Closer Look

By Kelli Carmack, Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Cesar Heyaime and Aliana Metsey are the perfect hosts. Their charismatic personalities, hearts of gold and undeniable passion for cooking makes anyone who walks into their Lutz restaurant feel completely welcome.

The couple opened their new restaurant, Heritage: An American Bistro, three months ago in the Tropical Village shopping center on U.S. 41, across from Walmart. In many ways, their restaurant is a second home to Cesar and Aliana.

Food was always a huge factor in Cesar’s and Aliana’s lives. Aliana learned her love of food by frequently eating out while growing up in Chicago with its diverse food scene. Cesar’s passion for cooking came from watching his mother and grandmother cook for his family. By the time he was 10, Cesar had a 1-inch binder full of recipes he had made, and by age 14 was cooking dinner for his family a few nights a week.

It was food that brought Cesar and Aliana together. They met in culinary school in Miami, graduating in 2015. After graduation, they worked a variety of jobs in the food industry, including catering and meal prepping. They soon realized they wanted their own place, where they could share their passion for cooking with the world.

From authentic Cuban sandwiches, Cajun shrimp pasta, pistachio-crusted salmon to gourmet Brussel sprouts, Cesar and Aliana have created a menu with the flavor profiles of their cultures — Aliana is Mexican and Puerto Rican, and Cesar is Dominican. By combining their cultural heritage, their food offers a unique style.

“Our menu is a lot of the flavors that we love… there’s a lot of us in the menu,” says Aliana.

“We don’t add something to our menu until it is perfected.”

Heritage already has a large fan base, with guests who keep coming back for more.

“It’s so incredible that we love making food, and people are coming in to eat our food… I’m just so grateful,” says Aliana.

When asked what they want customers to take away from their dining experience at Heritage, Cesar says, “We want to craft a space where you can get a good meal and just feel like you’re at home. We want to give you a great plate of food and a place to talk,” said Cesar.

Cesar and Aliana are huge advocates of supporting other local businesses. One project they are currently working on is collaborating with local artists to hang their artwork in their restaurant, with a goal of having a whole wall full of local artwork.

Along with running a full-time business, Cesar and Aliana are parents to two beautiful girls, Analia and August. They want to show their daughters that if you work hard, you can do something you love.

If you’re looking for a restaurant with excellent food that treats you like family, head on over to Heritage: An American Bistro.

1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Lutz, FL 33549 • 813-803-7847    

https://www.facebook.com/heritageamericanbistro/

Published 2/5/20

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

After 20 years in the Air Force managing data centers, followed up by 18 years working in corporate IT, Michael Varnadore was looking to be self-employed in a career in which he had a passion.

He found the perfect fit with Nerds to Go, a national franchise that specializes in bringing computer and cellphone repair services to a customer’s home or business. Varnadore recently opened the company’s first franchise in Tampa.

Conveniently located on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Nerds To Go offers repair in its shop, but specializes in its mobile service.

“We have a complete work center in the back of our vans,” said Varnadore. “We take a computer to our van, pull it apart and put it back together, right at the customer’s location. We also have the Nerd Lab at our store for customers who would rather bring their electronic device to us.”

In addition to desktop and laptop hardware repair services, Nerds to Go also services cellphones, tablet repair, cracked screens and specialty managed services. Its certified network computer techs can set up a computer network (server or cloud-based, hardwired or wireless), and as a partner of Baracuda Systems, offers 24/7 network monitoring of performance and security.

Varnadore recommends that all computers have protection with an antivirus, antiphishing, ransomware detector, firewall program and a cloud-based backup system.

Most of the problems that happen to PCs are the physical failure of the hard drive, some type of corruption, phishing attack, encrypting ransomware, or a virus that’s gotten on the system, Varnadore explains.

“With a cloud backup solution, you take all of your data to the cloud, and you’re not just backing up to a local disc, which is how people typically do things. When you’re putting your data in the cloud, your files are moved to an off-site, secure location, and if something happens to your computer, all of your data is secure and can be recovered,” said Varnadore.

Though only open since August, Nerds to Go is doing very well and has received positive customer response.

“Owning a Nerds to Go franchise is a great job for me, and very rewarding. Hopefully, I’ll soon be planning my second store. At the end of the day, we’re helping people and having a good time doing it,” said Varnadore.

Varnadore’s success is also attributed to his high level of education in information systems. He has a master’s degree in information systems, and a doctorate in management with a specialization in information systems management. He also teaches college-level classes in cloud computing and computing fundamentals, and offers one-on-one group training on many IT topics, including MS Office products and cyber security education.

813-524-5353 • www.NerdsToGo.com

19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Ste C-6, Tampa • Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm

Published on 12/11/19

To see Hector Alvarez working at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill is not unusual. Alvarez is one of the owners at Plaza Mexico, the kind of family owned restaurant where the owners lead from the front and work alongside their employees, to ensure professionalism and quality control

“Not only do the employees work here, but the owners also work here,” Alvarez said. “At most places, the owner just opens the restaurant.  They let the people work for them, but here the owners work in the restaurant. That’s one of the things that people like. We have two or three owners working at a time, to make sure that everything is done very professionally.”

Plaza Mexico specializes in traditional Mexican food. There are five locations in Florida and North Carolina, all with authentic furniture and decorations from Mexico. At the Zephyrhills restaurant, the owners departed from their usual brightly colored décor, and opted for a “Day of the Dead” Mexican theme, giving the restaurant a softer and more romantic ambiance.

“One of the things we have that’s different from other Mexican restaurants is that we try to do things very professionally, like the décor and how the servers dress,” Alvarez said. “The menu is really long, so we have a lot of different choices. We have one page of just seafood. We have a lot of vegetarian dishes.”

The menu contains authentic versions of the usual Mexican favorites: tacos, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas. The food is made fresh daily, and some of the recipes have existed for generations within the family. One dish — a popular house special that can be ordered for one or two persons — that Alvarez is particularly proud of is served in a molcajete.

“Molcajete is volcano stone, and we serve the food inside the stone. We put in chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo—a Mexican sausage—and onions, jalapenos and cactus. Cactus is a traditional food in Mexico. It comes with rice and beans, and a salad. It’s a big plate.”

Seafood lovers have plenty of options to consider, from crab quesadillas and white shrimp enchiladas, to camarones (shrimp) Hawaiianos and cerviche.

“The cerviche is probably one of the plates that is most traditional with Latin people, like Cubans and Peruvians,” Alvarez said. “All of them have cerviche. They make it different from us, but we like to make it spicier. It can be fish or shrimp. We cook it here before we put it on the lime.  Traditionally, they just cook it with lime.”

In the mood for something different? Try the mole poblano, a seemingly incongruous combination of chicken and chocolate sauce that proves irresistible to many people.

“The mole is a tradition in Mexico,” said Alvarez. “The mole poblano is a sauce that’s made with chocolate and poblano peppers, so it’s kind of sweet, and it’s probably the only sauce that’s sweet compared to the other sauces. The mole ranchero is made with tomato sauce, so it is not sweet. That’s the difference.”

A popular appetizer is the guacamole made fresh tableside from a pushcart decorated with a picture of a bull and matador squaring off.

“One thing that we have different from other restaurants is our own cart that’s going around to every table to offer fresh guacamole,” Alvarez said. “We have the lunch portion and the dinner portion. It’s a really popular appetizer for large groups that come here, because it’s made fresh and in front of you.”

Every other Sunday evening, a mariachi band brings a fiesta atmosphere to the restaurant. Plaza Mexico has a private room available for parties, and a full bar with happy hour Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with two-for-one drink specials.

One of its most popular drinks at Plaza Mexico is the margarita. On Saturdays, margaritas are the special of the day, served in a 42-ounce glass that is nicknamed “the fish bowl.” According to Alvarez, Plaza Mexico has won “best margarita in town” at their Port Charlotte location the last five years. The partners and owners tightly guard the recipe, but you can enjoy it any time you feel like wasting away again in Plaza Mexico.

38361 County Road 54, Zephyrhills • 813-355-3627 • wwwPlazaMexicoBarandGrill.com

Published 11/13/19

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New owners at Dade City Auto Sales have revitalized this long established car lot on U.S. 301, by bringing in better quality vehicles and increasing its inventory to over 100 vehicles by the first of the year.

“We had a vision of what this place could be,” said Lou Taliercio, who now owns the business with brother Mike. “Our vision was to bring in late model, affordable cars and trucks that are CarFax Certified that sell quickly, so we always have something new on the lot.”

The Taliercio brothers also own Tampa Bay Auto Network in Tampa, where they specialize in hand-picked, late model luxury and performance cars. Their father, Vincent, helped his sons get started in the car business, with the purchase of their first five vehicles, 14 years ago.

“We are bringing our many years of automotive experience to Dade City, to provide the east Pasco community with quality vehicles that are fairly priced, and available with many financing options,” said Lou Taliercio.

Already, Dade City Auto Sales is a Preferred Dealer for many local credit unions, including Achieva and MidForida, and works closely with Wells Fargo and other banks.

The Taliercios became interested in Dade City Auto Sales through a personal friend, Dave Mauradian, who had worked for the prior owner for many years.

“Dave is a great guy and wanted to stay at the dealership, and we saw the opportunity and appreciated its great location on U.S. 301,” said Lou Taliercio.

The brothers bought the business this summer, made some initial improvements to its building and property, and re-opened Dade City Auto Sales over the Labor Day weekend with over 50 vehicles on its lot.

Working with Mauradian in Dade City is Jennifer Weeks, who came from the company’s Tampa location and has over 20 years of automotive experience. Both salespeople adhere to their company’s philosophy of no-pressure sales.

“We want to sell cars the way we want to be sold cars,” said Taliercio. “We don’t believe in high-pressure sales, and always treat our customers with patience and respect.”

The quality of its vehicles also sets Dade City Auto Sales apart. Every vehicle is CarFax Certified, which means it has never been in a flood, nor in an accident with structural damage.

“Our cars sell themselves because of their quality and fair prices,” said Taliercio. “We are able to keep prices low because we are local owners and don’t have big company overhead.”

Lots of inventory is something else customers like about Dade City Auto Sales. Most weeks, 10 to 15 new vehicles are moved onto the lot, Taliercio said, especially trucks, which are most in demand.

Taliercio is excited to be in Dade City, and has already joined the local Chamber of Commerce.

“We see a lot of good things happening in Dade City, and believe this is a great time to be opening a business here.”

(352) 567-4040 • 13043 U.S. Hwy. 301, Dade City  33525

DadeCtyAutoSales.com

Published 11/13/19

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley News

Special to The Laker/Lutz

Rich Nicoloff was already late for church when he spotted a couple on the side of the road with a blown tire. He knew if he stopped, he’d miss the service. But, Nicoloff also knew he wasn’t the kind of person who could just drive past. So, he pulled over, explained that he owned Bella Tires in Land O’ Lakes, and offered to open his shop on a Sunday to replace the couple’s blown tire.

 

Nicoloff didn’t think much of that act of kindness, because he enjoys helping people as much as he enjoys managing Bella Tires, a business he opened in August, after a 27-year career as a criminal investigator for government.

Following the advice of a friend who also owns a tire store, Nicoloff found a highly visible spot for his business on State Road 52, about a mile east of U.S. 41, in front of the Pilot Country subdivision.

Bella Tires, which is named after Nicoloff’s daughter, offers tires and automotive services for personal and commercial vehicles and trailers. It has a drive-up port for semi-trucks for tire repair and replacement, and will soon be adding two new service bays.

Nicoloff buys his tires directly from the manufacturer (purchased through a distributor), which are of  better quality than tires sold at box stores and national tire retailers. If he doesn’t have the particular tire needed, he will get it — even a lawnmower tire.

In addition to tire repair and replacement, other services include lift kits, leveling kits, brush guards, winches, car and truck accessories installed, oil changes, professional detail service, vehicle diagnostics, batteries and general mechanical jobs, charging systems, air conditioning, trailer axle service, trailer wiring jobs, and diesel truck engine service.

Nicoloff wants his customers to understand  how and why a vehicle should be serviced, and offers a free lunch and learn for women on Saturdays from  9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“I want to help educate women, so if anything is wrong with their car, they know at least a little something about it,” said Nicoloff. “I teach simple stuff, such as the importance of keeping your tires at the recommended pressure for fuel economy, and also so your vehicle handles better. I want women to know that when you get your brakes changed, always ask for your brakes back, because then you know that new brakes were put on your car.”

Servicing vehicles is only part of what Nicoloff loves about owning a tire company named after his daughter.

“I love meeting interesting people and being able to witness to them  —  that’s probably my favorite part of running Bella Tires,” Nicoloff says.

813-995-0777 • 19245 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

www.BellaTires.com

Published 11/6/19

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When Vincent Hernandez saw a need for an affordable dry cleaner in Zephyrhills, he and his wife, Emina, decided to open $1.99 Cleaners on U.S. 301, just south of downtown.

And, with his family’s long history in the dry cleaning business, Hernandez had an immense knowledge base and business know-how to draw from.

“My family has been in the dry cleaning business for 30 years out of Hillsborough County. I am following in the steps of my father to bring his great services and pricing to the Zephyrhills community,” said Hernandez.

At $1.99 Cleaners, the emphasis is clearly on price, but without sacrificing quality cleaning.

“By owning our own equipment, property and buildings, we are able to provide almost wholesale prices, and then pass these savings onto our consumers,” Hernandez said.

The young business owner is so confident in the ability of $1.99 Cleaners to deliver the lowest prices in town, that he has an impressive coupon-matching policy.

“If you have competitor coupons and want to try us, we will honor those coupons from other dry cleaning and laundry services, and do exactly what they say. Plus, we’ll likely save you even more money, because our prices are already lower than a standard dry cleaning bill by about 20% to 25%,” said Hernandez.

The bulk of $1.99 Cleaners’ business is laundering and dry cleaning clothes, but it also cleans wedding dresses, comforters, household items, curtains and drapes. The business also does basic alterations — hem pants, cut sleeves, take in waists, expand waists (when possible), sew buttons and repair rips in clothes.

 “The laundered process is water-based,” Hernandez said.  “Clothes are actually pressed wet on a hot plate, which is geared toward the business shirt, because it gives the shirt a good firm and fresh feel.”

Dry cleaning uses a very different process.

“Even though the process is called dry cleaning, clothes are still saturated with a petroleum base that doesn’t mix with water, which preserves the life of the fabric and gets clothes really fresh and clean,” said Hernandez. “This is an environmentally friendly process, and we carefully follow guidelines sanctioned by the EPA.”

 Hernandez is grateful for the assistance his business has received from the City of Zephyrhills.

“We want to thank the city for guiding us, helping us to revitalize this building, and allowing us to provide affordable cleaning services for the community,” said Hernandez.

813-779-7977 • 4932 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills, FL 33542

Published 11/6/19

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News
In 2019, an estimated 268,000 new cases of invasive breast cancerwill be diagnosed in women living in the U.S. To reduce this sobering statistic, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is using innovative diagnosis and advanced treatment options with state-of-the-art technology.

All patients at the hospital receive noninvasive, 3D mammography that helps the radiologist see issues that were hidden in its predecessor, 2D mammography.

“Three-dimensional mammography allows for better visualization of the breast tissue, and is becoming the new standard of care,” said Dr. Jahnavi Pastore, director of breast imaging at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “It is our standard practice to perform mammograms as a three-dimensional study because it offers a more precise evaluation of the breast tissue, and is particularly helpful in imaging dense breasts.”

Dense breasts are more challenging for the radiologist to read in a mammogram, because dense tissue appears white in a black-and-white mammogram, as do tumors.

For patients with dense breasts, Dr. Pastore recommends a 3D mammogram, even if a patient has had a recent 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram allows the radiologist to review the study, and if any concern arises, allows the patient to quickly do a follow-up mammogram with contrast, or an ultrasound.

Contrast-enhanced mammography uses an injection into the vein to increase the ability to see any abnormal breast tissue in the 3D mammogram. Using contrast makes any areas of concern light up in the mammogram, and helps the radiologist diagnose potential concerns.

“The contrast is injected a couple of minutes before having a mammogram. If a tumor is sitting in the breast, it will take up the contrast and jump out on the mammogram against normal background breast tissue,” says Dr. Pastore.

“This is not a routine study, but if we see something on the 3D mammogram for someone with dense breasts, a contrast mammogram may be recommended after a breast ultrasound. In addition, it can serve as an alternative for a breast MRI for patients with pacemakers or severe claustrophobia, who are unable to have a breast MRI,” she said.

A third advancement at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is elastography — a tool used as part of breast ultrasound imaging to measure the stiffness of a breast lesion.

“If something is particularly stiff compared to the surrounding tissue, it is of greater suspicion and could warrant a biopsy,” says Dr. Pastore. “Sometimes, cysts can be complicated in their appearance, and elastography can be a helpful diagnosis tool, plus it is noninvasive with zero radiation.”

If a tumor is considered high-risk, or is determined to be cancerous and tissue removal is required, the hospital features new SCOUT technology. This technology places an infrared radar reflector the size of a grain of rice into the tumor before the surgery. The reflector emits a radar signal, which allows the surgeon to precisely locate and remove cancerous tissue during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy using a probe hand piece.

Dr. Pastore relays the story of a young woman who had a family history of breast cancer. She started traditional mammogram screening in her early 30s, and then tried 3D imaging with Dr. Pastore, which led to the discovery of a distortion in the breast.

“There wasn’t an ugly mass. It was relatively small and subtle. We quickly got her in for a diagnostic mammogram, and with compression, the area stood out even more,” she explains. I did an ultrasound of that area and sitting in that tissue, exactly where it was on the mammogram, I saw a mass that was not visible on the 2D mammogram. I got her in the day after and did a breast biopsy, and it was positive for cancer.

“She had a breast MRI to ensure there weren’t any other areas of cancer, and then went on to a breast surgeon who did a lumpectomy and removed that area. The 3D imaging allowed a young cancer patient to have a relatively simple course of treatment. If this had not been detected with 3D mammography, eventually it would have turned into a true mass, and could have required a more extensive and prolonged treatment.”

Dr. Pastore says, “I am grateful to have the technology to do my job to the best of my ability. Radiologists know what to look for, but we are only as good as the tools that we have. To have this type of technology at my fingertips is fantastic.”

For more information: AHWesleyChapel.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealthWesleyChapel

Published 10/30/19

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A full-time realtor for 15 years, including the past five years with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Beth Hibben understands the importance of communication. When someone calls, she picks up the phone seven days a week, and never sends her buyers and sellers to an impersonal, automated message.

“When people call me, I answer the phone, and it usually catches them off-guard,” said Hibben. “I believe lack of communication is where things fall apart, and communication is my biggest strength.”

Hibben carries certification as a member of the National Association of Realtors, and also as a Pricing Strategy Provider.

“The Realtor certification means you have ethical guidelines for your business, and you also have continuing education to keep updated on the changing market,” she explains.

As a Pricing Strategy Provider, Hibben has been taught how to price properties correctly.

“Whether you’re selling or buying a property, I can research and come up with pricing for either,” she says. “I also have a certification in negotiations.”

Specializing in homes in the $250s to $700s price range, Hibben is a one-stop shop for her clients, providing resources for a trusted title agent, home inspector, handyman, stager, and professional photographer.

“It’s funny. I have people who move here, and I help them find a house, then I help them find a car, and I help them get a cellphone. There are all kinds of things that I do, above and beyond,” she said.

To help the homebuyer find his dream home, Hibben does a thorough interview. She identifies the client’s priorities— such as a good school district, gated or non-gated community, HOA versus no HOA. She makes appointments to visit the homes that meet the client’s criteria.

“Sometimes I work with people, and I’m their second real estate agent because the first one didn’t listen,” says Hibben. “We go out, and they say ‘all these homes are exactly what we told you we wanted,’ and I say yes, because I do my homework.”

One of Hibben’s specialties is new construction, where her certification in negotiations comes into play. She negotiates on behalf of the homebuyer, as the builder rep is only representing the builder.

“What I love about being a Realtor is when I’m working with buyers and they find the home that they want, they are happy and excited. And, when I’m working with a seller, I love getting them a good price,” she pauses. “It’s the biggest investment that you’ll make in a lifetime, and I take that responsibility seriously.”

Hibben is proud to give back part of her commission to those whom she considers ‘hometown heroes” – firefighters, police, military and teachers.

Realtor Beth Hibben • (813) 244-3706 •

Charles Rutenberg Realty • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Published 10/30/19

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With several large RV dealerships in the area, Optimum RV in Zephyrhills has found its niche specializing in used recreational vehicles.

“We sell late-model, quality used products that are close to like-new condition, but priced dramatically less than what a new RV would cost,” said Zachary Crandell, general manager.  “All the big stores on I-4 are 85 percent new and 15 percent used. We’re the exact opposite — 85 percent used and 15 percent new.”

You will likely meet Crandall when you visit Optimum RV, because Crandall enjoys talking with customers — something that’s unusual for a general manager.

“When you go to one of the bigger stores, the customer is never going to see the general manager,” Crandell said.  “I talk to almost every single customer, and sit down with them and do a deal.  You can’t do that anywhere else.”

Another benefit to buying from Optimum RV is that customers sees the same friendly faces every time they visit.

“It’s nice when you come here, because you’re always going to see the same people,” said Crandell.  “At bigger stores, you will likely talk to a different person every time, whether it’s in sales or service.”

Optimum RV sells travel trailers, motor homes, fifth wheels, and towable trailers.  It sells more fifth wheels than any other types of RVs because east Pasco County is saturated with trailer parks and snowbirds, who want to pull their RV behind their vehicle. Small travel trailers are also in demand, and are especially popular with families with children who like to camp out and hunt.

Optimum RV takes care of its customers after the sale with a full-time service department that works on most makes and models. It also repairs generators, air conditioners and just about anything else found on recreational vehicles.

As a small, family-owned business, Crandell considers small businesses like Optimum RV important to keep market prices low and give people choices.

“Small business keeps the big guys honest,” Crandell said.  “Maybe some customers wouldn’t get a fair shake if it wasn’t for smaller stores like us. We’re only 15 miles from the big stores on I-75, and they often have the same exact make and model as we do, but their prices are $10,000 to $15,000 more.”

Who should consider buying an RV? “If you like being outside, and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you will probably enjoy owning an RV,” Crandell said.  “Traveling in an RV is a comfortable way of seeing the country, and there are a ton of nice RV parks everywhere that are clean and affordable.”

www.OptimumRV.com • 813-779-1010 • 813-629-3334

3332 Paul S. Buchman Hwy, Zephyrhills, FL. 33540

 

Published 10/23/19

Owning a pharmacy has been a very personal and rewarding career for Evelyn Johnson of X-Tra Discount Drugs — one of the oldest independent pharmacies in Zephyrhills currently celebrating its 30^thyear.

“We truly care about our customers, and are proud to have been providing friendly, professional services for so many years,” said Johnson, who is a pharmacist and owner of X-Tra Discount Drugs.

The pharmacy opened in1989, and Johnson’s focus on personal service has never changed.

“My staff and I know our customers by name, and are always available to answer questions or help them find a product they need,” said Johnson.  “For us, quality care means more than just prompt filling of prescriptions — it’s about providing personal care and the attention every customer deserves.”

One of the extra things Johnson does for her patients is setting up pill packs that are organized by day and week.

“People just love them because it is easy for anyone to make a mistake.  Our packs are organized by color, day of the week and time of day, so there is no confusion about what pills to take, and when to take them,” said Johnson.

Johnson stresses that pill packs are not just for people with memory problems.

“Anybody can forget when they are taking multiple medications. It’s a big relief to have your pills organized, so you don’t forget to take them the way your doctor ordered,” she said.

In addition to prescription drugs, X-Tra Discount Drugs also offers a full line of high quality, all natural vitamins and supplements, and a full line of over-the-counter medications.

Aids to daily living, also called durable medical equipment, are one of the store’s most popular lines. Dozens of helpful items are available, including toilet extensions, sitz baths, walkers, canes and crutches. The pharmacy also stocks a large selection of leg and knee braces, wrist supports, support hose and wound care items.

“This equipment that allows people to remain in their homes as they age, and helps while recovering from hospitalization and surgery,” said Johnson.

Customer Ernie Amos has lived in Zephyrhills for nine years, and shops at X-Tra Discount Drugs for medical supplies for his wife, who is paralyzed.

“The staff here is very helpful and provides great service. If they don’t have an item I need, they get it for me,” said Amos.

And when Amos’ order comes in, X-Tra Discount drugs will deliver it to his home.

“When you come to our pharmacy, you’ll be able to count on dependable care from a knowledgeable pharmacist. We take the time to get to know you and your unique health needs, and welcome you to stop by or give us a call today,” said Johnson.

XtraDiscountDrugs.com • 813-788-7885

6953 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills (corner of Gall Blvd/US 301 & Daughtery Rd.

Published 10/9/19