Closer Look

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

The stately grandfather clock in the lobby at McDannold Law belonged to Andrew McDannold’s beloved grandparents, who died without leaving the clock to any particular beneficiary, making it difficult for family to decide who would inherit the timepiece

McDannold keeps the clock in his law office because it symbolizes the reasons that motivated him to practice elder law — his love for his grandparents, the inexorable march of time we all face, and the importance of careful estate planning.

When it comes to planning your family’s future, McDannold recommends choosing an attorney who specializes in estate planning.

“If you need estate planning, why would you go to someone who mostly does other things?  Same with probate — I know the process backward and forward, and am better equipped to do a good job,” said McDannold. “I do not forget to include things that might be beneficial later on, or language that avoids or addresses potential situations in the future.”

McDannold does not charge for his initial consultation, which he often sets up over a cup of coffee. This relaxed atmosphere helps him get to know clients personally, so he can best tailor legal plans specific to each client’s individual needs and situation.

“My grandparents were really formative in my life, soplanning, losing people, dealing with the aftermath, and the whole experience of people passing on and leaving things behind, is something I understand,” said McDonnald. “I want to help folks through that process, and unfortunately, many people don’t know what comes next after someone dies.”

Estate planning is especially important when there are dependent children, or guardianship of incapacitated or developmentally disabled adults.

“One of the most substantial things parents can do is to establish who shall be the guardian of their children after they’re gone,” McDannold said. “If you don’t make that choice in advance, then some judge who doesn’t know you, your kids, or your family, is going to have to make that decision. Do you want a stranger making that choice?”

For family heirlooms, like his grandparents’ clock, McDannold proposes a simple solution.

“In Florida, you can create a separate list of who you want to receive your tangible personal property — things like a clock or a rug or a prized painting,” said McDannold. “This list does not have to be created it in front of an attorney, and it does not need to be notarized or witnessed.  All you need to do is date and sign it, and as long as your will refers to this list, it becomes part of your will. Later on, if change your mind, you can even tear it up and make a new list.”

Before becoming an attorney, McDannold had an accomplished 25-year military career, working as a staff engineer on the B-2 Stealth Bomber program and as a flight-test engineer. He was deployed to Iraq for two years as a military advisor to the Iraqi air staff, and completed his military career in Tampa at CENTCOM, MacDill Air Force Base.

Call (813) 397-6330 to schedule a free consultation • McDannoldLaw.com

Published 10/2/19

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club unveils a completely updated golf course with a ribbon-cutting event on Aug.19, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. The Grand Reopening Celebration is from noon to 2 p.m., at the clubhouse inside this master-planned community off State Road 52 and I-75, in San Antonio.

Raffles and door prizes will be given away during the celebration — individual rounds of golf, lunch and golf packages, and merchandise from the golf shop. In addition, promotional membership pricing will be offered, and The Grill Room will feature a special lunch buffet.

“We closed our golf course down on April 15 to do a complete renovation on all of our putting greens — on both our Par 3 Championship Course and our Par 3 nine-hole Executive Golf Course,” said General Manager/COO Seth VanHall.

Over time, the well-maintained health and root structure of turf on any golf course deteriorates due to the applications of fertilization, chemical herbicide and fungicides used to maintain a fine grass at such a low height. Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club re-grassed its greens to establish a better root structure and top layer of turf.

“This allowed us to take our greens back to their original sizes and improve the quality of turf,” said VanHall.

The Grand Reopening Celebration gives the public a sneak peek at the improved golf course before it officially reopens to the public on Aug. 27.

“Our golf course and restaurant are always open to the public, and we welcome our friends and neighbors to join us at our ribbon cutting,” said VanHall. “The public is welcome to play our courses anytime, and we typically have tee time availability for nonmembers on weekday afternoons, as well as evenings.”

On Aug. 26, before reopening to the public, Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club is hosting a Pro Am golf event with PGA professionals from the North Florida section of The PGA of America, for resident members.

“We have 25 groups – foursomes – paired with a PGA professional,” VanHall said. “That will be the officially relaunching of the golf course, and then the following day, we begin normal operating hours. We are excited to showcase our new and improved putting greens and golf courses that are in great shape, as well.”

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club is played by golfers of all skill levels – from amateur to professional. The 9-hole, Par 3 golf course is open daily from 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Daylight Savings Time, when the golf course will close at 5 p.m.

www.tampabgcc.com | (352) 588-0059 | 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive, San Antonio, FL 33576

Published on 8/14/19

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s the local ownership and management of Hudson Square Coastal Furniture that keeps customers coming back, again and again.

“Our sales are up every year with very little advertising, because our customers are so pleased with the quality of our furniture and the service we provide. They come back on a regular basis to see what’s new, and tell their friends about us,” said Luther Moore, founder and owner Hudson Square Coastal Furniture and Mattresses

Moore opened his first store in Hudson in 2008, and followed up with a second store in Zephyrhills three years later. These two stores specialize on colorful, comfortable furniture that gives homes a contemporary, beachy, coastal look and feel.

“Our furniture makes people smile and feel good,” said Sheri Weber, manager of the Zephyrhills store. “Our store is full of quality furniture that is perfect for Florida living, including smaller pieces ideal for apartments and senior communities.”

Weber and her counterpart in Hudson, Dennis Payne, have been local managers since their stores opened, and also live in the community where they work.

“The person who sold you will be the same person helping you if there is a problem,” said Moore. “We believe 100 percent in customer service, and that begins by having salespeople who work with you through the entire process, from purchase to delivery to returns.”

Hudson Square is also known for its fair prices.

“We don’t run bogus sales, where furniture is marked up 50% or 60%, just so the retailer can then mark them down to a ‘sale’ price,” said Moore. “No business can sell their products for 50% off – they would go out of business! In my opinion, these sales are an insult to your intelligence.”

Over 90 percent of Hudson Square’s upholstered furniture is made in the U.S., and 100% of its mattresses.

“When we sell a mattress, you get a full warranty for all 10 years, if your mattress sinks more than 1.5 inches from when you bought it,” said Moore, who added that most national mattress brands pro-rate their warranties.

Also setting itself apart from the chains is that Hudson Square customers can buy furniture and mattresses off the floor – something few chain stores allow.

“Customers typically have to wait three weeks to three months for their furniture to be delivered. But not here — we can deliver as soon as a customer wants –even the same day,” said Moore.

For customers wanting to choose their fabric, they can also place custom orders. Hudson Square has hundreds of fabric and leather swatches in every color and pattern imaginable.

The store rounds itself out with a huge variety of home accessories that are always discounted 15%.

“Many of our Florida accessories are the same stuff you find in tourist shops, but for half the price,” said Weber.

Hudson Square Coastal Furniture is open seven days a week. “We invite folks to visit our stores and see for themselves the quality of our furniture and beds, our large selection of styles and sizes, and browse our inventory of fun accessories to complement your home,” said Moore.

4904 Allen Road, Zephyrhills • 813-395-5920

 14158 US 19, Hudson • 727-857-5906

Published 8/28/19

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By William Jacko

Shortly after Charles and Nancy Frankulin began dating in 2003, they started working at Bosco’s Italian To Go! in Wesley Chapel. They never imagined that one day they would marry and buy the business.

“We started dating in 2003 when we were seniors in high school, and have been together ever since,” Charles said. “I started at Bosco’s as a delivery driver when I was going to USF, and Nancy got a job as a cashier. We both worked here several years and, after college, moved onto different jobs. Then we both came back here about a year before the owners decided to sell, and since we always wanted to own our own business, this was a perfect fit.”

The Frankulins retained Bosco’s original recipes, and have added many more menu items requested from their customers, including a rice-based, gluten-free pizza, ravioli with smoked mozzarella, baked chicken wings, and CinnaStix with a cannoli filling dipping sauce.

The couple also started a suggestion box.

“People actually drop suggestions into our box, which is why we now have Greek Salads and Tater Tots,” said Nancy.

One of Bosco’s most unusual pizzas is its Swamp and Turf pizza — a combination of toppings that include steak and alligator bellies.

“We went to a trade show and one of the vendors had farm-raised gator belly from Louisiana. We tried it, liked it, and thought that this is something no other Italian restaurant or pizzeria is going to have,” said Charles.  “It so delicious, we also offer Gator Alfredo Pasta.”

The Frankulins use the freshest ingredients they can find, preferring small farmer markets like nearby Boyette Family Farms.

“There’s nothing like going out and actually picking your own green peppers, bringing them back to the shop and chopping them up,” said Nancy. “We grate our own cheese and slice our own lunchmeat. We hand-make our meatballs, and of course, make our own pizza and bread dough —all done by hand.”

The Frankulins are proud to be small business owners.

“If you’re a small business, you usually have more of a heart,” said Nancy. “We’re out to make a living, not a killing, even if it’s sometimes hard to stay a mom-and-pop business with so many chain restaurants popping up. People try the new franchises, but come back to Bosco’s because our food is fresher, our service is better, and our prices are fair and affordable.”

The Frankulins donate to a food pantry year-round, and also give back to the community with a toy drive at Christmas. As a Christian business, they value their employees and treat them well.

813-907-2440 • www.BoscosItalianFL.com

Published 8/21/19

 

 

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Breakfast can be the most important meal of the day, so why not start it with something tasty and healthy at Keke’s Breakfast Café, in the Willow Bend Towne Center in Lutz.

 Owners Stephen Poletta and Scott Crawford pride themselves on the freshness of Keke’s food.

“We cut our potatoes, hand-crack our eggs, and never use liquid egg mix,” said Poletta.  “If you order an omelet, you’re getting three cracked eggs fresh-to-order, because made fresh to order is very important to me.”

Just about everything on Keke’s menu begins with something fresh.

“Our strawberries, grapes, bananas—everything is fresh. We whisk our pancake and waffle batter. We grind our coffee beans. Everything’s made in-house,” adds Poletta.

This includes Keke’s popular Florida pancakes and waffles, which are topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas — not frozen fruit or preserves.

“Everybody likes our Florida pancakes and waffles,” Poletta said. “But, our cheese steak omelets and blueberry- or raspberry-stuffed French toast are to die for. All of our omelets, and the regular French toast, are fabulous, too.”

While breakfast is number one at Keke’s, the restaurant also boasts an extensive lunch menu, including its popular turkey and ham club, tuna fish sandwich and cheese steak panini.

“It just makes me feel good to see the smiles, to see our regulars come back two or three times a week for breakfast and lunch,” said Poletta. “We must be doing something right to have so many happy customers.”

Keke’s large portions, fresh food and unique recipes create picturesque dishes, which often inspire guests to send photos of their meals to envious friends and family.

“We love that our guests take pictures of their food — that’s something I’ve never seen in my 20 years in the restaurant business,” said Poletta. “As soon as we put the food down, people take pictures of their meal, before diving in.”

At Keke’s, employees emphasize cleanliness, fast service and attention to detail. Its spacious dining room accommodates a large volume of people, making wait times short and fast. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering.

Keke’s is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., an ideal work schedule for parents and students who have their evenings to study or spend with their families.

“I’m blessed to have such an excellent staff — employees who truly care about their guests and the quality of our food. It’s this warm hospitality, our generous portions and the great care that goes into making our food, that create our success.”

813-345-8495 • kekes.com

22952 SR 54, Lutz (At Collier Parkway)

7:00am to 2:30pm daily

Published August 7, 2019

 

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Long before Andrea Mannino founded Amici Pizza, it was the prospect of love, not business, that inspired him to leave his hometown of Carini, Italy, for America.

His son, Vincent, smiles as he tells the story of the family restaurant his parents founded 18 years ago in Wesley Chapel.

“My parents are from the same town in Sicily,” relays Vincent. “My father heard about this girl named Josephine from his hometown who had moved to America, and he knew he had to meet her. So he too came to America, met Josephine in Brooklyn, and they fell in love and got married.”

A quarter of a century later, Andrea and Josephine moved to Florida, and Amici Pizza was born. Specializing in hand-tossed, New York-style pizza and made-from-scratch Italian dishes, Amici Pizza has thrived in Wesley Chapel since 2001.

“Just about everything is prepped here,” said Vincent, who co-manages the restaurant with his brother, Rick. “We make our own lasagna and meatballs. We bread our own chicken, eggplant and veal. We make our own desserts, and have the sweetest cannoli around. And, of course, we offer espresso and cappuccino coffees.”

The freshness of its food is the key to Amici’s success, Rick adds.

“It just seems so basic, but it’s the most important thing. We make our dough from scratch and don’t use any preservatives. We’re not like a franchise, where they actually send everything pre-measured and mixed,” said Rick.

Freshness begins with the Manninos buying their produce locally every day and taking it back to the restaurant to create their authentic Italian recipes they will serve that day.

“Our veal cutlet for the Sorrentino is freshly pounded, hand-breaded and fried, so you’ve got the layer of veal, the layer of eggplant, and then the marinara sauce and mozzarella on top —and done in here,” said Rick.

Other menu items include salads, pasta, wings, hot and cold subs, calzones, Stromboli, entrees and desserts. House specials are Italian recipes that the Manninos have created, such as bacio, chicken contadino and chicken villetta.

“My parents created our specials over the years, like chicken villetta. This is a rosemary-baked chicken dish in creamy Alfredo sauce, with onions, mushrooms and homegrown rosemary from my father’s garden,” said Rick.

Amici Pizza has a longtime customer base that feels like family, and the Manninos work hard to keep it that way. The restaurant offers take out, catering and dining at the restaurant, including outside seating.

www.Amici-Pizza.com

813-973-9734

26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd

 

 

 

 

Published July 31, 2019

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Meridien Research in Spring Hill recently had a patient whose dementia-related agitation dramatically subsided while participating in an Alzheimer’s clinical study it was conducting.

“When we first met this patient, he was pacing, walking up and down the halls, and kept repeating that he wanted to leave,” said Sarah Hollingshead, site director for Meridien’s Spring Hill office.

“He had participated in another clinical trial at a different site, and was not happy with his previous experience. But here, we made him feel welcome and comfortable, and he agreed to give clinical research trial another try. The patient completed one study with us and saw great results. He then completed a second and saw mixed results. Now he’s in his third study, and he’s singing in our office and joking with us. His agitation symptoms have really subsided.”

While people participate in medical research studies for a variety of personal reasons, their participation also enables advances in medicine that can benefit everyone.

“Volunteers in medical research studies help with the development of medical therapies that may offer better treatments, and even cures, for life-threatening and chronic diseases,” said Hollingshead.

Meridien Research needs participants for many studies, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, endometriosis, ulcerative colitis, idiopathic constipation, and low testosterone. It also is conducting a memory study for healthy people. There is no charge to participate, and no health insurance is necessary. Some studies offer compensation for time and travel.

Patient safety always comes first at Meridien Research.

“All of our research protocols are approved by an institutional review board that oversees the safety and welfare of our participants,” said Hollingshead. “This board ensures that the benefits of study participation outweigh the risks, and sets the protocols to determine the suitability of a patient to be included in the study.”

All clinical trial activities at the Spring Hill location are overseen by Drs. James Andersen, Richard Powell, and Gigi Lefebvre.

“Whenever someone is participating in a clinical trial, they are closely monitored,” said Hollingshead. “Once a patient is on the medication, he is often seen on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis — usually more than they would be seen by their regular physician.”

Meridien Research’s Spring Hill site also offers free memory testing, and sponsors a monthly Alzheimer’s caregiver support group that includes respite care.

“We offer free memory testing as a courtesy to our community,” said Hollingshead.  “Our support group meets once a month, and caregivers can bring their loved ones to the meeting because we offer free respite care.”

Hollingshead derives great satisfaction from her work and the role that Meridien Research plays in helping people and science. She invites people to give her a call to see if they or someone they know will qualify for a clinical study at Meridien’s Spring Hill location.

 352-269-5617 • NewStudyInfo.com

“Only 20 minutes from Land O’ Lakes, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.”

Published 7/24/19