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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Where To Find Great Gift Deals This Holiday Season

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Need some inspiration for some last-minute Christmas shopping ideas that also help support local businesses? We got you covered!

B&B Theatres – Wesley Chapel The Grove 16
Whether you’re shopping for the ultimate movie buff, the person who claims they “already have everything,” or for the perfect gift for the whole family to enjoy, surprise them with movie tickets to Wesley Chapel The Grove 16!

With so many amazing films coming to the big screen – such as Avatar: The Way of Water, Puss in Boots, and Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – there’s sure to be something for everyone’s liking. 

Best part? You can skip the in-store, crazy long lines by purchasing the gift cards from the comfort of your computer, or phone. In five short minutes, you’ll have a fantastic gift to give out this holiday season. 

Gift cards can be used for movies, popcorn, candy and more. B&B Theatres at The Grove 16 is a dine-in theater featuring adult beverages on tap, and heated reclining seats. 

Be sure to follow B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel on Facebook, as the movie theater is constantly offering fun bingo and trivia nights, $5 movie nights and specials for Backstage Pass members, showing classic retro movies that take you back in time, and so much more. The theater also has a full arcade for children to enjoy. And, you can schedule birthday parties and private events at B&B Theatres at The Grove 16, too.

Heights Meat Market
Food always makes a great gift, and Heights Meat Market — a premium meat market with four locations in Tampa Bay (including right here in Land O’ Lakes, at 5132 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Unit 105) — is offering three Holiday Box options to gift to your meat-loving friends!

The Silver Box (which retails for $95) comes with 2 – 8 oz Black Angus Sirloins, 1 – 8 oz Black Angus Filet, 1 – 14 oz Black Angus Strip, 1 – 16 oz Black Angus Ribeye, and a small High Octane rub.

The Gold Box (which retails for $160) comes with 2 – 8 oz American Wagyu Sirloins, 1 – 6 oz Australian Wagyu Filet, 1 – 14 oz American Wagyu Ribeye, 1 – 8 oz Australian Wagyu Denver Steak, and a large High Octane Rub.

The Platinum Box (which retails for $250) comes with 1 – 6 oz Japanese Wagyu Filet, 1 – 16 oz Japanese Wagyu Ribeye, 1 – 14 oz Australian Wagyu Ribeye, and a large High Octane Rub. 

In addition to the holiday boxes, Heights Meat Market also is selling four small Heights’ rubs for $30 and three large Heights’ rubs for $50.

For more information, go to HeightsMeatMarket.com or call 813-388-9118.

Abela Story + CO
That personal touch is what you will find the minute you walk into Abela Story + Co. 

Located at the west entrance of Starkey Ranch Community on SR 54 and Trinity Boulevard, Abela Story + Co is a one-of-a-kind women’s boutique. 

The boutique is designed to make the customer feel effortlessly stunning and cozy at the same time. From flip-flops and shorts to heels and black ties, its goal is to dress its customer from head to toe with a super fun and laid-back shopping experience. The boutique’s aims to bring you quality and affordable gems, catering to all its amazing customers and offering a wide variety of styles and prices so nobody feels like the boutique is out of reach.

Display tables are overflowing with accessories, racks are elegantly hung with stylish dresses and tops, and a marigold velvet cushioned bench faces a huge round mirror where you can sit and try on your Dolce Vita or Steve Madden shoes. A play area gives your little ones a place to hang out while you shop.

The boutique offers luxury jean brands such as Judy Blue, Great American and Vervet, and also sells Spanx that you can wear underneath. Local Tampa designer Marrin Costello entices you to try on her designs. Abela Story + Co even offers a custom design line of clothing that is made of butter soft fabric, such as its winter “shackets” that will keep you warm and stylish.

You can shop through the website at Abelastory.com. There also is an app to download where you can watch Abela’s live sales and shop the replay videos. On your app store, search Abela Story + Co.

Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread
Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread, a local bakery in Dade City known for its delicious handmade, all natural delicacies, has a most scrumptious gift for your sweet-toothed loved ones.

If you prefer to just have one of those specific Holiday-flavored shortbread, you can order a bag with just that flavor in it, for $20.
Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread is handmade by the batch with all natural ingredients and goes great with a good cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk or a spot of afternoon tea. Its shelf life is surprisingly long, IF you can muster the willpower to resist indulging. It comes in a resealable bag and lasts up to four weeks on the shelf and six-plus months in the freezer.
You’ve never tasted anything like Lanky Lassie’s shortbread, which is a buttery crusted edge, soft-centered, melt-in-your-mouth delight.

For more information on Lanky Lassie’s Holiday Tin, as well as all the products it sells, go to LLShortbread.com or call (352) 424-8937.

Garden Shop
Now, this is a deal you can’t beat! 

Garden Shop — at 7337 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. – is currently offering 60% off EVERYTHING in its store. This is due to the store temporarily closing its doors on Dec. 22, in anticipation of reopening on a much larger scale in the future.

Garden Shop in Land O’ Lakes brings its love for all things natural by providing unique gifts of wellness that nature has to offer – in a way that is carefully crafted for the home. 

The store’s focus is on houseplants that stand alone, as indoor decor. The shop also features driftwood carefully crafted with natural elements of moss, plants, shells, wood flowers and more. 

Every avenue you can explore while visiting – essential oils, hand soaps, candles, bug repellent, lip balm, lotions, salt scrubs – will all lead back to the importance of plants. 

The Garden Shop welcomes you to visit its serene tropical paradise one last time, and find the perfect holiday gift for your plant-loving friends.

Save On Energy Costs With Renewal By Andersen® Of Florida

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As the winter months and the new year approach, Florida residents likely will get hit with higher electric bills as utilities continue to struggle with increased costs of natural gas.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, it is expected that the residential price of electricity will average 14.9 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2022 — an 8% increase from 2021. This is largely due to an increase in wholesale power prices, which are driven by higher natural gas prices. 

The department also believes that wholesale electricity prices at major power trading hubs will be about 20% to 60% higher on average this winter.  

As prices go up, it makes sense that you might be eyeing your energy bill with the intent to slash the cost, if at all possible. 

And if that’s the case, you might be wondering: Can I save much money by switching to more energy-efficient windows?

With Renewal by Andersen® of Florida, you absolutely can!

“Energy-efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.”

Specifically, your window might cause you to lose energy (and money) if it is outdated, has a cracked frame or sill, features a single pane, was installed improperly, or doesn’t include weatherstripping. 

So you know you can save money with Renewal by Andersen® of Florida, but the real question is, how much? 

Well, as reported by ENERGY STAR*, residents in the Southern region of the United States can experience the following energy savings when they replace their windows with a more energy-efficient model:

  • Replacing a single-pane window: $280 per year (a total of 31%)
  • Replacing a double-pane window: $126 per year (a total of 17%)

So, what are the elements of an “energy-efficient window”?

The first element to consider is the glass itself. A single-pane window is not designed to efficiently deflect sunlight or insulate your home. A dual pane window, however, is capable of optimizing your energy use at home thanks to both the high-quality materials and insulating gas found between the panes.

The second element to consider is the window framing. If your window frame is not well insulated, it can be easily penetrated by moisture or is likely to be cracked by outside forces, it is not providing you with optimal energy efficiency.

Renewal by Andersen® of Florida offers revolutionary Coastal Impact windows. Tested exhaustively and designed to withstand the harshest of weather environments, these windows are energy-efficient, durable, and capable of preventing water intrusion. They also are resistant to salt-water exposure, particularly for those who reside closer to the shoreline(s).

What’s more, its Coastal Impact windows feature a weathertight seal, a strong and sleek Fibrex® frame (which is vastly superior to even that of vinyl and offers 700 times better insulation than aluminum), highly-lauded thermal performance, innovative components that minimize both shrinking and expanding, and more!

In short, these windows offer the ideal blend of functionality, safety and beauty all in one, thereby ensuring you are investing in only the best for your home and family.

Last but certainly not least, the installation job itself must be taken into account. After all, if not properly installed, your home may be subject to all sorts of window-related drafts and leaks, thereby decreasing your overall energy efficiency.

That’s why Renewal by Andersen® of Florida’s team offers unparalleled results in terms of both customer service and revolutionary products!

To learn more about how you can lower your energy bill costs, reach out to the Renewal by Andersen® of Florida team today by calling 855-830-2420.

*Energy Star reports ranges are based on the average savings among homes in modeled cities. Actual savings will vary based on local climate conditions, utility rates, and individual home characteristics.

Understanding SEER2 and What It Means For Homeowners

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Big changes are coming to the air conditioning industry ever since the Department of Energy announced the new SEER2 rating. Read on to learn more about this change and what Cornerstone Pros is doing about it.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the way an air conditioner is rated for its energy efficiency. SEER is the ratio of the total heat removed from the air-conditioned space during the annual cooling season divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner during the same season. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy it takes to run the system and keep your house cool.

Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) is changing the way heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are tested by introducing a new SEER rating called: SEER2. The federal minimum SEER will increase by 1 point for all regions.

According to Seer2.com, “to meet requirements in the southeast region, residential central air systems below 45,000 British Thermal Unit (Btu) must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3 (15.0 SEER). Residential central air systems 45,000 Btu and above must have a SEER rating of 13.8 (14.5 SEER). In addition, heat pumps in any region must meet 14.3 SEER2 (15.0 SEER).”

So, how does this affect homeowners?
“With this new act, all manufacturers have to re-rate all their lines of equipment,” says Dana Spears, owner of Cornerstone Pros.

“A lot of the manufacturers have gone in and re-manufactured the equipment for the SEER2 ratings. We’re being told we’re going to see a 20% to 40% price increase in 2023.”

What Spears is also finding is that a lot of homebuilders are buying the equipment in bulk, so service-based providers like Cornerstone Pro, are having a difficult time finding equipment.

“There’s already been shortages anyway for the industry due to COVID and shipping costs, so we’re already seeing shortages, but now with this big change coming in, we’re also probably going to have some limited supplies on these new changeovers, and phase-outs and phase-ins,” says Spears.

“It’s something the homeowners need to know.”

The good news is, Cornerstone Pros is a Carrier dealer. Carrier was founded by Willis Carrier, who invented modern air conditioning in 1902.

“Carrier has been on the forefront because they had rated a lot of their equipment higher to begin with. When they went into their re-ratings, they didn’t have to make a lot of adjustments to their products,”says Spears.

“They’re very prepared for this transition, so we’re thankful for that. We feel that the Carrier brand and the Cornerstone brand go hand-in-hand as far as quality and meeting customers’ expectations.”

Cornerstone Pros is still allowed to install any heat pump systems made at the 2022 pricing, until the company runs out of that equipment. Then, it will have to charge the 2023 pricing. As for the Straight Cool Split System A/Cs, Cornerstone Pros will have to go straight into the SEER2 pricing.

Reflecting on all the changes in the world these last couple of years, Spears recognizes that this SEER2 is another bump in the road for all parties.

“We empathize, and are dedicated and committed to continue to serve our customers through these different phrases,” says Spears.

Spears recommends if you’re looking to replace your A/C unit to do it as soon as possible, before the prices increase.

For more information on the SEER2 changes and to learn how Cornerstone Pros can help you navigate through it, CornerstonePros.com, or call 813-945-7891.

Win Up To $2,000 Off A Home Remodeling Project with CMK Construction

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CMK Construction is in the holiday spirit — big time.

To give back to the local community and thank its customers this holiday season, CMK Construction is hosting a Toys for Tots drive.

In exchange for donating a toy, which you can either donate at the company’s all-inclusive, 4,000-square-foot showroom or during a home appointment, you will then receive a scratch-off that will reveal up to $2,000 off any kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.

The CMK crew is getting into the holiday spirit.

This is the first time the remodeling company is participating, but Manny and Courtney Kavouklis — co-owners of CMK Construction — felt it was the perfect time to get into the giving spirit.

“We wanted to thank our customers for a great year,” says Manny Kavouklis. “With everything going on in the world, we’re blessed to be where we’re at, so we wanted to give back.”

CMK Construction has two large bins and its goal is to fill both of them up with toys, to the very top.

The team at CMK Construction, which has a total of 50 employees, also is excited to participate in the toy drive.

“We have a team that truly cares a lot,” says Kavouklis. “Sometimes, as with any business, that’s hard to find, but at our company, our employees always go the extra mile.”

“They don’t look at the clock, they finish when they get the task done. Whatever it takes to make the customer happy, they will do it.”

The remodeling company has been serving the Tampa area for more than 19 years and offers customers a personalized experience, from an introductory visit in your home to the company’s 4,000-square-foot showroom to an individual design specialist for each project.

“Our showroom has everything you need to remodel a kitchen or bathroom,” says Kavouklis.

What really sets CMK Construction apart from its competitors, according to Kavouklis, is the products they use.

“We use premium products. For instance, in all our bathrooms, we use Schluter products, which allow for lifetime warranties in those wet spaces. We only sell the best quality finishes and then combine them with flawless installation; it truly gives you that ‘WOW’ factor,” says Kavouklis.

Customers who reach out to CMK Construction about a bathroom or kitchen project can visit the company’s showroom for a private design consultation, where a certified designer can show you hundreds of products and can help you select what to use based on your dreams for the space.

“That uniqueness of getting to sit with an accredited designer in the showroom, to bring your vision to life, combined with having a dedicated project manager and a high-quality installation are just a few things that set us apart,” Kavouklis says. “Each of our customers is getting a project manager who can tell them what’s going on, on a day-to-day basis.”

The company offers many selections of new bathroom and kitchen fixtures, kitchen countertops and cabinets, backsplashes, accent lighting and more. CMK also offers custom engineering, computer-rendered 3D designs, and eco-friendly products, to name but a few options.

You will select every color, fixture and tile with the help of a certified designer. If you can dream it up, CMK accredited designers can help you make it happen.

The company doesn’t sacrifice quality, but does offer competitive prices and a host of flexible financing options with attractive terms to help make it easier to budget for the remodel.

So, is your kitchen and bathroom outdated, not reflective of your style or failing to make the best use of the space? If so, it’s time to breathe new life into the heart of your Tampa home with a custom kitchen and bathroom remodel from CMK Construction.

As the company says, “Your Tampa home is more than your refuge from the world – it’s also one of your most important investments.”

“If you can imagine it, we’ll design it and then we’ll build it,” Kavouklis says.

CMK Construction offers its services across the area, including Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and more.

To learn more, visit CMKConstructionInc.com, or call 813-767-0646 for a free estimate.

Published November 30, 2022 

Bringing the Living Space of Your Dreams to Life

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Your Instagram-inspired dreams of a new and beautiful kitchen or bathroom don’t have to stay that way with the help of the design professionals at CMK Construction. The remodeling company co-owned by husband-and-wife team Manny and Courtney Kavouklis has been serving the Tampa area for more than 19 years and offers customers a personalized experience, from an introductory visit in your home, to the company’s 4,000-square-foot showroom to an individual design specialist for each project.

And that’s just the beginning.

“The products we use are what really sets us apart,” Manny Kavouklis said. “We use premium products. For instance, in all our bathrooms, we use Schluter products, which allow for lifetime warranties in those wet spaces. We only sell the best quality finishes and then combined with flawless installation; it truly gives you that ‘WOW’ factor.”

Simply put, if company leaders wouldn’t put something in their own homes, they won’t install them in yours. You can count on the people with CMK Construction to bring you only the highest quality and durable items for your kitchen and bathroom.

In conversations about the company, the word “personalized” is what kept coming up. Customers who reach out to CMK Construction about a bathroom or kitchen project can visit the company’s showroom for a private design consultation, where a certified designer can show you hundreds of products and can help you select what to use based on your dreams for the space.

“That uniqueness of getting to sit with an accredited designer in the showroom, to bring your vision to life combined with having a dedicated project manager and a high-quality installation are just a few things that set us apart,” Kavouklis said. “Each of our customers are getting a project manager who can tell them what’s going on, on a day-to-day basis.”

Each project begins with an in-home visit before clients then visit the showroom to walk through plans with an accredited designer.

The company offers many selections of new bathroom and kitchen fixtures, kitchen countertops and cabinets, backsplashes, accent lighting and more. CMK also offers custom engineering, computer-rendered 3D designs, and eco-friendly products, to name but a few options.

You will select every color, fixture, and tile with the help of a certified designer. If you can dream it up, CMK accredited designers can help you make it happen.

CMK Construction first started in 2004 and offers customers options at all price points for kitchen and bath remodels, to make projects affordable.

The company doesn’t sacrifice quality but does offer competitive prices and a host of flexible financing options with attractive terms to help make it easier to budget for the remodel.

And if you reach out now, CMK Construction is offering a Black Friday promotion that will give you 0% interest for 36 months.

The special begins Nov. 1 and runs until Nov. 25 at midnight.

CMK Construction has won awards with Home Advisor, Tampa Bay Times, Thumbtack and others for its design, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

But that’s not all. Reviewers on Google and elsewhere also shower the Tampa-area staple with praise.

“We received three estimates from different companies and couldn’t be happier that we chose CMK,” one reviewer wrote. “They did an amazing job. They made suggestions on how to approach our project to get the most for our money, remain within our budget while getting an amazing outcome. They suggested things we hadn’t even thought of. There was never any pressure. If we said no to something, no one ever pushed back.”

Check out more of the company’s reviews to see what other customers thought of the work.

So, is your kitchen and bathroom outdated, not reflective of your style or failing to make the best use of the space? If so, it’s time to breathe new life into the heart of your Tampa home with a custom kitchen and bathroom remodel from CMK Construction.

As the company says, “Your Tampa home is more than your refuge from the world – it’s also one of your most important investments.”

CMK Construction offers its services across the area, including in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and more. “If you can imagine it, we’ll design it and then we’ll build it,” Manny Kavouklis said.

To learn more, visit CMKConstructionInc.com, or call 813-767-0646 for a free estimate.

13329 W. Hillsborough Ave., #104, Tampa, FL 33635

License Number: CGC 1516665 Plumbing License: CFC 1430533

Avalon Applauds Fostering Change Foster Closet

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Congratulations to Fostering Change Foster Closet for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Based in Pasco County, Fostering Change is a nonprofit program created to provide needed clothing, personal care supplies and food to children who are moved quickly from their homes and entered into foster care.

The nonprofit aims to minimize the time it takes for a foster child to be placed with a loving foster family. The family must have all the items needed to care for a child, like a crib, before a child can be placed with them. Pasco County’s Child Protection Team (CPI) has 24-hour access to Fostering Change’s facility, and the nonprofit is available just about any time to meet with foster families.

The foster closet, currently at 10207 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, was founded by George Agovino and Josh Gaulden back in 2019.

According to Fostering Change’s website:

“When children are removed from their living conditions, they are frequently given a garbage bag and five minutes to gather their belongings before they leave. This can be a very traumatic experience for a child of any age, leaving them feeling empty, confused, and hopeless. The goal of the foster closet is it to be a place for foster children to visit any time, day or night, any day of the week, to get back a little piece of the normalcy that was ripped from them…”

Some of the items foster parents and children can get from the closet are necessary supplies such as clothing, toiletries, food, backpacks, etc.

According to its Facebook page, since Fostering Change first opened, it has helped over 3,378 individuals.

In 2022 so far: 857 families have been helped; 172 Easter baskets were given out; 100 backpacks were sent to VA families, and 40 sent to schools and families in need; a 6-foot by 12-foot trailer full of toys was sent to Hillsborough County foster children; medical bills for a foster family in need were paid for; and day care expenses for a single mom were paid for. Those are just some of the accomplishments the nonprofit has achieved.

“We are just scratching the surface. There is so much need out there and we have so much more we want to accomplish…We don’t want to stop helping!” says Agovino.

The Tampa Bay Lightning recently honored Agovino as its Lightning Community Hero, making him the 505th hero recognized since the Lightning program was introduced in 2011-2012. Agovino received a $50,000 donation from the Lighting Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, presented by Jabil, and will donate the money to Fostering Change and Caterpillars to Butterflies.

Fostering Change currently is hosting a fundraiser to help Agovino purchase land, for a building to house the new Foster Closet and all its programs.

The garage on site will allow Agovino to begin some new programs, such as teaching teens who are older and aging out with a trade. The nonprofit also will use the land to start a small animal farm for therapy, as well as an all-around petting zoo for foster children.

“One-time and recurring monthly donations, large or small, are all appreciated,” says Agovino, who is a foster father of four special-needs children and a retired law enforcement officer.

For more information about the nonprofit, visit FosteringChangeCloset.com, or call Agovino at 813-421-1958.

 

Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing brings experience, expertise to the Tampa Bay area

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In the five years since Ron Ierna opened his company, Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, he has created a culture of technical expertise and exceptional customer service that has helped hundreds of Tampa Bay families with their air conditioning and plumbing needs.

“I’ve been personally servicing this area for 25 years now, both as a technician and owner of two HVAC companies,” said Ierna. “That experience has allowed me to hire the most qualified A/C and plumbing technicians in the area, and to build an office staff that always focuses on the customer.”

Whether your A/C or furnace is in need of service, cleaning, repair or replacement, you can count on Lakeside to give you a fast, honest, ethical estimate the first time around.

Owner, Ron Ierna

“When you call us, you can trust that our expert technicians have no interest in wasting your valuable time. We will give you the most comprehensive diagnosis of what your issues are and your options,” says Ierna.

Lakeside is proud to be recognized as a Rheem Pro Partner, a prestigious designation awarded by the manufacturer to contractors who adhere to continuing education, professionalism and exceptional customer service guidelines.

As a Rheem Pro Partner, you can count on Lakeside and the leading manufacturer to stand behind its products, installation and service. With flexible payment plans, great financing options, rebates, outstanding warranties and its excellence in workmanship, you can always rely on Lakeside to be your trusted HVAC and Furnace Contractor.

Customer service is the most important thing to Ron Ierna and his team, as the technicians always go the extra mile to make sure the customer is satisfied with their service.

“Lakeside installation technicians are the best in skill, attitude and workmanship,” says Ierna. “Providing the best quality price and service for our customers has always been my vision for Lakeside.”

It’s in the little things, such as the technicians not wearing shoes on your carpet, not smoking or swearing on the job, cleaning up when they are finished and not leaving until the customer is fully satisfied with the job.

Whether you have something such as a clogged drain, service or repairs on appliances like garbage disposals, the need to upgrade a water softener, or kitchen and/or bathroom appliance and fixture installation, the experts at Lakeside have you covered.

“After 25 years of helping families with their A/C and plumbing problems, we can quickly and accurately assess the best course of action when someone calls.”

In addition to Rheem air-conditioning systems, Lakeside also can install systems made by Trane, Goodman, Frigidaire and Mitsubishi. The plumbing division of the company installs water filtration systems and hot water heaters, and helps homeowners qualify for up to $550 in water tank rebates with the purchase of  a tankless gas system. Lakeside takes care of all rebate paperwork for its customers through its customer service department.

Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. Its central location gives it fast access to customers in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties.

“We take our responsibility very seriously when you place your trust in us,” said Ierna. “Please give us a call, and see what you’ve been missing.

Lakeside, at 4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., can be reached at 813-444-9474 or LakesideComfortPros.com.

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A Sense of Hearing

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The human body has five senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste—and each one of them diminishes as we age.  Only one of them—hearing—can be restrengthened through digital technology.

“Hearing is an extremely sophisticated, complex, and individual process of the human anatomy,” Dr. Judith L. Reese explains. “The natural ear includes a series of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, membranes and nerves that convert sound waves into electrical impulses. These impulses are sent to the brain and then translated into recognizable sounds, as in speech, all in microseconds.” Reese has been an audiologist for nearly 30 years, and has served thousands of patients at her clinic, JC Audiology, in Lutz. “When such an intricate and complex sense begins to diminish,” she continues, “it can affect an individual’s entire brain function, including their memory and sense of balance.”

Dr. Judith Reese and her husband, Charlie

Dr. Reese has studied the science of hearing and hearing loss for decades, and her research has been lauded by national journals as the best in the nation. She also has studied extensively on the new technologies that emerge for treating hearing loss. As a private practice, independent dispenser of hearing devices, she can make recommendations to patients that are free from the incentives manufacturers place on many franchise dispensers. This unbiased approach serves the patients she sees well, and her recommendations are based on what devices she knows will be best for the patient first, and not some corporate office elsewhere.

With hearing aids now being offered over the counter, Dr. Reese feels this will enable many people to begin trying hearing aids earlier than they might have previously. “The earlier you address your hearing loss,” she explains, “the better it is for your overall quality of life, emotional well-being and cognitive health.” There are caveats to self-treating hearing loss, however. Dr. Reese said that over-the-counter solutions are limited, and are intended to help those with a mild hearing loss who can self-adjust their devices to the amplification they desire.

The more significant a hearing loss is, she says, the more attention you should spend on a comprehensive hearing test and professional calibration of devices to better match your individual loss. “Your hearing and hearing levels are a part of that sophisticated auditory system,” Dr. Reese continues. “It’s not a place most people want to take a shortcut on.”

In addition to testing hearing levels and calibrating devices to match in a more natural way to individual hearing levels, Dr. Reese stresses the importance of proper maintenance of hearing devices. “We service more than 150 devices in our clinic every month. These devices are little computers that are worn upwards of 16 hours per day in a humid ear canal where the temperature is 98 degrees. They need specialized maintenance care and, at times, additional professional care.” Dr. Reese said that her “Hearing Aid Hospital” is busy every day, with many devices coming in needing complete revitalization.

Dr. Reese offers complimentary hearing aid consultations at her clinic, JC Audiology, 1519 Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 105, in Lutz.  For appointments, call 813-949-1331.

Avalon Applauds Restoration ID

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Congratulations to Restoration ID for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Restoration ID exists to create an authentic community that leads to real conversations, creating a culture that matters.

The nonprofit officially started in February 2021, but the idea was birthed out of a men’s church retreat in November 2020 where Josh Saliba, along with 10 other men, traveled to Logansport, Louisiana, to slow down and seek God.

“Coming back from the trip, we began talking about what made that trip so special and how do we create space for what happened on the retreat, to happen back in our everyday lives,” says Saliba.

One of the conversations Saliba had was with Mike Schaer, a captain in the Temple Terrace Fire Department, who also went on the trip.

“We talked about how much first responders specifically see, and deal with, and how much a trip like this would help. More than the trip, it was the community that made the difference. That is where our work with first responders was born,” says Saliba.

Some of the things that Saliba and the Restoration ID team have found as they work with first responders are:

  • According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 1 in 3 first responders develop PTSD.
  • Depression is up to 5 times more common in first responders.
  • Studies show the divorce rate for law enforcement personnel is around 75%.
  • Statistics show that first responders are more likely to die from suicide than from a duty-related death.

“What we discovered was that as we created spaces for First Responders to connect with others, it allowed us to begin having great conversations about their lives and health. Believing that it was the authentic community that was opening the doors to these types of conversations, we began to look for ways to build those relationships,” says Saliba.

Some of the ways Restoration ID helps support first responders is by hosting monthly meals for first responder agencies, organizing family events and date nights for first responder families, and promoting businesses in the area to help them take care of a family’s needs while first responders are deployed and serving.

“We are constantly looking for other opportunities to build an authentic community with first responders so that we can have real conversations that lead to a healthier culture in their worlds,” says Saliba.

One of the more recent ways Restoration ID has helped is to cook for agency members on the frontlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The nonprofit has served over 300 meals in the first five days of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office being deployed to Cape Coral.

Restoration ID also works with other organizations and community groups such as Grace Family Church, The Arbours at Fort King in Dade City, various groups in Zephyrhills, as well as both the Temple Terrace Police and Fire Departments.

The goal is the same: create places for authentic community to happen, so that they can engage in real conversations that add value to people’s lives and, ultimately, restore their identities and create a culture that is unified and healthier than before.

For more information, go to RestorationID.org, or call 813-618-7909.

Compass Concierge Helps Increase Your Home’s Value

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True Story: Recently a homeowner was offered $595,000 for their home from a national online iBuyer service. They promised less hassle, no showings, no waiting or worry. The homeowner chose to list his home with an agent instead, and after just four showings, the agent executed a contract for $694,000 – $100,000 more than the iBuyer company had offered.

Would you show your house four times to earn an extra $100,000?
Many times, a homeowner will choose to utilize an iBuyer service so that they can sell their home in “as-is” condition. Homeowners may not have liquid cash assets for required repairs or updates before selling. That is where Toni Hedstrom, PA and Compass come into the picture.
Compass Concierge allows you to tap into your home’s equity with an interest-free loan that you will pay back at closing. Invest a little upfront with interest-free money to have a much greater return on your home sale.

Here are examples of how the money can be used to increase your home’s value or make your move experience simple and stress-free:
·   Painting
·   Staging
·   Replace appliances
·   Update light fixtures
·   Replace countertops
·   Replace flooring
·   Update landscaping
·   Decluttering service
·   Professional cleaning
·   HVAC replacement
·   Window replacement
·   Paying for movers
·   Moving materials
·   Trash removal
·   Pay for a storage unit
·   Down payment for assisted living or retirement home
·   Short-term housing
·   Dog walkers during showings
·   Post-inspection repairs
·   Replace knobs & hardware
·   Replace faucets & shower heads
·   Deep clean carpets
·   Replace roof
·   Resurface pool
·   Fix or replace pool equipment

Options are endless as the money can be used for any purchase that supports the sale!
Use any vendor you choose and use any of the following three methods to pay them: Concierge Capital Debit Card, check payment sent directly to the vendor, or cashout to your bank account to pay vendor via cash, Venmo, PayPal, etc.

For more information, call Toni Hedstrom at 813-830-8664, or email .