Chamber network gathering tonight

The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce will hold its after-hours networking gathering from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tonight.

The event is hosted by Stonewood Grill & Tavern located at 17050 Palm Pointe Drive. Come out and meet fellow business members that live and work in New Tampa.

Everyone is welcome. Drinks and appetizers are compliments of Stonewood Grill.

Charity Golf Tournament to benefit troops

The third Annual "Tee Up For Our Troops" Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the MacDill Air Force Base golf course Oct. 9. Sponsoship opportunities are still available.

The objective is to raise money and awareness to support the Fisher House, a 'home away from home' temporary lodging facility for families of wounded military members and veterans being treated at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.

YMCA finalizing 5th annual Saturday Night Lights fundraising event; sponsorships still available

The New Tampa Family YMCA will host its 5th annual “Saturday Night Lights” party on Saturday, October 3 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the New Tampa Family YMCA.

This casual, football-themed event will raise funds to benefit the YMCA’s Building Strong Kids Campaign, which provides scholarships for children and families with special physical and financial needs who cannot otherwise afford the benefits of the YMCA.

“Last year's event was such a hit, that we've decided to continue with that theme,” said Ginger Bean, event chairperson. “Attendees will enjoy supporting their favorite teams while sampling local restaurants' favorite dishes and bidding on unique auction items.  And the best part is, the proceeds will provide opportunities for less fortunate families to participate in the programs and benefits of the YMCA.”

Publix applies to build larger store

TAMPA PALMS — Publix shoppers may soon find themselves navigating a larger store.

According to officials with the city of Tampa's Land Development Coordination department, Publix officials want to tear down the existing building and build a larger one in its place.

Publix representatives have applied for permission to add to the 46,791-square-foot space at 16041 Tampa Palms Blvd. W by taking over what was once a neighboring coffee shop and hair salon. That would make the grocery store 54,817 square feet, said Abbye Feeley, planning and development coordinator for the city of Tampa.

Feeley said Publix approached her department in early August and had some tree and landscaping issues that needed to be addressed. Also, the city wanted to ensure that adjacent wetlands would not be affected.

The application is being reviewed, Feeley said. She did not know when a decision would be made.

Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at (813)909-4613 or nguyen@sptimes.com.

New Tampa Casino Night Oct. 10

The Rotary of Club of New Tampa will have its annual Casino Night Oct. 10 at Tampa Palms Country Club. Proceeds benefit more than 30 nonprofit and education organizations in the North Tampa area, which received $49,830 from the club in the past fiscal year. The beneficiaries included Oasis, Everyday Blessings, Crisis Center and Young Life.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $75 a person. Benefits include 13 tables with roulette, poker, blackjack and more with professional dealers;  $1,000 in casino chips; free martini bar, wine and beer; hors d'oeuvres; entertainment by Joe Cortez; networking with community and business leaders; prize baskets and silent auction.

Tickets are available from any Rotarian by calling (813)295-4663 or emailing Rob@ciccioslodge.com.

RSVP for New Tampa Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

The New Tampa Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be Monday September 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

The event takes place at the Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club. Tim Donovan from Advanced Innovations Managers will be the featured speaker. He will discuss "Matching Technology Needs to your Business." Price for the lunch is $15 for Chamber Members and $20 for non-members.

Please R.S.V.P. by Friday September 11th by 5 p.m. if you plan to attend by sending an e-mail to info@newtampa.org or calling Kristen at (813)514-2922.

New Tampa Junior Woman's Club hosts new member orientation at Winestyles

 

Photo courtesy of The New Tampa Woman's Club
Heather Keen, left, club president, and Amy Warenyk, department chair, at the club's new member orientation.

The New Tampa Junior Woman's Club hosted its annual new member orientation at Winestyles in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 12. 

Twenty women showed up to learn more about the club and how they can get involved.  Many active members and board members attended to welcome the potential provisionals, give a short presentation and answer questions. 

As each person arrived, they received a ticket for a complimentary glass of wine, were offered literature about the club and nibbled on appetizers.

As of Sept. 1, the NTJWC has registered about 22 provisional members for the 2009-2010 year. 

"We are very excited to welcome this group of women to the club and look forward to their contributions to the club as a whole," the club said in a statement. 

There's still time for women in the New Tampa area to  join the New Tampa Junior Woman's Club's 2009-2010 provisonal class. Visit www.ntjwc.org for more information. Enrollment is open until the end of September.

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Two businesses teaming up to offer a date night for parents

Need a night out?
Young Chefs Academy and Maggie's Tea Room have teamed up to offer a night out for parents next month.
The offer is limited to 12 couples, so book fast.

Date night is Friday, October 2. Parents will be able drop their kids off at YCA at 6 p.m. where they will play games and cook dinner. Five doors down, parents will enjoy a quiet dinner at the tea room.

Click here for more information.

Strip center near new SweetBay filling up

Soon you can drop off your dry cleaning, choose a lunch of burgers, egg rolls, pitas or pizza, get your hair cut and nails done at the strip mall across from the new SweetBay supermarket and LA Fitness.

Signs for Five Guys Burgers and Fries, China Wok, Pita's Republic, and Hungry Howie's have appeared in the windows of the center at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and County Line Road. Also coming are Hudson Cleaners, Grandeur Hair Design and Ego Nails.

SweetBay and LA Fitness opened in July.

Lisa Buie, Times Staff Writer

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Kennedy Barbeque takes over restaurant at Heritage Isles

 

[ATOYIA DEANS | Times]

Ernest Kennedy Jr. is the co-owner of Kennedy Barbeque at Heritage Isles Golf and Country Club. He owns the restaurant with his father, Ernest Kennedy Sr. “Because it’s our dime, we have the incentive to do well,” Kennedy Jr. said.

HERITAGE ISLES — The restaurant at this golf community has never been known for its cuisine. Rather, the buzz has been about its debt.

New ownership hopes to change all that.

A barbecue restaurant intent on becoming a popular New Tampa eatery has taken over.

Kennedy Barbeque already has a loyal following from its to-go barbecue smoker in the parking lot of a gas station at the corner of Cross Creek Boulevard and Morris Bridge Road. The family that owns it has moved to the Heritage Isles restaurant, hoping to attract a bigger fan club.