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Paynes Prairie: An awe-inspiring place for nature lovers

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Sometimes, you have to go inland to see “The Real Florida.”

To see the “Real Florida” at its very best, visit Paynes Prairie, stretching 2 miles on both sides of U.S. 441 in Micanopy, a hamlet south of Gainesville.

Paynes Prairie offers wide-open views of the sky, marshes and ponds. Even the most traveled naturalists are in awe. (Karen Haymon Long)

The 50-square-mile prairie is protected within Paynes Prairie State Preserve. Even speeding past to a Gator game, or heading north for vacation, you’ll know it’s something special.

Blue skies and billowy clouds arch high over tawny grasses swaying in the breeze. Fish leap from ponds. Shorebirds stand tall in swampy marshes. The sun rises on one side of the prairie and sets on the other.

If you’re lucky, you may see flocks of migrating sandhill cranes, grazing bison, wild Spanish horses, roaming cattle, and alligators slipping into tranquil waters.

The 22,000-acre park offers a world of exploration, whether you hike, fish, birdwatch, horseback ride, camp, boat or kayak.

It’s a photographer’s paradise, with 300 species of birds, river otters, bobcats, Florida black bears, wild pigs, white-tailed deer, coyotes, marsh rabbits and hundreds of other critters.

Paynes Prairie State Preserve park encompasses 22,000 acres. The main entrance is off U.S. 441 in Micanopy, south of Gainesville. (Karen Haymon Long)

Hiking through canopied forests on the prairie’s edge and staring out over prairie grasses, I thought about the pachyderms, bigger than our elephants, that lived on this land 2.6 million years ago. They shared it with camels, llamas, tortoises as big as bulls, bison, horses and nearly 20-foot-long sloths.

We felt lucky to see American eagles, Great Blue Herons, snowy egrets, turtles, moorhens, limpkins, coots and woodpeckers.

When visiting, you may want to bring binoculars. We were glad we had them when we needed to use them to see the bison, wild horses and cattle far out on the prairie.

We took peaceful hikes through forests of palms, giant oaks, pines, magnolia trees and palmettos bordering the prairie. Often, we were alone and trails were silent, but for the crunch of leaves under our feet.

The great naturalist William Bartram, who visited the prairie in 1774 when it was called the Alachua Savanna, wrote about seeing those same types of trees.

American bison in the park descended from 10 bison transplanted to the prairie in 1975 from Oklahoma. Long ago, bison lived in the prairie and roamed throughout the southeastern United States. (Courtesy of Florida State Parks)

He said emerging from the dark forests to the wide open prairie made him feel “on the borders of a new world! On the first view of such an amazing display of the wisdom and power of the supreme author of nature, the mind for a moment seems suspended, and impressed with awe.”

Bartram met with Seminoles and their chief, Ahaya the Cowkeeper, who lived nearby and ran cattle on the prairie. The “Siminoles,” as he called them, slaughtered cows, prepared a feast for him and let him hunt for plants on their land.

They called him Puc-Puggee, which means “the Flower Hunter.” Today, the park’s campground is named Puc Puggy. The prairie was named for the Cowkeeper’s eldest surviving son, Payne.

The ancient prairie was formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock and the merging of sinkholes. Its waters drain into a sinkhole at the northeast region of the prairie and into Orange Lake to the south.

Back in 1871, that sinkhole – called the Alachua Sink – clogged up and water rushed over the prairie, forming what locals called Alachua Lake. It was so deep steamboats ran on it, carrying passengers, lumber, oranges and other cargo between Micanopy and Gainesville. In 1891, the sinkhole opened up, the lake drained 8 feet in 10 days and became a marshy prairie again.

Today, it’s wetter than some years, and some trails were partially closed on our visit due to flooding.

Bald eagles often soar over the vast prairie. They are among 300 species of birds you might see there. (Courtesy of Florida State Parks)

The best way to see the prairie is to head to the park’s main entrance at its southern end, where you’ll find the Visitor Center with exhibits and a video on the history of the prairie, an observation tower, hiking trails, the campground, picnic area, playground, boat ramp and access to Lake Wauberg.

Farther north, off U.S. 441, look for a sign for the 3-mile, roundtrip La Chua Trail, a boardwalk/grassy trail around Alachua Sink and marshes to an observation platform. (This was partially closed on our visit).

A fishing pier north of that trailhead offers panoramic views of the prairie and some good fishing. On our visit, a fisherman looked at a huge catfish he just caught and said proudly, “That’s the first fish I’ve caught in years.”

North of the prairie, off Williston Road in Gainesville, find Sweetwater Wetlands Park, which offers 3.5 miles of gravel and boardwalk trails over wetlands, ponds and grasses dotted with turtles, moorhens, Great Blue Herons, limpkins, anhingas and other birds.

The 125-acre Gainesville city park was created to protect the quality of water that drains into Paynes Prairie and the Florida Aquifer by filtering out pollution and harmful nutrients.

Its use is more restricted than the state park’s because of the filtering processes. No boats, fishing, bikes, horses, drones or pets are allowed. But, it’s a wondrous place to walk for watery views and birdwatching.

A lone hiker walks toward Cones Dike Trail, an 8-mile round-trip trail in Paynes Prairie State Preserve park. (Karen Haymon Long)

Tips for the Trip

Note: Visiting Paynes Prairie is worth the trip, but it will have to wait awhile. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced March 22 that it would be closing all state parks effective immediately to ensure social distancing in light of concerns about potential spread of coronavirus diease-2019. It is uncertain when the state parks will reopen. Before heading that way, be sure to call ahead.

Paynes Prairie State Preserve is at 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy.
Hours: 8 a.m. to sundown daily; Visitor Center open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
Fee: $6 per car with two to eight passengers; $2 for one passenger, and for walkers and bikers.
Events include: Coffee with a ranger; talking to naturalists about William Bartram; gazing at stars with members of the Alachua Astronomy Club; birding with members of the Alachua Audubon Society.
For the events schedule and other information, see FloridaStateParks.org, and click onto Paynes Prairie State Preserve, or call the ranger station at (352) 545-6000 or the Visitor Center at (352) 466-4100.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is at 325 SW Williston Road, Gainesville.
Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset daily.
Fee: $5 per car; $2 for walkers and bikers.
Contact: SweetwaterWetlands.org; (352) 393-8520.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published March 25, 2020

Distance runner receives Academic All-State honors

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As he was busy shattering school records in cross country and track, Freedom High School’s Alejandro Michel was also leading the pack in the classroom — posting a weighted 8.8285 grade-point average and earning salutatorian honors for the Class of 2018.

As a four-year member of Freedom High’s track and cross country teams, Alejandro Michel set school records in the cross country 5K (16:18), and, in the 1,600 meter (4:35.26) and 3,200 meter (9:50.66) runs for track. He plans to try out for the Florida State University track team at some point, and hopes to run professionally or semi-professionally.
(Courtesy of Alejandro Michel)

Those accomplishments resulted in a rare statewide designation for student-athletes: Alejandro Michel was one of 24 athletes named to the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team.

The recognition program honors graduating seniors who excel in both athletics and academics. He was just one of 12 male athletes receiving the honor.

Each Academic All-State Team member was recognized at a banquet on June 11 in Gainesville. Each also received a $1,700 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.

“Really, a big honor,” Michel said of the prestigious student-athlete designation, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “Throughout high school my two main focuses were really just running and academics, so, this was something I genuinely enjoyed.”

The 2018 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee received applications from 146 qualified student-athletes and evaluated them based on athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, and essay.

Michel, who graduated in May, checked all those boxes — and then some.

Besides being Freedom High’s second-highest ranked graduate, Michel earned his associate’s degree from Hillsborough Community College. He also was a member of the mathematics honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, where he placed third in the Calculus division of the Math Bowl.

Athletically, as a four-year member of the track and cross country teams, Michel set school records in the cross country 5K (16:18), and, in the 1,600 meter (4:35.26) and 3,200 meter (9:50.66) runs for track, respectively.

When not busy with studies or running, Michel tutored students in math and spent hours volunteered at the Florida Hospital in Tampa.

Balancing the many demands came naturally to Michel.

That’s because, according to him, distance running and education are perfect complements to one another in establishing a positive, well-balanced lifestyle.

The discipline, dedication and focus required to excel in distance running also helped him focus in his studies.

“I think they both aid each other really well,” Michel said. “I can’t see myself being just a runner, and, I can’t see myself being just a student. Really, if I get tired of running, I like learning, and, when I get tired of learning, I can take a break outside and go for a run.”

He added: “Distance runners share a certain mentality they can’t find in other sports, maybe in a few other endurance sports. Running is special, not just for skill and being physically fit, but mentally, as well.”

When he was a freshman, he woke each weekday at 3 a.m. to go for a run before school. Then, he would run with the cross country and track teams after school. It was lights out at 6 p.m.

“It was definitely tough,” Michel said of the two-a-days, “but it set me up well to break records in the next couple years.”

Up next: College and more running
Michel plans to attend Florida State University this fall.

Michel was one of 24 student-athletes (and one of 12 boys) named to the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team, a recognition program that honors graduating seniors who excel in both athletics and academics. In addition to breaking a combined three school records in cross country and track & field, Michel posted a weighted 8.8285 grade-point average and earned salutatorian honors for the Class of 2018.
(Courtesy of Alejandro Michel)

He intends to major in statistics and minor in computer science through an accelerated program which will allow him to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in three years.

Career-wise, he’s determined to become an actuary and pursue a professional or semi-professional running career, on the side.

Michel said he’ll formally try out for the FSU track team at some point, but may take this year to train on his own. He recently began training with a new running coach who’s geared workouts for longer races, such as 8Ks and 10Ks, and eventually marathons.

Frankly, Michel can’t picture himself not being a competitive runner.

“I tell myself, ‘If I’m willing to run, I might as well give it my all,’” Michel said.

He added: “When you’re really becoming successful, you can either look at the idea of becoming successful as a motivator, or, you can really like the process — and with running, I really enjoy running.”

The runner lists his mother, Zandra Michel, and younger brother, Max Michel, as key influences in his academic and athletic prowess.

He recalls being in fifth grade, regularly jogging 5 miles with his mother as the start of his running career. “Eventually, I got to the point where I was able to not only maintain with her, but eventually pass her,” he said.

Max, meanwhile, also pushed him to succeed. They are two of seven siblings, close enough in age that Max also graduated high school this year, from Middleton High School.

Like his brother, Max has also made a name for himself, last year being elected national president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). It is the world’s largest student career organization, boasting 230,000 students.

The younger sibling also was a member of his school’s swim team, appearing in multiple district and regional meets.

The brothers will room with each other at FSU this fall.

2018 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the 24 student-athletes for the 24th annual Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team, a recognition program that honors graduating seniors who excel in both athletics and academics.

One of the more important special recognition programs the FHSAA sponsors, a total of 12 girls and 12 boys from across the state received a total of $50,000 in scholarships.

The 2018 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee received applications from 146 qualified student-athletes and evaluated them based off of athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, and essay.

Published July 11, 2018

After playoff exit, Sunlake looks again toward future

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Sunlake head coach Bill Browning knows that to win a playoff game against a quality opponent, a team needs to play four good quarters of football.

On Nov. 21, he only got three.

Sunlake’s Bruce James Cooley, 66, can only watch as the Zephyrhills Bulldogs score a touchdown in the final game of the season, while quarterback Dayton Feiden, 11, and running back Naejaun Jackson, 1, look on. Sunlake finished the season as district champs before being knocked out in the second round of the playoffs. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
Sunlake’s Bruce James Cooley, 66, can only watch as the Zephyrhills Bulldogs score a touchdown in the final game of the season, while quarterback Dayton Feiden, 11, and running back Naejaun Jackson, 1, look on. Sunlake finished the season as district champs before being knocked out in the second round of the playoffs. (Fred Bellet/Photo)

“We won the second, third and fourth quarters,” he said. “Unfortunately, we lost the first quarter, but we lost the first quarter bad.”

Bad enough to put the Seahawks in a 17-0 deficit they couldn’t overcome against Gainesville, and they fell 27-19. It was the second year in a row that the Hurricanes eliminated Sunlake from the playoffs.

While on paper it looks like just another successful season for Sunlake with another playoff appearance, there’s more to it than that. They achieved a goal that Browning and Sunlake have pursued since the program started back in 2007.

“It was Sunlake’s first district title, and the school’s only eight years old,” Browning said. “There are schools that are still struggling for a district title in football that have been around a lot longer than us.”

Holding opponents under 100 points for the season — something they’ve done each year since 2012 — and presenting a balanced offensive attack were other highlights for the longtime football coach, now with 25 years on high school sidelines.

And while he’s proud of the district crown, Browning also is proud of the team that accomplished it. Many players had to overcome injuries, academic and personal issues to not only take the field, but perform at the level required to reach the postseason as a district champion.

As a result, Browning believes his players gained a lot more than points, yards and wins on the gridiron.

“The football field is an extension of the classroom, and there are some things in the classroom that aren’t taught,” Browning said. “I think all these kids learned valuable life lessons.”

While several players answered the call this past season, next year has many question marks.

Quarterback Dayton Feiden. Running back Nathan Johnson. Running back and linebacker Logan Wolfe. Linebacker Austin Yeloushan. All of those players were important cogs in Sunlake’s wheel, and all of them have played their last down for the Seahawks.

But while the team will look to replace more than half its starters next season, important pieces remain in place. Aside from center, the entire offensive line will return next year, which Browning said will be key to letting a running back settle into his new role.

He also has confidence in young quarterback Justin Hall, who impressed the coach with his mental preparations, even in a backup role. Talented receiver Nick Valdes also is returning, and Browning believes other players will emerge in the off-season based on their workout regimen and desire to step into a more prominent role on the team.

While he’s proud of the team’s accomplishments, he knows the team will have to focus on next year sooner or later. As for Browning, it’s definitely sooner: He plans to take just a few days off before getting back to work and starting preparations for next season.

And when it’s time to return, the players will find out that losing key players isn’t going to be an excuse to come up short of team goals. After going 0-10 their inaugural campaign, Browning has built a program with five straight winning seasons — and no more than three losses in any of them — a new district championship, and high expectations.

And lowering those expectations isn’t in his vocabulary. Neither is the word “satisfied.”

“I don’t think as a coach you’re ever satisfied,” Browning said. “Proud of what we accomplished? Absolutely. Satisfied? The day you’re satisfied is the day you better get out of coaching.”

Published December 3, 2014

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Gainesville bumps Sunlake from postseason … again

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The rivalry between Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes high schools is obvious because of the close proximity of the two schools. But the Seahawks may have found a new rival in the Gainesville Hurricanes, which for the second year in a row, knocked them out of the state football playoffs.

Gainesville used two quick scores at the start of the game to cement what would become a 27-19 win Friday night in front of its home crowd. That finishes Sunlake’s season at 9-3 with the Class 6A-District 6 title.

Mitchell High School, the 6A-6 runner-up, also lost to Gainesville the previous week, giving the Hurricanes a clean sweep of the district as they ready for a tough regional finals matchup against Armwood High School.

In other games, according to published reports, Sickles fell to Tampa Bay Tech 20-16 in Class 7A, allowing the Titans a chance to face Osceola in the regional finals. That team out of Kissimmee beat Lakeland 35-28 in overtime to get there.

Lakewood topped River Ridge 26-3 in Class 5A action, while Suwannee — which beat Zephyrhills in a come-from-behind win last week — upset South Sumter 24-22.

Sunlake principal Steve Williams live-tweeted the game from his spot in Gainesville, and had nothing but good things to say about the Seahawks as they wrap up a strong season.

Sunlake also got kudos from elected officials as well, including new Pasco County commissioner Mike Moore, and state Rep. Richard Corcoran.

Region added 3,300 construction jobs in January

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It may not lead the nation, or even the state, but the Tampa Bay region added 3,300 construction jobs in January compared to the year before, fueling a 6 percent increase in the industry.

That’s part of a new report from Associated General Contractors of America, which warned that while growth is always good, the region and the country still has room to rebound.

“It is a sign of the continued strengthening of the construction industry that nearly 60 percent of metros added construction jobs from a year earlier despite the severe winter conditions in much of the country this January,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, in a release. “Nevertheless, the industry’s recovery has a long way to  go with only a smattering of metro areas exceeding their previous peak January level of employment.

The largest construction growth came from the greater Los Angeles area, which added 8,100 jobs, followed by the Houston region in Texas with 7,900 jobs.

Florida added 36,900 construction jobs, creating 11 percent growth year-over-year. That was led by the Fort Lauderdale area with 4,400 jobs — ranked 16th in the nation — and Orlando with 4,200 jobs, ranked 41st in the nation. Tampa Bay was ranked 89th.

Only two regions of Florida showed no growth. Gainesville lost 400 jobs, or 9 percent of its workforce, while the Panama City area was flat.

Tampa Bay still has the most construction workers in the state with 56,700, followed by Orlando with 51,000 and Fort Lauderdale with 35,600.

There could be some problems coming this summer when it’s anticipated that some federally funded transportation projects will dry up, the association said. Congress and the Obama administration will need to find ways to fund that shortfall in order to prevent the loss of construction jobs in the coming months, said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s chief executive.

The complete state-by-state ranking can be found by clicking here.

Scotch Institute in Wesley Chapel offers expertise in ENT, hearing and sleep medicine

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In an era when many physicians are joining large multi-specialty groups, Dr. Brett Scotch remains independent as the solo physician of Scotch Institute of Ear Nose & Throat in Wesley Chapel.

Brett M. Scotch, DO, FAOCO Board Certified Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
Brett M. Scotch, DO, FAOCO
Board Certified Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery

A board certified physician in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Scotch values the independence that comes with operating his own practice.

“I can provide the highest level of quality care for every aspect of my practice,” said Dr. Scotch. “I offer continuity of care because patients always see me, never an assistant. This allows us to treat every patient as if they are a member of our family and many become lifelong patients.”

Dr. Scotch practices from a modern facility in Wesley Chapel in the Summergate Professional Center, located off SR 56 behind Sam’s Club. The convenient location just minutes from I-75 and the new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel attracts patients from throughout Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

Dr. Scotch came to Tampa in 2005 while serving as a Major in the US Air Force Medical Corps at MacDill Air Force Base. When his service was completed in 2008, he stayed and founded his own practice.

Since then, Dr. Scotch has expanded his practice from traditional ENT services to providing extensive expertise in allergy treatments and sleep medicine. He was one of the first doctors in the area to perform balloon sinuplasty to replace traditional sinus surgeries and is the medical director of several diagnostic sleep labs.

Dr. Scotch left his native Massachusetts to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he received his undergraduate degree and met his future wife, Jodi. He went on to medical school at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale and then went on to complete a five-year residency in ENT and facial plastic surgery at Michigan State University affiliated hospitals.

What influenced Dr. Scotch to become a specialist in ENT medicine?

“It’s a wonderful mix of various populations – kids to seniors. My oldest patient is 100 and the youngest are infants,” said Dr. Scotch. “It’s a nice balance of surgery and office-based procedures, all which makes for a very interesting practice.”

Dr. Scotch sees patients in four core areas: sinus & allergy, ear nose & throat, hearing, and sleep. If hospitalization is required, Dr. Scotch has privileges at, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, which has a state-of-the-art sinus surgical suite where he performs sinus surgery if needed.

“Being in Florida, we see a lot of sinus and allergy problems,” said Dr. Scotch. “We try to get away from allergy shots and mostly use under-the-tongue allergy drops.” They are less invasive and usually a better tolerated treatment than traditional shots.

Daily allergy drops are conveniently used at home, typically give faster results and are very safe. They are especially great for kids – we have children treated as young as 4 years old.”

Another area where Dr. Scotch is a leading physician is in sleep medicine.

“Sleep is very important,” said Dr. Scotch. “Without enough sleep, it affects one’s energy level, general medical condition and overall health. It even affects weight loss and metabolism. If a sleep problem remains untreated, it can lead to early heart and blood pressure problems.”

Because sleep is medically necessary, most insurance companies cover treatment for sleep disorders, including insomnia, snoring, sleep apnea and sleep behavioral disorders.

“Often times a patient does not recognize the severity of the problem, but their bed partner does,” said Dr. Scotch. “Some studies estimate that at least 30 percent of adults and possibly as many as 50 percent of the population in some demographics snore. Multiple studies reveal a significant correlation between loud snoring and risk of heart attack and stroke.”

Dr. Scotch, who is certified in Sleep Medicine, has unique expertise in that he can treat all aspects of a patients’ sleep disorder, from non-invasive medical therapy to minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat snoring and sleep apnea.

Another area of expertise at the Scotch Institute is the identification and treat- ment of hearing loss. Working alongside Dr. Scotch is clinical audiologist Barbara Drobes, MS, CCC-A who has more than16 years experience working with pediatric and adult patients.

Hearing loss is a leading disability — 10 percent of Americans report that hearing loss affects their ability to understand normal speech.

“We help people suffering from hearing loss with multiple modalities – everything from counseling to natural remedies to hearing aids to surgery,” said Dr. Scotch.

In addition to his medical qualifications, Dr. Scotch is known for his warm, caring, and professional demeanor. He was awarded the 2011 Physician of the Year by the statewide Florida Osteopathic Medical Association for his devotion as a leader, educator, and role model, and more recently the 2012 Community Physician Award by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

His office is located at the Seven Oaks Summergate Professional Center, 27406 Cashford Circle, Wesley Chapel. He can be reached at (813) 994-8900, or at www.ScotchENT.com.

This story is a feature of the advertising department. 

Dr. Todd Britten joins North Tampa Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

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Nicholas, Leonard and Todd Britten
Nicholas, Leonard and Todd Britten

Dr. Patrick Johnson, a well-regarded periodontist who has practiced in north Tampa for 15 years, recently introduced Dr. Todd Britten as his new associate at North Tampa Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

“I wanted to bring on a partner whose philosophy meshed with mine — someone with the same values,” said Dr. Johnson. “It’s hard to teach ethics and Todd was someone I could trust.”

Dr. Johnson embraces a philosophy of caring, compassionate patient care combined with quality, comprehensive dental services specializing in periodontal care, implants and oral plastic surgery.

Dr. Britten was born and raised in the north Tampa community of Lutz. He graduated from Jesuit High School and later the University of Florida. “I am a Lutz Chief first, then a Tiger and a Gator through and through,” said Dr. Britten.

After Todd received his doctorate, he stayed in Gainesville another three years to complete his post-graduate residency in periodontics. There he served as Chief Resident and trained in the latest techniques in periodontics and implant dentistry. When he graduated in 2012, Dr. Johnson invited Todd to join his practice.

Many of Dr. Johnson’s patients are referrals from Todd’s father, Dr. Leonard Britten, who has served the Lutz and Land O’Lakes communities for more than 25 years with his general dentistry practice in downtown Lutz. Todd’s identical twin brother, Nick, joined his father in family practice in 2009 after graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. “People often get us confused,” said Todd. “I may run into someone in public that says “Hey Dr. Nick!” and I just have to laugh and to explain to them the situation.”

“I knew Leonard was an exceptional dentist and taught his sons the core values of compassionate patient care,” said Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Leonard Britten have both served for years on the executive board of the Hillsborough County Dental Association, where Dr. Johnson is currently president-elect of the 300-member professional group.

“Todd is a great fit for my office because of his excellent educational

foundation in the latest techniques and procedures,” said Dr. Johnson. “Equally important are his ethics and his commitment. I want to give my patients the continuity of care they deserve and want patients to decide to come here not because we have the latest gadgets, but because we offer outstanding, compassionate dental care with doctors they know will be here when they return.”

About a third of the practice’s work is treating and managing periodontal disease. Another third is oral plastic surgery and the final third includes treatment involving dental implants.

“Dental implants are the fastest growing area of our practice,” said Dr. Johnson. “They can replace single or multiple missing teeth or in fact add stability to a loose denture, which many people aren’t aware of.” Implants have become more mainstream and more affordable in the past 10 years and are a good solution for people who don’t want traditional dentures.

Why did Dr. Britten decide to pursue his advanced degree in periodontics?

“I had observed several periodontists before dental school and always found it fascinating and still do,” said Dr. Britten. “I like the variety of work and the critical thinking it requires to help each patient achieve a healthy mouth.”

According to Dr. Johnson, research shows that quality of life is closely tied to good dental health. “Periodontal disease can take years off your life if it goes untreated,” said Dr. Johnson. “We’re here to help the general dentist achieve comprehensive oral health for his patients by preventative care that allows patients to keep their teeth or replace them as needed.”

Dr. Britten adds, “When you do get to the age of retirement, you want to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, especially eating. Dentures are a good replacement for no teeth, but are never a good replacement for your own teeth. That is our goal — to help people keep their teeth with good, preventative periodontal care so they can enjoy their life to the fullest.”

Drs. Johnson and Britten are currently accepting new patients, and while a referral from a general dentist is common, it is not required. They welcome self-referrals or referrals from other patients. Please call the office to set a time convenient for you.

The office is located at 5111 Ehrlick Road, Suite 150, in Tampa. The phone number is (813) 264-1258, or you can email them at . Visit them online at www.SmileFramers.com.

This story is a feature of the advertising department.