The Nagers Are Thankful For The Local Businesses That Helped Us Move Into Silversaw 

Neighborhood News deadlines are almost never easy for yours truly, but the deadline week to get our July 9 Wesley Chapel issue to the printer was surely more challenging than pretty much any since I suffered a detached retina in my left eye in September of 2023. 

Jannah and I signed a lease to move into the beautiful new Silversaw Luxury Apartments (next to the Hyatt Place Hotel on the north side of S.R. 56 at I-75) a couple of months ago and we both did the best we could to try to get as much done every off-deadline week since signing that lease to make the packing and moving as painless as humanly possible. 

What’s poet Robert Burns’ old saying about the “best laid plans of mice and men?” 

In other words, despite all of our efforts 6-8 weeks before the move — although we moved into our incredibly spacious and comfortable new apartment on the usually quiet Monday of the deadline week for this issue — I guess we should have given ourselves at least one additional day to get moved in. It’s now clear to me that unpacking — and finding a place for everything in a new place — is infinitely harder than throwing out as much old “stuff” as possible and putting the rest in boxes and suitcases in anticipation of a move. It’s as though our entire previous apartment — located less than a mile from our new one — was one giant junk drawer and both Jannah and I were (and still are) determined to not let the same thing happen to our new digs. 

The truth of the matter is that other than brief interludes during my breaks between working on both ads and stories for this issue, Jannah did most of the actual unpacking, while I covered for her as much as possible to get all of our ads done. But, getting the multiple stories I had to write to fill the space in that issue to my satisfaction was an even tougher task for me. 

In fact, as I wrote this editorial on Sunday evening, with the paper due at the printer early on Monday, I still had three more stories to write, so I actually missed my deadline by a few hours, but the issue did still arrive in mailbox by (or before) its cover date of July 9. But, it sure wasn’t easy. 

Thanking Those Who Made It Easier 

The good news is that a number of local companies, only one of which is one of our advertisers, helped immensely with even making it possible for me to get the July 9 issue done on time. 

The first is Bull Moving, located on N. Florida Ave. a little north of Fowler Ave. These guys are pros. From just one phone call with Jannah, they determined what size truck we needed and how many guys (three) it would take to get our short-distance move completed on Monday. 

The crew showed up on time, worked pretty much non-stop to get everything neatly loaded onto the truck and bring it all in one trip into our new second-floor apartment. And, even though the job took longer than what was estimated, it most definitely wasn’t the fault of these three very courteous young men, who never stopped giving their all, making sure they carefully dropped off each piece of furniture and every box where we directed them to do so. 

Of course, not moving very far helped keep our cost down, but I don’t really believe any company could have done a better job for less money or in less time. For more info, call Jeremy at Bull Moving at (813) 943-6043 or visit BullMoving.com. 

Of course, whenever you leave an apartment, you have to leave it “broom clean” and our friends Erica and Reggie of Final Touch Quality Cleaners, who also have provided our regular clean-ups every two weeks, specialize in “move-out” cleans. Erica handled our job herself in just a few short hours, wiping down every surface (especially those we hadn’t seen behind furniture that hadn’t really been moved in five years), packed up and threw out all of the garbage we left behind, swept and mopped every floor and vacuumed every inch of carpeting in our two bedrooms, fully cleaned our two bathrooms, our refrigerator and freezer, our oven (which we rarely used) and even our laundry room. If you’ve been looking for a new residential or commercial cleaning service, you won’t find better than Erica and Reggie of Final Touch. 

For more info, call Final Touch Cleaning at (813) 530-5591. 

And finally, although our air conditioning works great in our new place, Jannah and I have always had ceiling fans in our bedrooms and living room and we realized that there were none in our new place, which has a third bedroom that we are now using as our first dedicated home office space. 

We bought four nice-looking ceiling fans from a local home improvement warehouse and rather than pay that company to install the fans, we hired our friend (and licensed electrician) Jorge Gonzalez of GQ Electric. The day we brought the fans home, Jorge (left in photo) and his assistant showed up to professionally install all four fans in about two hours, cleaned up after themselves and did it for less than what the home improvement store would have charged — and Jorge is just the nicest guy and super-trustworthy. For more info, call (352) 467-2412 or visit gqelectricneartampa.com. 

And, for more info about Silversaw Luxury Apartments, visit SilversawApts.com.

Indian Street Kitchen Opens In The KRATES! 

We told you last issue that the Chicken Boss was being replaced at the KRATEs by Indian Street Kitchen, the faster-food concept from owners Harry and his brother Mike Patel from Persis Indian Grill, the instant hit that opened earlier this year next to Double Branch Brewing in the Village at The Grove. 

Well, the new Indian Street Kitchen KRATE opened just in time for the hugely popular June 28 R&B Only Night and although we didn’t end up sampling the cuisine that night, the new eatery is indeed now serving “every type of Indian street food,” as promised by the Patels.

In addition to the sticky, spicy Masala wings shown here, Indian Street Kitchen has everything from chicken nuggets and egg and spring rolls to paneer (cheese) and chicken tikka rolls, vada pav (deep-fried potato dumpling slider sandwiches), crunch corn and even Masala calamari, to name just a few — and nothing on the menu costs more than $11.99! 

The next time you visit The Grove or the KRATEs, stop in at Indian Street Kitchen (5888 Grand Oro Ln., Suite 110, Unit 34) to check out this new fast casual restaurant. And please, tell Harry and Mike that I sent you! — GN

Lavender Spa & Nails Can Make Your Nails Look Beautiful While You Shop At The Outlets! 

New Tampa residents Nidhi Dwivedi and Arvind Gupta of Financial Vision can help you with estate planning, life insurance and more. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

If you’ve never visited Lavender Spa & Nails, located at the Tampa Premium Outlets (on the south side of S.R. 56), now is the time! The nail spa’s convenient location makes it the perfect spot to get a manicure and/or pedicure in between shopping and dinner. 

Indulge in a luxurious spa experience as Lavender Spa & Nail’s highly skilled professional technicians customize your treatment to your needs, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated. The spa is now under the ownership of Chris and Gaiu (who goes by “Lee”) Alley, the same husband-and-wife team that also owns Colorful Nails on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. 

Chris, who has a background in information technology (IT), takes care of the “back end” of the business, such as managing the software at the salon and its website and marketing, while Lee oversees the day-to-day activities at the spa. The Wesley Chapel residents took over ownership of Lavender in February of this year but the previous owners and most of the staff stayed on to make for an easy transition. Most of the nail technicians have been at the spa for more than five years. 

“We weren’t really planning to open another salon, but this opportunity came along and we decided to go for it,” says Chris. “You sure can’t beat the location.” 

The revamped interior of Lavender Spa & Nails lets you know you’re in for a luxurious experience. 

Lee has made several improvements to the spa by expanding the area for facials and adding a massage room — massages will be available soon by appointment only. She also has updated the interior with an elegant new décor. Lee also has added new nail services, including the Hot Sweet Pedicure that incorporates hot steam into the luxurious Lavender Detox Pedicure (with the most luxurious pedicure products to reduce anxiety and stress with a fragrance you will love for total relaxation, leaving your feet and skin purified and replenished). 

The machine in this picture adds invigorating steam to the Hot Spa Pedicure. 

Lavender Spa & Nails also offers a wide array of other pedicures, including a paraffin spa pedicure (a high-end, eco-friendly paraffin alternative that is 100% natural, with shea butter and essential oils, that is great for dry and cracked heels), a volcano spa pedicure (with five steps of organic ingredients, including detox volcano crystals and activator, combined to create a fun, bubbling “explosion”) and the ultimate aloe spa pedicure (with natural aloe jelly that retains heat, soothes aching muscles and alleviates joint pain; the jelly also acts as a gentle exfoliant while the aromatic natural oils soften the skin and relax your mind and body; also includes hot stone massage and Eco-Fin wax in medicated boots in four different heavenly scents), to name a few. 

Manicure services include acrylic, gel, Gel- X, and dip powder nails. Spa services offered are waxing, facials and eyelash extensions. If you’re looking to treat your little ones, there are several Princess services available for ages 11 and under. 

Client Cheyenne Alderman, in her 5-star Google review (Lavender has a 4.6 overall Google rating, on nearly 600 reviews), raves about the services for younger clients. 

“Took my nieces to get their nails done for their birthdays, the staff was absolutely amazing! They were very accommodating to us, had great prices and they did a wonderful job! Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a quality nail salon!” 

Lee says, “What sets us apart from other salons is that we treat our staff and clients like family. Customer service is our highest priority.” With a staff of 13 highly qualified technicians, you will always be treated to high-quality services and a friendly atmosphere. 

Lavender’s nail techs can re-create pretty much any design and style of nails you want.

In her 5-star review on Google, Sydney Caplinger said, “I loved how relaxing the environment was! Everyone was so nice. Halle did my manicure and she was so nice and respectful and I showed her a picture of what I wanted for my nails and she exceeded my expectations!” Lee says, in fact, that Lavender Spa & Nails specializes in nail art. 

The spa also has a reward program — you receive a stamp with a purchase of a service over $32 and on your 10th service you receive $10 off. Seniors age 65+ and active military and veterans receive a 5% discount and you’ll receive a 10% discount on your birthday. Everyday pricing is competitive with the area, despite Lavender’s desirable (and not inexpensive) mall location. 

And finally, customer Lindsay Kendall says in her 5-star review, “This is the best nail salon experience I have ever had! The salon is gorgeous and the owner is so nice. All of the nail techs are friendly and take their time. I felt so at home and relaxed the entire time. Dolys did my full set and Nina did my pedicure. Highly recommend these ladies!” 

The next time you’re shopping at the outlet mall, give yourself a break and get the pampering you deserve at Lavender Spa & Nails located at 2398 Grand Cypress Dr., Suite 430, Lutz. The spa’s hours are Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sun. For appointments or more info, call (813) 300-3005 or visit LavenderSpaNails.com.


Lavender Spa & Nails features thousands of colors available in acrylic, Gel-X and dip powder. 

When you receive the new Hot Sweet Pedicure from Lavender nail tech Benny — or any of Lavender’s experience technicians — you’ll be treated to a soothing leg massage.

When you visit Lavender Spa & Nails, you’ll be treated like family by the experienced staff.

Farina Orthodontic Specialists Combines The Latest Technology With Top Patient Care 

The friendly professional staff at Farina Orthodontic Specialists is led by orthodontists (front row, l.-r.) Pedro Franco, D.M.D., Undine Davis, D.M.D. & Mark Farina, D.M.D. (Photos provided by Farina Orthodontic Specialists) 

Dr. Mark Farina, D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine), of Farina Orthodontic Specialists is something of an institution in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas. 

Dr. Farina has been creating beautiful smiles in our communities for nearly 30 years and continues to be at the forefront of both the latest technology and the highest possible level of patient care. 

After opening his first office on N. Habana Ave. in West Tampa in 1995, Dr. Farina opened his Tampa Palms office in the professional center next to what is now called the Shops at Amberly in 2000. 

Since then, he estimates that he has worked on more than 25,000 smiles for children and a growing number of adults. 

“They start as little people, and I see them grow up,” Dr. Farina says. “I have been invited to attend graduations, weddings and other functions. It’s great to see what a difference a great smile makes.” 

Today, Farina Orthodontic Specialists has three offices — one in South Tampa, one in Tampa Palms and the newest location in the building dubbed “The Cube” on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel (between AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Shops at Wiregrass mall). And, two additional orthodontists who share Dr. Farina’s passion for creating beautiful smiles have joined him to serve even more patients — Undine Davis, D.M.D., and Pedro Franco, D.M.D. 

The first floor of the three-story cube is now the headquarters of Farina Orthodontic Specialists and also is home to a number of other related dental and medical specialists, including dental services such as root canals (endodontics) and maxillofacial surgery (to correct issues with teeth, gums and even jaws), as well as the office’s high-tech call center, digital lab and corporate office — all on the second floor of the building. The third floor is home to Kids SPOT, which provides pediatric therapy services, including speech, physical, occupational and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapies for children from birth to age 21 at every stage of development. 


Among the many technological advancements you’ll find at Farina Orthodontic Specialists are low-dose digital X-rays (above) and the 3D impressionless scanner (right).

“When we were starting to build the new office, my son Stefano was 18 and became part of the process,” Dr. Farina says. “I think that may have encouraged him to get involved in building projects, which he is still doing today. He looked at the cube and said, ‘Dad, it is missing a clock. People always remember a building with a clock on it!’ That’s how the (traditional round) clock became part of the building.” 

All three offices are busy places, with any number of happy patients visiting every day. 

“In fact, one of Stefano’s close friends also was a patient,” Dr. Farina says. “My wife (Lissette) and I overheard this friend tell my son, ‘I have to thank your dad. I was like a three when I first went to him. But, I got my smile fixed and now I’m like an eight, so I am going to ask (girls name) to the prom.’ These are the types of things that make me smile. I don’t ever feel like I’m working. I love what I do and take pride in the happiness and confidence we bring to so many.” 

Embracing Change 

Although some patients still either opt to (or have to) choose traditional metal braces, Dr. Farina says the motto at the office is “Embrace Change.” He and his team are always looking for innovative ways to grow and one way to accomplish this goal is with new technologies, which means more than just embracing Invisalign® clear aligners — although Dr. Farina says he is the top Invisalign® provider in the area, and one of just a few orthodontists nationwide who have reached Elite Status with Invisalign®. In fact, he says, 60-70% of the practice’s current patients are using Invisalign®. 

Dr. Franco works on a patient.

One such advancement in the orothodontic industry is the Dental Monitoring ScanBox Pro. This is a device and process that allows patients to take digital scans of their teeth (and entire mouths) every week with their phones. The images are sent to the office so the doctors can monitor the progress of these patients between scheduled appointments, especially if anything appears to not be progressing properly. At that point, they can be brought into the office as quickly as possible to correct any issues. 

“Our office was the first in the country to have this technology and we have been using it for more than four years now with great success.” 

Other technological advances include a 3D impressionless scanner that can create a digital 3D model of your teeth in minutes. An i-CAT 3D Machine takes a 3D image of not just the patient’s teeth, but also of the bones and airways in his or her head. Best of all, the process takes all of five seconds. 

An iTero 3D impressionless scanner can create a digital 3D model of your teeth in three minutes — without the need for that traditional, dreaded goop. The 3-D printers can even produce tooth aligners and retainers on site. 

Not Just For Kids Anymore 

Another trend in the orthodontic industry, according to Dr. Farina, is that 40% of the orthodontic practice’s patients are now adults, including a growing number of adult men. Some, but not all, of these adult patients are the parents of younger patients who see how effective orthodontics can be. 

Dr. Farina shows a patient their X-rays.

“Many of the adults do go with Invisalign® (clear aligners),” Dr. Farina says. 

Dr. Farina says that while Farina Orthodontic Specialists may not be the least expensive option for patients, “We’re not the most expensive orthodontists, either.” He adds that the practice’s prices are competitive, and it accepts all types of insurance plans. He will also work with patients who may need a payment plan, which he says can cost as little as $149/month. 

“Your smile is for a lifetime,” Dr. Farina says. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. When you smile, you have the power to change the energy around you, as well as how you feel and how people around you feel.” 

When Dr. Farina was young, he had a bad experience with a dentist and was determined to make his office and everything about the experience friendly and inviting. That’s why his offices don’t look or feel like a dentist’s office. 

He also says that he is very proud of his staff. Every week, he and his team have “WOW Wednesday,” where the employees nominate one of their own to be the “Wower” of the week. 

Meet The Team 
Dr. Farina poses with his three “Top Dentist” awards from Tampa Magazine. 

Dr. Farina earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from Boston College in Boston, MA. He earned his D.M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia and did his post-graduate orthodontic training at New York University (NYU) in New York City, NY. 

He also has received advanced training in the integrated diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and has served on research teams at both NYU and Penn to help find new and better ways to solve orthodontic problems. Dr. Farina attends more than 80 hours of professional seminars each year and participates in giving seminars and webinars across the country. 

Dr. Pedro Franco was born in Cleveland, OH, but grew up in the Dominican Republic. He graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexico, and earned his D.M.D. degree (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine in San Juan. His Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics is from the Georgia School of Orthodontics, where he received the Doctor Nathaniel Glover Leadership & Professionalism Scholarship. 

Dr. Davis works on a patient.

Dr. Undine Davis graduated from Stanford University in Stanford, CA, where she was an outstanding hurdler on the school’s track team. She earned her D.M.D. degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. She also earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Dental Sciences and a Specialty Certification in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville. 

All three doctors in the practice are Board-certified and Dr. Farina says that only about 25% of all dentists are Board-certified, so he is very proud of this accomplishment. He and his team also have been voted one of the Top Dentists in Tampa the last three years by Tampa Magazine. The entire practice is very active in the community and has provided mouth guards for local sports teams and sponsored numerous causes that support education, encourage leadership and save lives. 

To schedule a free virtual consultation, with Farina Orthodontic Specialists, visit FarinaSmiles.com, where you also can find additional information about the practice. New patients can call (813) 652-0074 for more information. The Tampa Palms office is located at 15303 Amberly Dr., Suite E, and the Wesley Chapel office is located at 2370 Bruce B. Downs, Suite 100. 

Meet Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant’s New Owners 

In case you missed it, Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant is now under new ownership, as Jordan and Jason Scott (top photo) have purchased the popular eatery and night spot from the former partnership trio of Lee Bevan and brothers Jamie and Joe Hess. 

Jordan and Jason, the latter of whom is an accomplished pianist and musician himself who previously booked the dueling piano players that perform every Friday and Saturday (and now Thursday night, too) at Treble Makers, formally introduced themselves to their customers on June 20. 

“We’re committed to making sure the food, service and entertainment meet and exceed your expectations,” Jason said. “We do have some menu changes coming up but first, we’re working as hard as we can to make sure you always enjoy your visit to TrebleMakers.” 

In the meantime, the restaurant’s cool robot server (below right) will still bring you the same delicious menu items (like the baked Imperial crab dip below left) many of you already know and love. And, don’t forget to try the new $8 lunch specials! 

For more information about Treble Makers (6034 Wesley Grove Blvd.), including the new $8 lunch menu items, call (813) 406-4371 or visit TrebleMakersofWC.com.