Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Highly qualified stylists and still reasonably priced

October 23, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Michael Schipano and Fred Davis are co-owners of HairStyle Salon in Land O’ Lakes. Michael has the styling experience while Fred brings an experienced business perspective. Together they have created a flourishing salon experience for their clientele.

Back row (l to r), Drew Riggs, Michelle Teaford, Peg Shaffer, Teresa Spencer, Ashley Bish, Steve Cox; front row (l to r), Michael Schipano and Fred Davis

“We’re an independently owned salon, not a chain,” says Michael. “We wanted to create an open and inviting atmosphere for guests along with an engaging and friendly atmosphere for our stylists to work.”

Michael worked as a stylist for more than 20 years in the New Tampa area before starting HairStyle Salon two years ago. “I wanted to pay it forward to a new generation of stylists,” says Michael.

Michael personally trained under Sam Villa and Michael Cole, two big names in the industry. He provides mentoring and constant training to all of his stylists. “We have extremely high-qualified stylists, yet we’re still reasonably priced,” says Michael. “Pricing is based on the demand for the stylist, not years of experience. Most of our stylists have more than 20 years experience.”

Michael has a strong focus on furthering the education and expertise of his stylists. They have designers come in to teach classes on-site and also attend events where they can learn from well-known designers. All of the staff attend these events, both on-site and off.

They are currently participating in a Redken color rebel contest where each stylist attempts to predict the

newest trends. These contest and events help to keep everyone aware of the latest techniques and focused on providing the very best service to their clientele.

HairStyle Salon is an exclusively Redken salon. They have a color bar in the front of the salon where guests can work with their stylist to create the perfect hair color. A Redken top-shelf list of premium colors is also available to guests.

They also carry Pureology as their boutique line of sulfate free, color fade resistant, 100 percent vegan products for at home care.

Michael and Fred are very active in the community. “We try to give back and support other local businesses in every way we can,” says Fred. “It takes a real commitment to run an independent business today. We have to help each other.”

This independent attention to detail is evident in their website also. Guests can schedule an appointment online anytime day or night. They can request a specific stylist and that styl- ist will confirm their appointment via email or telephone. “It’s a very easy system to use,” says Fred. Guests can also call during normal business hours to schedule an appointment.

“We do everything we can to provide an over-the-top experience for our guests and a great working environment for our staff,” says Michael. “It has to be about the experience,” adds Fred.

Active military, teachers and uniformed service personnel (police, fire, emergency medical, etc.) always receive a 20 percent discount off every service.

The HairStyle Salon is located at 23014 State Road 54, in Lutz, in the Willow Bend Town Centre. They can be reached at (813) 948-1270, or at www.HairStyle-salon.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

This artist styles hair, too

October 16, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Joan Cotter has been styling hair for 35 years. After learning her trade in Ireland, she moved to Long Island, New York and opened her first salon in 1987. Thirteen years later, she moved to Florida and opened her second salon, The Jagged Edge, in Lutz.

In March of 2012 she opened Hair Today in the Connerton Plaza in Land O’ Lakes. “We’re very convenient to residents in the new town of Connerton,” says Joan. Hair Today is located in the Publix shopping center at the corner of U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.

Joan has four full-time stylists employed at Hair Today. Gail Strickland, formerly of Super Cuts in Land O’ Lakes, and Meagan Whehle, formerly of J. Joseph Salon in Land O’ Lakes, are her newest employees. Meagan is especially experienced with Keratin treatments and coloring.

“We have a great staff here,” says Joan. “Everyone gets along with each other very well and shows a real willingness to help each other out when customers have questions or ask for opinions. This is a very friendly and welcoming environment for customers and the staff.”

Her team is experienced with caucasian and ethnic hair care. In addition to hair care, they offer microdermabrasion and mini-facials, roller sets, updos, relaxers and perms. Her primary products are Eufora, GK, Mizani and Paul Mitchell. She recently added a manicure and pedicure station.

The atmosphere of the salon is relaxed and personable. She started painting as a hobby a little over two years ago. “It’s very relaxing,” says Joan. “I paint mostly 19th century ladies and landscapes. I’ve always felt a closeness with things of that era, so it was only natural for me to focus my painting there.”

You can find a number of her paintings displayed on the walls at Hair Today. Viewing her paintings while getting your hair styled enhances the experience and adds a personal touch not found in a typical salon.

Women’s cuts start at $25. Children’s cuts are $12. Men’s cuts start at $15, and she offers beard and mustache trimming for an additional $5. Consultations are free. Stop on in if you have questions or want to explore a change in style. Walk-ins are always welcome.

It’s located at 7818 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Wesley Chapel welcomes local art galleria

October 16, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Donna Bruno, owner of Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering, started working with polymer clay only two short years ago. Her hands were filled with pain and almost useless, when she gave it the first try. To do something that caused more pain made little sense at the time. Not relying on her own understanding, she started down a path that would eventually lead to her hands becoming fully healed and so much more.

Donna Bruno (r), owner of Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering, poses with her son, Levi.

Donna started out making jewelry, selling the pieces at local bazaars and fairs. She enjoyed speaking to others about her experiences working with clay and sharing the story of her healing. “I wasn’t sure where all of this was leading me until God showed me a vision of what was to come,” says Donna. “I see now that the vision is my inspiration; my calling is clear.”

The official grand opening of Set apART Galleria, Gifts and Gathering came to fruition on Sept.14. The name of the store describes the three-fold mission.

Through the “Galleria,” local artists, musicians and authors have an avenue to show and sell their consigned works of art. “The set-up is uniquely different, a cross between an art gallery and a bou- tique,” says Donna. “We’re currently displaying art, music and books created by a number of very talented local artists.” Numerous mediums, styles and vibrant colors grace the walls, shelves and even ceiling of this 1500sf space.

The concept of “Gifts” goes well beyond a place to shop. “We are all uniquely and wonderfully made; our uniqueness is our gift. Artists feel the need to share their gift and the stories that go with it to the world,” says Donna.”

“Gathering” expresses a focus on community by providing a place where people can come together to share, learn and enjoy the company of others. Donna says, “The vision is to bring people together in their uniqueness, not to divide due to difference.” The rear of the shop is a cozy place for this growing group of artists to offer a number of events, classes and an opportunity for fellowship.

Polymer clay classes are available for children and adults at $10 per person. A beading group teaches classes to create unique jewelry using tiny glass beads. You can find the latest classes, events and information by calling the shop at (813) 501-4994 or visiting the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ SetApARTGalleriaGiftsGatheringLLC.

“Everyone has a unique, creative talent,” says Donna. “My goal is to help people to find and express their creative talents with passion.”

“I’ve always loved working with my hands, making something out of nothing,” says Donna. “I’ve put all my heart, soul and finances into this adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact.”

Further down the line, Donna aspires to start a halfway house for women try- ing to get back on their feet. “I desire to teach them how to work with their hands, finding who they were created to be,” Donna says. The Galleria is only the beginning.

Set apART Galleria, Gifts & Gathering is located at 30056 State Road 54, in Freedom Plaza in Wesley Chapel. The beautiful works of art being created by some of your artistic neighbors offer a unique shopping experience. Stop in for a real treat.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Jam-packed fun on the schedule at Grand Horizons

October 16, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

As time marches on and we get closer and closer to returning to Grand Horizons, we do get reports on how things are in our development.

From the newsletter that comes from Grand Horizons, and also some friends, we have heard of the activities that are starting to pick up and some that never stopped.

Activities that have been going on continually and getting larger as you read this, are dominoes, which is loads of fun; mah-jongg, which certainly makes you think; exercises in the pool, which is a good way to maintain your health and get some exercise; and some card games like poker, pay me, and others which are loads of fun.

Bingo is a big hit for our residents and has continued throughout the summer months.

Mansfield Dam in Connecticut was one of the stops on the Rubenstein’s latest ‘mystery tour.’ (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

There is so much more that have continued but now that our northern friends are returning, there will be so much more. I’m looking forward to a nice game of pinochle and learning new things in the world of art.

In the meantime, while we are getting ready to join our friends in Florida, we are trying to make the most of it by going on some overnight or day trips. On Sept. 28, we went for a mystery trip. Marty knows that I enjoy not knowing where we are going and thereby tries to surprise me at least once during the summer or fall. The fact that I honestly do not know kind of intrigues me to guess, and I never guess correctly. As time progresses, maybe I will.

Anyway, on this particular day, we woke up relatively early to fit in what Marty had planned. We started off by going to a huge church fair that they have every year, and we had fun just browsing and looking at all the baked goods. They sure looked good enough to eat, but we didn’t purchase any of them. We just tasted them in our dreams.

We then drove on to North Windham, Conn., where we saw alpacas. Some were full-grown, while others were just a week old. I did feel one of them, and now I see why alpaca goods that are sold in gift shops are so very expensive, as it felt as smooth as silk.

After spending some time here, we continued our trip to Brooklyn, Conn., where we went on the Creamery Brook Bison Tour. They had special wagon tours to take us through where the buffalo roam. It was a 40-minute ride through the entire working farm.

Once they got to a clearing and stopped the wagon, the bison, cows and their calves came over to the wagon to get a snack of grain or hay. There were approximately 90 bison on this farm, and you can literally find them all over.

The Creamery Brook Farm began as a dairy farm and later became a bison farm. It was because of their fascination with the “majestic buffalo” that the buffalo herd grew.

After spending a lovely few hours here, we continued on to view the Mansfield Dam. We had stopped here many years ago, and they have built a lovely parking area where you can view the dam at your leisure.

We then continued through several more towns until we stopped at Coventry and had a nice dinner. All in all it was a nice day and we got to enjoy the sunshine.

When we arrived home from our mystery tour, an email came through with the upcoming events that they will have at Grand Horizons. Just to name a few, and what the people in Grand Horizons can expect in the future, are things like Taco Night that will be hosted by Andy and Margaret Castonguay, pancake breakfasts will once again start up and so will Egg n’ bag. Both of these functions are an absolute delight. Card making, which is always very enjoyable, will also start up, plus so many other activities.

There will be a Halloween potluck on Oct. 31 hosted by Robbie Lockard, and we will have music by Gary Wilcox. There will be a fashion show by Bon Worth hosted by Cathy Cribbs.

A community wide yard sale will be on Nov. 16, and there will be lunch, plus baked goods and a book sale in the community center.

Also planned is a Thanksgiving dinner/ potluck on Nov. 26. A talent show is planned for some time in the fall season plus more as the year progresses.

We have all this to look forward to!

By Helene Rubenstein

Swiftmud lowers taxes, cuts budget

October 9, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, the water usage governing agency commonly known as Swiftmud, has reduced its ad valorem taxes for the upcoming fiscal year.

Swiftmud’s governing board adopted a millage rate of 0.3818 mills, down 2.8 percent from the previous year.

One mill represents $1 of tax on every $1,000 of taxable property value. For example, a home appraised at $150,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption would be levied a Swiftmud tax of $38.18 for the coming year.

The savings represent a $2.9 million overall reduction in how much Swiftmud will collect from property owners this year compared to last year. This year’s budget totals $170.8 million. That budget includes $95.8 million for capital and infrastructure as well as other projects.

Those investments, after being leveraged with various financial partners, will rise to $138 million. It will be funded using money available from previous years as well as projects that have already been completed under budget or outright cancelled.

Swiftmud’s district encompasses roughly 10,000 square miles in all or part of 16 counties in the state, according to the agency’s website. It serves a population of 4.7 million people.

The state allows Swiftmud to levy up to 1 mill, but the agency actually only collects about a third of that with the current budget.

Improving student confidence and ability one child at a time

October 9, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Alicia Lafarga didn’t start out as a teacher, but after retiring from her desk job, she knew that was the only thing she wanted to do. She moved from Miami to Tampa two years ago to be near her daughter and began looking for an opportunity that would enable her to have the greatest impact teaching children. She found that with Tutor Doctor franchise one year ago. “It’s a wonderful experience after sitting behind a desk for 40 years,” says Alicia. Over the course of her career she worked with school boards and the county in Miami. These experiences strengthened her desire to do something with children after she retired.

Tutor Doctor provides in-home tutor- ing for students of all ages, from kinder- garten to senior citizens. “It’s a great company to work with,” says Alicia. “They provide a lot of support to both owners and tutors which really helps us to provide the very best tutoring experience to our clients.”

Alicia provides a free consultation to anyone interested in tutoring. The purpose of the consultation is two-fold. First, she talks with the parents to fully understand their concerns and expectations. The majority of her time is spent talking with the student. This information will help her to find the best tutor for the child.

“We want to match the student with the right tutor,” she explains. “The tutor must have the necessary subject-matter skills. We also try to take into account any special interests or abilities the student has, such as a love of sports, and try to find a tutor with similar interests and abilities.” Every tutoring lesson plan is customized around the students school curriculum. Parents are kept up-to-date regarding their child’s progress with followup notes and assessments after every tutoring session.

“We have to be able to make a difference for every student,” says Alicia. Tutoring helps students improve their grades and test-taking abilities, but the greatest reward is in the noticeable improvement in the child’s self-confidence. “It is the student’s rise in confidence that makes a big difference and leads to benefits in other areas of their life,” says Alicia. “Tutoring works.”

Alicia currently has 50 tutors working with her. All of her tutors are certified teachers or graduate school students with teaching experience. She is always looking for new tutors with experience and a pas- sion to support students and their community.

“Tutoring is all about integrity,” says Alicia. “We never lie to the client or try to sell them on the tutoring process. We also resolve any personality issues between the student and tutor immediately. This is a relationship-based experience, and we want everyone to be happy with the tutoring process.”

To sum up the Tutor Doctor difference in one sentence Alicia says, “We provide one-on-one individualized instruction on all subjects in their own home and at their convenience.”

Learning doesn’t have to be a struggle. Call Alicia for a free consultation. Mention this article and you’ll also receive two hours of free tutoring.

Contact Alicia at (813) 506-0438, or at . Visit www.loveyourtutor.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is written by the advertising department.

Dr. Jay Nelson Treats Sleep Apnea with Nonintrusive Dental Retainer

October 9, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Jay A. Nelson, DMD, has been helping patients in the area solve their dental problems for 25 years and saw the need to add dental sleep medicine to his list of services. He has years of successful experience working in collaboration with medical doctors to provide patients with an alternative to the obtrusive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Dr. Nelson has fitted more than a hundred patients suffering from sleep apnea with a dental appliance that fits over the teeth much like a retainer. The appliance moves the jaw forward and opens the airway during sleep.

The result is an immediate and dramatic reduction in snoring (in many cases, snoring stops completely) — which is often a relief to the patient’s bed partner who complains that their sleep too is interrupted by their partner’s snoring.

But more importantly, the open airway created by the dental appliance allows the patient to sleep through the night and awaken fully rested.

“There is nothing more important to maintaining good health and an energetic, productive day than a restful night’s sleep,” said Dr. Nelson from his office on S.R. 54 in Lutz.

“Our body needs a continuous flow of oxygen to sleep restfully,” he continues. “It is essential that our brain and body reboot every night by getting enough sleep. If we don’t reboot, lack of sleep impacts every aspect of our health, including weight gain, high blood pressure, memory loss and mental health.”

Dr. Nelson is one of the area’s few dentists to be certified in treating sleep breathing disorders in collaboration with your physician. His office recently received a three-year accreditation from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, which required his practice to meet or exceed all standards for professional patient care, including continuing education for his staff and meeting standards for safety, customer service and patient follow-up.

Scientific studies have determined that dental sleep therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP therapy — which uses a bedside machine that pumps air into a patient’s nose and mouth throughout the night.

“Many people stop using their CPAP machine because they find its mask uncomfortable and the machine itself loud and disruptive to their bed partner,” said Dr. Nelson. “Those people are desperate to find an alternative that they can tolerate to help them sleep through the night and to stop snoring.”

Dr. Nelson fits his patients with mouthguard-like retainers worn only during sleep. These retainers easily and painlessly snap over a patient’s top and bottom teeth.

With the retainers in place, they prevent the air- way from collapsing by holding the tongue in place and moving the jaw forward. It typically takes a month for the retainers to be adjusted to a patient’s mouth. After the desired effect is reached, the patient does nothing more than pop the appliance in at night and rinse it off and store it away in the morning in a small carrying case.

Diane is a local businesswoman in her 50s who was fitted with an oral appliance by Dr. Nelson six months ago.

“I no longer snore and sleep better than I have in years,” said Diane. “I never realized what a huge difference a good night sleep would have on how I felt. My energy level is the best it’s been in years, and I wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day.”

The National Sleep Foundation reports that more than 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders today, and projects that number will more than double in 30 years as our population continues to age.

While these numbers are astounding, more astonishing is the number of people who are either unaware that they have a sleep disorder, or believe there is nothing they can do to treat it if they cannot tolerate CPAP treatment.

“It’s important that folks know there is an alternative to CPAP that is effective and affordable,” said Dr. Nelson. “We have helped so many people who find our oral appliances comfortable, easy to take in and out and convenient for travel.

“Our goal is to help people live longer by improving the quality of their sleep. Nothing is more important than sleep for good physical and mental health, and there’s no reason that anyone needs to suffer from snoring and sleep disorders”.

For more information on NelsonDentistry and Dental Sleep Medicine, visit www.SleepBetterFlorida.com or www.NelsonDentistry.com.

This story was written by the advertising department.

Joseph Grimaudo leads Dancing with our Stars winners

October 2, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

All Smiles Tampa Bay were all smiles when it came to awards at this year’s Dancing with our Stars competition.

The company won overall star at the competition, hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 21, as well as best costume, most original and most entertaining honors. Taking part in that winning effort for All Smiles were Dr. Joseph Grimaudo, Nicole Eppers and Sonia Salazer.

Robert and Edda Gilbert from Mind Your Business Now won most-committed dancers, while Tiffany Yip from Get a Group Total Fitness sold the most tickets for the fundraising event.

David Gainer of DigitalBrainz and Ann Poonkasem of AnnPonline.com were tied for most congenial, while Dr. John and Melissa Mertz of Mertz Orthodontics were selected as the people’s choice.

The best dance award went to Elisabeth Shaner-Flach with Scott Parlett from BallywhoSocial, while Kelly Mothershead of A Focus on Fitness was named a shining star.

The event was put together with a team of volunteers as well as stage manager Shelly Acevedo of Broadway Dancesations, and Meredyth Censullo, who served as the mistress of ceremonies.

The dance professionals who helped choreograph and teach the dancers included Wendy LaRosa, Terri Dusek, Gina Marchica, Grace Badillo, Roberto Lira, Tamesis Cruz, Leo Florin, Stacey Enyart, Nicole John, Acevedo, Hector Quiles, Frank Sliwa, and Richard and Laurie Collett.

Backstage artists were Jane Case, Ellen Castellani, Lisa Rogers, HairStyle Salon and Star’s Organic Spa.

For more information on how to become a dancer in next year’s event, call Carla Collier at (813) 345-8580, or email .

Activities picking up at Grand Horizons

October 2, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

I understand that many people are starting to come back from their adventures up north and settle in at Grand Horizons, and therefore, enjoying the different activities.

From speaking to some of my friends, I recognize the fact that traffic is starting to be a little heavier and, therefore, more time is needed to get to different places.

One of the activities was the connoisseur lunch. True, they try to hold it once a month, but September found 32 people enjoying the lunch buffet at Ling’s Buffet hosted by Judy Ellsworth. From what Judy mentioned, they not only had a very enjoyable time with good food to eat, but once the lunch was ended, the women went shopping at Hobby Lobby.

If you know the women from Grand Horizons, they love to shop and any excuse for this, well, they pounce on it. The idea that Hobby Lobby was not far from the restaurant, and the fact that there are many items of interest, is enough for the women to decide to go shopping.

Also, I spoke with Marie Paolantonio and she mentioned that the Ladies Lunch Bunch took advantage of a new restaurant that recently opened. I do not know the exact date of the opening, but on Sept. 10 they went to Panera Bread. I realize that I had mentioned that they were going here in my last article, but at the time I sent in the news, I never realized what a good time everyone had.

I read in our newsletter that it was hosted by Joyce Bell, who said 13 people attended. Joyce also mentioned that they put the tables close together so everyone could enjoy the rest of the company. From what I heard, the sandwiches and the soups are simply terrific.

If it is anything like the Panera Bread that we have in Connecticut, then I know the food is delicious, and Marty and I will be going there quite often.

Marie went on to mention that from Panera Bread, they went to Bob and Luella Wheeling’s home to help celebrate Bob’s 90th birthday. This is also something that I read was going to take place, but I didn’t know what a lovely time many people had when they celebrated Bob’s birthday until I spoke to Marie. So, Marie, thanks for the update.

Also, thanks goes to Joyce Bell who did attend the celebration and informed me that Bob received at least 45 cards. She said all who attended really enjoyed themselves, and the day was perfect.

Also, at Grand Horizons, there is a new and exciting activity. Rich Wagner, who is relatively new to the development, opened up his home for any of the residents that care to come to see films. Some of the movies shown are old-type picture shows, but there are also new ones, plus musicals and foreign films.

I had the opportunity to speak to Rich and he mentioned that after the movie, they sit around and discuss it. Rich went on to say that he loves to do this, and sometimes he enjoys a movie so much that he goes out to find the book.

It definitely sounds like a winner to me, and I hope to participate several times when I get to Florida. It sounds ideal to me.

Thanks to Rich for taking the time out to tell me all about it.

A fashion show is coming up on Nov. 2 and will be presented by Bon Worth. Kathy Cribbs is in charge of getting the models and seeing that all runs smoothly. Good luck Kathy!

I realize that in the past few years we had a fashion show and it always fell on a day that I couldn’t be present as we had previous plans. I am so glad that enough notice has been given so I can hold this date open.

Grand Horizon residents are also getting ready for Nov. 16 when they will have a yard sale. It will be at individual homes, plus there will be a book sale, bake sale and lunch will be served in the community center.

Who knows what you will find at this yard sale, maybe something that you have been looking for and almost gave up trying to locate. So, keep this date in mind and circle it on your calendar.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Zephyrhills honors its own for community, commercial service

October 2, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A dozen awards were handed out during the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce annual banquet Sept. 19, honoring community and business leaders who made a difference over the past year.

John Scott of Gulf Coast Financial Strategies ‘passes the gavel,’ so to speak, to incoming Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce president Carolyn Sentelik during the chamber’s annual dinner Sept. 19. (Photo courtesy of Gary Hatrick)

Goin’ Postal, and founders Marcus and M.J. Price, each were honored for Innovative Business of the Year (for the company), and the Community Service Award (for the couple) during the event at Scotland Yard Golf Club. They were nominated alongside companies like Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, The Commons on Pretty Pond and the Quiet Zone and The Home Theatre.

Large Business of the Year went to CF Industries for its reputation, services, growth and leadership for a company with 25 or more employees. It was nominated alongside Goin’ Postal, Humana Marketpoint, Ryman Construction and Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ.

The Diamond Award, which honored nonprofit organizations that helped the community, was given to Eastside 7 Rotary Clubs. Also nominated were Main Street Zephyrhills, Planned Pethood, The Samaritan Project, and Town Ark/The Thomas Promise.

Gary Hatrick, who also served on the business and community awards selection committee, earned two awards — Citizen of the Year and Chamber Member of the Year. Also nominated for those awards were Kevin Bahr, Linda Boan, M.J. Price, Wade Thomas, CenterState Bank, and Jon Dearolf of YMCA of East Pasco.

Winning Small Business of the Year was the Zephyrhills Free Press, while Katy Boyd of Saint Leo University was named Ambassador of the Year from a pool that included the newspaper, John and Diana MacDiarmid and Stephanie Stephenson.

Other winners included:

Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, for Zephyrhills Economic Development Champion

John Kinsman for Leadership in Youth Involvement

Zephyrhills City Council president Lance Smith for Leadership in Government Affairs

Carolyn Sentelik of the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Foundation was named the new chamber president, with John Scott of Gulf Coast Financial Strategies as vice president and treasurer. Hatrick, of High Road Photography, was named secretary.