The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Closer Look

A gem of a golf course just minutes from Land O’ Lakes

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Ron Padoba has been the proud owner of the Meadow Oaks Golf and Country Club since 1994. The course was originally built in 1984. “People are always telling us they never knew we were here,” says Ron. “You can’t see the course from the highway.”

CLMeadowOaksMeadow Oaks is a challenging shorter course – 6,030 yards from the back tees. It’s not too difficult for beginners, but still challenging enough for experienced golfers. The front nine holes wind through majestic oak trees. Water comes into play on seven of the final nine holes.

It’s a player friendly course with good condi- tions centrally located a few miles north of Land O’ Lakes. “We’d like to be known as the friendly golf course,” says Ron. “A lot of golf courses are in trouble these days, because it’s just a business to the owners. We’re hands-on owners on-site everyday. The whole family plays. We’re passionate about golf.”

The course is open to the public. A variety of memberships are available at reasonable prices. The course is maintained in a state of tournament preparedness. The greens feature Jones-Dwarf grass.

Laura Sanderson, head golf professional, says it’s more like a mom and pop shop with a hometown feeling. “We love our staff and take pride in our course,” says Laura. “We’re constantly looking for ways to upgrade and improve the course. We’ve probably played every golf course in several counties. We try to integrate the things we like about other courses into ours.”

Meadow Oaks has a full driving range, warmup areas, an immaculately maintained putting green, and a chipping green with practice bunker.

“We’re golfers,” says Ron. “We look at our course with a golfer’s eyes. We’re constantly looking toward the future, to things we can do to make this course the very best in the area. This is a constantly changing industry. We’re always on the lookout for new ideas.”

Golf pro Laura Sanderson is a past member of the LPGA and a certified instructor for the AAU Junior Golf program. She teaches the courses at Meadow Oaks for junior golfers ages 17 and under. She is an All-Army European Women’s Golf champion and a member of the All-Forces Golf team.

“We produce the best course that people can play at a reasonable price,” says Laura. “We’re successful for a reason, we’re doing a lot of things right.”

Ron grew up in the area and graduated from high school there. Laura was born and raised here. The staff is made up of community people. Most have been working there for years. All of this contributes to the family friendly atmosphere of the club.

You’ll find a good mix of golfers playing at Meadow Oaks, from beginners to seniors. Mature oak trees abound. The club also hosts tournaments, weddings and charity events. There is a full bar and restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a meal whether you’re golfing or not.

Meadow Oaks is located approximately 1.5 miles from the Suncoast Parkway interchange (Route 578 / County Line Road). The clubhouse restaurant serves breakfast and lunch every day of the week. Their Friday night fish fry is very popular. Play nine holes and eat, or just come for dinner. They also feature a full-service liquor bar.

Meadow Oaks Golf & Country Club is located at 13125 Fairwinds Road in Hudson. Additional information can be found on their website at MeadowOaksCountryClub.com. Their phone number is (727) 856-2878.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

A perfect tan in less than 15 minutes

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“Fifteen minutes in our level one beds equal four hours on the beach,” says Glen Harrod, owner of The South Beach Tanning Company. “And we’ll make sure you don’t get a sunburn. We don’t want anyone to tan longer than their skin can handle comfortably.”

CLTanning“We help our clients determine the length of time for an optimal tan,” says co-owner Jill Harrod. “It’s important for them to have a pleasant experience. Our initial discussion is designed to help prepare people for tanning. We go over everything, including their type of skin, expectations, choosing the best lotion and the right tanning equipment.”

South Beach Tanning offers five levels of ultraviolet tanning and also a sunless spray tan booth. “You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better selection of equipment,” says Glen. “We’ve made a tremendous investment in equipment since we acquired The South Beach Tanning franchise for the Tampa market area.”

The Harrods bought a tanning salon that has been in the same location for eight years before converting to South Beach Tanning Company. This was their first foray into tanning. South Beach is a high quality, family-oriented company that has enabled them to create a salon that met and even exceeded their vision and expectations.

Level one tanning beds have built-in surround sound stereo, high-powered body blowers and a large tanning surface. These level one beds often surpass many other salons top-of-the line equipment.

Level two and three units feature wider tanning surfaces, additional cooling, higher output bronzing lamps and high-pressure UVA facial tanners. Level three units have adjustable UVA facial tanners. Stand-up units are included in the level three package.

Levels four and five shower your body with a unique blend of high output UVA bronzing light designed to maximize your tanning experience. These high-pressure unit bronzing lights emit nearly 99 percent UVA light to give you the darkest tan possible.

The sunless Versa Spa Pro spray tan unit allows clients to select a combination of solutions for an optimal tan. These stand-up units spray a heated, ultra-fine mist that penetrates and moisturizes the skin. It’s a full body spa treatment, not just a simple tinting.

People can tan for as little as $18.88 per month. “We use a membership model because it allows the client to come in as often as they like,” says Glen. “We use a boimetric fingerprint system to ensure no one else is tanning under your account. This also keeps us in line with Florida guidelines which prohibit a person from tanning more than once per day.”

“After selecting the proper tanning level, our second focus is making sure they have the right lotion,” says Jill. “Lotions make a big difference in tanning. Our lotions are made locally by Devoted Creations in Oldsmar. They are aloe based which increases the quality of the tan as much as 60 percent over water based tanning lotions.”

South Beach Tanning offers packages to fit anyone’s needs. Clients have complete privacy in every room, and every unit is cleaned and sterilized immediately after use. Each employee goes through training and is certified to ensure every client receives the correct advice and new clients don’t get overexposed.

“We have entire families that tan here together,” says Jill. “We get to know the entire family from grandparents to grandchildren. It’s a wonderful way to earn a living.”

Glen and Jill just signed a lease for a second location in St. Petersburg and are negotiating leases for two more locations in New Tampa and Lutz.

South Beach Tanning is located at 1221 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel (in the Target Shopping Center at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and County Line Road). Their phone number is (813) 994-3050.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

It’s a family affair at Wilson’s Tractor & Supply

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Bruce and Jennifer Wilson, owners of Wilson’s Tractor and Supply Co., have an admirable goal – to one day turn their family business over to their two sons, Bruce Jr. and Aaron.

The Wilson Family
The Wilson Family

The couple wants their sons to know the value of hard work and to appreciate the rewards of customer satisfaction. They look forward to their boys carrying on the stellar reputation of the Wilson name, and to one day be able to support their families with the family business.

Self-employed for most of his adult life, Bruce owned other businesses — even moving his family to Georgia for a short time — before returning to his hometown of Dade City in 2002 to open Wilson’s Tractor and Supply Co. Mowers, leaf blowers, and weed eaters line the walls of the store, showing that Wilson’s carries much more than tractors. If your mower needs a new blade or tune-up, one of the staff will gladly help unload it out of your vehicle and into the service area.

Growing up in the business and now working alongside his dad, 20-year-old Bruce Jr. specializes in selling and repairing lawn equipment and tractors. He also makes sure that everything that leaves the store is in tip-top shape, ready to meet the needs of the customer. It is this level of detail and perfection that drives the entire Wilson family.

When not at Pasco High School as a vocational teacher, Jennifer Wilson is the company’s bookkeeper and unofficial door greeter at the store. In her “spare” time, Jennifer is chauffeur to her younger son, 13-year-old Aaron, and his group of friends who have recently discovered the art of yo-yoing.

Aaron watched a yo-yo demonstration during a visit to Disney and became enthralled with the artistry of the sport. After meeting several internationally acclaimed masters and learning several tricks, Aaron is focused on starting a yo-yo club at Centennial Middle School, where he is in the seventh grade.

Future Farmers of America and 4-H are clubs important to the Wilson family. While a student at Pasco High School, Bruce, Jr. was active in the school’s FFA Club. Aaron is continuing that legacy through his own leadership roles in the club, including raising a steer (aptly named Beefy) for the Pasco County Fair. Aaron is financing his current steer project with profits earned through previous projects with his 4-H group. The family also raises chickens and turkeys.

Rounding out the Wilson team is Fred “The Tractor Man” Roenicke. Fred is as iconic in Dade City as the green and yellow paint on the tractors he sells. Fred has more than 45 years experience selling tractors and other farm equipment. His knowledge about the tractor business, combined with his love of the local area, makes Fred a perfect employee for this family business.

What does the family do for fun when they’re not at the store?

“When you own your own business, you don’t have time for your own personal fun. You want your business to succeed and you want your customers to be happy,” said Jennifer. “But we do enjoy the hunting season.”

Time in the woods, away from the business, helps motivate this family to do even more and allows them to return to the town they grew up in, refreshed and ready to get back to work.

Wilson’s Tractor & Supply Co. is located at 12410 U.S. 301 in Dade City. It can be found online at WilsonTractorSupplyCo.com, by calling (352) 567-5002 or email .

– Jenny Timms

This story is a feature of the advertising department. 

Exquisite Italian-American Cuisine in a club house atmosphere

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Joe Marchica, owner of Lake Padgett Bistro, has owned several restaurants in the area. In fact, he’s been in the restaurant business for 40 years. His wife Gina, son Nicholas and two grandmothers all work together to provide an exceptional dining experience.

LakePadgettPizzaLake Padgett Bistro offers a full-scale restaurant menu serving family recipes handed down through the generations. The family originally emigrated from Sicily to New York and then moved to Florida.

Everything on the menu is homemade using fresh ingredients. There are no frozen or prepackaged entrees coming out of Joe’s kitchen.

Joe’s son Nicholas has done most of the work getting this restaurant setup and running. “I can’t praise him enough,” says Joe. “This is a family restaurant and eventually it will be handed down to him.”

The Bistro is located inside the Lake Padgett Clubhouse East on the lower level poolside and is open to the public. Clubhouse members receive pool-side service. You don’t need to be a Lake Padgett resident to join the club and enjoy all of the clubhouse amenities including a pool, gym, tennis and basketball courts and a BBQ area.

Lake Padgett Bistro is much more than a poolside grill. Customers can get a full meal for $12 to $14. The menu includes salads and appetizers, hot and cold subs, steak sandwiches, burgers, calzones, gourmet pizza, veal dinners, chicken dinners, mussels, clams, baked pasta and children’s dinners from $6.99.

They have facilities inside and outside for catering and pizza parties. Catering is also available for weddings and special occasions. Customers can also pickup party trays and salad trays for 10 to 15 people at unbeatable prices.

Pizza by the slice or a full pie is available for take-out or eating in. Right now they offer a Monday night special: purchase one pizza at regular price and get a second for $5. The Wednesday night special gives you a spaghetti and meatball dinner for only $5.

They also offer specials on football nights and coupons available where you can get two full dinners for $12 each.

A website is in the works where you’ll be able to find all of their current specials. Until then give them a call at (813) 406-4440.

“We’re here, we’re open, we’re ready to serve,” says Joe. “This is a unique setting, perfect for families enjoying a day at the pool with full service from our restaurant.”

Great food with a refreshing atmosphere in a park-like setting is only minutes away. Stop on by, say hello to Joe and his family, enjoy an excellent home cooked meal, and let Joe wash the dishes.

Lake Padgett Bistro is located at 4533 Savanah Way in Land O’ Lakes. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends. They offer free delivery within five miles, and can be reached at (813) 406-4440.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department. 

Meineke Car Care Center comes to Land O’ Lakes

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John and Michelee Coffield, owners of Meineke Car Care Center, opened for business on June 23. They were looking for land to build when they came across an empty furniture store in a promising location.

Michelee and John Coffield, owners of Meineke Total Car Care in Land O' Lakes.
Michelee and John Coffield, owners of Meineke Total Car Care in Land O’ Lakes.

When they removed the wall where they planned to install their garage doors, they found garage doors already in place. The building was once a garage turned into a dance and gymnastics studio, and most recently a furniture store, which now has returned back to its roots.

“It’s exciting being a new business owner,” says John. “We’ve wanted to do this for a while and felt like the time was right. It was either now or never.”

They purchased a franchise that they knew a great deal about and felt comfortable taking the risk. John has been in the car care industry since the age of 19. He started out as a technician for Sears and worked his way up the ranks. Over the years he’s worked for dealerships in leadership roles within the service department. He knows car care intimately.

Meineke is relatively new to Florida, but they have a strong reputation and brand recognition in other parts of the country. They are owner-operated. When you come, you’ll be talking to the owners.

“We know that everything we do is a reflection on us,” says John. “We’re not going to sell services that aren’t needed. We want to do high-quality work at a fair price.”

John and Michelee were born and raised in the Tampa area. They have raised their family here.

“This is a great community where people like to support each other and their local businesses,” says John. “We want to build long-term relationships with our customers. We expect to be here a long time.”

John manages the day to day operations and works daily at the store. He personally assists each guest when they come in, too. John’s knowledge and expertise in the industry ensures that all of their technicians are working at the top of their game.

He strives for an excellent customer experience each time a guest comes in. Michelee takes care of the backend functions of the business: bookkeeping, payroll, HR, computer support and office runner.

Meineke truly provides total car care.

“We can do everything, including tires” says John.

“This is a brand we believe in,” says John. “We wanted a business close to home. We’ve always participated in the community. This business is another part of our commitment to the community, to our friends and neighbors.”

Meineke Car Care Center is located at 2632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. They have a comfortable showroom with free coffee, along with cold soda and water in the refrigerator. They also provide complimentary snacks. Meineke offers free inspections for brakes, check engine lights, air conditioning, and much more.

Every guest is also offered a free comprehensive vehicle inspection with every service. Their everyday low price oil service of $19.99, 50% off brake pads, among other ongoing monthly specials.

Call them at (813) 949-0111 to set up an appointment or just stop on by. They’re open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find out more about them online by clicking here.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Try a hearing aid for 30 days through Gardner Audiology’s field study

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Jodi Conter is a certified audiologist with Gardner Audiology in Zephyrhills. She’s worked there with Dan Gardner, the founder, for 29 years. Dan opened the doors to his practice 31 years ago and now has offices in Zephyrhills, Tampa, Pasadena, Inverness, Crystal River and Carillon.

Jodi Conter
Jodi Conter

“Our goal is to help people hear better,” says Jodi. They’ve set up a field study with Starkey Hearing Technologies, the largest manufacturer of hearing aids in the U.S., to enable people to try out a hearing aid for 30 days, risk free.

“This field study is open to anyone, whether they’ve worn a hearing aid before or not,” says Jodi. “Noisy environments are frustrating for the hearing impaired.”

Gardner Audiology has partnered with Starkey Hearing to bring to market the latest technology for noise management in hearing aids. “People used to turn down or turn off their hearing aid in noisy environments,” says Jodi. “Current research is finding new techniques for handling noise. These new hearing aids can automatically adjust to the particular environment.”

How about a hearing aid made for an iPhone? An app on the iPhone allows the wearer to control, modify and adjust the hearing aid to fit specific situations and environments. It also geo-tags the location and automatically changes the setting for that environment as soon as you arrive.

“Hearing loss is a challenge,” says Jodi. “People don’t accept hearing loss as easily as they accept vision loss. The technology has greatly improved. Hearing aids are much more comfortable and noticeably smaller to the point where they’re almost invisible.”

Most people don’t see one day and not see the next. It’s the same with hearing. It’s often gradual. People can lose hearing for particular sounds, such as consonants. They may lose the ability to distinguish particular pitches or frequencies.

“People often complain about others mumbling, thinking that’s the reason they’re not hearing well,” says Jodi. “That’s usually a sign that they’ve lost hearing for a particular pitch range. Today’s hearing aids can be programmed to fit the exact type of hearing loss the person is experiencing.”

“Our biggest challenge is getting people in the door,” says Jodi. “My greatest joy is seeing the expression on their face when I turn on the hearing aid and they begin to hear sounds they haven’t heard in years.”

“Research has shown a direct connection between hearing loss and memory loss such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Jodi. “Lack of stimulation causes the brain to shut down. Getting a hearing aid is critical in the early stages of memory loss.” “Some of the same issues that cause hearing problems may affect balance and dizziness,” says Jodi. “Everyone should have a baseline hearing test done. Then when they come back, we can tell if they’re experiencing hearing problems.”

The human brain is an amazing organ. It adjusts and compensates for hearing loss quite well, up to a point. The only way to be sure that we’re hearing as well as we could be is to get a hearing test from a certified audiologist.

Contact Jodi Conter at Gardner Audiology to set up an appointment or participate in their field study. You can learn more by visiting their website at GardnerAudiology.com.

They are located at 38196 Medical Center Ave., in Zephyrhills, and can be reached at (813) 782-5395.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Professional eye care at your local Sam’s Club

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Dr. Anthony Valenti is an optometrist with an office inside Sam’s Club next to the eyeglass booth. A simple nameplate on the door marks the entrance to his office. Inside that door is a state of the art eye care facility.

Wesley Chapel Sam’s Club customers can now get a professional eye exam as well as their glasses and contacts in a single convenient location. This is a full scope optometric practice capable of providing all of the services found in a typical optometric office without the additional overhead costs.

Anthony Valenti
Anthony Valenti

In addition, Dr. Valenti provides something extra. He can examine deep inside the eye without dilation using retinal imaging. This technology provides him with a 200 degree view inside of the eye. Patients will be able to review those images right there in the office alongside Dr. Valenti.

A retinal scan provides a greater single view along with the ability to isolate deeper layers of the retina. All of this is obtained quickly and painlessly without the need to dilate the pupil. The retinal scan is included with the eye exam at no additional charge.

Dr. Valenti and his wife both graduated from the State University of New York College of Optometry in 1989. He started his own practice in 1993. They moved to Florida with their two girls in 2005.

“I’ve experienced enough snow to last a lifetime,” says Dr. Valenti. “ I love the water. Now we can enjoy our time outdoors for more than those three short months of summer on Long Island.”

“Our goal is to get the entire family down here now,” says Dr. Valenti. “We miss the family and the food, but not the traffic and the cloudy weather. “

He worked at a medical clinic for nine years before an opportunity to lease space in Sam’s Club prompted him to start his own practice again. “I’m very happy with this decision say’s Dr. Valenti.

Currently , the majority of his work is for glasses and contacts, including specialty contact lenses (multifocal, astigmatism, and Keratoconus) He also treats Red Eye, Glaucoma, removes foreign bodies, and manages dry macula degeneration.

Exams are also performed for systemic diseases that affect the eyes such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. Certain medications, such as Plaquinal, require special tests to guard against ocular side effects.

His work includes co-management of Cataract and Lasik surgery. He provides his clients with pre-op testing and post- op follow-up exams.

Dr. Valenti is happy to come in early or stay later for appointments and is available for emergencies, such as when a client gets something in their eye. He accepts medicare and is currently being credentialed for private medical insurance. He will see patients from 4 to 104.

His wife is a retired Optometrist. They have two daughters. The eldest will be attending the University of Florida in the fall with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Ophthalmologist. His youngest daughter is currently in 11th grade and plans to pursue a career in either architecture or medicine.

Anthony V. Valenti OD & Associates Inc., is located at 27727 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, inside Sam’s Club. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and can be reached at (813) 994-3931.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

 

Home defense experts in Wesley Chapel

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Jeffrey Webb, owner of Grey Wolf Armory, has a tactical mindset when it comes to a customer’s needs for home defense. He takes the time to find out what each person wants to be able to do and what their real concerns are. Then he’ll help them to choose the right firearm.

GreyWolfGrey Wolf Armory is a family owned and operated business. They opened their doors on July 1, bringing a full-featured gun shop to the area.

“There are no other firearms shops in Wesley Chapel other than a few big box retailers that offer very limited choices,” says Jeff. “Your local sporting goods counter can’t give you the knowledge and expertise we can provide.”

“Our goal is to give everyone the best value for their money,” says Jeff. “We have the expertise to answer our customer’s questions whether it’s about hunting, target shooting or personal protection. We’re here to serve the community’s needs.”

“Everything we sell is something I’d put my own money into,” says Jeff. “I’d use it all myself. The firearms we sell are all high quality and reliable. With a little bit of care, they’ll be working reliably for years.”

They cater to lady shooters with designs and colors suited to ladies and a variety of handguns sized to comfortably fit smaller hands. “It’s important to select a handgun that properly fits your hand,” says Jeff. “You’ll have a harder time shooting and your hand will get fatigued if the gun doesn’t properly fit your hand.”

Jeff starting shooting as soon as he was old enough to hold and aim a gun. Responsible care and handling of the firearm is ingrained. To further assist his customers, he offers periodic safety classes and provides recommendations to instructors and shooting ranges for new shooters.

Grey Wolf Armory covers all categories of shooting, from hunting to target to professional and career needs. Jeff is a certified gunsmith and law enforcement armorer. “I believe I’m the only certified gunsmith in the area,” says Jeff.

They provide on-site repairs, modifications and restorations. They also give first responder discounts on firearms, ammunition and accessories. Special orders are not a problem. Most items can be ordered and in the store in 1 or 2 days.

As part of their grand opening and July 4 celebration, they gave away a Ruger 10/22 50th anniversary edition rifle with 325 rounds of Federal match-grade .22 LR ammunition. They will be featuring additional giveaways in the future.

Before opening Grey Wolf Armory, Jeff was an information technology professional for 23 years. “The time was right for me to leave IT and open Grey Wolf Armory,” says Jeff. His father, working alongside him, is a former U.S. Secret Service agent and deputy sheriff for Palm Beach County.

Jeff has a wealth of information for any- one looking to purchase a firearm, especially if this is their first firearm.

Grey Wolf Armory is located at 32733 Eiland Blvd., Unit 104, in Wesley Chapel. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed Monday.

They can be reached GreyWolfArmory.com, or call (813) 782-4624.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Avoid surgery. Eradicate pain.

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Peggy Boyd, owner of Surgical Alternative, has found a way to end pain without costly and traumatic surgical procedures. “My work goes far beyond massage therapy,” says Peggy. “A better term for my work would be structural therapy.”

She graduated from massage therapy school in 1998 and started out doing sports massage. Her work moved to a whole new level as she began to learn neuro-muscular methods. She saw significant results as she focused on rehabilitative massage.

Peggy Boyd
Peggy Boyd

“I began to see lasting changes in people’s bodies, in their posture and in their attitude toward their daily life,” says Peggy. “Their quality of life improved as their pain was gone as a result of our work.”

“I want to help people eliminate pain, not just temporarily as is often what happens with standard massage therapy,” says Peggy. “I want to get to the source of the problem and rehabilitate it. Then the pain will go away long-term.”

“We want people to know this type of therapy exists,” says Peggy. “We can help people avoid extreme physical actions like surgery. This type of therapy also works well in conjunction with other non-invasive therapies like chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.”

The therapy as Surgical Alternative is designed to help people before they need surgery. They also recognize that sometimes surgery is necessary. This therapy can help clients recuperate faster, reduce their pain after surgery and help them get back to a normal range of motion pain-free.

“My focus is on rehabilitative work, helping people with injuries, and with those who want to prevent problems,” says Peggy. “We pride ourselves on educating our clients about their bodies and helping them to see how their routines may be contributing to their painful conditions.”

Repetitive use injuries are a big problem they see all the time. The therapists at Surgical Alternative help their clients understand where the source of their pain really is coming from. The cause of their pain is not necessarily where the symptoms show up.

“We take the time to understand our clients lifestyle and work routines which often contribute greatly to their condition,” says Peggy. “We can reverse many conditions without surgery.” “Call us and make us explain to you how we can help release your pain,” says Peggy.

“We also see clients who fall between the cracks,” says Peggy. “The doctor can’t find anything wrong, but the pain is real. We can help clients find the source of the problem and release the pain long term rather than simply masking it with unnecessary medications.” An example of this is hip pain. Many times it is tightened muscles that are keeping a person’s structure out of balance. This improper alignment can cause uneven wearing at the joints resulting in pain.

Surgical Alternative offers packages as well as a monthly maintenance program for those who want to keep their body balanced. Their typical session is 90 minutes and cost $120. Peggy has been in business for 12 years and at her current location for a little under 4 years. They have clients as young as 6 years of age and some well into their 90’s. “We see everyone from triathletes with plantar fasciitis, to the person whom has lost range of motion and thinks that their body should not feel like this,” says Peggy.

Peggy and her staff want to help people get beyond merely existing and into truly living.

They’re having an open house on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also be celebrating the grand opening of their new store, Upward Spiral, where they’ll be offering products to support health and healing. They’ll have product samples for you and giveaways too.

Surgical Alternative is located at 17886 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz. They can be reached at (813) 948-6300, or at SurgicalAlternative.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Mental health tune-ups for Pasco County residents

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NTBHMain
Spend a few minutes with Jim Harris, CEO of North Tampa Behavioral Health in Wesley Chapel (NTBH), and you’ll catch his enthusiasm. He and his staff are committed to providing the very best care and support for people experiencing mental health issues.

“Sometimes the challenges of life can overwhelm us,” says Jim. “Many of us will experience a mental health issue at some point in our life – grief, loss, loneliness, depression, addiction. We’re here to help people work through their mental health concerns.”

North Tampa Behavioral Health provides a non-institutional environment on 16 acres of wetlands and forest off of State Road 56, east of The Shops at Wiregrass. The campus offers peace and quiet without urban distractions.

“We want to set the standard for the treatment of behavioral health and addiction disorders,” says Jim. “We have a unique half-day, partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program for the treatment of adults and seniors with mental health and substance abuse conditions.”

NTBH is more than just a productive member of the community. They are making their facilities available for various support group meetings. The National Alliance on Mental Illness currently provides free support group meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., for families experiencing mental health issues or who have friends receiving mental health care.

“We currently have 143 employees contributing to the economic health of the region,” says Jim. “The resources we use come from the local community as much as possible. We are also a provider working to enhance mental health awareness and wellness of the citizens of Pasco County.”

“Our treatment focuses on the whole person,” says Jim. “We believe that physical health and nutritional health play a role in mental health, and we address that daily here.”

They have an indoor gym with stationary bicycles, workout bags and a basketball court. They also host yoga classes in the gym. Outdoors they have a basketball court, a walking path and spaces to relax, read and converse. There are also a number of spacious community rooms and a cafe with a selection of nutritious foods available during all meals.

“Our goal is to bring together mental and physical health approaches to psychiatric therapies founded on the most current principles of patient safety,” says Jim. “We are a progressive facility. For example, there are no mechanical restraints for patients, which is rare for a psychiatric hospital. Suggestions from our patients are continually improving our facility.”

All programs are group-oriented and developmentally appropriate to the client. Inpatient care is short-term. Outpatient care may go on longer depending on the client’s needs. The partial hospital program is 5 days per week for 5 hours per day. The intensive outpatient program is 3 days per week for 3 hours per day.

They became a Baker Act facility in February 2014 and have since been working closely with law enforcement and local hospitals to treat involuntary patients who are deemed a threat to themselves or others due to mental health or substance abuse issues.

North Tampa Behavioral Health has been very successful to date. They are continuing to develop relationships with local hospitals, independent practitioners, clinics, colleges and chambers of commerce. They are in the process of starting an alumni group for people who have been treated at the facility as another way to further support the community. Call them for an assessment or referral.

They are located at 29910 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, and can be reached at (813) 922-3300. Their website is NorthTampaBehavioralHealth.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.