Closer Look

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

If great things really do come in small packages, then The UPS Store in Land O’Lakes is the epitome of that expression.

Between shipping, in-store printing and postal needs, the place is a veritable one-stop shop of small business services.

Whether it’s a rubber stamp, document finishing, or laminating and binding, they can do it all.

“We are in the business of saving people time, but with shipping prices direct from UPS, we can save you money as well,” said store owner Cathy Charlton.

Opened next to the Publix in Arbor Square at Connerton since December 2016, The UPS Store offers many other services as well, including notary, passport photos, estate packing, custom crating and shipping freight items, like furniture and fine china.

“You’d be surprised at how much china we ship for people,” Charlton said. “I was initially amazed myself.”

Cathy and her husband Kirk have been UPS Store owners since 2009. The new Land O’ Lakes store is their third, joining the Zephyrhills branch and a Carollwood storefront as well.

“We’ve always been committed to providing convenient small business solutions with personalized customer service,” she said, “and, our new store is no exception.”

(813) 575-9196

landolakes-fl-6830.theupsstorelocal.com

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm

Saturday 9:00 am –2:30

 7842 Land O’Lakes Blvd.,

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(1 mile north of Land O’Lakes High School on US 41)

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ron Ierna, a respected and longtime HVAC technician in Pasco and Hillsborough counties, has established Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Land O’ Lakes.

The business is located on Bell Lake on U.S. 41, on a site previously occupied by Bay Area Water Sports. Ron closed on the waterfront property in January, which includes a renovated 2,500-square-foot commercial building and parking area with fast access to Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

“Our location is ideal, because it is the center of the market area we service in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel,” said Ron. “Plus, it’s a beautiful setting on a lake that I’m personally attached to.”

Ron is a native of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes community and is a graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School. He learned to ski on Bell Lake as a teenager, and today his three children ski on the lake after school and on weekends, just as he once did.

In addition to Lakeside’s high visibility on U.S. 41, which has 45,000 vehicles a day passing by, the business is also next to Larry’s Deli – the iconic Land O’ Lakes deli.

“I’m not sure what’s better — being on Bell Lake or being next to Larry’s,” laughed Ron.

Before establishing Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Ron was a partner in a HVAC company based in Lutz.

“I’m taking all that I’ve learned from my previous business, and applying it to make Lakeside successful,” said Ron, who has been a licensed HVAC technician for 22 years.

Ron plans to keep his new company small, which he says will allow him to provide quality customer service and offer low prices.

“After 22 years in the business, I’ve seen every problem there is, and can quickly and accurately assess the best course of action when someone calls with a problem,” said Ron.

Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing employs licensed technicians and highly skilled craftsmen who specialize in designing, engineering, servicing and installing HVAC systems and water heaters. Ron identifies the following as his core business principles:

* We always tell you up front what your cost will be to complete your job correctly

* Your experience with us will be enjoyable and hassle-free

* If we make a mistake, we will correct it to your satisfaction

* You get an exclusive written guarantee

* If the equipment we install does not function to factory specifications, we will remove the unit and replace it with a new one

* We always cover your floor with drop cloths or runners, or wear floor savers

* We always clean up the work area and never leave a mess

“We take our responsibility very seriously when you place your trust in us,” said Ron. “Please give us a call for your A/C service needs, and see what you’ve been missing.”

(813) 444-9474 • LakesideComfortPros.com

4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

 

 

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

From the moment you walk into Your Best You P.A., you can feel that it’s a different kind of medical clinic with a different kind of attitude. Heck, it even smells different, courtesy of an aromatherapy diffuser puffing away in the lobby.

With a focus on primary care and diabetes treatment/management, that’s the way Dr. Shani V. Davis, Ph.D., ANP-BC, CDE and her team intend it to be.

Dr. Davis, a nurse practitioner for nearly 16 years, with the vast majority of it in endocrinology, has also worked, presented and instructed on Advanced Diabetes Management Strategies throughout Florida. Beyond all of her qualifications, you’ll find genuine concern and a positive attitude that comes naturally to her. In fact, it’s downright infectious.

It’s clear that Dr. Davis really does connect with her patients, which would explain her fiercely loyal following. Your goal is her team’s goal. More specifically, their aim is to assist patients with setting and reaching their own individual health-related outcomes.

“Each patient comes from a different background, has a different set of circumstances, and a different goal or goals. One is no more valid than another,” said Dr. Davis.

This kind of approach is especially important in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes. Once a person’s goals are set, the team designs plans of treatment, management and education for that individual.

“Be it chronic disease care, health empowerment education, or geriatric wellness, we’ll meet you where you are and help you to move toward your health objectives, on your terms,” she added.

Appointments can be made online or by calling, and walk-ins are also welcome. Dr. Davis invites you to come in for an initial consult, so her team can get to work on the best plan for you.

813-936-2609 • www.YBYClinic.com

Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit us online, or call to schedule an appointment

 15511 N. Florida Ave., Suite 502,

Tampa, FL 33613

(.5 miles north of Bearss Ave)

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Carlos Carrazana’s interest in the chiropractic field came as easily to him as falling off a horse –repeatedly, that is.

While growing up in Cuba, he competed in equestrian events at the youth National Team level. A few years later, he found himself in a rowing crew at the National Team level, while at the same time completing his primary university studies.

“Athletes get injured,” he states rather matter-of-fact. “It’s part of the process.”

Quite literally, it was Dr. Carrazana’s own injuries and treatments that led him down the path to earn degrees in physical education, then message therapy, and later in life, chiropractic medicine.

His 29 years in these interrelated fields have taken him around the globe to Canada, England, Germany, California, Georgia, and for the past seven years, Florida.

Of course, he’s fluent in both Spanish and English, but because of his extensive studies, you might say he’s most fluent in the human musculoskeletal system.

In February, Dr. Carrazana opened a new chiropractic clinic in Land O’Lakes, in a plaza on U.S. 41 at the Dale Mabry Apex, located just north of St. Luke’s Dental.

While Dr. Carrazana’s fully licensed clinic has the capacity to treat a wide variety of conditions, he specializes in injuries sustained from auto accidents and sports injuries.

Be it a corrective adjustment, or a complete chiropractic orthopaedic exam, Dr. Carrazana is here to help you on the road to recovery. Plus, he personally knows from his injuries what’s needed to get through the toughest injuries.

“From neck and spinal injuries, to nagging problems in the extremities, believe me when I tell that I’ve been there, too,” he said. “I want to help.”

Hablamos Español

(813) 591-2506 • CarrazanaChiropractic.com

Clinic Days: Monday–Friday • Call to Schedule an Appointment

1930 Land O’Lakes Blvd, Suite 16

Lutz, FL 33549

(next to The Great Catch restaurant)

Special to The Laker/ Lutz News

Bernard Wong has been a professional chef for more than 25 years. He and his wife Vicky Lin were thriving in the New York City baking industry for many of those years. But when their daughters Alexandria and Isabella were born, they decided to make a change.

“We enjoyed the city. There are so many culinary influences from all over the world.” said Lin. “But it wasn’t the best place to raise a family.”

So, two years ago, they packed up their bakeware and purchased a 17-acre farm in the rolling hills of Dade City. They faced challenges adapting their gardening methods to Florida’s subtropical climate, but are pleased with the results.

“We are committed to using only foods grown without pesticides or artifi
cial ingredients,” said Lin. “We’ve spent the past two years cultivating our farm so we can honor that commitment.”

Adhering to a “farm to table” philosophy, the couple grows the produce they use to create their fusion-style menu of breads, cakes, and desserts. These include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, taro, mangos, sunflowers, and the leaves of the moringa tree.

Known for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, Moringa oleifera has gained popularity as a miracle food. Customers are intrigued by the green-tinted cakes, breads, and even chicken noodle soup made with the tiny leaves.

“Nature provides so many healing foods,” Lin explained. “We love to incorporate these into our menu. We are what we eat, so if we eat healthy foods, we are healthy.”
That philosophy is evident in their menu. Homegrown sunflower leaves are dried, ground and transformed into sunflower tea mousse cake. Lemon raisin twists are made with fresh lemons. Fresh pickled daikon finds a home on barbecue pork buns and chicken sandwiches.

The menu changes with the seasons, guaranteeing exciting new delights throughout the year. All natural fruit smoothies are a recent addition, and the couple plans to offer a farm fresh salad bar during the summer months.

Located at 38201 10^th Avenue, Zephyrhills, the Living Food Bakery and Café is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. They also offer catering and will create al occasion cakes and gift baskets on request by calling (813) 715-0622.

 

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Luis A. Laurentin-Perez’s enthusiasm and love for his work is palpable when you first meet him. His vast experience has taken him all over the world, and as a result he’s fluent in English, Spanish, French and Italian. His 26 years of experience is pretty impressive, too.

With all of that being said, the doctor is rather reluctant to boast. He says he’s merely grateful for the ability to use his gifts to serve others, especially children.

The humble doctor and his dedicated staff at Hand Care Specialists of Wesley Chapel use the latest practices and technologies for ailments of the hand and upper extremity.

They treat a wide variety of conditions for patients of all ages, including fractures, burns and open wounds; as well as nerve, tendon and vascular injuries. Dr. Laurentin, who additionally is a fully licensed plastic surgeon, also performs pediatric reconstructions in children suffering from congenital deficiencies.

“Our arms, elbows, wrists and hands help us in all of our daily activities, be work or play. When there’s a problem, it can greatly affect our quality of life,” said Dr. Laurentin.

“Whether your particular condition is acute or chronic, and whether the needed approach is conservative or surgical, we can help. We want to help.“

Whether you or someone you know suffers from tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, a sports injury or even trigger finger, call for a consult and learn how Hand Care Specialists of Wesley Chapel can make a difference in your quality of life for years to come.

Hablamos Español

(813) 895-5581

HandCareofWC.com

Clinic Days: Monday–Friday

Call to Schedule an Appointment

 2050 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 101

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(across from Sam’s Club)

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Since it opened in 1957, the course itself has been known by many names — Airport Links, Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Links and City Course.

While its official name is actually Zephyrhills Under Par, as far as the course’s staff is concerned, it could just as easily be called Family Links, because that’s how they view each other and their guests.

Ask Course Manager Craig Sexton about the numerous leagues he hosts, and he gets off topic boasting about the weekly lunch specials prepared by Denise McKillip and her kitchen staff.

McKillip is just as likely to talk about the wonderful job that Course Superintendent John Husar does keeping the course in excellent shape, as she is to boast about the restaurant’s variety of tasty soups and tasty specials.

And, so it goes.

Everyone on General Manager Aya Burkhart’s staff works very hard, and it’s no secret they’re very proud of each other’s efforts to create a great experience for their guests.

“We really are like a family, and that family includes our golfers,” said Burkhart. “Most everyone is on a first-name basis around here.”

That says a lot, because during the winter season, Zephyrhills Under Par hosts many weekly golf leagues from the area’s numerous adult-living communities. Plus, its 35-seat banquet room is frequently used for various HOA meetings and private parties.

Expanding on their family theme, Sexton talks about what a great place the 60-year-old, city-owned course is for beginners and junior golfers. During the summer, golfers age 12 and younger play for free, when accompanied by a paying adult golfer.

“The course is very forgiving for those still learning the game,” said Sexton. “Plus, golf is an excellent way for kids and parents to unplug from all their digital media, get off the couch, and get some fresh air.”

Zephyrhills Under Par is located just west of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and Skydive City. Local pilots and parachutists enjoy the birds-eye view they get of the scenic course.

In fact, Husar recalled one jumper in particular who had the best view ever when he drifted off course and onto the links. “There he was, dangling from one of the trees near (holes) 13 and 14,” he said with a grin.

813-782-0714 • zephyrhillsgolf.com

39248 B Ave. • Zephyrhills, FL 33542

(next to the airport)

Tee-times daily between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Owning their own business is a dream Marius and Angelina Ferezan have shared since they married six years ago. They wanted a business where they could offer excellent customer service and give back to their community.

The couple researched many franchise opportunities, but when they discovered The Flying Locksmith, they knew it fit their goals perfectly.

“The Flying Locksmith is a 70-year-old company with an outstanding customer service reputation,” said Marius. “When we saw it was offering franchise operations outside of its home base in Boston, we jumped at the opportunity to become one of its first locations in Florida.”

Because family was close-by, the couple chose Tampa as the location for their Flying Locksmith franchise, and opened their company last August. It serves families and businesses in central Tampa, and the northern suburbs of Lutz, Land O’Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

“It’s great to finally be open and helping people with their locksmith and security needs,” said Angelina.

The Flying Locksmiths began in Boston 70 years ago by a WWII veteran and pilot, who handed it down to his sons. The sons, and now a third generation, run the company with a synergistic combination of old world locksmith experience and new world technology.

The company has grown to become the largest locksmith service in the northeast, and only recently began franchising its successful formula to other areas of the country.

Customers value The Flying Locksmith because of the expertise and reliability and its technicians, and for its extensive inventory of parts and accessories. They especially like that technicians undergo a security background check, wear professional uniforms and always present identification.

“When you allow a service person into your home or business, you want to be sure there are no security concerns,” said Marius.

When customers call The Flying Locksmiths, there is always a live operator who answers and quickly dispatches technicians when needed.

“The company has over 100 years of combined experience in the field. If one tech hasn’t seen a particular lock, it’s highly likely someone else has,” said Marius.

“Focusing on the needs of our clients, and exceeding their expectations, is our primary goal,” said Angelina. “We also want to educate our customers and our communities about the importance of physical security.”

Be sure to call The Flying Locksmiths for all your security needs. Services include home and vehicle lock outs; deadbolt lock rekeying; master key systems; keyless entry solutions; safes and filing cabinet locks; door repair and replacement; and alarm and surveillance systems.

813-377-3674 • flying locksmiths.com/tampa-central

Judi Barnes has been making women beautiful in Land O’ Lakes for more than 37 years.

The owner of two Land O’ Lakes hair salons — The Hair Port for the past 12 years, and before then, County Terrace for 15 years — Judi has been a hair stylist since 1966 when she graduated from DeVrys’ School of Beauty in Indiana. She eventually relocated to Tampa, where in 1969 she opened her first salon in Port Tampa.

Judi moved to Land O’ Lakes in 1979 and is proud to be the hair stylist for multiple generations of local families.

“I’m taking care of grandchildren — even great grandchildren — of women whose hair I’ve been doing for over 30 years,” says Judi. “I love making people happy in their appearance and in their hearts.”

When Judi moved to Land O’ Lakes, she wanted to open a shop with a family atmosphere where stylists could work together in a friendly, happy environment without gossip and where stylists and customers treated each other with respect.

“I wanted to take the best things about our industry and create beauty and happiness for others,” said Judi.

Today, The Hair Port has seven stylists, with most having over 30 years experience in the beauty field. Working the front desk is the mother-daughter team of Rebecca Barnes (mother) and Sarah Barnes, who are Judi’s daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

“We all work together as a team to take care of our clients and their comfort,” said Judi.

The salon’s highly skilled and talented stylists gladly back each other up and make sure all customers are treated like VIPS. Clients also appreciate The Hair Port’s affordable prices.

“Excellence in hair care does not have to be expensive,” said Judi.

Unlike many hair salons today, The Hair Port still offers weekly shampoo and set for clients who like a firm, longer-lasting hairstyle.

“Roller setting and teasing were something they taught in school 30 years ago. But today, they are almost a lost art,” said Judi. “There are many ladies who count on us every week to shampoo and set their hair for the weekend.”

The Hair Port is a full service salon, including barber services and braiding by appointment. While most clients schedule appointments, the salon also welcomes walk-ins. Professional products used are by Redken, Paul Mitchell and Matrix.

“While we have a very steady clientele, we always welcome new customers,” said Judi. “Please call for an appointment — we know you’ll love our services and our prices.”

Instead of standing around in the electronic sections of big box stores, or waiting in long lines at the Apple store in a mall, you can skip those tedious waits and head to Experimac’s store in Carrollwood for fast service, expert advice and refurbished Apple devices.

Experimac’s focus is on repairing, buying and selling Apple products. It offers same-day service, and often fixes problems while a customer waits.

Its highly trained Apple technicians talk face-to-face with customers about their problems. They never send a phone, tablet, computer or laptop off for repairs like other service centers, which may leave one without their device for a week or longer.

Experimac performs all out-of-warranty repairs on Apple devices, including upgrading higher storage capacity, installing more memory (RAM), replacing logic boards and performing just about any Apple repair that’s needed.

All device sales and repairs come with a 90-day limited warranty that can be used on any repair or exchange at Experimac’s Carrollwood store.

In addition to fast, expert service, Experimac also saves customers significant money, especially when compared to new Apple products.

The store’s selection of pre-owned, fully wiped and tested Apple laptops, tablets and iPhones sell at about 60 percent the cost of new products. It also stocks a variety of new accessories, including cases, chargers, adapters and other high-demand connectivity products.

Mark Berry and Chris Grace own Experimac. Friends since college, the two were exploring technology opportunities when they came across Experimac.

“We were immediately impressed by the company’s franchise model, as well as its Apple-only niche,” said Chris. “A big part of what drew us to Experimac was the well-documented, owner-loyalty found among Mac users — people like us,” said Chris.

The partners opened their store this past summer and are drawing rave reviews from customers in Hillsborough and Pasco County. But they’re not stopping there.

Chris and Mark are planning to offer after-school technology education classes, and aim to become more than just another retail store and service center.

“Of course we want our business to succeed,” said Chris, “But for us, true success has as much — or even more — to do with our ability to contribute to the goodwill of our community at large, and become fully vested partners with our customers.”

813-280-2620 • experimac.com/north-tampa-fl/

11209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. • Tampa 33618