Category: NEWS CHOICES

Spa Moritz takes it to another level with added pampering

Spa Mortiz, located off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms (across from Freedom High), has been a part of New Tampa for more than a decade, but if you haven’t visited lately, you may not know just how this community favorite has recently been getting even better.

Owners Patricia and Martin Anello have brought world-class European luxury to the spa since purchasing it about a year ago, when they moved to Tampa Palms from Madrid, Spain. The Anellos have enjoyed Europe’s finest spas and have replicated many of the details and luxury of their European experiences at Spa Moritz.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important for us to thank the community,” says Patricia. “We have gotten such a warm reception since we arrived here. People have accepted and welcomed us, and made us feel so comfortable.”

She says former clients are coming back to the spa and recommending it again to their friends. Patricia attributes the spa’s recent growth the way the staff treats every guest and pays attention to the little touches that really matter.

“We treat our guests as we would visitors in our homes,” Patricia says. “The details are important to us, so that people who come to the salon don’t feel like a number or even just a client, but like a pampered guest.”

She says the “new” Spa Mortiz will still make you feel beautiful, with a complete array of salon and spa services, but Patricia says there also is a new emphasis on health and wellness, including programs that address healthy and better-for-you products.

For a complete menu of services, visit SpaMoritz.com, but this article will focus on many of the new services that have been added over the last year.

Skin Care

Spa Moritz continues to carry and use the world-famous Pevonia line of skin care products. For those wanting 100-percent organic treatments, Patricia recently added a line of products from Hungary called Éminence. Both lines of skin care products are used in treatments at the spa and can be purchased for home skin care regimens.

“We also offer advanced treatment for skin care,” says Patricia. “Instead of using chemicals, we provide treatments that give results with alternatives.”

For example, she says the new oxygen facial provides a deeply purifying and healing effect to reduce signs of redness and hyperpigmentation. The new dermal rejuvenation system is a two-step process. The first is a facial that creates collagen and elastin naturally, without first injuring the skin like during a chemical peel. After a couple of weeks, once the collagen and elastin have been produced in the skin, the second part of the process is a peel to remove the surface skin.

Spa Moritz also offers acne treatments for teenagers, including a class that teaches teens how to take care of their skin and even the foods you can eat that are best for your skin.

Pedicures

Spa Moritz offers a wide range of pedicures for every taste and desire. For feet, Spa Moritz is now offering a line called Footlogix, which is made with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and offers “transformational foot care” to heal skin from the inside out. Specialty Footlogix formulas treat everything from very dry skin, to cracked heels, to cold feet and even sweaty feet.

Footlogix products can be used in any of the spa’s pedicures, such as its signature spa pedicure or luxury spa pedicure, or guests can receive a specialized Footlogix pedicure that is customized with only Footlogix products.

Another new option for guests is the Pure Fiji pedicure. Reminiscent of the tropical South Pacific island, Patricia says a Pure Fiji pedicure is as much about the experience as it is the individual products. It includes rituals such as a warm foot soak in a fragrant coconut milk bath and a coconut sugar rub and foot massage.

“I really like the results,” says Patricia. “You will feel very pampered.”

Some guests opt for the Voesh line of products, which is another new line, out of New York, that Patricia says offers the most hygienic experience possible. With six aromatherapy scents, each guest can choose a customized treatment. All the products needed for a pedicure come individually packaged in one disposable box, so products aren’t used for more than one guest.

Of course, many clients still opt for either the ever-popular chocolate martini or piña colada pedicure, both of which include one of that treatment’s namesake drinks.

Manicures

Patricia is happy to announce that the spa has recently added a product called Bio Sculpture Gel to the extensive menu of services available at Spa Moritz. She describes it as a healthier alternative to gel, acrylic or shellac nails, because it is free from chemicals that leave can leave nails damaged or dehydrated.

She says this product is in line with Spa Mortiz’s mission to increase the health and wellness of each guest who visits. And, she notes that Spa Moritz is the only spa in the area that this product can be obtained.

“We’re bringing products to the community that are not otherwise available,” says Patricia.

Salon

What’s new in the salon is a product called Olaplex, which Patricia says can be added to any chemical treatment, such as color or highlights, so that the chemicals do not damage your hair. “We also can do a separate Olaplex treatment to repair hair,” she explains.

And now, Spa Moritz employs only Master Stylists, meaning each stylist has been working at least 10-20 years.

“We want only the best for our guests,” says Patricia. “Although we’d like to have more stylists on our staff, we are not going to hire anyone who doesn’t meet our standards. We want every guest to be thrilled, so we insist on the best.”

She says other services at the salon include hair extensions and “up-dos,” especially for brides, bridesmaids and other formal occasions. The salon also offers aromatherapy, hydration and smoothing treatments, and scalp massage. “We want our guests to have a relaxing spa experience, not just get their hair done,” says Patricia.

One customer who appreciates the new Spa Moritz is local Realtor Luz Maria Von Greiff, who has lived in Tampa Palms for 14 years.

“I had tried Spa Moritz in the past (before the Anellos took over), but I wasn’t thrilled,” says Von Greiff. “Then, I met Patricia and thought she was so nice and professional, so I decided to try it again. That was (my) best decision!”

Luz Maria says, “The variety of services is so interesting, and Patricia and her staff are great. For example, I have delicate skin that reacts to (some) products, so they are extremely dedicated to making sure each product they use will work for my skin.” She says she also appreciates how warm and friendly everyone at the spa is, to her and to other guests. “It’s such a welcoming environment. Being in the service industry myself, I really appreciate what Martin and Patricia are doing,” she says. “They’re bringing their own style, their flair and their products to Spa Moritz.”

Massage

The newest massage at Spa Moritz is a bamboo massage, which Patricia says is healing and relaxing. She notes that it is comparable to a hot stone massage, but uses heated bamboo sticks instead of rocks.

The spa also offers a “fusion massage,” where clients choose a length of time, generally 50 or 80 minutes, and receive a combination of massages, such as Lomi Lomi, aromatherapy, therapeutic to treat a particular area, hot stone, or bamboo.

Other Spa Services

Patricia says the Spa Moritz staff loves to create custom packages to help their guests meet their wellness goals. For someone who is looking to lose weight, they can create a package that includes a wellness coach, lymphatic drainage massage and body wraps (such as seaweed or green coffee treatments) for detoxification.

“We consult with each person individually,” says Patricia. “We talk about their goals, time and budget, and come up with something that perfectly fits their needs.”

For brides, birthdays, bachelorette parties or other celebrations, Spa Mortiz offers packages to pamper and enjoy your special day in luxury and relaxation. Call the spa at the number below to find out more about how best to celebrate your special occasion. Discounts are offered, and many special touches are included, such as cake and champagne with lunch, which is served beautifully in a private room.

Customer Appreciation

If you want to give Spa Moritz a try, Patricia offers what she calls “Customer Appreciation Nights,” which include a cocktail offered in the front reception area, and then a short treatment in each of the spa’s areas, such as massage, nail and skin care treatments. So, anyone who wants to experience the luxury of Spa Moritz can do so in one evening, enjoying many of the treatments described in this article.

To be invited to the next Customer Appreciation Night, call Spa Mortiz at the phone number below. The cost is usually $25 per person, which includes a $25 credit towards any service for a future visit.

You also can schedule your own Customer Appreciation Night for your own group (or your business) by calling the spa. Patricia says these groups especially enjoy the evening because they already know each other and feel comfortable with each other.

Spa Moritz is located in Tampa Palms at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., Suite 103. Spa Moritz is open Mon.–Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m., & on Sun. or special events. For more info — including your chance to win a free massage or facial, visit SpaMortiz.com or see the ad on page 10 of this issue. To make an appointment, call 971-4772.

Premier Heart & Vascular Center — Choose A Cardiologist With Heart To Care For Yours

By Anu Varma Panchal

Fifteen years ago, a cardiologist who wanted to approach patients with compassion, dignity and integrity decided that the only way to do things right was to set up his own practice. So, cardiologist Sunil Gupta, M.D., FACC, of Premier Heart & Vascular Center, did just that.

Today, that practice has grown from one physician and one supporting staff member in an office in Zephyrhills to four offices — as Lakeland, Dade City and Wesley Chapel (in the Summergate Professional Park behind Sam’s Club, off S.R. 56) already have been added, with a fifth office set to open in Carrollwood later this month. Dr. Gupta has been joined by three other cardiologists, and the four physicians are supported by a team of 30 physician assistants, nurses and other support staff members.

“What makes our offices different is that we make the patients the focus,” says Michele Gordon, a physician assistant who has worked for Premier Heart & Vascular Center for seven years. “On a daily basis, everything we do is what we can to take care of the patients and do the best for them. Dr. Gupta has always done the right thing and patients notice (that). Our office is the fastest-growing cardiology practice around.”

Dr. Gupta is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology, and is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Intervention. In addition to serving as a cardiology Fellow at the Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, NJ, and an interventional cardiology Fellow at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, Dr. Gupta also has worked at a group cardiology practice in Saginaw, MI. His special interests are in the areas of coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, as well as pacemakers and defibrillators. In addition, Dr. Gupta was included in a listing of “Super Doctors for Florida,” a designation awarded by MSP Communications that takes into consideration a physician’s education, achievements, involvement and leadership.

Although Dr. Gupta says he went into the field of medicine because of the influence of several family members in the same line of work, it was his own passion for cardiac medicine that led him to his specialty.
“In cardiology, we genuinely get to help patients,” Dr. Gupta says. “People can die if we don’t do what we do. We see the results right away, (which is) a gratifying feeling. On a daily basis, we deal with life and death. We actually make a positive impact on (our patients’ lives) and on society.”

Dr. Gupta is joined in his practice by cardiologists Dr. Ketul Chauhan, Dr. Chetan Khamare and Dr. Vikas Soma. Dr. Chauhan is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and nuclear medicine, and is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography & Intervention. He completed his cardiology fellowships at the University of South Florida in Tampa. His specialties include coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, pacemakers and defibrillators and valvuplasty.

Dr. Khamare is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases, interventional medicine and nuclear medicine and did his fellowships at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Dr. Khamare is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Intervention, and is especially interested in coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease.

Dr. Soma is interested in radial artery interventions, coronary and peripheral vascular interventions and pacemakers. He has numerous Board certifications, including cardiology diseases, interventional cardiology, endovascular medicine, echocardiography, nuclear medicine and registered physician vascular interpretation (RPVI). He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and American Society of Echocardiography and completed his cardiology fellowships at the New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, and at St. Luke’s Hospital at Columbia University in New York City.

Character & Cardiology
When he searched for the perfect physicians and other staff members to join his practice, Dr. Gupta says that the philosophy of prospective colleagues was the first criterion.

“All of our physicians are well-trained and well-certified,” he says. “They care for patients with a high degree of integrity, but even before the quality of their work, we look for character.”

The physicians not only give frequent lectures and talks at area hospitals, they keep up to date with the latest news in the field, says Dr. Gupta.

“People are living longer, [and] more people are having heart disease,” he says. “There’s more awareness of signs and symptoms [and more people] seeking treatment. New technologies and new medications continue to come out. We’re interested in those new technologies, procedures, medicines and devices.”

The doctors at Premier Heart & Vascular also are involved in a Harvard Medical School study on a new heart medication, the Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction Trial.

“We stay up to date and are familiar with the latest and newest,” Dr. Gupta says. “Some of the treatments offered here include therapy for congenital heart failure, heart catheterization through the forearm and the presence of an ECP (External Counter Pulsation) Machine, that can treat angina episodes in a non-invasive manner.

“Patients who come to us will feel well-respected and well-attended-to,” says Dr. Gupta. “They go home with a very positive experience.”

Katherine Strode says she has been a patient of Dr. Gupta’s for about 10 years (and also has seen Dr. Khamare more recently), and in the years since she has started seeing Dr. Gupta, the 72-year-old Zephyrhills resident has managed to get off her diuretic and blood pressure medications completely, thanks to a combination of treatment, diet and lifestyle changes that the doctors have helped her with from the beginning.

“They really take an interest,” Strode says. “It’s not a take-a-number thing. They make you feel like you’re somebody. Their staff is wonderful. I think they’re top notch (doctors) and it’s a tribute to (the) practice. (Dr. Gupta) runs a very well organized office there. If there’s ever been a problem, we get a call back in an appropriate length of time, and with it being your heart, that’s important!”

Dr. Gupta adds that Premier Heart & Vascular Center patients are pleased about the practice’s short wait times, quick appointments, prompt evaluations and same-day testing results.
“Our biggest strength is the positive, family-oriented culture in the office,” he says. “Patients who walk in can feel it.”

Strode and her husband William concur with that statement.

“It doesn’t feel like we’re going to the doctor,” William. “It feels like we’re visiting friends.”

In fact, the only real “problem” the Strodes say they have now is that they have recommended Premier Heart & Vascular to so many friends that Katherine says they have to beat their friends to an appointment these days.

“You really feel like you’re a part of the family,” says Mignone. “Everyone feels important. Everyone feels that their position is important and makes a difference in terms of patient care.”

There are four Premier Heart & Vascular Centers in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Dade City and at 27424 Cashford Cir. in Wesley Chapel. The Carrollwood location is expected to open later this month at 3333 W. Bearss Ave. The group also owns the Vein Center of Wesley Chapel (26827 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite 103). For more information or to make an appointment, call 788-1400.

The Gift Box Boutique offers an array of goodies for shoppers

Gift Box JenniferWEB — The Gift Box Boutique owner Jennifer Colón

With the opening last weekend of the Tampa Premium Outlets mall on S.R. 56 (see page 1), it may be hard right now to think about shopping anyplace else, but I do have a suggestion:

I’ve been talking fondly about The Gift Box Boutique — located in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, between Ciccio’s Cali and Stonewood Grill & Tavern — since it first opened a little more than a year ago. I’ve now probably spent maybe $300-$400 there on a variety of unique and uniquely affordable gifts (mainly for female friends, relatives and employees), and every purchase to date has been met with excitement from its recipient.

And, the good news is that virtually any gift you’re looking for — from home décor items, women’s clothing and jewelry and yes, there are gifts for men and children (including babies), too — can be found at The Gift Box.

Owner Jennifer Colón and her husband Rick, who moved to Tampa from Dallas seven years ago and now live in Tampa Palms, promise a unique shopping experience at The Gift Box that you simply won’t find at any mall.

“I know my inventory and can help direct you to the perfect gift for birthdays, the holidays or any special occasion,” Jennifer says. “Of course, you can always just come in to browse, too. I know there’s a lot to see, so come on in!”

I’ve yet to try to buy any clothing for ladies at The Gift Box, but there are a number of designer labels you won’t find elsewhere. “We carry Chatoyant, Gretchen Scott, Glam, Escapada and more,” says Jennifer. “And we like to keep current on our clothing. We only buy six of each item (in multiple sizes), so not everyone who shops here will end up with the same outfits.”

She adds that the store also offers many different accessories for ladies, from scarves to boot toppers, Yellowbox sandals, Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Sade bags and accessories and Ginger Snaps and other jewelry items.

Your Holiday Headquarters

Afraid you’ll be fighting the traffic at the new mall this holiday season? Why not do your holiday gift shopping at The Gift Box instead?

“We’re got plenty of Thanksgiving stuff,” Jennifer says. “We’ve been selling lots of personalized (outdoor) turkey signs for your home, “Gobble ‘til You Drop’ throw pillows and more.”

There’s also already a number of Christmas items in The Gift Box’s displays. So, whether you want to dress your kid up like one of Santa’s elves or you want unique Nora Fleming mini-ornaments, Jennifer promises more and more holiday-themed options will be coming in for the season, including 7th Ave. Apothecary candles, “and lots of other great hostess gifts for when you attend those holiday parties.”

She adds that she is the only store in New Tampa that can carry Toffee to Go, which made Oprah’s Top 10 list. “And, it comes in a variety of flavors,” Jennifer says.

And of course, there’s always new items on the way at The Gift Box. “We listen to our customer requests, too,” Jennifer says, “so you really have to keep checking in with us to see what‘s new. For example, we recently added a new line of teas, tea cups and accessories for tea and coffee drinkers. I’d say 25 to 30 percent of our inventory has been requested by our customers.”

One reason I keep coming back is because I have gotten such a great response from giving The Gift Box’s reasonably-priced, painted wood signs with cute sayings like, “I drink coffee for your protection,” as gifts and Jennifer keeps adding new ones.

Other newer specialty lines include Columbia Restaurant items, including the famed Ybor City restaurant’s famous sangria mix and sangria pitchers. And, speaking of Ybor City, another recent addition is a line of cigar accessories, more bar and alcohol-related gifts (for men and women), and even Cameron’s Man Claws, which look like brass knuckles but actually are used to “lift, shred, carve, toss and mix with ease!”

Holiday Premier Open House!

Jennifer says The Gift Box has lots of great special event in the store, including Ladies Nights every couple of months on Thursdays. “I call them our ‘Sip & See’ events,” she says. Plus, on Thursday, November 12, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., the boutique will host its Holiday Premier Open House with free beverages and snacks.

“We also have extended holiday hours (starting Dec. 1) and a great loyalty program,” she adds. “If you join our email list, you’ll get a weekly email with specials and promotions. Come check us out!”

The Gift Box is located at 17032 Palm Pointe Dr. and currently is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sun. For more information, visit Facebook.com/The Gift Box Boutique, see the ad on page 30 of this issue or call 284-5986.

Looking for something to do? Try these things:

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here’s a way to have some fun and help some good causes.

Former New Tampa resident Bob Bishop (right) was joined by his physical therapist Vanessa Brockhouse at the Sept. 20 MS fund raiser held at Spa Moritz in Tampa Palms. — Bob Bishop (r) at last year’s event, which raised $3,000.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Buckingham at Tampa Palms is hosting its first-ever community-wide yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. It starts right there on Buckingham Palms Way.
The Grove Community Church (33931 S.R. 54) is holding a FREE Family Fun Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.. The fun and festivities will include a climbing wall, bounce house, live band, drinks, food trucks and giveaways. For more info, call 813-782-2111.
Former New Tampa resident Bonnie Bishop is hosting a fundraiser to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (her husband Bob is fighting the disease). This year’s event will be held at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club (10641 Old Tampa Bay Dr., San Antonio) from the 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. The theme is Western, and tickets are $35 and include a Western-style dinner, a DJ, gaming tables, live entertainment silent auction and prizes. If you’d like to attend, email Bonnie at BfromBos@aol.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

The inaugural Tampa Canine Companions “DogFest Walk’n Roll” takes place at the USF Health Center (13101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) with registration starting at 11 a.m. The event begins at noon, and there will be entertainment, games for humans and the dogs, and awards. The Canine Companions for Independence breeds, raises and trains dogs (at a cost of $50,000 per dog) to help enhance the lives of people who are physically disabled, hearing impaired or require therapy for things like post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information, go to CCI.org/DogFestTampa.

Say goodnight to blight as new county ordinance is passed

By Matt Wiley

Dilapidated businesses will no longer have a place in Pasco County, after the county commission voted to establish news rules to eliminate local eyesores.

The so-called blight ordinance, proposed by Dist. 2 Commissioner Mike Moore, was passed unanimously on Oct. 20 by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to the relief of local businesses and residents.

Moore’s proposed ordinance to issue fines and even potential jail time to property owners who let their commercial properties become dilapidated attracted about 100 residents and business owners to the Sept. 30 town hall meeting at the Pasco County Utilities Administration Office off Central Blvd. in Land O’Lakes.

Comm. Moore presented the ordinance as a way to clean up properties to attract new businesses, clean up the county’s image and help prevent the crime that occurs in buildings that aren’t maintained.

The ordinance, modeled after a similar ordinance in Hillsborough County, won’t go into effect until May 1, 2016. The new law gives property owners a 30-day notice to get their blighted buildings repaired, or be subject to a fine. They’ll then be given another 30 days to fix the problem.

If the problem persists beyond 60 days, property owners will be susceptible to a fine of $500 per day until the problem is fixed. If it’s discovered by the county attorney that a business owner has the means to fix the problem or demolish a blighted building and still chooses not to, that person could face jail time.

“What we’re trying to do here is tell people, ‘You need to fix the problem,’” Comm. Moore told the residents at the town hall. “Fix the problem or you’re going to get fined. It’s not good for the surrounding property owners, it’s not good for the community and it’s not good for Pasco County.”

The primary concerns of local businesses is that areas that have vacant and rundown structures do not promote local business growth, bring down property values and discourage other local businesses that are maintained properly.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said at the town hall that the ordinance is also important because it removes the environments that allow crimes, including drug use, squatting and other illegal activities, to persist. He said the U.S. 19 corridor gets the most calls about crime at various dilapidated businesses.

“From a law enforcement standpoint (ordinances like this) are things that we need,” Nocco said. “If we can limit the places crimes can occur, we can push crime somewhere else. And, we’re trying to push it out of Pasco County.

He added, “We can arrest people all the time. The problem is, when they get out, they go right back to where they came from.”

Moore said he is convinced the ordinance will deter current and future businesses from letting their storefronts and surrounding area from becoming unkempt.

“It doesn’t matter what corridor it is,’’ Moore said. “This ordinance will be a deterrent in the hopes that future commercial property owners will realize that if they let their property become dilapidated, they’re going to get fined.”

Lexington Oaks resident Peter Hansel supports the ordinance.

“The strongest point of this ordinance that I support is the law enforcement aspect,” he said. “I see that as a time saver and financial (resource) saver. I think that by enacting something like this, it will go a long way.”

Aside from crime and squatter, Pasco Professional Firefighters spokesperson Robert Fuerst said properties that are allowed to deteriorate and fester pose other risks.

“Dilapidated properties to firefighters are a special risk,” Fuerst said. “Everything we do is a managed risk. When you have a property that is not maintained, all of the equations that we use to do our job become more risky.”

New Port Richey’s Hunter’s Ridge Homeowner’s Association president Hugh Townsend also said that the ordinance takes a page out of what many residential areas have enforced for years.

“Right now, if a homeowner violates our deed restrictions, (the HOA) cite(s) them and then (the HOA) fine(s) them,” Townsend said. “There’s compliance. When people get hit in the pocket book, they’re going to conform.”

However, some residents did express concern that the cost of enforcing another ordinance would fall to the county taxpayers.

“I’ve done some research,’’ said Land O’Lakes resident Cassie Holloway, saying that adding another ordinance to the existing code enforcement ordinances, the price of demolishing buildings, as well as additional staff for that department, would be a burden to Pasco taxpayers.

Pasco senior assistant county attorney Kristi Sims responded that the new ordinance shifts the burden to the property owner to force them to spend their own money to tear down their dilapidated property.