing hourly based on theNew York Stock Exchange, so our cus-tomers are always getting the most cur-rent price.”

USA Gold Buyers is a nationalbrand, with many stores in Atlanta andmore than 60 in Chicago, so anotherreason USA Gold Buyers is able to beatthe competition on pricing is because ofthe large amounts of gold that is pur-chased daily for refining.

“A pawn shop has only a few peo-ple coming in the door, so they have tomake as much money off of each cus-tomer as possible,” explains David. “Weare a volume company; we have anaverage of 25 customers a day, so wecan give a better price because we onlyneed to make a small amount of moneyon a massive number of people.”

He adds, “When we wholesale ourgold, we deal with the largest refineryin the world, so we can pay high andstill stay in business.”

USA Gold Buyers’ philosophy is totreat customers with respect and offervery personable customer service. Youwill be greeted outside by a friendlyemployee who will buzz you into thestore where you will be able to seeeverything that is going on with yourjewelry or other precious metal. You

also will see your gold weighed onscales which are certified by the U.S.Department of Agriculture.

“By the time my customers leave,they’ll know how to test gold andthey’ll understand the buying processbecause they’ve been able to see thewhole process,” says David. “Peopleknow they can trust us. We have cus-tomers who send in their mothers, sis-ters, friends and coworkers; 35 percentof our business is repeat and referrals.”

He adds that unlike many otherbusinesses that buy gold and jewelry, ateach USA Gold Buyers location, youare dealing with just one person.

“And we spend a lot of time train-ing our employees,” says David. “Theyeach get four 8-hour days in the class-room and three full days working witha buyer in the store, so our service isalways very personable and professional.We are very selective about the peoplewe hire and we always perform a fullbackground check.”

If you have a piece of jewelry withseveral different types of gold, USAGold Buyers’ trained personnel will dis-assemble the jewelry and weigh eachtype of gold separately to ensure thatyou get the best price. For instance, ifyou have a 14K gold ring with plat-inum prongs, the prongs will be cut off


and weighed separately, so you get thehighest price for your platinum.

“We fill a need for people,” Davidsays. “A lot of people are having a hardtime right now, but gold is still worth alot in bad economic times and the[gold] market shows no signs of weak-ening. We want to be a refinery for thelocal public.”

Parties That PAY $$$!Parties That PAY $$$!Everybody loves a party. We even

go to parties and purchase stuff we real-ly don’t need just to support ourfriends and visit. How about next time,instead of inviting everyone over andasking them to bring their checkbook,you have your friends show up with alltheir old, broken and mismatched jew-elry. They can find out the true value oftheir gold and if they choose to sell,your friends will leave the party with awallet full of sweet cash!

USA Gold Buyers offers great

incentives to host a party, such as a 10-percent commission on all purchasesand the average host makes more than$500 in commissions!

“I love to write out checks for$500,” says David. “We love to givepeople incentives; it’s our favorite thingto do in this business!”

Plus, if at least $500 worth of goldis purchased by USA Gold Buyers, thehost also will receive $40 for food andbeverage. In addition, the host receives$25 for each referral that hosts theirown party; a $300 bonus if five or morereferrals host their own event; and a$100 bonus if 20 or more guests attendand sell their gold.

It couldn’t be any easier. USAGold Buyers’ Hostess Consultants willorganize the party at your home, takecare of all the details right down to pro-viding you with paper invitations andwill even email the invitations to yourfriends for you.

High-Dollar Fund RaisersHigh-Dollar Fund RaisersAs most PTA presidents today will

tell you, fund raising becomes evenmore difficult on a tough economy, .People simply don’t have extra moneyto spend, which means that most con-ventional fund-raising methods are gen-erating fewer dollars today than theydid three years ago before the globaleconomy began tanking.

But, USA Gold Buyers has a great

solution that puts money in everyone’spocket! They can organize a gold-buy-ing event at which your participants cansell their unwanted gold and preciousmetal jewelry for top dollar and 20 per-cent of the total purchases is paid backto you in cash for the chosen charity.

This is a great solution for religiousorganizations, Little League and otheryouth sports teams, school fund raisersand many more. And, if you have areally generous group, the entire pur-chase can be donated.

“We were just involved with achurch fund raiser where we were ableto pay out $28,500; whereas anotherstore had offered the same group a fewthousand dollars less,” shares David.

USA Gold Buyers’ event coordina-tor will work with you to customizeyour fund raiser and provide you withinvitations and other marketing materi-als to ensure the success of your event.

The Wesley Chapel USA GoldBuyers store is located at 28107 SR54 and the Tampa location is at2101 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Bothstores are open Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m. –7 p.m., and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sun-day. For more information or toschedule a home party or fund raiserat any of the local USA Gold Buyersstores, please call 434-4222 or visitTopUSAGoldBuyers.com.

The Wesley Chapel location of USA Gold Buyers (on S.R. 54 just west of Bruce B.Downs Blvd.) will offer you top dollar for your gold and other precious jewelry.

On May 21, on their end-of-the-year field trip, the fifth graders fromQuail Hollow Elementary in WesleyChapel took over the Florida Aquari-um in downtown Tampa for a nightof exploration and fun.

The students started the eveningby getting up close and personal withsea life as they split up into teams todissect a squid. They discovered howthe squid’s special adaptations help itsurvive in its deep sea habitat. Then,the students had the opportunity togo behind the scenes of the Aquariumto view the exhibits from a differentperspective.

When it came time to “sleepwith the fishes,” the boys invaded theshark viewing area for their sleepingquarters, naturally, while the girlsclaimed the Coral Reef and scuba diveshow area.

The next morning, the studentsmet with some of the Aquarium’sother residents, including a hornedhoot owl, a baby alligator and thefriendly sting rays, which they wereeven allowed to pet.

And finally, the Quail Hollowfifth graders agreed to “give back” theAquarium when it opened at 9:30 amso that other visitors could still enjoyall that it has to offer. — MS


Education UpdatesWESLEY CHAPEL

Calimari, anyone? Fifth grade students from Quail Hollow Elementary enjoyeddissecting squid during their recent overnight visit to the Florida Aquarium.

Quail Hollow Fifth Graders Take Over the Florida Aquarium

Wesley Chapel FlamesWesley Chapel FlamesHolding TryoutsHolding Tryouts

The Wesley Chapel Soccer Clubwill be holding tryouts for its Flamescompetitive soccer teams ages 7-18on Tuesday, June 1-Sunday June6, at the Wesley Chapel District Parkon Boyette Rd.

For more information, visitWesleyChapelSoccer.com.

(Above) First gradersat Veterans Elementary

had a great time attheir “Author Fiesta”

on May 21.

(Right) Wesley ChapelElementary first graderMakayla Bradley goes

hand-to-hand withkarate instructor Mr.Geo during a recent

clinic held at the school.

Students Enjoy End-Of-The-Year FunStudents Enjoy End-Of-The-Year Fun


Sports BriefsWESLEY CHAPEL

Local AAU Program WinsBack-To-Back State Titles

The Florida Select Basketballorganization dominated the field in thisyear’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)14-and-under Division 1 State champi-onship in Orlando.

Chase Litton, a 6’5’’ swing man,and point guard Marshall Holmes arestudents at New Tampa’s Benito Mid-dle School. The team also includesDevin Gooden, who attends BartelsMiddle School in Live Oak Preserveand Isaiah Thomas, a student at JohnLong Middle School in Wesley Chapel.

The State championship marks theorganization’s second consecutive statetitle in only its second year of existence.Last year, Florida Select won the cham-pionship by an amazing 39 points.

Florida Select was founded by Jes-sica and Derek Holmes of New Tampaback in January of 2009. The programspends countless weekends out of theyear in major cities such as Indianapolis,Chicago, Orlando and Memphis, com-peting with the nation’s top youth bas-ketball talent.

Next up for Florida Select Basket-

ball are a few marquee nationally toutedtournaments before heading back toOrlando for the national championshipslater this July.

Florida Select currently only fieldsone boys’ basketball team and competesmainly in the 14-and-under age group,although the team does occasionallycompete in the 15-and-under division,too, in order to help hone their skills tobe more prepared for the elite competi-tion at nationals.

For additional informationabout the team, tryout updates andupcoming events, visit FloridaSelectBasketball.org.

Florida Select’s Chase Litton brings the ball up the floor against a pair of defenders.

New Tampa’s Devin Gooden throwsup a fallaway jumper.

Wiregrass Ranch’s Alex KazanskiVaults To State Class 3A Title

We offer our hearty congratula-tions to Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH)junior Alex Kazanski, above, who isshown clearing the bar at 14 feet tocapture the State pole vault title at theFHSAA Class 3A Track & Field finalsin Winter Park on May 7.

What makes the feat even moreimpressive is the fact that Kazanski’spersonal poles were stolen from a stor-age area at the meet site the morningbefore the high-flying WRH Bull wasscheduled to compete, so he had tomake the jump using a borrowed pole.

At the same meet, Ryan Pulsiferfinished tenth in the boys 3,200-meterrun, with a time of 9:53.29, while thebest finish for the WRH girls was ArielGrey’s effort in the 1,600-meter run,where she took ninth with her time of5:14.99.

Nikita Shaw also finished tenth inthe girls 3,200, with a time of11:47.57, and the girls 4x400-meterrelay team of Melanie Dean, MakaylaStrickland, Kelsey Sturman andShavaun Walker finished 16th in Class3A with a time of 4:09.35. — MS


Summer Camp Programs Offer A Variety Of Fun Things To DoThe end of the school year is

right around the corner, and whilemost kids of my generation had tosettle for old-fashioned camps thatoffered such boring activities as canoe-ing, archery and wallet making, youngpeople nowadays have a wide varietyof choices when it comes to whilingaway the lazy days of summer. Here isa rundown of some of the programsoffered right in our own neighbor-hood, as well as some other excitingoptions from all around the area. - MS

Hunter’s Green Country Club

The Summer Activities Camp atHunter’s Green Country Club SportsCenter (18050 Hunter’s Oak Ct., justoff Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is designedfor children ages 5-12 and features avariety of activities, including cookingclasses, golf, cheerleading, flag foot-ball, volleyball, nature, drama, dance,crafts, field trips, swimming, “Fun Fri-days” with blow-up moonwalks andwaterslides and much more.

There also is a Counselor-In-Training program for teens ages 12-15. There is a one-time registrationfee of $35, and the first 60 childrenwho register will receive a backpackand T-shirt. Weekly sessions beginJune 11, and there are daily andweekly rates, and extended care hoursalso are available.

In addition, Hunter’s Green also

offers a Summer Tennis Camp thatbegins June 14 and Summer SwimCamp that starts June 15.

For more information aboutthese programs, call 973-4220 orvisit HuntersGreenCC.com.

New Tampa Dance TheatreNew Tampa Dance Theatre

(NTDT), located at 10701 CrossCreek Blvd., will be offering summerdance camps, ballet and musical the-ater intensive workshops and otherclasses, June 21-July 2, for ages 3-adult. Styles including ballet, tap, jazz,hip-hop, musical theater, creativemovement and tumbling will beoffered each week.

For more information, pleasecall 994-NTDT(6838).

New Tampa Family YMCAThe New Tampa Family YMCA

(16221Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms)Summer Camp program offers a vari-ety of safe and fun full-day and spe-cialty camps for children ages 3-15.

The camps include swimming,games, sports, arts and crafts andmore, and this summer there are evenmore new features, such as full-daydrama and musical theatre programs,gender-specific half-day camps and thenew “Activate America” program,which encourages kids to be moreactive and healthier.

Call 866-9622 or visit TampaYMCA.org.

You Do The Dishes Art Fest 2010

If your children loveart, or if you are hoping togive them a greater appre-ciation of art, then the ArtFest 2010 summer pro-gram offered at You Do theDishes paint-your-own pot-tery studio & coffeehouse(15357 Amberly Dr. inTampa Palms) may be justthe thing you’re lookingfor this summer.

During the camp,which is designed for kidsages 7-13, participants willreceive expert instructionand create projects in avariety of artistic media,including printmaking, drawing,watercolor, acrylics, collage and ofcourse, pottery making. Sessions beginJune 14, and the cost is $200 percamper per session, which includes thecost of all art supplies. Space is limit-ed, so advance registration is required.

For additional information,visit YouDoTheDishes.com or call975-1700.

Academic Edge Academic Edge Summer CoursesSummer Courses

You can give the serious studentsin your family a jump on the 2011-12school year by enrolling them in the

summer courses offered at the Aca-demic Edge Learning Center (17419Bridge Hill Ct., in the Tampa PalmsProfessional Center).

The courses, which are directedby experienced teachers, include read-ing, math, biology, physics, FCATpreparation, SAT preparation andmore. Courses are designed for ele-mentary, middle and high school stu-dents, and two-week sessions beginJune 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, andextra care hours also are available byappointment.

For additional information, call971-6500.

Campers learn painting and other art forms atthe You Do The Dishes Summer Art Fest camp.

See “Incidents” on page 5.


All Star Summer CampSports + Field Athletic Club

(2029 Arrowgrass Dr., off S.R. 56 inWesley Chapel) hosts an All Star Sum-mer Camp beginning June 14, forchildren entering grades K-6. Thecamp features team sports, arts andcrafts, karate, dance, waterslide, Wiicompetitions, board games, Zumbaand surprise visitors. Each week of thecamp will have a special sports theme.

Full-day sessions are from 7:30a.m.-5:30 p.m. for $105 per camper;half-day sessions are 9:30 a.m.-1:30p.m. for $85 per camper, and therealso is a $50 registration fee (half offfor Sports + Field members) percamper. Campers also are required tobring their own bring water bottles,healthy snacks and lunch.

For information, call 948-5517or visit SportsAndField.net.

Camp IDS 2010Independent Day School-Corbett

Campus (12015 Orange Grove Dr.,off Busch Blvd.) offers a variety ofweekly summer camp programs cover-ing sports, arts, cooking, field trips andmore for children in grades pre-K-8.

Camp sessions run June 14-July 23,8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, with full-or half-day sessions available, and extracare hours also are available. Costsvary.

For more information, call 961-3087 or visit idsyes.com.

Summer At The LakesThe summer camp program at the

Academy at The Lakes (2331 CollierPkwy. in Land O’Lakes) includesarchery, arts and crafts, baking, base-ball, basketball, cheerleading, Chineselanguage classes, dance, drama, fieldtrips, flag football, math review, modelrockets, movie making, photography,reading club, recreational games, SATprep, sewing, soccer, tumbling, volley-ball, writing skills and more, forcampers ages 3 through rising ninthgraders. Camp dates are June 14-Aug. 6, 8:30 am.-3 p.m. each day,with full- and half-day sessions andextended care is available.

For more info, including thefees for each camp, visit academy-atthelakes.org/campus life/sum-mer-program or call 948-7600.

Tampa Bay History CenterSummer Camp

Kids in grades 3-5 can learn aboutthe history of the Tampa Bay area

through games, artsand crafts, galleryexperiences and fieldtrips during a series ofweekly camps offeredat the Tampa Bay His-tory Center (801 OldWater St. in down-town Tampa).

Campers will beable to investigate pio-neer life, check outarchaeology, comb themuseum for mysteriesand search for Tampa’surban treasures. Ses-sions are 9 a.m.-5p.m., June 21-Aug.6.The cost is $135 forHistory Center members; $150 fornon-members, and extra care is avail-able for an additional $15 per week.

For more information, visitTampaBayHistoryCenter.org or call675-8960.

Florida Aquarium AquaCamp

Explore the wonders of life in theocean with the Florida Aquarium’s2010 AquaCamp, which includes sci-ence activities, animal encounters,water sports and more. The camp isfor ages 3-15, but 6-year-olds must

have completed kindergarten to be inall-day camps. Prices vary, dependingon the child’s age and camp. Dates areJune 14-Aug. 20, with full- and half-day sessions available. The Aquariumis located at 701 Channelside Drive indowntown Tampa.

For more information, call273-4000 or visit FLAquarium.org.

Lowry Park ‘Zoo School’This summer, “Zoo School” at

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (1101 W.Sligh Ave.) is headquarters for 100week-long camps for students in K-12th grades.

Kids who are animal lovers will love the summercamp programs offered at Lowry Park Zoo.

“Summer Camps”Continued from page 23

Kids and teens can learn aboutnature, science and the animal king-dom while hiking through the zoo,exploring behind the scenes and cool-ing off in the zoo’s water play areas.Adventure camps include animalencounters, keeper talks, educationalshows, games, crafts and more. Campsare week-long and run from 9 a.m.- 4p.m. daily, although extended care isavailable from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4p.m.-6 p.m. for an additional fee.

Call 935-8552, ext. 268, orvisit LowryParkZoo.com for addi-tional information.

MOSI Summer Science Camps

Bring out the scientist in yourchild with the amazing variety of sum-mer camp programs offered atTampa’s Museum of Science & Indus-try (MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave.).

With more than 100 differentcamps to choose from for kids fromages 2 through 17, including suchofferings as “Science Fiction Reali-ties,” “Planets in our Neighborhood,”“Dinosaur Stomp” and more, you’resure to find something that will inter-est your little ones. There are half-day,full-day, two-day and even travelcamps, as well as special camps for tal-ented and gifted students, too.

Sessions begin June 14, andprices vary by program.

For more information, call987-6000 or register online atCampFun.org.

Tampa Bay Lightning Summer Hockey Camp

Give your youngsters some icetime with real pro hockey players, atthe Tampa Bay Lightning 5th annualSummer Hockey Camp. The campwill be held at four venues, includingthe Brandon Ice Sports Forum, theEllenton Ice & Sports Complex,Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Olds-mar and Germain Arena in Ft. Myers,and it will provide participants of allskill levels with position-specific andteam-play concepts that will allow

them to excel next season.For complete information, visit

Lightning.nhl.com.

Tampa Theatre Film Camp 2010

In this exciting camp offered bythe historic Tampa Theatre (711 N.Franklin St., downtown Tampa),campers will have the opportunity tocreate live action and stop-motion ani-mation movies on MacIntosh comput-ers, using programs like I-Movie andGarage Band and footage they shootthemselves. Then, each student willpremiere his or her film on TampaTheatre’s big screen and receive acopy on DVD. The camp is for grades3-12, and morning and afternooncamps are divided by grade level.

The live action camp sessions willbe held June 21-25, July 12-16 andJuly 19-23, and the stop-motion ani-mation sessions are July 26-30 andAug. 2-6.

For more info, call 274-8981or visit TampaTheatre.org.

Busch Gardens Summer Adventure Camps

At the Summer Adventure Campsoffered at the Busch Gardens Tampatheme park (10165 N. McKinley Dr.),camper can get up close and personalwith wild animals, ride the rollercoasters and other rides and enjoy avariety of other interesting educationalactivities. The camps are for campersfrom preschool to 8th grade and cost$240 per camper, per week (withsome discounts available to BuschGardens Passholders). The camps runJune 14-Aug. 20. Lunch, snack andjuice are provided.

For more info, call (877) 248-2267 or visit swbg-adventurecamp.com/adventure-camps.

Performing Arts CampsThe Patel Conservatory at the

David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Per-forming Arts (1010 N. MacInnes Pl.,downtown Tampa) offers more than40 differnt camps in the performing

arts — including music, theater,dance, film, on-camera acting,vocal arts and more.

Camps are available forcampers in grades pre-K to 12thgrade, and the cost of tuitionvaries by camp. Camp sessionsrun from June 1-Aug. 7, and1-, 2- and 3-week camps areavailable, with half- and full-daysessions and morning and after-noon start times.

For additional informa-tion, visit PatelConservatory.org or call 222-1002.


Future ice hockey pros learn skills and on-ice strategies at the Tampa Bay Lightning

Summer Hockey Camp.


Aykroyd Draws A Huge Crowd To Wesley Chapel’s ABC Liquors!By Gary Nager

Like many of our readers, appar-ently, I’ve been a huge fan of NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live” since itsdebut season waaaaaaay back in 1975.

So, when one of my favorite origi-nal cast members of that groundbreak-ing show makes an appearance within15 minutes of my office to promote anew vodka, I definitely wanted to checkit out — even though I’ve never been avodka drinker!

Well, they say great minds thinkalike and obviously, there were literallyhundreds, maybe even into the lowthousands of people who “stopped by”the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store onBruce B. Downs Blvd. (just south ofS.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, hoping tocatch a glimpse of former “SNL,”“Coneheads” and “Ghostbusters” starDan Aykroyd, who spent a lot morethan the scheduled two hours signingliterally hundreds of bottles of his Crys-tal Head Vodka (photo),an upscale ($50 and up)vodka which comes in abottle shaped like thecrystal skulls of lore, ofwhich there reportedly are13, only seven of whichare reportedly possessed by individuals

and/or muse-ums.

Aykroyd,who also ownsa Californiawinery, and anartist friendcreated thelook of thevodka, which isdistilled by aCanadian firmusing crystalclear waterfound offNewfoundland.

I may not be a vodka drinker, butI am an even bigger fan of Aykroydtoday than I was after first seeing“Coneheads.” The man never took abreak, as the line of people whichweaved in and around the store, neverseemed to let up. I don’t know howmuch past his original two-hour visit hestayed, but I’m guessing as much asanother two hours.

“I ain’t afraid of no Crystal HeadVodka,” said one excited Aykroyd fan.“Is this guy the greatest or what?”

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits islocated at 1845 BBD Blvd., next toCVS.. For more info, call 907-2647and please tell ‘em we sent you!

(Left) TV and movie star Dan Aykroyd (left) proudly displays a bottle of his Crystal Head Vodka.(Right) Aykroyd’s appearance at the ABC Liquors in Wesley Chapel even attracted some Ghostbusters!


T’s Boutique Is Now Your Brighton Collectibles Headquarters! By Gary Nager

By now, Mother’s Day may alreadybe a distant (and, I hope, a happy)memory, but if you’re in the market foranything from the perfect high schoolgraduation gift to something special forsomeone special for a birthday oranniversary present, you should still visitmy friend Theresa Loftin’s T’s Bou-tique in The Grove at Wesley Chapelshopping plaza.

T’s Boutique, which actually islocated in the small retail center facingTJ Maxx and Best Buy in The Grove,recently became the exclusive retail out-let in New Tampa and Wesley Chapelfor the always-popular Brighton lines ofcollectible handbags, jewelry, unique

charm bracelets and keychains. And ofcourse, T’s also still features the full lineof colorful Vera Bradley handbags, aswell as great gifts from Not YourDaughter’s Jeans, Tyler Candles, JimmyChrystal Sunglasses, Eliza B (sandals,belts, handbags, etc.) and more.

In other words, if you want to buya gift that really will be appreciated, youdefinitely should make T’s Boutique astop on your next shopping trip.

If you think a Brighton charmbracelet might be of interest to you (orsomeone you care about), Theresainvites you to a free event a day or twoafter you receive this issue. “Chicks &Charms” will be held at T’s Boutiqueon Sunday, June 6, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.,and will include free refreshments, achance to choose your favorite charmsor create a unique charm braceket andeven win a special prize.

“The greatest thing aboutBrighton is that it appeals to everyonefrom teenage girls to women well over40,” says Theresa. “I think being thelocal Brighton headquarters will be abig draw for the store.”

T’s Boutique (6027 WesleyGrove Blvd.) is open Tuesday-Satur-day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5p.m. on Sunday. For more informa-tion, call 973-4405.

Come see owner Theresa Loftin and the full line of Brighton handbags, jewelryand charm bracelets at T’s Boutique in The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

Brighton handbags are always popular.


At Super Buffet, Chinese Cuisine Is Just The Beginning!

(Center) The fresh fried fish is nevergreasy and the Mongolian BBQ

(above) is a must-try at Super Buffet.

By Gary Nager

O.K., I admit it. A buffet is notthe way I prefer to enjoy the wonderfulcuisines of China and Japan. Thethought of chicken teriyaki or Chineseegg rolls and spare ribs sitting underhot lights doesn’t usually light my fire.

That doesn’t mean, however, thatI can’t enjoy the occasional Asian buf-fet, especially when there are more than200 different menu items availableevery day. If you’re looking for thattype of variety, with different dishesrotating in and out on an ongoingbasis, I suggest visiting the new SuperBuffet restaurant on S.R. 54, just eastof Applebee’s (in the building that usedto be home to Johnny Carino’s). Thisis the fifth Super Buffet opened by thesame owners, although a location inPinellas County (Seminole) is the onlyother one is the Tampa Bay area (theothers are in North Florida and Geor-gia). The Seminole location has beennamed the Best Buffet Restaurant by aweekly newspaper group in Pinellas andyou can take it from me that the WesleyChapel Super Buffet definitely lives upto that solid reputation.

Of course, there are Chinese appe-tizers (egg and spring rolls, barbecuedspare ribs, dumplings, etc.) and entrées

(from chicken and broccoli topepper steak and General Tso’schicken), but Super Buffet alsohas at least a dozen differentvarieties of freshly made sushi(from red snapper to tuna rollsto squid and seaweed salads) atall times, Japanese dishes like theaforementioned chicken teriyakiand at least six different soups(from egg drop to New England clamchowder) on hand every day.

There’s even a raw bar, withAlaskan snow crab legs (available at din-ner time only), you-peel-’em shrimpand fresh mussels and oysters.

If you’ve never had MongolianBBQ, you should give it a try at SuperBuffet. You pick from fresh steak, pork,chicken, shrimp or scallops, add veggieslike fresh broccoli, onions and snow peapods and from a variety of sauces, handthem to the happy chef and he’llhibachi grill everything for you in frontof your eyes and season it to your taste.

Super Buffet even offers pizza,wings and other Italian and Americanoptions, including a delicious fried fish,New York-style beef short ribs, Italian-style fried shrimp and much more.There’s even some tasty dessert items(and ice cream) available.

And, quite honestly, you can’t beat

There is always about a dozen different types of sushi available at Super Buffet on S.R. 54 (nextto Applebee’s), from fresh cooked shrimp sushi (left) to rolled “maki” items (right).

the price, from only $7.69 for lunch(Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.),$9.99 for Saturday and Sunday brunch(same hours) and $13.99 for dinner(Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., anduntil 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday),with reduced prices for children ages 3-11 (kids under 3 eat free) and a 10-per-cent discount for senior citizens.

If you prefer to take out the buffetitems, you can get anything you wantfor lunch for just $3.95 per pound orfor dinner for just $5.25 per pound($7.25 per pound if you want crab legsand other seafood items), with sushiavailable for takeout for just 55 centsper piece! There’s also a full menu ofcooked-to-your-order items available fordine in or takeout. In other words, forgood food at a great price, you shoulddefinitely give Super Buffet a try!

SSuuppeerr BBuuffffeett iiss llooccaatteedd aatt 2288444444WWeesslleeyy CChhaappeell BBllvvdd.. ((SS..RR.. 5544)).. FFoorrmmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn,, ccaallll 990077--11116688..


At Super Buffet, you can enjoy everything from Alaskan snow crab (top left) tofresh fruit (top right) to a variety of Chinese and Japanese entrées (above).

By Gary Nager

It’s been another whirlwind fewweeks in Wesley Chapel’s dining anddrinking scene. Since we last updat-ed you, the new Aja Wiregrass NightClub has opened in The Shops atWiregrass, as has a new full liquorbar in a totally revamped Sonny’sBBQ and Santo’s Pizza & Pasta onS.R. 54 west of I-75 has beenrenamed Santo’s Italian Grill. Also inthe news locally is Bagelicious,which recently opened a secondlocation in Zephyrhills. Whew!

Aja—A New Place To Party!We’ve been telling you about all of

the great places to eat in The Shops atWiregrass mall since the place firstopened. The only thing that’s beenmissing has been a real night club withvalet parking, a well-dressed, upscalecrowd and great dance music.

Well, the wait is over, as Aja Wire-grass, the sister club to the popular AjaChannelside, opened a couple of weeksago. The new Aja seems to have a nicemix of college-age “kids” and adults inmy age bracket, the bartenders, serversand hosts/hostesses are dressed asthough they were working at a club onSouth Beach and even the menu of fin-ger foods — from appetizers like cala-

mari, hummus and ceviche to paninisandwiches and pizzas — is upscale andvery appealing. The one time I’ve visit-ed to date, there were plenty of familiarNew Tampa faces all smiling and say-ing, “This is the kind of place we’veneeded for a long time!”

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Check Out The New Sonny’sMy friends and neighbors Jim

and Christina Hoff are proud toannounce the Grand Re-Opening ofSonny’s BBQ! Not only does theplace look much better, the Hoffs

have become something of a proto-type for the Sonny’s chain by addingan elegant-looking full-liquor woodbar, with plenty of flat screen TVs.

“Now, we can come here towatch the football game and have abeer or a cocktail,” said one customerto her husband. “You can’t beat it!”

And of course, Sonny’s (I actuallyvisited the original location just out-side of Gainesville when I was at theUniversity of Florida three decadesago) is still known for barbecue ribs,chicken and beef brisket, although myfavorite dish is the High Springschicken (photo below), which is twochargrilled chicken breasts toppedwith BBQ sauce, bacon, sautéedmushrooms and choice of cheese. Andof course, Sonny’s still has its always-

fresh “Sonny’s Garden” salad bar, too.Join Christina and Jim on TTuueess--

ddaayy,, JJuunnee 1155,, for the Grand Re-Opening celebration during lunch anddinner. You’ll be able to pop a balloonwhich may contain a prize and therewill be a DJ on hand and much more.

SSoonnnnyy’’ss BBBBQQ iiss llooccaatteedd aatt55332244 BBrruuccee BB.. DDoowwnnss BBllvvdd.. aatt SS..RR..5544.. VViissiitt SSoonnnnyyssBBBBQQ..ccoomm oorr ccaallll999944--88998899 ffoorr mmoorree iinnffoo..

VVisit Santo’s Italian Grill!isit Santo’s Italian Grill!I’ve told you a few times about

Santo’s Pizza & Pasta, located in thePinebrook at The Grove shoppingcenter on S.R. 54, just west of I-75.

Well, owner Ken Santo and histhree chefs have been revamping themenu, following a major expansionand renovation of the restaurant —which included the addition of a pre-mium, full-liquor bar — and are nowproud and ready to unveil the newSanto’s Italian Grill.

In addition to the already greatpizza and make-you-own pasta special,Santo’s new menu also will nowinclude hand-cut steaks (I sampled thehuge, thick prime rib the other dayand it was tender and truly delicious),


Neighborhood Nibbles - Aja, Sonny’s, Santo’s & Bagelicious 2!

The friendly staff at Aja in The Shops atWiregrass will make you feel right at home.

fresh seafood (including incredibleshrimp and lobster dishes) and gour-met specialty pasta dishes like thehomemade raviolis in pesto sauce (Iadded grilled chicken to it. Yum!) pic-tured above. I promise you won’tregret visiting the new Santo’s andplease tell ‘em we sent you!

SSaannttoo’’ss IIttaalliiaann GGrriillll iiss llooccaatteeddaatt 2277443311 SS..RR.. 5544.. FFoorr rreesseerrvvaattiioonnss((aalltthhoouugghh tthheeyy’’rree nnoott rreeqquuiirreedd)) aannddmmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn,, ccaallll 999944--77777788..

Bagelicious Opens In ZHillsAnd finally, our friends at Bageli-

cious & More, located in the FreedomII Plaza on S.R. 54 east of Saddle-brook, are proud to announce theopening of their second location inthe YMCA plaza in Zephyrhills.

Owner Linda Carr says the newBagelicious location has the samegreat house-made bagels (and bagel

sandwiches, especially amazingmelts!), muffins, homemade soupsand delicious Seattle’s Best Coffee asthe original store. Both locations havefree Wi-Fi and are open every day forbreakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

And, check out the Bageliciousad on this page (right) for two greatcoupon offers — $2 off any 3-eggomelet or freshly made salad. You alsocan get a free bagel (toppings/condi-ments extra) on Tuesday with the pur-chase of any Seattle’s Best Coffee.

BBaaggeelliicciioouuss && MMoorree iiss llooccaatteeddaatt 3300003322 SS..RR.. 5544 iinn WWeesslleeyy CChhaappeellaanndd 66221155 AAbbbbootttt SSttaattiioonn DDrr.. iinnZZeepphhyyrrhhiillllss.. CCaallll 440066--44440033..



Urban Culinary Café—Great Food, Entertainment & More!

soned “Signature Urban Burger” andI’ll usually replace the French or sea-soned fries (they’re great, just not myfirst choice) with either the red pota-toes, whole kernel corn or double upon those delectable greens.

The Café has plenty of otherburger and sandwich options for lunchand dinner, including awesome Sand-wich Wraps with your choice of freshlygrilled pork, steak, fish, or chicken,fried chicken or grilled veggieswrapped in a large 10” tortilla filledwith melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes,onions served with a 1⁄2 pound of fries

and the House Dressing for pouringdown the center.

John really does a great job withsauces, so if you try his plain, “Urban”barbecued, “Buffaloed” or flamedshrimp, catfish nugget, chicken wingsor strips as an appetizer, you chooseyour sauce based on your mood at thetime — you can’t go wrong, no mat-ter what!

John even makes all of the sinfullydelicious desserts at the Urban Culi-nary Café. From homemade “deca-dent” brownies topped with ice creamand homemade chocolate or caramel

By Gary Nager

When last we visited with ChefJohn Saxton and his wife (and co-owner/marketing director) Rose,Urban Culinary Cuisine, aka “TheUrban Café,” was a new place in aplaza packed with restaurants.

Well, a lot has changed in theCross Creek Center plaza on CrossCreek Blvd. at Kinnan St. since then,but one thing has remained consistent— the Urban Culinary Café is still acomfortable, casual, yet elegant-look-ing little place with great chef-createdcuisine and fast, friendly service, all atoutstanding prices.

The good news is that John keepsexpanding his horizons in the kitchen.Although he was trained in many well-known New York City restaurants(including Windows On the World inthe World Trade Center, long before9/11), John describes his cuisine as“Traditional Southern Cooking withan Urban Flair” and even “UpscaleAfrican-American Cuisine.” I, on theother hand, just call it “great stuff.”

Oh sure, there are many“Urban” and “Southern” selections onthe Café’s extensive menu — like trulyamazing Southern fried chicken, withthe best collared greens this fellow

New Yawk transplant has everenjoyed and a huge portion ofhearty macaroni and cheese.

But, there are also more“sophisticated” options. Forexample, lots of places featuresalads with grilled chicken andother meats, but how manyoffer sizzling steak slices as anoption? I love fresh fish, butwhile I do enjoy both tilapiaand catfish, I’ve never been abig salmon eater. But, when Itried John’s grilled salmon in alight, creamy white winesauce, I have to admit I washooked, especially when thatsauce also properly covered asavory bed of flavorful ricesupporting the fish, with fresh babycarrots and broccoli.

I’ve also enjoyed John’s awesome8-oz. sirloin steak, the thick pork chop,either jerked or with Cajun spice (it’seven great just plain grilled) and I alsoam partial to every one of his signaturesauces I’ve tried, including red andcreamy red wine sauce, “sinful” sweetsauce, butter and BBQ sauces andcreamy and regular white wine.

Another of my favorites is theUrban Café’s huge (8-oz., but some-how look even bigger), specially sea-

(Left) If you sample the sizzling sirloin steak slices on a salad at the Urban CulinaryCafé, try Chef John Saxton’s homemade ranch dressing AND the balsamic vinaigrette!(Right) Even if you’re not a fresh grilled salmon lover, you might change your mind if

you try the Café’s salmon topped with a white wine or creamy white wine sauce.


sauces to homemade blondies, NewYork-style cheesecake, an ever-chang-ing variety of cakes and pies and aninsane white chocolate mousse in adark chocolate cup. You can evenenjoy his unique Urban Funnel Twists(like state fair funnel cakes, only bet-ter). The man truly is a master.

More Than Just Great FoodIf you’re looking for something

romantic to do on a Saturday night,you really have to check out “DateNight” at the Urban Café.

This Friday, June 4, you canenjoy “Old School R&B Karaoke.”

Then, on Sat-urday, June5, 8 p.m.,R&B andNeo-Soulartist Tamika J will entertain and onSaturday, June 26, 10 p.m., ChefJohn continues his Chef’s Lectureseries “The Sensual Side of Foods,”where dinner (and information abouteach dish) is served up for “mature”audiences. All I hear is it’s a lot of fun!

And, on Wednesday and Thurs-day nights, you can enjoy “Dinner &an Urban Movie.” Urban CulinaryCuisine is also an award-winning

(Above) This crispy, tasty Southern fried chicken isserved with a dinner roll, the best collared greens intown and a huge portion of yummy mac and cheese.

Yes, this brownie sundae definitely is asdecadent as it looks.

(Above left) Chef/co-owner John Saxton invites you to his lecture series“The Sensual Side of Food,” and to experience smooth jazz and differ-

ent R&B sounds (like songstress Tamika J) on Saturday nights.

caterer, having recently taken theNorthwest (Tampa) Tribune’s “BestCatering/Personal Chef” and “BestSandwich” honors.

There’s lots more I could tellyou, but go to Urban CulinaryCafé (10016 Cross Creek Blvd.) orcall 994-3800 for takeout ordersand more info about the entertain-ment and Chef’s Lecture Series. Or,visit UrbanCulinaryCuisine.com.


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Aquatec Pool Service **Special Offer: Newcustomers get 1 Month FREE!** We followstrict National Swimming Pool Foundation(NSPF) standards - We do pools right. Alltechnicians are in uniform, drug-free, and back-ground checked. Quality, professional service.Licensed & Insured. Call Today 780-8616or visit our website www.aquatecpool.comto see why you should choose us!

SPRING CLEANING TIME AGAIN! Isn’tit time to get YOUR windows cleaned? VERYcurrent references, serving New Tampa andWesley Chapel. Call Scott @ (813)957-3043

Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping &Lawn Service do the work for you. We providelandscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree &hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertil-ization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN

Bay Estates Landscaping And Lightingsoffers a variety of landscape design options fromTropical to Freeze Tolerant. We also offer sodreplacement, fertilization, clean ups and otherservices. Call 813-997-5055

Lawncare. Residential/Commercial We are aFather and Son Business. Licensed and Insured.Affordable pricing for all. Per cut or with a contractup to you.Call Patrick or Dora anytime.(813)907-1234 (Hauling Service too!)

TELEPHONE INSTALLATION & REPAIR• Commercial and Residential• Complete Systems.*****FREE ESTIMATES****

813-333-9644

Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-serviceproperty maintenance available for residential& commercial. One-stop shopping withlicensed, insured professionals. Specializing inlandscape design with conceptional drawings& renderings available. Let your imagination& our professionals come together to createdreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120or visit www.EverydayGardenersClub.com

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-SittingService. You say goodbye - we say hello. Catsare happiest when in their own home, sur-rounded by familiar sights, sounds & smells.When you are away, we feed, cuddle & playwith your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Wehelp deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail& rotating lights/blinds, giving your home thatlived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Crosscertified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior,pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles,concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded.References available. Free estimates. YOURNEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RES-IDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124.

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