Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

Join us in helping a beautiful family!

Please join us to help give our adopted family a beautiful Christmas!



As most of you know each year the ContraVest FAMILY, Friends, Vendors, Residents, and Contractors all come together to adopt Bernadette Hanlon our BEAUTIFUL FRIEND and CO-WORKER to give her 6 daughters a Christmas they will never forget!


For those of you who have not heard of Bernadette’s story, she is a single mom with 3 girls of her own and a less than 5 years ago her oldest daughter had a regular babysitting job to watch 3 little girls. Her daughter had an unexpected school event on the same night she had committed to babysitting. The girl’s mother’s name was Amy, that night Bernie offered to cover for her daughter by watching Amy’s girls in her home. Amy’s oldest daughter 13 at the time decided to stay home alone while the other girls stayed with Bernie. That night a turn of events drastically changed all of their lives forever. Amy’s ex-husband broke into Amy’s home tied up her daughter and waited with a knife for Amy to return. When Amy walked into their home she was brutally attacked and murdered in front of her 13 year old daughter. Luckily Amy’s boyfriend who was parking the car walked in just in time to save Amy’s daughter, he too was stabbed in the struggle and fortunately survived. Amy’s daughter’s had only one living relative a grandmother who was elderly and unable to care for the girls… Bernie took these distraught little girls into her home because they had no one. Their father was arrested and charged with their mother’s murder. Fast forward nearly 5 years, Bernie has spent countless hours fighting the system to protect these children. She spent numerous hours at trial to see that their father paid for his crime and numerous hours at doctor’s appointments for child counseling, she is proud to tell everyone that she was able to officially ADOPT the girls!


As you can imagine it’s a difficult job being a single mother of 6 girls! Bernie’s 3 girls have sacrificed so much by welcoming their new sister’s into their very small home. Amy’s daughters have suffered an unforgettable loss in the murder of their mom. No matter how difficult things have been Bernie has been the one constant in their life! Bernie is an “ANGEL” in every since of the word!


It is our honor each year to give this beautiful and certainly deserving family a wonderful Christmas one that they will remember and cherish for years to come! Christin, Wendy and Darla will head up the fundraiser this year! We ask that you donate whatever you can--no amount is too small! We are asking for donations in the form of gift cards (Visa, American Express, Wal-Mart or Target), cash or personal checks. Please make personal checks payable to Christin Tenpenny so she can cash them to make the actual purchases from the girls Christmas lists.


***Please bring in or mail donations to: C/O Christin Tenpenny, ContraVest Management Company, 237 South Westmonte Drive, Suite 140, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. We appreciate any donation you can make to help this family. If possible would love to receive the donations into us by December 10th to give us time to shop for the gifts!


From our family to yours, thank you!


Courtney Trace!

Courtney Trace Holiday Hours!

Verizon Fios Offer!!!

2nd Annual Veteran’s Fest, Brandon | FREE Admission, Food, Raffle

Hosted by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the 2nd Annual Veteran’s Fest at the Campo Family YMCA (3414 Culbreath Road) will go down on Thursday, November 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Head to this family friendly Brandon event to commemorate all the veterans that have served in the U.S. military and enjoy over 60 vendors including a number of notable Brandon businesses, non profits, and veterans organizations.


In conjunction with the Military Affairs Council, the Veteran’s Fest will host a taps and flag raising ceremony featuring local veterans and ROTC students. A variety of family fun and entertainment will also be on hand including a raffle with proceeds benefitting the Military Council MacDill Endowment Fund. ECHO will also be on hand to collect food donations in exchange for raffle tickets as well. These are both great ways to help out the veterans that have done so much for our country as well as the less fortunate in the community around the holiday season.

Best of all, admission and food at the Veteran’s Fest come at no cost to you. This is a free event for the public. If you’re looking for a great, kid-friendly Veteran’s Day event in Brandon, check out the 2nd Annual Veteran’s Fest on November 10 at the Campo Family YMCA.

What is Veterans Day??

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

For more information go to http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-veterans-day.

Remember to thank our military for everything they do not just on veterans day but every time we see them, they made great sacrifices in order for us to keep our freedom.

Ther Perfect Turkey Recipe!!

Ingredients


1 (18 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed

2 cups kosher salt

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 large onions, peeled and chopped

4 carrots, peeled and chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 cup dry white wine

Directions

1.Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight.

2.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.

3.Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.

4.Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

For more information go to http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/perfect-turkey/detail.aspx

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Business Spotlight of the Week!

Rent King!!

Local Business Spotlight!

Happy Halloween from Courtney Trace!!
Thank you all for coming to the Halloween Party on Saturday.

This puppy needs a home!!

Dear residents and friends:

One of our residents have asked us to see if anyone would like to adopt this beautiful female Jack Russel, her name is Dakota and she is a playful 7 year old sweetheart, she is good with other dogs and kids! She is fixed and up to date on her shots. Her family is moving and she needs a new home.

Time Change November 6th 2011

Remember time changes November 6, we FALL back one hour!

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/clockchange.html?n=156

Wondering what to do this Halloween?

Go to the link below and see all the things you can do around town for Halloween! Have fun and be safe!

Things to do on Halloween!!

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. Below are tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.


Going trick-or-treating?

S - Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

A - Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

F - Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

E - Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.


H - Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

A - Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.

L - Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

L - Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

O - Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

W - Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

E - Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

E - Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

N - Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of raisins, trail mix, or pretzels. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.

Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.

Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.

Keep candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.

Ancient Origins of Halloween


Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By 43 A.D., the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
On May 13, 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honor of all Christian martyrs, and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day was established in the Western church. Pope Gregory III (731–741) later expanded the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs, and moved the observance from May 13 to November 1. By the 9th century the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands, where it gradually blended with and supplanted the older Celtic rites. In 1000 A.D., the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It is widely believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. All Souls Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils. The All Saints Day celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween.
Halloween Comes to America

Celebration of Halloween was extremely limited in colonial New England because of the rigid Protestant belief systems there. Halloween was much more common in Maryland and the southern colonies. As the beliefs and customs of different European ethnic groups as well as the American Indians meshed, a distinctly American version of Halloween began to emerge. The first celebrations included "play parties," public events held to celebrate the harvest, where neighbors would share stories of the dead, tell each other's fortunes, dance and sing. Colonial Halloween festivities also featured the telling of ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the middle of the nineteenth century, annual autumn festivities were common, but Halloween was not yet celebrated everywhere in the country.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, America was flooded with new immigrants. These new immigrants, especially the millions of Irish fleeing Ireland's potato famine of 1846, helped to popularize the celebration of Halloween nationally. Taking from Irish and English traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today's "trick-or-treat" tradition. Young women believed that on Halloween they could divine the name or appearance of their future husband by doing tricks with yarn, apple parings or mirrors.

In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers than about ghosts, pranks and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day. Parties focused on games, foods of the season and festive costumes. Parents were encouraged by newspapers and community leaders to take anything "frightening" or "grotesque" out of Halloween celebrations. Because of these efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween had become a secular, but community-centered holiday, with parades and town-wide parties as the featured entertainment. Despite the best efforts of many schools and communities, vandalism began to plague Halloween celebrations in many communities during this time. By the 1950s, town leaders had successfully limited vandalism and Halloween had evolved into a holiday directed mainly at the young. Due to the high numbers of young children during the fifties baby boom, parties moved from town civic centers into the classroom or home, where they could be more easily accommodated. Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating was also revived. Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. A new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country's second largest commercial holiday.

Today's Halloween Traditions

The American Halloween tradition of "trick-or-treating" probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives. The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, which was referred to as "going a-souling" was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money.

The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. Hundreds of years ago, winter was an uncertain and frightening time. Food supplies often ran low and, for the many people afraid of the dark, the short days of winter were full of constant worry. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. On Halloween, to keep ghosts away from their houses, people would place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter.
Halloween Superstitions

Halloween has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstition. It began as a Celtic end-of-summer festival during which people felt especially close to deceased relatives and friends. For these friendly spirits, they set places at the dinner table, left treats on doorsteps and along the side of the road and lit candles to help loved ones find their way back to the spirit world. Today's Halloween ghosts are often depicted as more fearsome and malevolent, and our customs and superstitions are scarier too. We avoid crossing paths with black cats, afraid that they might bring us bad luck. This idea has its roots in the Middle Ages, when many people believed that witches avoided detection by turning themselves into cats. We try not to walk under ladders for the same reason. This superstition may have come from the ancient Egyptians, who believed that triangles were sacred; it also may have something to do with the fact that walking under a leaning ladder tends to be fairly unsafe. And around Halloween, especially, we try to avoid breaking mirrors, stepping on cracks in the road or spilling salt.

But what about the Halloween traditions and beliefs that today's trick-or-treaters have forgotten all about? Many of these obsolete rituals focused on the future instead of the past and the living instead of the dead. In particular, many had to do with helping young women identify their future husbands and reassuring them that they would someday—with luck, by next Halloween—be married. In 18th-century Ireland, a matchmaking cook might bury a ring in her mashed potatoes on Halloween night, hoping to bring true love to the diner who found it. In Scotland, fortune-tellers recommended that an eligible young woman name a hazelnut for each of her suitors and then toss the nuts into the fireplace. The nut that burned to ashes rather than popping or exploding, the story went, represented the girl's future husband. (In some versions of this legend, confusingly, the opposite was true: The nut that burned away symbolized a love that would not last.) Another tale had it that if a young woman ate a sugary concoction made out of walnuts, hazelnuts and nutmeg before bed on Halloween night she would dream about her future husband. Young women tossed apple-peels over their shoulders, hoping that the peels would fall on the floor in the shape of their future husbands' initials; tried to learn about their futures by peering at egg yolks floating in a bowl of water; and stood in front of mirrors in darkened rooms, holding candles and looking over their shoulders for their husbands' faces. Other rituals were more competitive. At some Halloween parties, the first guest to find a burr on a chestnut-hunt would be the first to marry; at others, the first successful apple-bobber would be the first down the aisle.

Of course, whether we're asking for romantic advice or trying to avoid seven years of bad luck, each one of these Halloween superstitions relies on the good will of the very same "spirits" whose presence the early Celts felt so keenly.

Breast cancer breakthrough - Parsley and other plant products halt tumor growth

(NaturalNews) (NaturalNews) Did you ever use parsley simply to decorate some food -- and then toss the herb aside? You might want to reconsider that and make sure you actually eat the parsley. That's because groundbreaking new research shows parsley and certain other plant products, including fruits and nuts, contain a natural substance that can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing.


In a new study just published in Cancer Prevention Research, Salman Hyder, the Zalk Endowed Professor in Tumor Angiogenesis and professor of biomedical sciences in the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, gave apigenin (a common compound found in parsley and other plant products) to rats with a particular type of breast cancer.

The animals exposed to the apigenin developed far less tumors and also experienced significant delays in tumor development compared to those rats that were not given apigenin. Dr. Hyder stated this new finding could potentially impact women who are taking certain hormone replacement therapies.

"Six to 10 million women in the United States receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT)," Dr. Hyder said in a media statement. "We know that certain synthetic hormones used in HRT accelerate breast tumor development. In our study, we exposed the rats to one of the chemicals used in the most common HRTs received in the United States -- a progestin called medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) -- which also happens to be the same synthetic hormone that accelerates breast tumor development."

MPA is especially dangerous because when breast tumor cells develop in response to it, these malignancies spur new blood vessels to form within tumors. The blood vessels then provide nutrients for the tumors, causing them to grow and spread.

Dr. Hyder discovered that apigenin, which is most prevalent in parsley and celery, but is also in apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, blocked new blood vessel formation. So it slowed and sometimes totally stopped the development of tumors. Moreover, the natural compound reduced the overall number of tumors even though it didn't stop the initial formation of breast cancer cells.

"We don't have specific dosage for humans yet," Dr. Hyder explained in the media statement. "However, it appears that keeping a minimal level of apigenin in the bloodstream is important to delay the onset of breast cancer that progresses in response to progestins such as MPA. It's probably a good idea to eat a little parsley and some fruit every day to ensure the minimal amount. However, you can also find this compound in pill supplements in the health food section of many stores. ."

[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]

For more information:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...





















Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032410_parsley_tumors.html#ixzz1a6O3DTEE

Put on Your Pink Bra Walk!!!

Put on Your Pink Bra is a walk to raise funds for breast cancer education, research and treatment through the American Cancer Society.


The Tampa walk will be held at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Pasco county walk will be held at the Shops at Wiregrass and the Pinellas county walk will be held at Vinoy Park.

Each walk is scheduled for Saturday, October, 22. See your city for time and directions to your walk.

Halloween Party!!

Community Garage Sale!!!!

Breakfast on the GO!!!!

Events in Tampa this weekend!

Wondering what to do this weekend in town? Go to the link below and check out all the events going on in town this weekend!!

Thinsg to do in Tampa this weekend!

Tampa Electric Household Safety

Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Read more on this factsheet on home electrical fire prevention.

•Don't run electrical cords underneath rugs, carpets or furniture. Stepping on cords can damage them, creating a fire hazard.

•Make sure your electric blanket is in good condition. Look for cracks or breaks in the wiring, plugs or connectors and look for charred spots on both sides of the blanket surfaces. Any of these conditions indicates a potential fire hazard.

•To prevent excessive heat buildup, make sure nothing covers your electric blanket, such as quilts, blankets or pets. Never "tuck in" the sides or ends of your electric blanket. The heating coils may become damaged or bent and may cause a fire.

•Sleeping on a heating pad or electric sheet may cause serious burns even at relatively low settings.

•Fuses and circuit breakers are safety devices located on your electrical panel. Use the correct size fuse for your fuse box. Replacing a fuse with the wrong size fuse can be a fire hazard.

•Appliances, such as a hair dryer, curling iron or toaster, can be potentially hazardous if left plugged in, especially during an electrical storm.

•Electricity and water don't mix. Keep all electrical products and cords, such as radio, TV, hairdryer or curling iron, away from water, including sinks and tubs.

•Never reach into water to get an appliance that has fallen in without first unplugging the appliance.

•Unplug your toaster or toaster oven before using a knife or fork to remove stuck bread or bagels.

•To avoid electric shock during a lightning storm, unplug appliances before the storm hits, and avoid using a phone or fax machine. Remember to unplug unnecessary electrical products when they are not in use.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Make sure you have Renter's Insurance!!! Be sure you have your policy numbers and claims dept. phone number handy. Remember…the apartment community's insurance covers our buildings…not your belongings.
Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture on balconies, etc.)
Close windows and doors.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
Learn about your community's hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

What supplies do I need?
Water—at east a 3 day supply; one gallon per person per day.
Food—at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
Flashlight.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible).
Extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids w/extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane).
Multi-purpose tool.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, lease to residence, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
Cell phone with chargers.
Family and emergency contract information.
Extra cash.
Emergency blanket.
Map(s) of the area.
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers).
Pet supplies (collar, lease, ID, food, carrier, and bowl).
Tools/supplies for securing your home.
Extra set of car keys and house keys.
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes.
Rain gear.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Camera for photos of damage.

What do I do after a hurricane?
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Emergency Numbers:
FEMA : 800-621-3362
Red Cross: 866-438-4636

Renter's Insurance Recommendation!!

Dear Valued Residents,

Recently within our apartment portfolio we have experienced two stove grease fires that occurred when a resident was cooking. In both incidents neither renter had “RENTERS INSURANCE”. In one situation the fire itself caused minor damage however, the water from the sprinkler system and Fire Department caused severe damage to the resident’s apartment as well as the neighbors below. The cost for repair, cleaning, and replacement of furnishings exceeded $5,000. In the other incident the staff arrived on the scene and was able to put the fire out in time to keep the sprinkler system from flooding their apartment and the apartments below! The cost for the damage to the apartment stove, cabinets and cleaning up of smoke damage still exceeded $5000.

In the past two months we have experienced forest fires near some of our apartment communities. Fortunately the quick action of the local fire departments kept the fire from spreading into the apartment communities. This could have been catastrophic loss for hundreds of residents. With no renters insurance your personal belongings would not be covered by the apartment community’s property insurance.

To those of you who reside in any of our coastal communities, hurricane season is beginning in June just weeks away. Storm damage is probable in the wake of a hurricane. Damage to your personal items from any type of storm is not covered under the apartment community’s property insurance. Many of you have seen the recent devastation in North Carolina and Georgia from tornado activity. If your building is damaged or destroyed you are not covered for your personal belongings.

What you need to know is that YOU are personally liable for damages to the apartment community as well as damage to units surrounding you even if the Fire Department creates the damage with their equipment and water! This could be financially devastating to you and your family. Below are list of the many reasons you need to be insured.

Did you know that if lightning were to strike your apartment building causing damage to your electronics (TV, computer, etc.) you would be responsible for the replacement/repair costs of these items? The Landlord’s insurance is not.

Did you know that if lightening were to strike your apartment building causing a fire you are responsible for all of the personal contents inside your apartment home? The Landlord’s insurance is not.

Did you know that if a neighbor leaves a candle unattended causing a fire, and/or smoke or water damages your personal belongings, Courtney Trace would not be responsible for the loss? And, if your neighbor does not have their own personal property insurance, again, you would be responsible for the replacement cost of these items.

Did you know that if a hurricane or tropical storm causes your apartment’s roof to leak or windows to break causing water damage to your personal belongings, the replacement cost of your items would not be covered by the landlord’s insurance?

And finally, Did you know that if a visitor is injured in your apartment or at the community while visiting you, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and more? Your current and future earnings could be at risk.

Many people are under the impression that an apartment communities’ insurance will cover such losses but this is inaccurate. The landlord’s policy does not include liability for something that happens in your rented residence or to your personal belongings.

how can you protect yourself and all of your personal property? Please obtain renter’s insurance. It is fairly inexpensive and your car insurance company may offer discounts for multiply policies. Most insurance carriers can help you select just the coverage you need based on exactly what you own so the renter’s insurance policy will suite your specific needs. The average annual cost for renter’s insurance today is approximately $120 per year a small price to pay to be able to replace your entire household. Often times you can add renter’s insurance through your current automobile insurance policy for a better rate!

Section 8 of your lease agreement clearly expresses your need for insurance and your responsibility for protecting your personal property. Please protect yourself and your property by contacting your insurance company and begin a renter’s insurance policy today!

Protect yourself! Don’t be a victim.

Support Our Troops

International Picture of the Year.

Here are two very touching photos honored this year.

First Place :




Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

 

Second Place




Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'.



 
And the one that really tightens MY throat




Blue Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

Remider: POOL PARTY!!!

This is a reminder that the POOL PARTY is this Friday August 19th from 5-8:00pm!

Manager's Quote for the Day!

You're willing to make mistakes, learn from failure, and turn negatives into positives.
You ask: With enough effort, what can't be accomplished?

WATER SHUT OFF FRIDAY JULY 29!!

Attention all Residents:

Friday July 29, 2011 Florida Life and Safety will be turning off the water in the morning from 10:00am to 02:00pm, for a back flow repair. They do not expect the water to be off any longer than this. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter please feel free to contact the leasing office at (813) 662-5566.

Please note that after water comes back up there might be some sediment and you might have to run the water to clear the line.

Thank you in advance for you cooperation.

Tips to beat the heat!

1. Two=Two. Two hours before activity, drink 2 cups (16 ounces) of fluids.

2. During exercise, drink 5 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes. Take advantage of breaks in your workouts to stay hydrated and keep your water bottle handy. Every large gulp or swallow = about 1 ounce of fluid.

3. Only the fluid you drink can keep you hydrated. Pouring fluids over your head to cool you off will feel good but won’t keep you from getting dehydrated.

4. Plan a schedule of drinking so you drink before you get thirsty. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids.

5. Choose sports drinks or light (calorie-reduced) sports drinks if you are a heavy sweater and your exercise is of long duration and high intensity, especially in hot, humid conditions. A well formulated sports drink provides 6 to 8% carbohydrate (14 to 19 grams of carbohydrate per 8 ounces) and 100 to 110 milligrams of sodium. Sports drinks help replace fluid, carbohydrate, and sodium lost during exercise.

6. If you like (and can afford) coconut water, it provides about the same calories as sports drinks but 2.5 times the sodium and is packed with potassium. Some brands also contains fiber so you might find it upsets your stomach if you drink a large volume of it during exercise. Use our guide to coconut waters to help.


7. After exercise, drink 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of fluid for every pound of body weight lost during activity. Weigh yourself before and after a workout to find out how much water weight you usually lose.

8. Choose foods high in water; most fruits and vegetables are high in water with the added bonus of providing needed vitamins and minerals. A slice of watermelon on a hot summer day is great snack and fluid booster.

9. Don’t over drink during long, strenuous exercise. Drink enough to stay hydrated but if you gain weight after exercise you are probably drinking too much.

10. Watch your pee. Monitor the volume and color of your urine to determine your hydration level.


For more information visit:
http://www.appforhealth.com/2011/07/top-ten-tips-to-beat-the-heat/

Courtney Trace's End Of Summer Splash Bash!!! Save The Date 08/19/2011

Courtney Trace Annual Pool Party!!!

When: 08/19/2011
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Where: Courtney Trace Pool

We will have Games, Food, Prizes and Entertainment for both adults and kids.

It's the end of the Summer, let's have some fun!

Changes to Policy!

We wanted to inform you that we no longer will be replacing light bulbs, we have done this as a courtesy for many years and we have been informed by our corporate office that we are no longer allowed to change light bulbs past 30 days after the residents move in date.


If you have the light bulb we will be more than happy to replace them for you, if you are not able to do it.


Courtney Trace Staff
Courtney Trace

Manager's Quote for the Day!

You're willing to make mistakes, learn from failure, and turn negatives into positives.

You ask: With enough effort what CAN'T be accomplished?

Manager's Quote for the Day!

Many people wonder what sets a person like you apart from everyone else. It comes down to having an open mind and an open heart - and a whole lot of courage.

WATER SHUT OFF FRIDAY!!

Attention all Residents:

Friday July 15,2011 Hillsborough County will be turning off the water in the morning from 9:00 to 10:00, for a back flow repair. They do not expect the water to be off any longer than this. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter please feel free to contact the leasing office at (813) 662-5566.

Thank you in advance for you cooperation.

Courtney Trace Management

Manager's Quote for the Day!

You like to go beyond what's expected of you, and when you have a dream, you head out into the world to turn that lofty aspiration into an achievement...

Hi -

I just signed a petition on Change.org asking Congress to create "Caylee's Law" to require parents to notify law enforcement when their children go missing.
Can you also sign the petition and help me reach 600,000 signatures? Click below to add your name:

http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law

Thanks!

Drive Safe In This Rainy Weather!

Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires.

Taking these simple tips into account can save your life.

You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.

Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.

A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

Be safe out there!

Pay Rent Online or by Phone!!!

4th of July hours

Just a reminder that the Leasing Office and Clubhouse will be closed for the 4th of July! If you have an emergency maintenance request please call our leasing office at 813.662.5566 and leave a message for the emergency maintenance and the on call person will be paiged. We will have a night attendant during the regular hours of 7:00pm to 10:30pm.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!!

Keep your apartment COOL!

When temperatures are on the rise, it seems like you only have two options: run the A/C until you get goose bumps and a power bill bigger than the national debt, or save your pennies and sweat it out hoping you don’t get heat stroke.

But there are ways you can control the temperature in your apartment and keep your energy bill down. Follow these steps for a cooler apartment and lower bills.

Cool down your apartment
There are many steps you can take to cool down your apartment without blasting the air conditioner.

•Cross ventilation is the key. Open windows on both sides of your apartment to allow air circulation.
•Window fans work best when blowing air out, so put your fan on the sunny side of the apartment and let it expel the hot air while pulling cool air from open windows on the shady side.
•Keep shades or curtains pulled on the sunny side of the house.
•Make your own personal air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan and letting it blow on you.
•If your apartment has a ceiling fan, use it.
•Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent. This will also save energy.
•If you get a lot of direct sunlight, think about window films to block heat. They will also keep heat from going out the windows in the winter.
Act cool
Sometimes what you do in your apartment can raise the inside temperature or make you fell hotter. Take these steps to make you feel cooler.

•Exercise and do strenuous activities in the evening or early morning when temperatures are lower.
•Pace yourself when performing household activities, such as cooking or cleaning, and don’t over-exert yourself.
•Keep wet. Take tepid baths or showers, or go swimming in the community pool.
•Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator and freezer often, as the harder they work, the more heat they put out.
•Put cold cloths or ice on your pulse points, especially on the neck and wrists.
•If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Spend as much time as possible in the cooler areas of your apartment.
•Instead of an oven, use your microwave or a toaster oven. Or choose meal elements involving items that don’t require baking, such as sandwiches.
Dress cool
Make sure what you’re wearing is not working against these cooling techniques.

•Think light, both in color and in fabric.
•Natural fabrics like cotton are much cooler than most synthetics, although there are new high-tech synthetics made specifically to keep you cool.
•Loose fitting clothes allow air to circulate, keeping you cooler.
•The fewer clothes, the better; but make sure your apparel is appropriate for your roommates or houseguest.
Eat and drink cool
What you put in your body can have almost as much effect as what you put on your body.

•Dehydration can sneak up on you, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
•Limit caffeinated, alcoholic or carbonated beverages, as they can speed up dehydration.
•Fruit juices and sports beverages can help replace minerals lost due to sweating, but don’t overdo it. They are also full of sugar, which can cause dehydration.
•Eat small, light meals.
•Eat foods high in water content, like fruits and vegetables.
Get out of there
When all else fails, hang out somewhere cool: a movie theater (one reason summer movies do so well), a mall, a library, a museum or even a friend’s house. Spending just a couple of hours in a cool environment will make you feel much better.

Hi Courtney Trace Residents!

We wanted to pop in and say hi. Now that all of the parking lot looks pretty, and the landscaping is looking great, we want to get some feed back on some things that you see to help make your community look better!

Feel free to comment on the blog, or you can email jwheeler@contravest.com to let us know.

We are very interested in what you have to say. We really want to make this the greatest place to live, and with your help we can do that!

Its St Patricks Day!

Come down to the office tonight to hang out and have some refreshments! It will be a great time, and make sure you wear your green!

Parking lot resurfacing is going great!

So far we have not had any issues with the parking lot repaving.

We would like to thank EVERYONE at Courtney Trace for your help in making this go as smoothly as possible.

Once we get through this week, our parking lot with be BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Parking lot resurfacing starts next week! Are you excited?

We will be resurfacing the parking lot during the month of March 2011 the dates will be from March 7 to March 12. We have attached a map that has been highlighted with the areas that will be done and what dates, once they resurface the area you will not be able to park there for 24 hours, this will affect everyone even if you have a garage since you will not be able to use your garage during those 24 hours. All vehicles must be moved from the designated areas by 8:30am on the assigned dates. If your vehicle is not moved by that time we will have no other option than to tow it at your own expense.
We have spoken to Costco and they have allowed us to use their back parking lot, while I do understand this is an inconvenience if we all cooperate we can make it less stressful for everyone.

Parking for buildings 3, 5, 8 will be started March 7th and will re-open at the end of the day March 8th.
Parking for buildings 2, 4 and the trash compactor and North side of clubhouse will be started March 9th and will re-open at the end of the day March 10th.
Buildings 6, 7, 9 and 10 will be started March 11th and will re-open at the end of the day March 12th.
If you have any questions or need a map of the areas and dates affected please call us at 813-662-5566 or email jwheeler@contravest.com

Guess what tomorrow is!

Its rent day!!! Dont forget to drop your checks by the office.

ORRRRRR you can also visit www.rentpayment.com and sign up to pay your rent online.

thats all for now

Jason :-)

Free Day of SPA for Courtney Trace Residents

Planet Beach is the world's first automated day spa, combining spa services with UV tanning for affordable results in half the time.

Print this coupon for a Free Day of Spa Services at Planet Beach of Brandon!

Planet Beach Brandon
813-654-4141
11023 Causeway Blvd
Brandon FL 33511
(Next to Starbucks and Crispers)

*1st time guest only. Provide Coupon at time of visit. No Mystic Spray tan included.

www.planetbeachtampa.com

Fire Inspection

Dear Residents:

This is a last reminder that the Fire Inspections will start Monday February 21. We have sent out the schedule via e-mail as well as to everyone's door, letting you know what days to leave your extinguishers outside and what day we will be entering the units. Please note that on Tuesday and Wednesday when we will actually enter the units the alarms will be sounded.If your alarm is being monitored please make sure that you call the leasing office with a code for the maintenance staff to enter your unit. If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call at the office at 813-662-5566.

Thank you again for your cooperation in this matter.

Ilia Courteaux
Property Director

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Annual Fire and Extinguisher Inspection

Dear Residents:

I wanted to take this opportunity to give you all a heads up on when our annual Fire Inspection will take place. We will need everyone’s cooperation to make this a smooth annual inspection and we'll be sending notices to remind you of these inspections and if there are any changes.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection

February 21, 2011

Fire Extinguisher Inspection – Residents from the following buildings please leave your fire extinguisher outside your front door, for this inspection.
2614 Hilton Head Place
1180 Windmill Harbor Way
1178 Windmill Harbor Way
1176 Windmill Harbor Way
1161 Windmill Harbor Way
1159 Windmill Harbor Way
1157 Windmill Harbor Way
1147 Windmill Harbor Way
1145 Windmill Harbor Way
1143 Windmill Harbor Way
1114 Courtney Trace Drive
1171 Courtney Trace Drive
2615 Indigo Coast Way
1107 Courtney Trace Drive
1109 Courtney Trace Drive
1111 Courtney Trace Drive

February 22, 2011

Fire Extinguisher Inspection – Residents from the following buildings please leave your fire extinguisher outside your front door, for this inspection.
1119 Windmill Harbor Way
1117 Windmill Harbor Way
1174 Courtney Trace Drive
1172 Courtney Trace Drive
1170 Courtney Trace Drive
1151 Courtney Trace Drive
1149 Courtney Trace Drive
1147 Courtney Trace Drive
1158 Courtney Trace Drive
1156 Courtney Trace Drive
1150 Courtney Trace Drive
1148 Courtney Trace Drive
2616 Indigo Coast Way
2614 Indigo Coast Way

Annual Fire Inspection Hillsborough County Fire

February 22, 2011

Hillsborough County Fire Marshal and Fire Safety Consultant will need to inspect every unit; they will be entering the units with a member of the maintenance team. Please note that the alarms will be sounded to inspect all horns are operational. They will be inspecting the following buildings on this date.
1147 Windmill Harbor Way
1145 Windmill Harbor Way
1143 Windmill Harbor Way
1161 Windmill Harbor Way
1159 Windmill Harbor Way
1157 Windmill Harbor Way
1180 Windmill Harbor Way
1178 Windmill Harbor Way
1176 Windmill Harbor Way
1107 Courtney Trace Drive
1109 Courtney Trace Drive
1111 Courtney Trace Drive
1119 Windmill Harbor Way
1117 Windmill Harbor Way
1151 Courtney Trace Drive
1149 Courtney Trace Drive
1147 Courtney Trace Drive

February 23, 2011

Hillsborough County Fire Marshal and Fire Safety Consultant will need to inspect every unit; they will be entering the units with a member of the maintenance team. Please note that the alarms will be sounded to inspect all horns are operational. They will be inspecting the following buildings on this date.
2616 Indigo Coast Way
2614 Indigo Coast Way
1174 Courtney Trace Drive
1172 Courtney Trace Drive
1170 Courtney Trace Drive
1158 Courtney Trace Drive
1156 Courtney Trace Drive
1150 Courtney Trace Drive
1148 Courtney Trace Drive
1114 Courtney Trace Drive
2614 Hilton Head Place
1171 Courtney Trace Drive
2615 Indigo Coast Way

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5 Reasons why you should have renter's insurance

Attention Residents:
As you are aware, renters insurance is not required. However, below are 5 reasons you should consider investing in renters insurance.

1. Loss or Damage of Personal Property
Perhaps you don't think you have many expensive things. But when something happens to your belongings, you will soon realize that having to replace everything you've bought in your home is a major financial setback. Renters insurance assures that you will be covered for personal property in the event of theft or natural disaster.

2. Apartment renters generally have a higher risk of property damage
How well do you trust your neighbors with your home? Sure, you and your family may be cautious. But in a multi-unit apartment building, you are depending on the other tenants to share safety and caution as well. When a fire breaks out or a leak starts in one apartment, there is the potential that many or all tenants in the building end up with damaged personal property and no place to live.

3. Renters insurance protects you against litigation
You can get sued by your landlord for damaging property in your apartment -even if it was an accident. If someone trips on your rug and hits their head on your book shelf, they could sue you for medical expenses. If you leave a pile of empty boxes in the hallway and another tenant trips over them and injures himself, he could sue you. Protecting yourself from personal injury litigation is a very good reason to have renters insurance.

4. Footing the bill when your home is unlivable.
One type of coverage you can get from renters insurance is called "loss of use." Most landlords are not responsible for getting you a place to stay if something should happen to your apartment. Whether you are affected by a fire from a neighbors unit, or a storm causing damage to your apartment, renters insurance can position you to make a claim for "loss of use". Your insurance company will continue to pay while your home is being repaired or rebuilt, or until you permanently relocate.

5. Renters insurance is CHEAP and could save you a fortune!
For as little as $19 per month, you can get up to $30,000 in coverage just in case anything happens. Your home is your home whether you rent an apartment or own a house. Renters are just as prone (if not more) to accidents, damage, and liability as home owners. Just because renters insurance is not required by law like home owners insurance, that doesn't mean that you don't need it.
Contact your current or local insurance agent for additional information regarding rental insurance.

Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day in Tampa, Florida

Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day in Tampa, Florida
By Sheryl Young
Takeaways
The View at CK's is the perfect place for a proposal.
Want to knock the socks off that special person in your life with a romantic dinner for Valentine's Day? If you happen to be in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, here are some excellent choices of Romantic Restaurants.
My Rating Scale: $$ - Comparatively Inexpensive. $$$ - More Expensive. $$$$ - Have a pocketful of green. Upscale = dress nice. Chic = dress to kill. Come on, guys, take off those oversized shorts and flip-flops and put on something "GQ".
The View at CK's - The Revolving Rooftop Restaurant at The Marriott Hotel, Tampa International Airport. 813-878-6500. Upscale, $$$. Step out of the elevator to see scenic views of Tampa Bay from ceiling-to-floor windows all around you. The restaurant rotates slowly as you eat so you can catch every angle. Terrific European-style formal service, live piano playing at the bar after 8 pm weekends, and excellent food including the choice of a sushi bar and signature breads. Reservations are needed. If it's time to "pop the question", this is the perfect place.
The Capital Grille - International Mall, 2223 North West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL. 33607. 813-830-9433. Upscale to Chic, $$$. Located in the New Orleans-style outdoor setting of "Bay Street" at Tampa's very popular International Mall, the Capital Grille is top-knotch for tender aged steaks, seafood and their wine selection. A modern, elegant restaurant. Stroll around afterward to see all the other restaurants with outdoor seating and entertainment at certain times. Reservations highly suggested.
The Cheesecake Factory - Also at International Mall. 813-353-4200. Casual to Upscale and Chic, $$-$$$. Nothing like its industrial-sounding name, this is a glamorous restaurant setting reminiscent of Tuscany. Share one sumptuous, thick and creamy piece of cheesecake with two forks. It's more romantic that way. Beside their approximate 50 varieties of awesome cheesecakes, they also serve a ton of hugely plated full meals. Outdoor patio option. No reservations accepted. Be prepared to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour on weekends and holidays. (Note: there are other Cheesecake Factory locations in the Tampa area, but this is the one for romance, and again, the walk on "Bay Street" afterward).
P.F. Chang's China Bistro - 219 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL. 33609. 813-289-8400. Upscale to Chic, $$-$$$ - But you can come casually dressed if you don't mind being shown up. A very popular dinner and drinks location. The giant terra-cotta Asian warrior horses at the front entrance are enough to impress. Chang's serves Chinese-Szechwan food in a beautiful setting with hand-painted oriental murals adorning the walls, and dark shiny woods. Generous portions with some Gluten-free menu options. No MSG. Outdoor patio option with a cosmopolitan view of three other restaurants. Reservations are needed. To be sure to get the time you want, make them 4-5 days in advance.
Bern's Steak House - 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, FL. 33606. 813-251-2421. Upscale to Formal, $$$$. Bern's is the place that airline employees will tell first-time Tampa visitors to go, but it can also get reviews of being overrated. However, the romantic mood is there. Bern's is known for their steaks and wine cellar selections. At one time, they had a $10,000 single bottle of wine in stock. Impress your date with that! A separate dessert room with flaming selections. Reservations are needed
The Melting Pot -13164 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL. 33618, 813-962-6936, or 2221 4th St N. in nearby St. Petersburg, FL. 33704 (separate website), 727-895-6358. Casual to Upscale, $$. Share a fondue or two together. There's nothing more romantic than dipping your fondue sticks full of scrumptious food into the hot cheese, chocolate or other choices at the same time. Sometimes portions are small. If you're going at 8 pm, have a snack at 5 pm. Reservations are suggested.
Sources:
http://www.ckstampa.com/.
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/About/main.asp.
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/default.asp.
http://www.pfchangs.com/.
http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/.
http://www.meltingpot.com/.

Florida Fire Prevention - Grills

Dear Residents,

Just a friendly reminder, the NFPA 1 Section 10.11.7 prohibits gas-fired grills and charcoal grills to be kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 feet of any structure. Electric ranges, grills or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted. Note: A gas grill may not be stored within any multi-family unit not within 10 feet of any multi-family building.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and making Courtney Trace a great place to live!

Courtney Trace Management

Tampa's SOHO District

On any given night along south Howard Avenue, aromas cascade through the air, carried by the breeze off Hillsborough Bay and into the noses of those in search of a meal.
The smells of poached fish and hot pizza, spicy baked chicken and cafe con leche linger in pockets through the neighborhood, enticing us to make a choice. Will it be Ceviche or Mangrove's, Soho Oasis or Seven 17 South?
The options, of course, are what make south Howard — affectionately known as Restaurant Row — a tantalizing place to consider when the appetite calls. Few places in the area offer so many eateries along one pedestrian stretch, which is why we include it as part of our occasional series on walk-able dining.

Extending roughly from Bayshore to Kennedy boulevards, Restaurant Row literally percolates with places to chow down, from quick bites to big nights, all within a brisk stroll of one another. Happy hour crowds create a bustle early on, followed by mid-evening diners. Another wave arrives as concerts and hockey games let out, and people tarry into the wee hours.
More than 20 restaurants line the avenue, some open for more than 50 years — an anomaly in the business. That historic foundation is what others build on, says Bill Shumate, owner of Bella's and former president of the Florida Restaurant Association.
''I think Bern's being here helped because it established a reputation of excellence in Tampa, the state and the country,'' he says. ''Once you get a pattern of quality established, a reputation, it becomes a norm for what people expect in the area.''
Howard Avenue also has a built-in customer base. It runs smack through some of the most densely packed, and affluent, neighborhoods in Tampa.
''Those neighborhoods are a big help,'' says Joey Reinbold, manager of Mangroves, which has been on the culinary strip for 12 years. ''It's a pretty decent demographic here that's within walking distance to the restaurants.''
The abundance of restaurants, however, comes with a price — parking. Finding a weekend spot requires perseverance and luck, or the necessary evil of the valet.
''Parking is a big problem," Shumate says. "But people seem to come here in spite of it.''
RESTAURANT ROW
Here's a selective look at the restaurants along south Howard Avenue.
1. Mangroves Seafood Grille, 208 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-3302. Luscious catches from the sea are the marquee event here, although carnivores will want to sink their fangs into the dry-aged Angus Buckhead rib-eye. ($$-$$$)
2. T.C. Choy's Asian Bistro, 301 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-1191. This Oriental bistro cooks up more than 100 Chinese dishes, including eel, octopus, abalone, and whole duck. ($$)
3. Cheap, 309 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-5878. Despite its name, Cheap is richly rewarding, offering a tantalizing sampling of small-bite items prepared and presented with an understated, artistic flair. The menu features two columns -- epulae (feast) and crudo (raw fish) -- small portions that double as appetizers and entrees. ($)
4. Taqueria Cantina & Burrito Joint, 402 S. Howard Ave., (813) 259-9982. This is the place to gorge yourself with Mexican food at lunch or dinner, on the cheap and in a casual setting right on the main strip. ($)
5. MacDinton's, 405 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8999. Beef stew simmering in vegetables and a rich broth of Guinness Stout is enough to bring the Irish out of anyone, and it's a staple here, along with other gut-busting pub fare. ($)
6. Soho Oasis Cafe, 410 S. Howard Ave., (813) 849-7482. Creative and healthful Lebanese cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes from Shawerma lamb to charbroiled baby quails. And what other restaurant offers a bottle of Chateau Kefraya? ($)
7. Manny's Bistro, 516 S. Howard Ave., (813) 253-0042. The newest kid on the block features American grill fare, including sandwiches, pasta, seafood and beef, with live music on weekends. ($-$$)
8. Evos, 609 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-3867. The place to go for soy burgers, nutritious smoothies and other healthful goodies. ($)
9. Seven 17 South, 717 S. Howard Ave., (813) 250-1661. The menu features Italian cuisine on one side, Pacific Rim on the other. The kitchen takes its diners on a culinary tour that begins in Tuscany, then jumps to Hawaii, China and Japan. ($$)
10. Royal Palace Thai Restaurant, 811 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-5893. Enjoy the yum salads, with shrimp, squid or beef in a zesty lime juice-chili sauce with cucumbers, carrots, onions and chili peppers. A chicken version of Nam Sod is a treat. ($$)
11. Daily Eats, 901 S. Howard Ave., (813) 868-3335. Bite into classic American comfort food with gourmet ingredients like cilantro aioli and goat cheese. For dessert, try the bread pudding and pie. ($-$$)
12. The Lime, 915 S. Howard Ave., (813) 868-5463. The Lime excels by mixing standard Mexican dishes -- tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas - with rotisserie-fired lamb, sirloin, pork or chicken, different cheeses and choices of sauce. It's also a hot spot for the young-and-hip. ($$)
13. Mr. T's Italian Restaurant, 927 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-3969. A Davis Islands landmark in the early 1980s, Mr. T's recently relocated to Restaurant Row, cooking up affordable, no-frills Italian dishes. Go easy on the garlic rolls. ($)
14. Hugo's Spanish Restaurant, 931 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-2842. Nestled in an 88-year-old building, Hugo's lays no claim to gourmet fare, but prices are reasonable and the grub hearty. Try the chicken and yellow rice. ($)
15. Water, 1015 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8406. Clean, crisp and transparent are apt words to describe Water, the simply appointed sushi restaurant connected to Ciccio & Tony's The modest offerings are zesty and fresh, and gracefully priced. ($$)
16. Sidebern's, 2208 W. Morrison Ave., (813) 258-2233. The contemporary alter-ego of its big neighbor, Bern's, this elegant spot serves classy, eye-appealing dinners with a polyglot of flavor sensations. ($$-$$$)
17. Ciccio & Tony's, 1015 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8406. With its sassy atmosphere, good food, and local crowds, this restaurant is a weeknight standard for a bite and conversation. "California Bowls," pastas, seafood and pizzas all rock. ($$)
18. Bern's Steak House, 1208 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-2421. The king of steak houses in Florida, Bern's has been a culinary institution for a half century. People fly in from all over the country to dine here and sample exceptional cuts of beef and the most extensive wine list this side of the moon. Bring your paycheck. ($$$)
19. Sally O'Neal's Pizza Hotline, 1319 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-0220. Specialties are homemade pies, pastas, calzones and salads. The owners insist on fresh ingredients, fine-quality baker's yeast, double-smoked bacon and high-gluten flour. ($$)
20. Bella's Italian Cafe, 1413 S. Howard Ave., (813) 254-3355. If location is everything, this venerable Hyde Park restaurant will be around for a long time. Bella's features a classy but comfortable ambience and a solid menu of Italian dishes made from scratch, from personal pizzas to veal. A big spot for the late-night crowd. ($$)
21. Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 1502 S. Howard Ave., (813) 250-0203. The classy tapas bar and restaurant in the old Le Bordeaux digs presents hot and cold delights in small bites, as well as paella and excellent sangria. The structure was built in 1957, a year after Bern's opened. ($$)