collector`s edition oF latin times!

Jolie R. Gonzalez
Publisher / Editor In Chief
Misha Wong
Creative Director
Victor Padilla
VP/Operations Manager
Carmen L Rodriguez
Assistant Editor & Hispanic/Latino
Market Liaison
Shirley Yearwood
Assistant Editor
nikko gonzalez
Publishing assistant
Sergio Sodre
Hispanic/Latino Market Liaison
Al Piña
Staff Writer - Al’s Desk
Ask The Professionals
David Armijo
Staff Writer – Ask El Transportation
Professional
Dr. Brian Caez
Staff Writer – Ask El Chiro Man
Dr. Brian Henry, DC
Staff Writer – Ask THE DOCTOR
Leisis Lopez
Staff Writer – Ask el Banker
pastor greg dumas
Staff Writer – Ask El pastor
Pedro G. Velez, Jr.
Staff Writer – Ask El Abogado
Marketing & Advertising Consultants
Carmen Santiago | Orange & Osceola Counties
Conchita Burpee | Central Florida - Business
Development Specialist “Intermixx Marketing”
Damaris Rivera | Central Florida
Julio Aviles | Orange & Osceola Counties
Itamar Martinez | Orange, Osceola, Pinellas &
Hillsborough Counties
Maritza Ruiz | Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties
Zanibel Melo | Orange, Osceola, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties
Other Florida Counties: (813) 901-5292 Office or
[email protected]
Photography / Video
Juan Ruiz of Ziur Photography
Special Events Reporter/Photographer
Luigi Martinelli, Videography
Al Frederick, Business Photography
Zanibel Melo of Higher Dreams Productions.
1st Quarter 2011 Cover: Designed by Misha Wong
Proud Members of the following Organizations:
• E-Women Network
• Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce
• Hispanic Professional Women’s Association
• Pasco / Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Puerto Rican Chamber of Central Florida
• Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce
• United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
Main Office: 813.901-5292 | Direct: (813) 407-6866, Fax: (813) 489-2422
Websites: www.Latin-Times.com | NEW: www.MyCityOfHope.Org
No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent from Latin Times Media, Inc.,
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
For a one (1) year subscription (4 issues), please send a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 to: P.O. Box 262574, Tampa, FL 33685-2574
Special ThanX to God. Thank you to GOD for the many blessings you have placed in my life! Thank you to Carmen Santiago for being a great mom, Orlando
Rodriguez for being a great dad, Carmen Lourdes & Minerva for being great sisters –let’s get close again! To my big brother –I love you. Nikko Gonzalez for
being the best son in the world. Thank you to my “victor”, you are my hero! Thank you to Zion and Victoria you are the sweetest and most beautiful little girls
in the world! To all my wonderful friends, who always seem to be there when I need them the most!
Hello Florida –and welcome to the
first statewide issue of Latin Times
Magazine AND OUR 10th Anniversary –
Collector’s Edition of Latin Times!
Alright, its official – I am now 10 years
old!!!
Ok, ok –it’s not my birthday –its Latin
Times Magazine’s birthday, and I have
been officially publishing for 10 years
now!
If your mind can conceive it, YOU can
achieve it –and I am living proof of that.
YIPPPPPEEEEE!
It took me a long time to write this
“letter from the editor”/Anniversary
issue article; each time I sat down to
write it, I would start remembering
and reminiscing on how incredible is
this feeling of reaching this goal...and I
would end up at a loss for words…!
To all my NEW FRIENDS throughout
Florida who are just now “meeting”
Latin Times Magazine: Welcome to
this, your NEW, STATEWIDE, bilingual,
cultural Magazine. I hope you will enjoy
our magazine for many years to come.
Please feel free to send me an email
with your thoughts!
THANK YOU FLORIDA! I can hardly
believe that in the previous two (2)
issues of Latin Times Magazine, we
have grown by 16 pages and I can
barely believe that we just obtained
our first “real” office (yes, I worked from
home for almost 10 years), and that we
have achieved the goal I had secretly set
for myself so many years ago, we had
reached STATEWIDE DISTRIBUTION!
To learn more about the exciting things
that are going on with Latin Times
Media, Inc., I want to encourage all of
you to visit our website and read about
all the many changes at Latin-Times.
com
It is hard to believe that 10 years have
gone by… they “almost” seem to have
flown by and yet, wow, did I really feel
them drag at times.
For those of you in the midst of a
struggle, let me just say, you are
on a journey; do not stop along the
way because you cannot reach your
destination without first taking your
journey. Be strong, have courage and
walk in faith! I want to encourage you
today –do not let yourself be talked into
giving up, DO NOT let yourself feel fear.
If you have a dream, pursue it with all
your might, keep your faith in God alive
by speaking of that dream each day!
To all my friends, the many who helped
us achieve this dream, THANK YOU –and
God Bless YOU!
If you are not already registered for
our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter, please
register today to keep up with all the
great cultural, entertainment and
business events going on throughout
Florida.
PLUS: Check out our NEWLY redesigned
website: Latin-Times.com where you can
view our fully interactive e-Magazine,
our previous issues, expanded articles,
artist interviews and so much MORE!
In closing, I want to thank you all,
my querido amigos, my familia and
especially GOD. Thank you so much for
the many years of support that you have
given us. I hope that we will have many,
many more years of sharing with you!
May God Bless You ALL!
Jolie Gonzalez
This is
the stuff
dreams are
made of!
Step up to the plate and dare to
be the Elite Latino!
En Español
Bienvenido
a nuestra CARTA
DE 10 º ANIVERSARIO.
Feliz cumpleaños Latin Times
Magazine!
Me tomó mucho tiempo para escribir esta
“carta del editor” / tema del
aniversario, ya que cada vez que me
sentaba a escribir, me gustaba empezar
a recordar .... Lo increíble que ha
sido esta sensación de llegar a
esta meta que me hace sentir
envuelta en un sin fin de palabras!
GRACIAS FLORIDA! Casi no
puedo creer que en las últimas dos
(2) revistas de LatinTimes Magazinehemos crecido 16 páginas!
Apenas puedo creer que acabamos de
obtener nuestra primera oficina, (sí, he
trabajado desde mi casa durante estos 10
años) y que hemos logrado el objetivo que
me había propuesto en secreto por tantos
años, llegamos a DISTRIBUCIÓN
Estatal!
A todos mis amigos, los muchos que nos
ayudaron a lograr este sueño, GRACIAS, y
que Dios los bendiga!
A todos mis nuevos amigos en el estado
de la Florida - Bienvenidos a este, su
nuevo Revista Bilingüe y cultural, espero
que disfruten mucho de nuestra revista!
Para aprender más sobre las cosas
emocionantes que están sucediendo con
Latin Times Media, Inc., quiero animar a
todos a visitar nuestro sitio web y sobre
todo llegar a los muchos cambios en
Latin-Times.com
Para terminar, quiero agradecer a todos
ustedes, mis amigos querido, mi Familia
y Dios sobre todo. Muchas gracias por
los muchos años de apoyo que todos me
han dado. Espero que tengamos muchos,
muchos años más de compartir con
ustedes!
AirTran y JetBlue para ofrecer
nuevOs servicios diarios sin
escala, de bajo costo desde Tampa
a San Juan, Puerto Rico
H
ay muchos motivos para celebrar como residentes de Tampa Bay ahora
podrán viajar a Puerto Rico todos los días! “La población de Puerto Rico
es uno de más rápido crecimiento en el área de Tampa Bay y en estrecha
colaboración con la comunidad latina, Trudy Carson, director de servicios,
aeropuerto internacional de Tampa, se reunieron apoyo a la comercialización
de varios grupos para añadir el compromiso del Aeropuerto.
Los nuevos vuelos de AirTran, que comenzará el 5 de abril de
2011, uniendose a la extensa programación de la aerolínea
del Caribe. “Como una compañía aérea con sede en Florida y
que ha estado operando desde Tampa desde 1993, estamos muy
contentos de anunciar esta ampliación del servicio y cree que
el negocio local y la comunidad de ocio a apoyar y beneficiar en gran
medida de la calidad de la competencia de bajo coste en esta ruta”,
dijo Kevin Healy, Vice Presidente senior de AirTran Airways de marketing
y planificación. “Hay enormes sinergias entre la Florida Central y
Puerto Rico. San Juan es uno de nuestros destinos más populares
de Orlando y estamos seguros de que será un destino
muy popular de Tampa también.”
Además, JetBlue anunció planes para expandir
su servicio a San Juan, Puerto Rico y la ciudad
se centran iniciar el servicio diario sin escalas
a Tampa en mayo 2011 con un segundo vuelo
a partir de junio de 2011. Esta nueva ruta a
la segunda ciudad más grande de la Florida
continúa la constante expansión de JetBlue
en Puerto Rico desde los tres aeropuertos
principales de la isla. De Aguadilla, Ponce y
San Juan, JetBlue ofrece servicio a los destinos
en los EE.UU. continental como Boston, Fort
Lauderdale, Orlando, Nueva York, Tampa,
además de un servicio dentro del Caribe en
Santo Domingo, República Dominicana. Las
entradas para Tampa nueva JetBlue - ruta San
Juan están actualmente disponibles en www.
jetblue.com.
“San Juan es un destino popular para Tampa.
Así que para llevar este servicio a Tampa con
dos compañías, ambas dedicadas al servicio al
cliente con tarifas competitivas, sabemos que
esto no sólo aumentará la competencia en el
mercado, sino ofrecer mejores oportunidades
de precio para nuestros viajeros.
AirTran and JetBlue to
provide new daily nonstop,
low-cost service from
Tampa to San Juan, Puerto
Rico
There is much cause to celebrate as Tampa Bay
residents will now be able to travel to Puerto
Rico daily! “The Puerto Rican population is one
of the fastest growing in the Tampa Bay area
and working closely with the Latin community,
Trudy Carson, air service director, Tampa
International Airport, gathered marketing
support from various groups to add to the
Airport’s commitment.
The new AirTran flights, which will begin on
April 5, 2011, join the airline’s extensive
Caribbean schedule. “As a Florida-based airline
and one that has been operating from Tampa
since 1993, we are excited to announce this
expanded service and believe the local business
and leisure community will support and benefit
greatly from quality low fare competition on
this route,” said Kevin Healy, AirTran Airways’
senior vice president of marketing and
planning. “There are tremendous synergies
between Central Florida and Puerto Rico. San
Juan is one of our most popular destinations
from Orlando and we are confident it will be an
extremely popular destination from Tampa as
well.”
In addition, JetBlue announced plans to expand
its San Juan, Puerto Rico focus city and begin
daily nonstop service to Tampa International
Airport in May 2011 with a second flight
beginning in June 2011. This new route to
Florida’s second-largest city continues JetBlue’s
steady expansion in Puerto Rico from the
island’s three main airports. From Aguadilla,
Ponce, and San Juan, JetBlue offers service to
destinations on the U.S. mainland including
Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York,
Tampa, plus intra-Caribbean service to Santo
Domingo, Dominican Republic. Tickets for
JetBlue’s new Tampa - San Juan route are
currently available onwww.jetblue.com. “We’ve
seen a tremendous amount of growth in Puerto
Rico in recent years thanks to the support of
our loyal customers.
“San Juan is a top destination for Tampa.
So in bringing this service to Tampa with
two airlines, both dedicated to customer
service with competitive fares, we know
that this will not only increase competition
in the market but provide better fare
opportunities for our travelers.
Jerry Ulm
Dodge
Chrysler
Jeep
SPONSORS
Latin
Times
Magazine!
A
s many of you know,
Latin Times has been
seen cruising the town in
some really nice cars lately!
These demo cars have been
courtesy of our promotions
sponsor Jerry Ulm Dodge
Chrysler Jeep, located at
2966 N. Dale Mabry in
Tampa, FL who is sponsoring
the coverage we provide to
the many local events in
Tampa Bay!
Each year Latin Times
covers hundreds of events,
thanks to the generosity of
Jerry Ulm Dodge Chrysler
Jeep, who has been
providing us with a new
demo each week to attend
all these exciting events!
Of the many models that we
have test driven, we can tell
you that not only are Jerry
Ulm cars beautiful and a
thrill to drive, the staff at
Jerry Ulm truly cares about
their clients, and their pricing
is very competitive! They are
looking to make a deal ….!
And if you are looking to
buy a new car, LOOK NO
FURTHER than Jerry Ulm
Dodge who is offering you
the opportunity to trade in
your car and they will give
you up to $3,000 OVER the
Kelly Blue Book Value for your
trade AND up to $8,000 OFF
a NEW CAR! PLUS they will
pay off your trade no matter
how much you owe! If you
have bad credit, bankruptcy,
divorce or even no credit,
don’t worry!
Jerry Ulm Dodge’s Credit
forgiveness program gets
you the credit you need to
drive home that day in a
new car! In some cases
they are also offering no
payment for 90 days with
payments starting as low
as $93 a month!
For more info contact Felix
Ramirez or David Gonzalez @
(813) 872-6645
Christian’s
Fight
One families fight against
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
MEET Christian at the
Multicultural Festival on
Saturday, April 30th, 2011!
See page: 42 for details
By: Shirley Yearwood
My beautiful grandson Christian is so sweet and innocent.
He is clueless to what is going on. We are in this white,
cold room and a strange man is talking. Mommy is on
the floor screaming and crying and my Yaya (grandma)
is wiping her tears and hugging her.
What is going? The doctor is telling us that you have
Spinal Muscular Atrophy and that you won’t live past
your second birthday. Way too much for me to bear, way
too much for me to understand. What has happened?
You were a perfectly healthy little boy, no issues during
pregnancy, none during the delivery and none after,
except for the fact that you can’t roll, can’t crawl, can’t
hold your head up and can’t walk. No big deal. Yes, it is
a big deal. It’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy a disease with
NO TREATMENT and NO CURE.
What are we to do? What is Yaya (grandma) to do? I
ALWAYS had all the answers. I always had the solutions,
but now I was powerless, I can’t do anything, I can’t fix it.
This disease is much too powerful against my endless,
unconditional love. So what do we do? How do we
confront this diagnosis? Do we just give in? Do we just
accept it?
No, we FIGHT but we can’t do it alone. We need you
all in our “corner”. We have formed a not-for-profit,
CHRISTIANSFIGHT.COM, to raise awareness, fund
research, find a cure, help with Christian’s medical needs
and just be here for the SMA community. We are fighting
for a cure. We are fighting to find a treatment. Many
people in the Tampa Bay area know me. I am a strongwilled, passionate, loud Hispanic grandma on a mission.
The mission to see Spinal Muscular Atrophy TKO’d.
Although Christian is striving and doing well, thank God,
children are dying daily from this dreaded disease. We
need a cure NOW. Christian has to undergo so much
and it’s all experimental. He uses all types of machines
and medicines daily. He endures countless hours of
rigorous occupational and physical therapy. He tries so
hard and he pushes himself a great deal. Just lifting
his head is a laborious task and requires Christian to
exert himself. All in all, Christian is an amazing little
boy that loves everything a “normal” little boy does.
Christian is kind and so loving. Christian comes from
a long line of strong family members and we have all
vowed to work together to reach our goals. I write this
article to bring awareness to this terrible disease that
has invaded our family. We need you in the “Ring” with
us helping Christian’s Fight against SMA. With you in our
corner, we can TKO SMA before it invades your family.
To read more about Christian and his fight go to
ChristiansFight.com.
Jose
Toledo
su abogado hispano
Lo que me encanta de
mi trabajo es cuando yo
logro ayudar una persona
en un caso dificil.
¿Cuál es su profesión?: Abogado
What is your Pais? USA, of Cuban decent.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cómo
empezaste a trabajar en su carrera?
Jose Toledo: En el 1998, yo empese
en la oficina de el defendedor publicar,
defendiendo personas acusado de delitos,
luego en el 2005 comencé mi práctica
jurídica propia.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Como
abogado, ¿qué es lo que más disfruta de
su trabajo
Jose Toledo: Lo que me encanta de mi
trabajo es cuando yo logro ayudar una
persona en un caso dificil. Por ejemplo,
tengo unos clientes sufrieron lesiones
despues de un accidente. Ello tuvieron
un abogado antes de mi que les dijo que
el caso se iba a perder y renuncio del
caso. Acabo de lograr una compencasion
monetaria para estos clientes.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Como
abogado, con qué tipo de clientes
trabajas?
Jose Toledo: Bueno, te dí un ejemplo
de dos clientes que sufrieron lesiones
por un accidente, litigamos casos de
accidentes, casos de inmigración,
casos de bancarrota, y también casos
criminales.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Háblenos
un poco de tu familia
Jose Toledo: Mi esposa se llama
Jackeline, nacío en El Peru. Ella es
graduada de USF con un título de
Ingenería Civil, y también es licensiada
como Enginiera Civil en el estado de la
Florida. Jackie también es dueña de un
campamento de teatro, ella empesó el
campamento sola y como todo lo que
ella hace, es un exito siempre! Me apoya,
la quiero y la amo mucho.
Mi hijo mayor se llama Sam. Cumple
12 años este mes. Le gusta el Karate y
el Basketball. Mi hija Julia va a cumplir
6 años en Abril. Le gusta el ballet y el
cheerleading. Mi hijo Anthony cumple 5
en Septiembre, el Juega Football y es bien
rápido, y mi hijo Alec cumple 3 años en
Agosto, y participa en natacion.
En mayo esperamos el nacimiento de
nuestra hija Joselyn. Y no podiera hablar
de mi familia si no hablo de mi mama,
Olimpia. Ella vive en Miami, adonde yo
nací y adonde yo me crié, en el corazón
de la comunidad de Cubanos exilados. Mi
mamá fue maestra en Cuba y también en
los estados, y ella me enseñó de valores,
me educó, y en momentos inseguros
en mi niñes y hasta hoy, siempre me ha
respaldado. Por mi mamá hablo Español
y puedo ayudar a nuestra Comunidad
hispana. Por ella soy la persona que soy,
y le doy mis gracias y mi amor.
ask the professionals
FMCRC
Business Summit
L
ast June, the Florida Minority Community Reinvestment
Coalition (FMCRC) hosted its “Let’s Do Business Florida”
event in Miami, which brought together local nonprofits,
minority businesses and corporations for a day of one-on-one
networking. More than 300 minority Tier 3 suppliers within the financial,
automotive and telecom industries engaged Prime suppliers to counter
significant job losses in Florida’s minority communities. This oneday event was incorporated into the 8th annual FMCRC Economic
Development Summit. The 2011 Summit- Let’s Do Business Florida is set for June 16-17
in Ft. Lauderdale at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, and will focus
on job creation and diversity in Florida minority communities. Key
components for the 2011 Summit- Let’s Do Business Florida include:
Tampa Latin
Chamber
Announces
Board of
Directors
2011 Election
Results
The Tampa Latin
Chamber (TLC) is
pleased announce the
results of the 2011
election for board of
directors:
Executive Board
President- Al Frederick-Frederick
Communications & Consulting LLC
President Elect- Ileana Devin—
Mañana Marketing
VP- Jolie Gonzalez-Latin Times
Magazine
Secretary- Ileana Iturriaga-Giordano
Treasurer- Diego Malagon-Citibank
Sergeant at arms- Norma Camero
Immediate Past President –Jackie
Rojas-Accounting & Beyond LLC
Directors at Large
Itamar Martinez-Latin Promotions
& Consulting, LLC
Joseph Escobedo- Hillsborough
Area Regional Transit (HART)
Christian Salazar- Hotel Doubletree
Denise Shreaves- Salem
Communications
William Insignares- Demolition
Comics
Deborah Belcher- Mary Kay Skin
Care and Cosmetics
Jose Toledo- Attorney
The monthly luncheons are
held at the Doubletree Hotel
on 4500 West Cypress Street
in Tampa, networking and
registration begins at 11:30
a.m. and the lunch program
starts at 12 p.m. on the last
Tuesday of every month. The
cost to attend is $25 for TLC
Chamber members or $30 for
non-members paying at the
door. Reservations are highly
recommended to guarantee
a seat and meal at the event.
Those interested in attending
MUST e-mail reservations@
tampalatinchamber.com prior
to the event.
• Florida One Million NIU (New Internet
Users) in 2011-2012
FMCRC imports California technology initiative that will create a
coalition of minority organizations to implement best practice models
for Internet inclusion of Florida Urban communities and businesses
• Legal Opportunity Forum
Providing contract opportunities for Florida minority law firms
• Minority Media Outlet Forum
Bringing access to marketing advertising opportunities for Florida
minority Media Outlets
• Minority Construction Forum
Bringing access to construction contract opportunities for Florida
minority Contractors and Developers
• Creating Sustainable Neighborhoods
and Communities: Job Creation
Bringing experts to provide community economic development
tools and resources to create jobs in Florida low-moderate income
communities *Focus on commercial, retail, mixed use, and light
industrial projects
• Florida Diversity Forum & Luncheon
Florida diversity summit of key corporations to discuss diversity
issues and commitments for Florida minority businesses and
organizations Target Sectors: Automotive, Technology, Financial,
Consumer
• Builder of Community & Country
Awards Dinner
Recognition of banking, business, community and civil rights leaders
2010 Keynote Speaker: Ms. Kerry Kennedy Esq.
2011 Keynote Speaker: TBA
For sponsorship opportunities or for more information please visit:
www.letsdobusinessflorida.com or contact event manager
Erica Cardenas at [email protected] .
biz blockcontinuación
“New
Media”
and Your
Business
By: Zanibel Melo
T
1st Annual Tampa
Latin Chamber of
Commerce hosts
Business the year
Awards at Tampa’s
Centre Club!
H
eld on “Noche Latina” at the very prestigious
Centre Club in Tampa, the Tampa Latin
Chamber of Commerce held its 1st Annual
Business Awards, honoring 2010’s top
Latino business members!
Among those awarded that evening was Latin Times
very own Mr. Victor Padilla who won the Business
Person Award of the Year by the Tampa Latin
Chamber of Commerce!
Victor Padilla is the Vice President of Latin Times
Media, Inc., since his career with Latin-Times Media,
Inc., began in January of 2009, Mr. Padilla has applied
his numerous marketing skills toward building a
strong network referral base increasing revenue for
the business by over 30% over the previous year.
Victor is an Ambassador with the Tampa Latin
Chamber of Commerce and the Upper Tampa Bay
Chamber of Commerce, and a Board Member of
Spanish Lyric Theater. He is also an active member
of Without Walls Spanish Ministry.
Congratulations Victor on being awarded 2010’s
Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce Business Person
of the year!
Other winners included:
Mr. David Armijo, of HART – Business of the Year! (Large
Business Category)
Mr. Luis Baron, of Siete Dias/La Guia – Business of the
Year! (Medium Business Category)
Dr. Brian Caez, Caez Chiropratic – Business of the Year
(Small Business Category)
Also awarded that evening was Deborah Belcher of
Mary Kay Cosmetics.
he way we communicate
has changed drastically
over the years thanks to
innovative companies like Apple,
Google, and Facebook. These
companies have transformed
the way we communicate and
conduct business.
The term “New Media” has taken
precedence over the business
world encompassing social
media, mobile media, and video
technology. The digital world
is not coming, it’s here. The
question is if small businesses
(SMBS) are ready to transform
their business model to be able
to compete not only locally but
with the rest of the world.
The term “New Media” refers
to the way we communicate
in the digital world. This
includes and it’s not limited
to portable computers,
wireless handheld devices,
DVD’s, CD-ROMS, and most
importantly the Internet.
The concept of “New Media”
also involves new methods
of communication that allow
people, or in this case, your
customers to congregate,
share, sell and swap
information.
What’s scary about new media,
specifically social media, is that
small business owners don’t
understand it, and this can be
detrimental. In the summer of
2010, a survey from Rate Point
was published in e-Marketer that
revealed the following facts:
47 percent of SMB owners
either aren’t sure or don’t think
their customers spend time on
social media sites.
24 percent of SMB owners don’t
think their customers do research
online before finding them.
These findings are alarming!
Specially since Nielsen recently
reported that “the world now
spends more than 100 billion
minutes on social networks
and blog sites, equating to 22
percent of all time online, or
one in every four and a half
minutes”. It’s shocking to know
that most SMBS are not sure
if their customers are using
social media sites to interact
with brands and get information
about products and services
when research demonstrates the
opposite.
Small business owners whether
directly or indirectly are
competing with industry giants.
Maybe SMBS should learn from
them. Consider these facts:
1. Dell sold $3,000,000
worth of computers on
Twitter.
2. 25% of Fords’ marketing
spend is on Social Media
3. eBay found participants
in online communities
spend 54% more money
4. 71% of companies plan
to increase investments in
social media by an average
of 40% because: a) Low
Cost Marketing b) Getting
Traction c) We Have To Do It
I am going to leave you
with this thought from CoChairman Alex Bogusky of
Crispin Porter & Bogusky
when he stated the following:
“You can’t buy attention
anymore. Having a huge
budget doesn’t mean
anything in social media. The
old media paradigm was PAY
to play. Now you get back
what you authentically put
in. You’ve got to be willing to
PLAY to play”.
Info:
[email protected]
or visit: Higherdreamsproductions.
blogspot.com
Was your WEIGHT LOSS
YOUR RESOLUTION?
Pasos fáciles para una
casa nueva
Did you stick to it?
t’s 2011 and with the New Year came resolutions to trim down and
be in better health. There are a few simple changes that will help
you reach your goals of weight loss. The more gradual of a change,
the easier it is to maintain. Drastic changes are clinically shown to
almost be impossible to maintain for longer than a year. To become
healthier, physical activity is a must. However, the type and duration
of physical activity needed might surprise you.
P: Mi esposo y yo estamos pensando en comprar nuestra primera casa. ¿Cuáles son las
cosas que debemos considerar cuando estemos en el mercado?
I
Walk 20 minutes a day.
By merely walking 20 minutes daily you can burn approximately 270500 calories. If daily walking is a bit much you can opt to take stairs
instead of elevator …park in the back of the parking lot at work.
Eat more food, not less, to lose weight.
Don’t try to eliminate foods from your diet instead replace them.
BY substituting some foods you eat for vegetables, fruits and fish.
Eating daily requirements of these will not only fill you up but reduce
your overall calorie intake and provide a host of necessary nutrients
that fight disease and improve your overall body function.
Drink more water, lots of it!
Drinking enough water daily increases your body’s ability to lose
weight. This is because your body needs water as well as food to
burn fat. . Also, one can of soda contains between 200-280 calories.
By simply replacing a soda or other carbonated beverages from
your diet with water you can reduce your calorie intake. So drinking
more water and eating more smaller meals daily will speed up your
metabolism while curbing your appetite.
Get enough sleep.
In our busy lives sleep is pushed aside as unimportant. By getting 7-8
hours of sleep daily our bodies function faster and recover quicker.
Both are important to not only weight loss but overall a youthful
appearance and better health.
Stand up straight to make that belly go bye bye.
Here’s a helpful hint: While you’re working on losing weight if you
want to have that slim midsection look. Doing exercises to strengthen
your spinal muscles will help you stand more erect and with good
posture you can reduce the appearance of your midsection. Spot
training cannot reduce fat in just one area. Body fat is reduce do your
body as whole. This reduces the size of existing cells that hold fat
but does not eliminate them. So if you want to minimize the size of
unsightly fat in one section try standing up straight and increasing
muscle mass in another while losing body fat overall.
If you focus on simple changes you will be surprised how quickly
you can reduce your weight to achieve your goals as well as become
healthier.
Dr. Brian Henry, DC
500 Vonderburg Dr. East Tower, Suite 306,
Brandon, FL 33511. (813) 965-4452
“Remember the most important change to make is in how you think of
health. Instead of trying to fit exercise and eating healthy into your lifestyle
you should start thinking how to fit the rest of your life around exercise and
eating healthy.”
A continuación encontrarás una lista de las cosas más comunes que debes hacer o
considerar ahora que estás comenzando el proceso de compra:
Obtén aprobación previamente. Esto indica que eres un comprador serio y le dirá a los
vendedores que estás calificado para comprar tu casa. También te permitirá saber lo que
realmente puedes pagar antes de empezar a comprar. Recuerda, la pre-aprobación no es
pre-calificación.
Sé realista acerca de qué es lo que necesitas y qué es lo que quieres en tu nueva casa.
Analiza cuánto tiempo estimas vivir en esa propiedad. Considera la reputación del distrito
escolar, cuáles tiendas tienes cerca, así como los tiempos de traslado hasta tu casa.
Cuéntale claramente tus necesidades a tu agente inmobiliario.
Busca la mejor hipoteca. Recuerda que no todas las hipotecas son iguales. Hay muchas
opciones para elegir, así que asegúrate de entender el mejor programa de préstamo para
tu propia situación. Investiga las tasas y las opciones más competitivas.
Pon tus finanzas en orden. Ahora es el momento de comenzar a reunir las declaraciones
de impuestos, los registros bancarios y los informes de crédito.
Aprende sobre los programas de compra de vivienda. Existen programas especiales
nacionales, estatales y programas locales de asistencia para compradores calificados,
así como programas de asesoramiento a tu disposición.
Busca un agente inmobiliario.
Pide referencias a tu familia y a tus amigos
Busca que tengan experiencia, nivel de compromiso y dedicación a tiempo completo
Un agente debe representar bien tus intereses y trabajar para conseguir las mejores
negociaciones, programar los horarios de visita de potenciales viviendas, y proveer
acceso a las herramientas automatizadas de compras (Connect MLS)
Entrevista a varios agentes inmobiliarios para determinar cuál es el que más te conviene
Los agentes inmobiliarios conocen el mercado interna y externamente y te ayudarán a
mantenerte alejado de los problemas existentes en el mercado
Contrata un inspector de viviendas. Ellos te ayudan a protegerte de problemas
inesperados que pueden surgir en la vivienda. Al contratar tu propio inspector te aseguras
de mantener bien resguardados tus intereses.
Solicita al vendedor la Garantía de Vivienda. Si compras propiedades existentes,
la garantía de la vivienda cubre contra fallos inesperados de aparatos electrónicos o
sistemas. Luego del primer año transcurrido, los compradores pueden renovar esta
garantía bajo su propio costo.
P. ¿Cómo puedo prepararme para el proceso de un préstamo hipotecario sin
problemas?
En Fifth Third Bank, queremos hacer que tu proceso de solicitud de tu préstamo
hipotecario sea lo más ligero posible, así que hemos creado esta lista de los documentos
que necesitarás para solicitar tu hipoteca. Es posible que también te pidan documentación
adicional basada en tu situación.
• Copia del Contrato de Compra
• Cualquier información disponible sobre la propiedad (copia impresa del MLS, inspección,
tarjetas de presentación de los agentes inmobiliarios, etc.)
• Identificación con foto (licencia de conducir, identificación del estado, etc.)
• W-2s de los últimos dos años (todos los prestatarios)
• Recibos de nómina que cubra el período de pago de los últimos 30 días (todos los
prestatarios)
• Estados de cuenta bancarios y / o declaraciones de otras cuentas de activos de los
últimos (2) meses (todas las páginas)
• 401k y / o declaraciones de impuestos, IRA (si aplica)
• Pago de la solicitud
• Dos años de declaraciones de impuestos para los trabajadores autónomos y jubilados
• Seguro de Inundación (si aplica)
La información contenida está sujeta a cambios sin previo aviso. Fifth Third Mortgage
Company, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45263 un concesionario de Illinois
Residential Mortgage. Fifth Third Mortgage es la marca comercial utilizada por Fifth Third
Mortgage Company y Fifth Third Mortgage-MI LLC. Fifth Third y Fifth Third Bank son
marcas de servicio registradas de Fifth Third Bancorp Miembro FDIC. Entidad de Crédito
para la Igualdad de Oportunidades para la Vivienda.
Leisis Lopez
Fifth Third Bank
Mortgage Loan Officer, AVP
12181 W Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, FL 33635 [email protected] | (P) 813-431-5270 | (F) 813-712-2862
Does HART
have a service
with flexible
schedules?
HARTFlex was introduced
in April 2010 in two areas
– Brandon and South
County – and has been
very well received. If you
live in one of these two
communities and find
yourself using your car
to travel short distances,
this public transportation
service is for you!
H
ARTFlex is an ondemand, door-to-door
service open to any
and all passengers.
With a minimum reservation
of three hours, the HARTFlex
van will pick you up at any
location within Brandon or
South County and drop you
off at your destination of
choice, as long as it’s within
the same HARTFlex zone.
Easy to use, HARTFlex service
gets you to appointments,
shopping, work or school. It’s
also a great way to get kids
to activities or fun with their
friends.
South County
HARTFlex vans on the South
County Flex Route can deviate
up to half a mile from the
route. It also makes stops at
popular locations, such as La
Estancia Apartments, Kings
Point, and the SouthShore
Regional Service Center.
The South County Flex
Route starts at Hillsborough
Community College on Shell
Point Road and runs mainly
along College Avenue/S.R.
674 until it reaches La
Estancia Apartments.
South County Flex service is
available weekdays, 6 a.m. – 8
p.m.
Brandon
The Brandon Flex Zone
starts at Westfield Brandon
Shopping Mall, and serves
the zone bounded by Oakfield
Drive to the north, John
Moore Road to the east,
Bloomingdale Avenue to the
south, and Providence Road
to the west.
Brandon Flex is available
weekdays, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.,
and Saturdays, 7:40 a.m. –
5:30 p.m.
Brandon Flex departs
Westfield Brandon Shopping
Mall every hour, on the hour
on weekdays and 40 minutes
past the hour on Saturdays.
If you are at the mall and
wish to hop on Brandon Flex,
you do not need to make a
reservation. Just find the
HARTFlex stop on the south
side of the mall near the Food
Court entrance.
Easy to use
For a reservation, just follow
these simple steps:
Choose a pick-up location
and a drop-off point within
the zone.
Make a one-way or round
trip reservation from three
hours to one week in advance
by calling 813-449-4555.
HARTFlex will pick you up at
your location and take you to
your destination for only 85
cents!
We look forward to
seeing you soon!
-David Armijo
About HART: From Point A to Point
B in your neighborhood zone,
HARTFlex will get you there! For
more information about HARTFlex,
visit www.goHART.org or call 813254-4278.
David Armijo
Chief Executive Officer
HART
Hillsborough Area
Regional Transit Authority
Email: TransportationProfessional@
Latin-Times.com
Diversity…. a Bad Word
in Florida?
Florida Passes Anti Diversity Bill:
Companies such as AT&T embrace racial
economic exclusion.
Florida’s Hispanic buying power is now over
$107 Billion.
By: Al Piña
O
ur family has switched our
business from AT&T to other
companies that embrace diversity
and access for Florida’s Hispanic
businesses and families. Our voice is
heard via our dollar.
My wife and I just had a son and we
both worry about his future. Should we
raise him in a state where Hispanics are
treated as outcasts except during elections
when each politician pledges his or her
allegiance to our families, businesses and
communities? Then they are gone never
to be heard from again until the following
election. In the end, we are still left in
economic solitude that embraces our past
and present. Our future and our children’s
future must be defined by our actions and
not by those who lack the sensibility to the
suffering of others.
North of Miami Dade, Florida Hispanics
continue to struggle for political and
economic inclusion. Hispanics have a
higher proportion of home foreclosures
and subprime loans including automotive
loans. Our children are dropping out of
high school at much higher rates than nonHispanic children. We have significantly
higher unemployment and poverty
rates. The lists go on and on and clearly
demonstrate that Hispanics in Florida
have not reached a stage of both social
and economic inclusion. This is a fact
that has a negative economic impact on
all of Florida. Hispanics contribute only a
fraction of the overall GDP north of Miami
Dade.
Make no mistake about this, the key
and solution for inclusion will always
be economic and not political. The best
affordable housing project will always
be a good paying job. Access to capital
is the key to growing jobs both in small
businesses and large corporations. Yet
Hispanic businesses in Florida receive less
than 5% of all business loans outside of
Miami Dade.
These issues of economic exclusion are
rooted deeply in the history of Florida.
One only has to take a look at some of
the largest employers in Florida to see but
a reflection of such economic exclusion.
AT&T leads the way with a horrendous
record of outsourcing to Hispanic
businesses outside of Miami Dade, a lack
of access to services for low-moderate
income Hispanics and an overall negative
diversity program in Florida.
I come from California where AT&T not only
publicly embraced diversity and economic
inclusion for Hispanics; they did so with
public goals and objectives. The result
being over 21% of all contracts going to
minority firms with a net value of over
$345 million last year. When AT&T Florida
was asked to replicate this for Florida
minority firms, Marshall Criser (President
for AT&T Florida) showed complete disdain
towards allowing minorities any such
access. Why is AT&T public diversity
goals good for California Hispanics but not
Florida Hispanics?
A record of economic exclusion in Florida
and the south.
The answer to this question lies in a recent
anti diversity bill passed by the state
legislature, Senate Bill 998. By the way,
AT&T Miami was the largest contributor to
the Jacksonville senator who introduced
this legislation, a clear sign that AT&T
Florida wants nothing to do with diversity.
Since the passage of the Civil Rights
Act, Community Reinvestment Act, Home
Mortgage Disclosure Act, and other civil
rights legislation, diversity data collection
and reporting has become much more
commonplace among financial institutions,
telecommunications companies, energy
utilities, and others. The data tracked
and published by each industry has led to
greater effectiveness. So Florida basically
outlawed diversity data.
How can we promote economic inclusion
for our children? It is easy. With every
dollar you decide what you will consume.
If AT&T does not provide economic
inclusion for Florida Hispanics then don’t
purchase their products. If a bank does
not lend to our businesses then don’t
bank with them. In the end, we all have a
dollar in our pocket and have full control
how we use it. Do as we did in California
and only consume with companies that
share the value of diversity and you will
see increased access and opportunities for
your children, families and businesses.
Allow our $107 Billion of
purchasing power in Florida
to do the talking for us and
then and only then will you
see economic inclusion for
Hispanics.
ask the professionalscontinuación
Resolutions for a
Healthier Back
E
at more vegetables. Stress less. Take the kids out to the park more often.
You may already have a long list of resolutions for the new year. This
year, honor your spine, too. With the help of your doctor of chiropractic,
these simple steps can promote a healthier back for the new year.
Consider replacing your pillow or mattress: Do you wake up with aches and
pains? It could be time to purchase a new mattress or pillow. The American
Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends finding a mattress that evenly
supports your whole body. There should be no gaps between you and the
mattress when you lie down. When choosing a pillow, select one that supports
your head and neck in alignment with the rest of the spine, whether you
sleep on your side or back. Keep in mind that what works for your partner
may not work for you— there isn’t one mattress or pillow that fits everyone.
Simple adjustments, such as adding foam padding, can help tremendously.
Re-evaluate your posture at work: Americans spend an average of 45
hours at work every week— often behind a desk. To avoid poor posture that
can lead to tension, back pain and joint problems such as carpal tunnel
syndrome, check that your chair is the right size and adjusted correctly.
Do your feet rest comfortably on the ground? Does the chair offer lumbar
support? Are you able to tilt or swivel easily while performing tasks at your
desk? Also, be sure you have adequate light (so that you aren’t straining to
see documents or a computer screen), adjust your computer monitor so
that it is at eye level, and wear a headset for longer telephone conversations.
And don’t forget to take frequent breaks and stretch throughout the day.
Learn how to lift correctly: Many back injuries are caused by improper lifting of
items such as luggage, backpacks or briefcases, storage boxes, or even groceries.
But knowing how to lift properly can prevent serious injury. First and foremost,
don’t bend from the waist. Keep your back straight, and squat to reach the item.
Then, keep it close to your body as you lift, and avoid twisting motions. When
traveling, check in all bags that weigh more than 10 percent of your body weight.
Eat right and exercise well: Eating a balanced diet and getting regular
exercise helps your body stay toned and tension-free— and promotes a
healthy weight and a happier spine. Smart exercise and a good diet can also
prevent osteoporosis, which affects over 20 million American women. To start,
the ACA recommends eating out at restaurants less (to reduce the amount
of unhealthful fats and sugars you consume) and adding more fresh fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. Aim for a minimum of 20 to 30
minutes of exercise, three or four days a week.
Tips for Keeping Your Resolutions
Don’t Over Do It
Set goals that are challenging yet attainable. Take some time to consider
what is most important to you and choose a resolution that moves you in the
right direction, yet is not a drastic, overwhelming change. Tell Everyone
Spread the word! Support from friends, family and co-workers can make
a huge difference as you strive to reach your goals. Making them aware of
your goals is a great way to ask for that extra bit of support that can get you
through even the toughest challenges.
Treat Yourself Along the Way
Be sure to be good to yourself and celebrate small achievements on the way
to the big one. In Good Health,
Dr. Brian Caez
*For more information on how to reduce back pain and live well
through Chiropractic. Please contact Dr. Brian Caez: 813.872.4455 or
[email protected]
HOW YOUR DRIVER’S
LICENSE IS AFFECTED
BY FLORIDA’S IMPLIED
CONSENT LAW
Y
ou’re out with your friends at one of Florida’s many hot and sexy clubs.
You have a few drinks, dance a few dances, have a few laughs and now
it’s time to go home. You feel fine, maybe just a little tipsy but not
much. You’re a little hungry, so before going home, you hop in your car
and start driving to get a bite to eat at one of the area’s many fine late night
eating establishments.
Suddenly, you look in your rearview mirror, hear sirens and see bright red lights
signaling you to pull over. You stop, get out of the car and are confronted by
one of “Florida’s” finest. He tells you that he stopped you for some type of
moving violation. He observes you, smells alcohol on your person and wants to
conduct a field sobriety test. He also either wants you to blow into an intoxilyzer
machine, or have a hospital draw blood or urine samples to determine what the
blood alcohol level is in your body.
What to do? What to do? This and similar scenarios are played out every night
of the week. Many people who were arrested for alcohol-related traffic stops,
decided not to submit to any field sobriety or chemical test, believing that if
they don’t participate, then they can’t lose their license or be convicted of a
DUI. Well my friends, do I have news for you!
First of all, driving in the State of Florida is a privilege, not a right. On your
driver’s license in teeny weenie letters is the “Implied Consent” language
which obliges you by law to submit to any sobriety test that a law enforcement
officer request you to perform during a traffic stop. These tests are usually
administered by them or a qualified DUI expert officer when they suspect that
you probably have been drinking.
Second, Florida law allows the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles to suspend your driving privileges if you violate the Implied Consent
Law. If you refuse to submit to the intoxilyser or other chemical test, the law
allows your license to be automatically suspended for a period of time. The
length of suspension depends on whether it is your first or subsequent refusal
to submit to these tests. For example, a first refusal results in a 12 month
suspension. A second or subsequent refusal will result in a minimum 18 month
suspension and you can be charged with the additional crime of “Refusal”. This
new crime of “Refusal” carries a maximum sentence of 1 year in the county jail.
On the other hand, if you submit to the intoxilyzer test and your blood alcohol
level is over .08, this is evidence that will be used against you to prove you were
driving under the influence. For a first time “failure” of the test, your license
will be suspended for a period of 6 months, but you are entitled to apply for a
hardship “business purpose” license after a 30 day suspension. The decision to
take or refuse the breath, urine or blood test calls for you to weigh the likelihood
of a high blood-alcohol reading versus the consequences of a refusal.
Yes my friend, “to refuse” or “not to refuse” that is the question! My advice to
you is don’t drink and drive! Save yourself from having to make that choice.
Attorney Pedro G. Velez, Jr.
Law Office of Pedro G. Velez, JR.
314 E. Harrison Street
Tampa, Florida 33602
Phone: (813) 209-9800
Preguntas: [email protected]
The
Message
Interview with
Liss Cartagena,
the producer
Latin Times: Liss, how did you
become a producer?
Liss Cartagena: My background is
in business administration. So when
my brother approached me to help
him develop the production of a
script that had interested some with
film experience, I started talking and
reading about film production. Also
we had secured funding for a film
production in the past. Filmmakers
tend to be very passionate about
filming and that intrigued me.
Latin-Times: Tell us about the journey
of producing this film and what it has
meant to you.
Liss Cartagena: This particular film
has been orchestrated by God’s
hand. We learned this early in the
production process. Filmmakers that
joined our production were amazed at
how doors kept opening and not just
any doors; these were God’s people
and services that exceeded anyone’s
standards. God’s will was very clear.
He wants a top notch film and for us
to bring this Message to everyone.
On the personal side, it’s been an
amazing journey. I have learned how
to allow him to be in full control and
to follow his lead. When things go
‘wrong’ I just try to work around it
and find a solution, knowing God has
provided me one EVERY TIME! It’s a
wonderful feeling to say the least.
Latin-Times: What is “The Message”
about and what kind of impact do you
believe this movie will have on others?
Liss Cartagena: The movie is about
a young man named Jake who loses
his father as a child. He abandons his
mother and sister blaming his mother
for not saving his father. He is a man
with no bad habits, a hard worker, fit
and charming, it can be you and me.
After his mother’s pleads with God to
mend her home, God responds and
intercedes sending Jake messages.
The film has already been impacting
people. We have previewed the film
to active Christians who expressed
how the film got them thinking
about their family relationships and
God’s presence in everything and
everywhere. I feel people will come
out of the film with a sense of hope,
belief and appreciation of their
families.
Latin-Times: Tell us about your
relationship with God and how he is a
part of this Film?
Liss Cartagena: We have witnessed so
many little miracles that have assured
us that God is part of this production.
One of my most recent testimonies
was just last Saturday. I was headed
to a Convention of Pastors in Port St,
Lucie. At 6 o’clock in the morning,
I got a flat tire,it was extremely dark
outside and I was by myself. In just
15 minutes a Sheriff Officer stopped
to change my tire. He asked me
if I had called them because they
received a call from the turnpike call
boxes asking for help and he only
found me! Today I’m certain that evil
was trying to stop me from making it
but God was there protecting me.
Latin-Times: You obviously have a
strong family support system, tell us
about your familia.
Liss Cartagena: The film’s original
story came from my brother Joe. My
sister is a recently appointed attorney
in Puerto Rico and my parents are
your average middle class folks. My
family is extremely supportive. My
parents have lived every moment of
this production and have helped us
financially to be able to continue this
project to what it is today. They know
the sacrifices, the late nights and they
are my first foundation of support for
the good and the not so good. I have
learned all I know about family values
from them. I look to my side and I
find so many families that are on
separate ways not knowing that they
can accomplish so much more if they
worked together as we did.
Latin-Times: Who has been your
biggest inspiration in life?
Liss Cartagena: First God. He saved
me from an illness when I had my son
and today I know he had a special
purpose for me, The Message and
Pangelo.com. Pangelo.com is a
very powerful way to spread God’s
word in entertainment. It helps
those ministries raise funds for
their purposes and gain supporters
via entertainment. I know that
Pangelo will turn into a way God can
orchestrate to many folks in need.
Latin-Times: How can our community
help spread “The Message”?
Liss Cartagena: Join us on Facebook,
search “Message” and our page
will show up. Look up Pangelo.com
to find a host near you to see the
movie. Share with those Non-Profit
Organization and Church leaders
about Pangelo.com so that they can
become hosts. Encourage filmmakers
to bring more Christian movies to
Pangelo. There is a VDO on YouTube
on a call to all Christians to support
Pangelo. It tells you what Pangelo
does and why.
www.youtube.com/user/
LissCartagena?feature=mhum
www.pangelo.com/
The Message
Interview with Joe
Navarro, the film
writer
Latin Times: Joe, when did you realize you were
destined to be a writer?
Joe Navarro: I’ve always had a love for films. I would
have to say when I decided to take a chance and wrote
my first script. I have been hooked ever since.
Latin-Times: Joe, what inspired you to write the script
for “The Message”?
Joe Navarro: As technology grows, our faith in God
diminishes. What better way for us to reconnect with
God than with technology.
Latin-Times: What is “The Message” about and what
kind of impact do you believe this movie will have on
others?
Joe Navarro: “The Message” is about how far God is
willing to go to let us know he loves us. When Jake,
an IT programmer, begins getting strange “messages”
from God at the beginning of the film he is a reluctant
believer in God. He then reaches a breaking point and
finally finds faith in God and himself.
Latin-Times: Tell us about your relationship with God
and how you familiarize yourself with Jake?
Joe Navarro: There is a lot of Jake’s personality in
me; so needless to say, I’ve had my share of disbelief
in the past but not anymore. Every day begins
and ends with God. Thanking him for all the good
blessings and the difficulties that help me learn from
them and make me a better person or at least try to
be (laugh).
Latin-Times: You obviously have a strong family
support system tell us about your familia.
Joe Navarro: My family is my rock. From day one my
family has always been there for me and vice-versa.
Even in the toughest of times, we can’t live without
each other’s support and love.
Left
to right,Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Latin-Times:
Joe Navarro: If I had to mention just one person
I simply couldn’t because my inspiration is my
Joe
Navarro
Sr, support,
Lourdes
family.
My parents
myMotta,
sister’s strength and
perseverance,
best friend’s
faith and my fiancés
Joe
Navarro,my
Maria
Loubriel,
and daughter’s love.
Cristina Navarro, Adriana
Latin-Times: How
canCartagena
our community help spread
Marrero and
Liss
“The Message”?
Joe Navarro: Inform as many people we know about
the film and the message of love it delivers.
Left to right: Joe Navarro Sr, Lourdes
Motta, Joe Navarro, Maria Loubriel, Cristina
Navarro, Adriana Marrero and Liss Cartagena
esperanza roadcontinuación
Pastors of La
Connexion Latina
at Without Walls
International Church;
Pastors Mike and
Sandra Salas
We are about restoring people’s
lives and relationships.
Latin Times: Tell us how you met and started
in the ministry?
Pastor Mike: It’s very interesting. I just
walked into this church off the street. I was
backsliding and “Viviendo La Vida Loca”. I
entered the church and I saw Sandra. She
was preaching and I immediately liked her.
She, however, didn’t like me.
Pastor Sandra: He wasn’t my type. I was
looking for a preacher. I thought to myself,
“This guy is raw off the street.”
Pastor Mike: We eventually started working
together. We became very good friends,
fell in love and eventually we got married.
A year and half later we ended up in the
ministry.
Latin Times: What is the passion that drives
you in this ministry?
Mike Salas: There are a lot of hurting
people out there that are tired of religion.
We are not about religion. We are about
restoring people’s lives and relationships.
We were active in church, were pastors and
we failed miserably. We have found that
by sharing our story with the people and
being transparent it allows people to trust
us. That is our passion being real because
people are looking for real people, real
pastors, not fluff and puff. People want a
relationship where they can relate to people
that are being real. Once that passion is up
front, people can understand, relate and
connect.
Pastor Sandra: Our own family was ripped
apart but God restored it in such a way that
not only our marriage was restored but so
were our sons. The blessings have been
great and we want to let everyone know; if
he did it for us, he can and will do it for you.
Pastor Mike: So many Latino families out
here are hurting, suffering physical and
emotional abuse, things that aren’t spoken
about in the church or dealt with. At “La
Connexion Latina” we address it. If you have
any type of family problems we can help
because we lived it. If you come to “La
Connexion Latina” you’re not going to get
church. You’re going to get real answers for
real solutions.
Latin Times: Pastor Mike, you love to sing.
Tell us about your upcoming CD?
Pastor Mike: We are excited about what
God is doing. I am known as the Singing
Preacher. God moves my music director
and we just start flowing in the anointing of
God. We sing about distinctive things. I sing
like a frog (Laugh) but the words we sing
are incredible. We have a CD and I don’t
sound like a frog (Laugh). A tremendous
production we are finishing and trusting
in the Lord that we can
submit it to the Latin
Grammies.
Latin Times: What would
you say to those people
who are suffering right now
in today’s economic crisis?
Pastor Mike: The bible
clearly states what God’s
plan is for you, plans to
prosper and peace over
your life. What do you
do if you don’t have any
money? What do you do
when you’re unemployed
and there is no food in
the fridge for your kids?
We have been through
it as a family. I know
this, if you keep praise
in your mouth and you
connect yourself and
have a relationship with
him, God will pull you
out of whatever situation
you’re in. We’re a living
testimony of being
faithful in the midst of
lack. We know what it is
to be faithful to God in
the middle of poverty.
When there is a praise in
your mouth for God in the
middle of your pain, I guarantee you God
extends his hand and sends his angels. Get
on your knees, get connected to God and
restore your spiritual life so there is rest in
the middle of this economic crisis. God can
work and become your divine provider.
Pastor Sandra: Definitely he is in praise.
In crisis, panic and fear will paralysis you.
When there is fear, there is no hope but
when we focus on God, he gives us the
Hope. He is the creator of the heavens and
earth. He will never leave you or forsake. He
loves us like a father to his children.
A Tribute to
Coach Abe Brown
By: Victor Padilla
I was twelve years old
when my father the
Reverend Victor Padilla,
Sr. introduced me to
coach Abe Brown, my
father and Abe had
a unique spiritual
friendship. Abe and my
father worked together
for nine years, my
father was over the
Spanish part of the
Prison Crusade Ministry.
During those years Abe
and my father reached
many prison inmates
from general population
to death row,” Murph
The Surf”, “Ted Bundy”, “Antonio Menendez”, and “John
Spinklink”, all of whom were touched and who’s lives
were significantly changed through Abe Brown’s Ministry.
After nine years of working with Abe Brown, my father
moved on to Puerto Rico where he built his church in
Mayaguez, PR, and started over a hundred ministries
until he was called home to be with the Lord in 2006.
His love
overcomes me
By: Victor Padilla
“...Because he has set his love upon
me, therefore will I deliver him; I will
set him on high, because he knows
and understands my name [has a
personal knowledge of my mercy,
love, and kindness--trusts and relies
on me, knowing I will never forsake
him, no, never].”- Psalm 91: 14. How
great is the love of God when we set
our love on him. King David loved God
and knew the love of God, knew his
life was in God’s hands, and would
always come through. Just think, God,
the creator of all heaven and Earth,
his love, his protection, his mercy,
covering us! Yet sometimes we go day
to day not even realizing how much we
take for granted God’s everlasting love
in us.
“For he shall give his angels charge
over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Abe continued on eventually changing The Prison Crusade
Ministries to “Abe Brown Ministries”. Abe and my
father affected and changed countless lives for God by
demonstrating the love and character of Jesus Christ; they
always had the philosophy that even though your body is
incarcerated your mind, soul, and spirit can be set free
through the gospel of our Savior. Abe was a true man of
God who sacrificed much, loved much, and till the end
fought the good fight that we can only hope to achieve.
When I moved back to Tampa, I had the privilege of
seeing Abe again several times before he went home to
be with the Lord. This is my eulogy to Abe Brown- “Abe
I am going to miss you my dear friend, because
of you many lives are counted for the Kingdom of
God. I know you are up there with my Dad, crowns
on your heads, in heaven rejoicing and praising
God to finally be home. I am so happy that I got to
spend time with you and pray for you. I will never
forget when you took me to my first Bucs game
in “79” and all the great times we spent together,
joking around with my dad. Your work will live on in
the hearts of those who truly loved you and knew
your vision. We at Latin Times Media Inc. send our
prayers and thoughts out from the Latino/ Hispanic
community to Abe’s wife and family. Abe, I know
I will see you again at the appointed time of our
savior Jesus Christ. Walk on Coach Brown, for your
soul is well received into the great hands of God,
love your friend always.” - Vic
-Psa 91:11 You have to come to the
realization that God loves you, all he
is asking for is your love, some of
your time, some of your attention.
Whenever I would be troubled about
something, or had to make an
important decision in my life, I would
sit on the beach, watching the sunset,
praying, and ask God to hear me.
Then without fail he would surround
me with his love, peace, strength, and
courage to get through anything. The
hardest thing to do is love someone
who treats you badly or forgive them
for what they have done to you. God
loves us so much, he sees beyond all
our weaknesses, beyond which we
are, and his love was poured out for
us through his son Jesus, the ultimate
sacrifice that allows us to go to the
very Throne room of our heavenly
father.
When you forgive, you are set free
from the burden of resentment or
even hate. Jesus even in his last
moments asked God to forgive the
ones who crucified him, how much
more can you forgive those who have
hurt you. I want to leave you with
a thought……When you feel lonely,
full of despair, hopelessness, your
heavenly father is waiting on you to
take some time, talk to him, and pour
yourself out to him letting his love
overtake you “……And walk in love,
[esteeming and delighting in one
another] as Christ loved us and gave
Himself up for us, a slain offering
and sacrifice to God [for you, so
that it became] a sweet fragrance.”Ephesians 5: 2.
Para leer mas sobre los Pastores, visitanos en nuestra pagina web: www.Latin-Times.com
Greetings!
Allow us to take a moment and introduce ourselves. We are The Crossing Church. My name is Greg
Dumas, Lead Pastor and together with Dave Murphy, our “Irish Spanish Pastor” we lead the new
Spanish service at The Crossing. Now, I know what you are thinking, “Whoever has heard of an Irish
Spanish Pastor?” That’s exactly what I told myself the day we met! We had just sat down for some of
the best Latin food in town when he began to order in Spanish. From that moment I knew that God had
brought him here to become the Spanish pastor for The Crossing Church.
T
he Crossing Church is a diverse group
of people who are passionate about 4
things: God’s kingdom, fervent prayer,
loving people, and experiencing God’s
presence everyday! In 2005 we merged the
church I planted in Riverview (The Pointe) along
with a church named Crosstown Community
Church. We then formed The Crossing Church.
The Crossing Church is currently reaching
almost 7,000 people weekly through two
campuses (Tampa and Celebration, FL) and
with the use of technology and the world
wide web. I’m here to personally invite you to
something new and fresh…The Crossing en
Español. When Pastor Dave arrived last year
we began to plan for a church that would reach
the Latino community of Tampa Bay. Then, it
was just a dream. But after months of planning
and pre-launch gatherings, the time has finally
arrived. We officially launched our first Spanish
service on February 13 with more than 500 in
attendance!
Here is the goal for this new service for the
Latino community: we want to bring together
a group of people who are ready to take their
walk with God to a new level. We also have a
deep desire to connect people with God for
the first time. The heart beat of our church is
prayer, worship, and the word of God. We pray.
We pray a lot. We believe that when a church
begins to truly pray, anything is possible! We
love to Worship. We love to sing songs of praise
and worship that rocks the very core of this city.
We believe that when God’s people enter into
worship, God hears the cries of His people. We
want to be a people who cry out in adoration for
who God is…in the good times and in the tough
times. And lastly, we desire to know God more
through His word.
Something that we like to say at The Crossing is
that we are “large enough to serve you but small
enough to know you.” What this means is that
as a large church we have a lot that we can offer
for you and your family. Things like care classes
to strengthen marriages, ministries designed
specifically for men and women to grow, support
groups for people dealing with addictions,
hurts, hang-ups, parenting classes, and much
more. However, we are also a church that wants
to grow small in our relationships. Each week
people connect in homes for something we call
Life Groups. This is where the big church can
become small. With the addition of this new
Spanish service we will be implementing more
and more of these kinds of opportunities for the
Latino community.
We are praying for YOU. We are praying
that today you would take a step of faith
and join us for the first time on Sunday
nights at 5pm. If you have children
(babies through 5th graders) your
children will join you during praise and
worship and then have the opportunity
to check out our children’s ministry. We
truly believe that there is a something
for everyone at The Crossing Church. We
hope to see you this Sunday.
P
ermitanos tomar un momento para
presentarnos. Somos la iglesia The
Crossing. Mi nombre es Greg Dumas,
Pastor Principal y junto con Dave
Murphy, nuestro “Pastor irlandés español”
somos líderes del nuevo servicio en Español
en la iglesia The Crossing. Ahora, ya sé lo que
están pensando: “¿Quien ha oído hablar de un
pastor irlandés español?” ¡Eso es exactamente
lo que dije el día que nos conocimos! Nos
acababamos de sentar para disfrutar algunas
de las mejores comidas Latinoaméricanas de la
ciudad, cuando él comenzó a hablar en español.
En ese momento supe que Dios lo había traído
aquí para ser el pastor hispanohablante de la
iglesia The Crossing.
La iglesia The Crossing se compone de un grupo
de diversas personas apasionadas por cuatro
cosas: el reino de Dios, la oración ferviente,
la gente que ama a su prójimo, y el sentir la
presencia de Dios todos los días! En el 2005
se unieron la iglesia que yo planté en Riverview
(The Pointe) con la iglesia llamada Crosstown
Community y asi formamos la iglesia The
Crossing.
Actualmente La iglesia The Crossing está
llegando a casi 7,000 personas semanalmente a
través de dos campus (Tampa y Celebration, FL),
con el uso de la tecnología y el internet. Estoy
aquí para personalmente invitarlos a algo nuevo
y diferente ... la iglesia The Crossing en Español.
Cuando Pastor Dave llegó el año pasado
empezamos a hacer planes para una iglesia que
llegaría a la comunidad latina de Tampa Bay. En
aquel entonces era sólo un sueño. Pero después
de meses de planificación y las reuniones
previas al lanzamiento, el día finalmente llegó.
¡Lanzamos oficialmente nuestro primer culto
en español el 13 de febrero con más de 500
asistentes!
Nuestra meta para este nuevo servicio para la
comunidad latina es de reunir a un grupo de
personas que están listos para que su relación
con Dios alcanze un nuevo nivel. También
tenemos un profundo deseo de conectar a
la gente con Dios por primera vez. El latido
del corazón de nuestra iglesia es la oración,
la adoración, y la palabra de Dios. Oramos.
Oramos mucho. ¡Creemos que cuando una
iglesia comienza a orar de verdad todo es
posible! Nos encanta la adoración. Nos encanta
cantar canciones de alabanza y adoración
que hacen temblar la esencia de esta ciudad.
Creemos que cuando el pueblo alaba a Dios, Él
escucha el clamor de su pueblo. Queremos ser
un pueblo que adora a Dios ... en los buenos
tiempos y en los momentos difíciles. Y por
último, deseamos conocer más a Dios a través
de Su palabra.
Algo que nos gusta decir en The Crossing es
que somos “suficientemente grandes para
servirles, pero suficientemente pequeños
para conocerlos.” Lo que esto significa es
que, como una iglesia grande tenemos mucho
para ofrecerle a usted y a su familia. Cosas
como clases para fortalecer los matrimonios,
ministerios diseñados específicamente para
que los hombres y las mujeres crescan
espiritualmente, grupos de apoyo para
personas que luchan con adiciones, heridas,
complejos, clases para padres, y mucho más.
Sin embargo, también funcionamos como una
iglesia pequeña en cuanto a nuestras relaciones
personales. Cada semana pequeños grupos
de personas se reunen en sus hogares atravez
de lo que llamamos Grupos de Vida. Ahí es
donde la iglesia grande se hace pequeña. Con
la incorporación de nuestro culto en español
estameros ofreciendo más oportunidades de
este tipo para servir la comunidad latina.
Estamos orando por USTEDES. Estamos
orando para que hoy tómen un paso de
fe y se unan a nosotros por primera vez
los domingos a las 5:00pm. Si usted
tiene niños (bebés a 5º grado) sus hijos
estarán con usted durante la alabanza
y adoración y luego pasaran a disfrutar
el ministerio para niños. Realmente
creemos que hay algo para todos en la
iglesia The Crossing. Esperamos verlos
este domingo.
The Crossing en Español
Sundays/Domingos a las 5pm
813-626-0783
10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr | Tampa, FL 33619
www.crossingonline.org/spanish-campus
www.crossingonline.org/spanish-campus
cover story
M
aria Conchita Alonso was
born in Cienfuegos, Cuba
on June 29th, 1957 and
was raised in Venezuela.
Even from a very early age, Maria
Conchita Alonso knew she wanted to
be a performer. Her career began at
the age of 4 years old when she played
a mouse in the musical play “The
Nutcracker”.
Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. She
has also acted in romantic comedies
Chasing Papi (2003) and The Last
Guy on Earth (2006). Maria Conchita
also played the role of Lucia, the
mother of Gabrielle Solis; on the ABC
hit show Desperate Housewives.
As a teen, Maria Conchita Alonso was
crowned Miss Teenager of the World
in 1971 and later, Miss Venezuela in
1975. Continuing on to become one
of the top models in her time. After
starring in 10 soap operas and four
feature films, Maria Conchita Alonso
captured the hearts of Latin America.
Her next move would be Hollywood!
But Maria Conchita’s talents were not
just limited to acting. Maria Conchita
is also a Gold and Platinum singer/
songwriter with 11 albums, and is a
three time Grammy Award Nominee.
Her musical recognition includes
3 Grammy Nominations for Best
Latin Artist for her “Maria Conchita”
album, Best Latin pop Performance
for her single “Otra Mentira Mas”
and for Best Latin Pop Album for
“Imaginame”.
Maria Conchita made her Hollywood
debut in 1984 in the movie Moscow
on the Hudson with Robin Williams
and went on to star in movies like The
Running Man (1987), Predator 2, The
House of the Spirits, Vampire’s Kiss,
Colors and the TV reality show I’m a
In 2006, Maria Conchita was chosen
as one of the “50 Most Beautiful
People” in People En Español
Magazine. Fast forward, its 2011
and Latin Times Magazine catches
up with Maria Conchita Alonso to find
out what’s next!
cover storyfinal
María Conchita Alonso
nació en Cienfuegos, Cuba
el 29 de Junio de 1957
y se crió en Venezuela.
Incluso desde una edad
muy temprana, sabía que
quería ser artista. Su carrera
comenzó a las la edad de 4
años cuando interpretó a un
ratón en la obra musical “El
Cascanueces”.
Como adolescente, fue
coronada Miss Adolescente
del Mundo en 1971 y más
tarde, Miss Venezuela en
1975. Convirtiendose en una
de las modelos superiores
de su tiempo. Después de
protagonizar 10 novelas
y cuatro largometrajes,
María Conchita Alonso ha
capturado los corazones de
América Latina, y contínuo a
eso, el de Hollywood!
En su brillante carrera hizo
su debut en Hollywood
en 1984 en la película de
“Moscow on the Hudson”
con Robin Williams y pasó
a protagonizar películas
como “The Running Man”
(1987), Predator 2, House
of the Spirits, Vampire’s
Kiss, Colors. Ella también
ha actuado en comedias
románticas “Chasing
Papi” (2003) y “The Last
Guy on Earth” (2006).
Maria Conchita también
desempeñó el papel de
Lucía, la madre de Gabrielle
Solis, en la exitosa serie de
ABC Desperate Housewives.
Ella no solo se limitó a la
actuación. Fue más allá y es
cantante de Oro y Platino,
compuesto de 11 álbumes, y
de tres Grammy nominada,
de uno se llevó el glorioso
premio.
En 2006, María Conchita fue
elegida como una de las “50
Personas Más Bellas” en la
revista People En Español. Un avance rápido, su 2011
y la revista Latin Times
Magazine los pone al día con
María Conchita Alonso para
averiguar lo que viene! Name/Nombre: Maria
Conchita Alonso Bustillo
What is your Profession:
Actress/Singer-Songwriter/
Artist/Animal and Political
Activist
What is your Pais? Cuba,
Venezuela and the USA.
Although I feel most of the
world es mi pais, a donde
uno lo quieren, ahi nos
sentimos bien, like at home!
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
How did you get started on
your career?
¿Cómo empezar a trabajar en
su carrera?
Maria Conchita Alonso: I
won the Miss Teenager of
Venezuela then Miss Teenager
of the world. This started it
all and helped me become
one of the most successful
models in Venezuela.
“He ganado el premio de Miss
Teenager de Venezuela, a
continuación, Miss Teenager
del mundo. Esto lo empezó
todo y me ayudó a ser uno de
los modelos más exitosas en
Venezuela.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
I know that you were born in
Cuba but raised in Caracas,
Venezuela. Do you feel a
bond with both countries and
have you ever visited Cuba?
Sé que usted nació en Cuba
pero te criaste en Caracas,
Venezuela. ¿Se siente un
vínculo con ambos países
Maria Conchita Alonso: I
am very proud of having
been born in Cuba as well as
very proud of being raised
in Venezuela. I love both
countries as my own. I feel
for both the same. It’s like if
the mother that gives birth to
you dies and then someone
else adopts you, you have
to love them both. I also
love the USA, of which I am
a citizen. It has been very
good to me. And no, I have
not been back to Cuba and
will not until the political
situation changes.
Estoy muy orgulloso de haber
nacido en Cuba, así como
muy orgullosa de ser criada
en Venezuela. Me gustan los
dos países como el mío. Me
siento tanto para el mismo.
Es como si la madre que da a
luz muere y otra persona que
adopta, tienes que amar a los
dos. También me encantan
los EE.UU., de la que soy una
ciudadana. Ha sido muy bueno
conmigo.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
How do you feel about what
is going on in Venezuela right
now? And what do you think
should be done about it?
¿Cómo te sientes acerca de lo
que está pasando en Venezuela
en este momento? ¿Y qué cree
usted que debe hacerse al
respecto?
Maria Conchita Alonso:
Sad, very sad, it is the same
Cuban story being repeated
in Venezuela. Venezuela is
suffering under the hands of
a “disguised” dictatorship
(like Cuba, for more than 52
years, although that regime
has not been in disguise
for all that time.) There
is enough proof of all the
terrible things Chavez has
been doing. He should be
taken to an international
court and sent to jail. I do
not want him dead, he has
to suffer alive all the bad he
has done and still is doing
to a wonderful country like
Venezuela.
Triste, muy triste, es la misma
historia de Cuba se está
repitiendo en Venezuela.
Venezuela está sufriendo bajo
las manos de un “encubierta”
la dictadura (como Cuba,
por más de 52 años, a pesar
de que el régimen no ha
sido disfrazado por todo ese
tiempo.) No es suficiente
prueba de todas las cosas
terribles que Chávez ha estado
haciendo. Él debe ser llevado
a un tribunal internacional y
enviado a la cárcel. No quiero
que muera, él tiene que sufrir
con vida todo lo malo que
ha hecho y sigue haciendo
a un país maravilloso como
Venezuela.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
What was the biggest
challenge you have
encountered in your life or
in your career–and how have
you overcome it?
¿Cuál fue el reto más grande
que pueda haber tenido en su
vida o en su carrera-y cómo lo
has superado?
Maria Conchita Alonso: The
biggest challenge was to
make it in Hollywood when I
first arrived about 31 years
ago and the Latinos were
not respected and looked
at in high places. I helped
change that perception. The
biggest challenge now is
to be where I am and still
working ‘cause although the
industry has changed for
the better in our community,
Hollywood is a place where
if you are new and young
you will get more attention
and more work offers. I
should not complain as I
am still here and working.
How do I overcome it? By
still believing in myself and
continuing the fight.
El mayor reto fue hacerlo
en Hollywood, cuando
llegué por primera vez hace
aproximadamente 31 años
y los Latinos no se han
respetado. Yo ayude a cambiar
esa percepción.
El mayor
desafío
ahora es
estar adonde
estoy y
seguir
trabajando...
porque si bien la industria
ha cambiado para lo mejor
en nuestra comunidad, pero
Hollywood es un lugar donde si
son nuevos y jóvenes recibirán
más atención y más ofertas de
trabajo. No me puedo quejar
ya que todavía estoy aquí y
trabajo. ¿Cómo superarlo? Por
que sigo creyendo en mí misma
y continuar la lucha.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
What is your favorite Latino
dish?
¿Cuál es su plato favorito
latino?
Maria Conchita Alonso: My
mom makes an amazing
“Fufu”, which is made with
plantain and bacon, and
“Tamale en Casuela”, which
has the taste of a Cuban
tamale but is like a heavy
soup. Then I love Yucca con
mojo (a root with olive oil and
garlic sauce).
Mi mamá hace un sorprendente
“fufu”, que se hace con el
plátano y el tocino, y “Tamale
en Casuela”, que tiene el sabor
de un tamal cubano, pero
es como una sopa pesada.
Tambien, encanta Yuca con
mojo (una raíz con aceite de
oliva y salsa de ajo).
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
What can your fans expect
to see from you next!? ¿Qué
pueden esperar tus fans de
ti?
Maria Conchita Alonso: A
few months ago I finished a
film called “Without Men”
with Eva Longoria, Christian
Slater, Kate del Castillo
and other amazing Mexican
actresses, which is due out
this summer.
Hace unos meses terminé
una película llamada “Without
Men”, con Eva Longoria,
Christian Slater, Kate del
Castillo y otras actrices
mexicanas increíble, que saldrá
este verano.
My Journey
Of Faith
Happy Birthday,
Latin Times Magazine!
By: Jolie R.Gonzalez
I
lost count (at like 20) on how
many moments of brief panic
came over me while preparing
this issue, my 10th year anniversary in
publishing!
I sat at the edge of our 10th Anniversary
edition of Latin Times Magazine, and I
kept remembering the many deadlines
from previous issues, how I always
thought “I will never be able to finish!”
and this tiny bit of panic would creep
up my spine, it would sit there for
like 5 minutes, because at that point
I would remember my deadline and
decide that I didn’t have time for panic!
Aiiiyaayaaayiii!
10 Years have gone by!? Where
did they go!? Looking back, I still
can’t quite believe it, and yet
here I am, still, right smack in
the middle of living my dream,
and giving life to new ones along
the way.
When Latin Times Magazine started in
April of 2001, it was just a small digest
sized “FLIP” magazine, one side of the
Magazine was dedicated to Orlando
Florida, and the other was dedicated
to Tampa Bay. Its original name was
C.L.U.B. Magazine which stood for City of
Latin Urban Beats. C.L.U.B. Magazine
later became Latin Village Magazine, and
eventually Latin Times Magazine.
Things have sure changed A WHOLE LOT
throughout these years. The magazine
went through three major reconstructive
changes, to become what it is today; we
also went through (and survived) a “doit” yourself phase, which really meant
that “I” designed the magazine myself!
Thank God, that didn’t last for too long.
Just as the magazine has changed, with
each new revolution of the magazine, I
too have changed. To say that I am the
same woman that started this dream 10
years ago couldn’t be further from the
truth, I’m not that same person, because
I have learned from my mistakes, and
I have grown as a person, and I have
matured as a Christian.
I have been knocked down plenty of
times…but never conquered.
The message that I want to communicate
in this issue is simple…. I stand here
today celebrating 10 years because of
Faith.
This issue is dedicated to FAITH, 10
years of it. It is because of the Faith that
I place in God that I am here right now,
celebrating this huge milestone, despite
the fact that in the beginning many
people tried to discourage my dreams!
But that was then….
….has anyone ever ridden a roller
coaster they were afraid to get on…..
and yet, once they got on…they were
afraid to get off? Has anyone ever
experienced triumph…followed by deep
disappointments, I have.
To be honest, in these last 10 years,
I have experienced moments of fear,
uncertainty, and moments of panic, I
definitely went through some moments
of anger, and even a few brief moments
of despair but, I am an entrepreneur!
It’s the dream of the entrepreneurial
spirit that I have inside me comprised
of a fierce passion, mixed with a spirit
for adventure. Its guts, glory, drive, and
commitment, its courage under fire….
and it’s never giving up, NO MATTER
WHAT!
How did I find the strength to do that….?
I kept my FAITH in God, through the
years. I kept my faith in God knowing
only HE would get me to where I needed
to be.
During the tough times, I would often
remind myself: “has anyone ever reached
success without struggle, without pain, or
loss…how can you celebrate milestones
and celebrations, without first stumbling
and falling, or picking yourself up,
dusting yourself off and starting over…
and over and over again?”
What an incredible journey this has been
for me, so many wonderful highlights
and moments. I am very grateful to
have met so many wonderful people. I
have made momentary friends, life-long
friends… fake friends….and friends that
felt more like family than anything else….
Along the journey, there were many times
that I felt discouraged, but that didn’t
matter because I believed in my dreams.
Have YOU ever believed in something so
much – that everyone thought you were
nuts…? Or told you to give up…! That
your dream would never be…and that
your “dream” was a “lost” dream…did
you ignore them or prove them wrong?? I
proved them wrong!!
And this is NOW
Has anyone ever achieved a
dream without first living through
a nightmare….experiencing
a fantasy…or living in a
fantasyland…. has anyone ever
dared to dream the impossible
– knowing the deck was stacked
against them? I did -- and I want
to encourage you to do the same
for YOUR DREAM!
That day I was always praying for,
waiting for – the day I used to envision
–I used to dream of…long for, work for,
fight for….
That day is here…..that day is now…
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Florida’s Leading Source to access Florida’s
Hispanic Consumers & Businesses, Latin Times
Media, Inc., is a Florida Latino Media Outlet!
TheTimeline….
2000
In search of new opportunities,
Jolie Gonzalez relocates to Tampa
Bay with her 5 year old son Nikko
Gonzalez. She is a single mother.
2001
After taking a crash course in
publishing and “business 101”
and while knowing only a handful
of people in the Tampa Bay and
Metro Orlando areas, she started
her first publication; C.L.U.B.
Magazine, (City of Latin Urban
Beats!). The mini-magazine
was a digest size and targeted
mainly Latin Entertainment.
The magazine eventually began
distribution to the Metro Orlando
area. Distribution was handled
in house, which meant that every
week Jolie & Nikko would travel
back and forth from Tampa to
Orlando distributing the magazine
along the way.
2002
Jolie Gonzalez became the
Founder and Director of the Latin
ConneXions Business Networking
Socials, a series of businessoriented events in Tampa Bay and
Metro Orlando. These networking
socials effectively promote local
business, services, products and
businesses. (Eventually called 1st
Friday’s Networking Socials).
2004
Jolie Gonzalez created the
“e-Latino Weekly” Newsletter
-- an electronic Newsletter which
features LIVE Links, local and
international news, cultural
articles, and current events.
The newsletter is emailed to
over 25,000 local professionals
throughout Florida each week.
2005
Ms. Gonzalez began development
of her web presence acquiring
several domain names, including
Latin-Times.com, LatinRestaurants.com, HispanicBusiness-Directory.com and LatinEvents.com as well as others,
taking the first of many steps to
develop a stronger local presence,
while establishing the platform for
an eventual national presence.
2006
Jolie Gonzalez was awarded the
prestigious “Hispanic Business
Woman of the Year” award
by the Puerto Rico Cultural
Parade Organization of Tampa
Bay, and was also awarded
the Chairwoman’s Award of
Excellence by the Tampa Bay
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Jolie Gonzalez becomes a
Founding Board Member of HYPE
(Hispanic Young Professionals and
Entrepreneurs).
2007
Jolie Gonzalez is awarded the
2007 Tampa Bay Business
Journal’s Minority Business
Person of The Year Award. In
mid 2007, Latin Times Magazine
is also awarded the Idolo Award
which was presented by Tampa
Bay’s Historical Centro Asturiano,
for best Spanish-Owned Magazine
in Tampa Bay.
2008
Jolie Gonzalez was awarded the
2008 EXITO Award for Women
Entrepreneurs by the Hispanic
Business Initiative Fund of
Tampa Bay. Jolie Gonzalez and
Latin Times sponsor, attend and
participate in the United States
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
18th Annual Hispanic Legislative
Conference, exposing Latin Times
Magazine to a national audience
for the first time.
Jolie Gonzalez is also awarded
the 2008 Tampa Bay Business
Journal’s Business Woman of the
Year in Media Award!
2009
Jolie Gonzalez became a founding
board member of Tampa Latin
Chamber of Commerce, and was
named as one of 2010’s Women
as Visionaries in Tampa Bay!
2010
Latin Times gets their first office
in 10 years.
Latin Times strikes a partnership
deal with FMCRC and Mr. Al
Piña, which leads to additional
nationwide exposure.
2012
to be continued…
About our parent
company:
Latin Times Media, Inc.
Latin Times has since grown into
a full Media Solutions company,
with essential marketing tools for
YOUR Company to choose from.
As the founder and president
of this family-run business,
we encourage you to consider
utilizing one of our services to
help your company effectively
reach Florida’s thriving Hispanic/
Latino community.
As a decade-old established
minority and female-owned
company, Latin-Times Media, Inc.
is committed to our clients and
to our community, we take great
pride in helping YOUR business
grow within the Hispanic/Latino
community, and we host many
tools for you to choose from,
including, web, print, editorial,
email, social media, special
events, and more!
t
he
eam
team work makes
the dream work
mishawong
What do you do with Latin Times: I am their Creative Director
How long have you been with Latin Times: I have been their
Creative Director for three years.
What is your Pais? I am from Cuba.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: How did you first start designing
Latin Times Magazine?
Misha Wong: Well, one day I saw the magazine and liked its
content, since it was about community topics. I set a goal
for myself and that was “one day I am going to design this
magazine!” There were several phone calls and emails and
now I am very happy to work for Latin Times!
victorpadilla
What do you do with Latin Times:
Vice President
How long have you been with Latin Times:
2 years
What is your Pais? USA/ Puerto Rico
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times: How did you
first start working for Latin Times Magazine?
Victor Padilla: After leaving the pharmaceutical
industry, I met Jolie Gonzalez (The Love of
my Life), I started collaborating with Jolie on
fresh new ideas for the Magazine, eventually
stepping in as Operations Manager and since
then becoming Vice President.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times: What do you
enjoy most about your work?
Victor Padilla: There are so many things,
but the greatest thing I enjoy is watching
the expressions on people’s faces when
they see our new issues, when I interview
various people, and knowing that God is the
foundation of this Magazine and giving him
the thanks for all of it.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times: How has Latin
Times changed since you first joined the
team?
Victor Padilla: Latin Times has been through
some very significant changes in the last two
years, first and foremost putting all that we do
in God’s hands, we have added sixteen pages
all in which includes, a spiritual section,
sports room, Latin Teen section, restaurant
review section and much more. We are still
growing and now becoming statewide within
the State of Florida.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cómo empezaste a diseñar la
revista Latin Times?
Misha Wong: Pues un día ví la revista y me gustó su contenido,
ya que eran temas de la comunidad. Me propuse una meta
y esa fue que “¡un día voy a diseñar esta revista!” Hubieron
varias llamadas y correos electrónicos y ahora estoy muy
feliz de trabajar para Latin Times.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What do you enjoy most about
your work?
Misha Wong: When they give me a project, my mind begins
imagining it, drawing it and when I sit down at the computer,
it comes out exactly as I imagined it. In my particular
opinion, the world is rich with colors, tones and effects. It’s
a feeling that you are inside what you design. You feel as if
it’s real and even if you touch it, it feels like you wet your
fingers with the combination of colors used in any project.
That’s it, it’s simply beautiful and I don’t have enough words
to describe it.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Qué es lo que más disfrutas
de tu trabajo?
Misha Wong: Cuando me dan un proyecto, imaginármelo,
dibujarlo y al sentarme en la computadora, que me salga
tal y como lo había pensado. En mi opinión particular, es un
mundo rico en cuanto a colores, tonos y efectos. Es sentir que
estás dentro de lo que diseñas, lo sientes real y hasta cuando
lo tocas tal parece que mojas tus dedos con la combinación
de colores empleadas en cualquier proyecto. Simplemente
es hermoso, no tengo suficientes palabras.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: How has Latin Times changed
since you first became the graphic artist?
Misha Wong: Wow, good question! I think it has changed
about 70% since then, but from the last few editions until
now, it has changed about 90%. I think little by little the effort
will be put in that it deserves to keep improving it. For sure
each edition will be LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE with amazing
things in it! :)
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: ¿Cómo ha cambiado la Revista
Latin Times desde que tu empezaste con ella?
Misha Wong: ¡WOW, buena pregunta! Considero que ha
cambiado un 70% desde entonces, pero desde las últimas
ediciones hasta ahora, ha cambiado un 90%. Creo que
poco a poco se le pondrá el empeño que merece para
seguir mejorándola. Eso sí, cada edición será LATIN TIMES
MAGAZINE con cosas maravillosas! :)
martilopez
What do you do with Latin Times: I edit, write
(when Ms. Jolie lets me …I’m so gooood, she
should let me more often!) and assist in a creative
capacity.
How long have you been with Latin Times: …
Chaaaa’cho, a long time, lol.
What is your Pais? Chicago-Rico. Puertoriqueña
and born and raised in Chicago.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times: How did you first
start working for Latin Times Magazine?
Marti Lopez: Once upon a time (in 1999) I
met a Latina in Chicago, who had her hand
in everything associated with the Hispanic
Community…every time I turned around at
an event (or on the salsa dance-floor), I would
bump into her…how ever-so-annoying…so I
decided, hey I’m a lover not a fighter, let’s be
friends. What was her name, you ask? Jolie!
When Jolie moved from Chicago to Central
Florida in 2001 and found her niche in how
to cater to the Hispanic Community, she and I
would communicate via email, putting together
her dream magazine. Eventually I followed
in my “sister’s” footsteps…all the way from
Chicago to the front steps of her home (well,
Carmen’s home…lol, Jolie’s Mom) in Orlando,
and continued the pursuit to entrepreneur
happiness right there in living Latina-color.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times: What do you
enjoy most about your work?
Marti Lopez: Does one even have to ask that
question? Meeting the Victor Manuelles/
Michael
Stewarts/Johnny
Riveras/Huey
Dunbars/etceteras..of the Latin Music World!
Just kidding, although I did enjoy that ;-) I
have enjoyed watching our Latin community
come alive in action as they interact with one
another at the Latin ConneXions events, I love
the passion that Jolie works with -- every day
-- in genuinely enjoying helping connect our
Community in causes and business; and in
music and laughter. I REALLY love all the press
passes and backstage passes to the festivals
and concerts too. (What? You know it’s true
Jolie!)
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times: How has Latin
Times changed since you first joined the team?
Marti Lopez: At the inception, the magazine
was called C.L.U.B. (City of Latin Urban Beats),
and Jolie – being the savvy business woman that
she is – decided to change the name to (which
seemed to imply to business owners that we
were all about “Club Partying”) to something
more “businessy” (way to take the fun out
it!) so that businesses -- Hispanic and nonHispanic alike -- would take us more seriously
in our plight to afford and provide the Hispanic
Community as a minority, all the privileges and
benefits available to majority communities.
Thus, “The Latin Village” was born. Ultimately,
Jolie reformed and evolved the Latin Village
into the mature and elite publication that it is
today: “Latin Times Magazine.” I say Bravo! Her
vision for the type of publication with which
she had always wanted to cater to the Hispanic
Community, has finally come to complete
fruition.
Congratulations to you, mi hermanita, you did
it, realizaste tu sueño Dream-Girl!
anniversarycontinuación
La Familia
Business Awards
2007 Minority Businness Person of the Year
2008 Business Woman of the Year
Community Services
Francisco
Sanchez
Under Secretary
of Commerce for
International Trade
at the Department
of Commerce.
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
By: Jolie González
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
What has been the biggest
challenge you have encountered
in your new position–and how
have you overcome it?
Francisco Sanchez: There are
just so many issues around
the world with which we are
engaged and the international
economy is complex – while we
have a lot of ground to cover,
my team has done a great job
of focusing on our top priorities
and regions to increase
exports and create jobs for
Americans. But staying on top
of the intricacies of the dailychanging global market place
and how new realities impact
our strategies, is no easy task.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times:
What has the Department of
Commerce accomplished in
terms of providing increased
access for Latino/Hispanic
businesses?
Francisco Sanchez: We serve
all businesses but also work
closely with the Minority
Business Development
Agency to serve the interests
of minority businesses. Any
improvement in the existing
economy helps Hispanic
businesses and increases
opportunities to create
new ones….so we focus
on improving the economy
which helps all Americans.
Regionally, our Office of the
Western Hemisphere plays
close attention to making
sure our companies with ties
to Latin America can be as
competitive as possible.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times:
What are some the issues
that you are currently working
on that will affect minority
businesses?
Francisco Sanchez: Breaking
down trade barriers, ensuring
fair and legal imports… all
of our work impacts minority
businesses, especially small
and medium size companies.
One of my main concerns
is the improvement of the
nation’s infrastructure. This
is a long term challenge for
the country that if undertaken
in a comprehensive way will
mean numerous employment
opportunities and economic
possibilities.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times:
We know from previous
interviews with you that public
office is a huge passion for
you and has been since your
childhood. What is the next
step in your career?
Francisco Sanchez: My
current position offers so much
potential to do a lot of good
for a lot of people and play a
significant role in getting our
economy back on the right
track. It may sound trite but I
am really not focused on any
next steps for myself.
“
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
Tell us about your current
position in Washington, DC,
what does your typical day
consists of?
Francisco Sanchez: Every day
is different. What is constant
is the pace - we start early, end
late and are running all day
long. I meet with company
representatives from the big
players like Boeing and GE
to small and medium size
enterprises – listening to
their concerns and assisting
in market access and trade
promotion issues. I also meet
with my counterparts in foreign
governments and across our
own government assuring
a level playing field for our
business constituents. Working
across all industries and all
world regions, it is a busy day!
”I love where
I am right
now - it is the
public service
opportunity of
a lifetime.
Moctesuma Esparza
is an awardwinning film maker,
producer and
community activist,
Moctesuma Esparza.
Esparza was born and
raised in East Los Angeles,
California. His father, a
refugee of the Mexican
Revolution, migrated to the
United States in 1918.
Esparza’s earliest work in film was
in service to the Chicano Movement.
He filmed a speech given by Reies
Lopez Tijerina at UCLA, as well as the
1970 Chicano Moratorium against
the Vietnam War. The Moratorium
footage became his first documentary,
Requiem 29. He is the executive
producer of “Walkout,” based on the
historic 1968 student walkout in Los
Angeles which he helped organize.
Esparza and 12 others were arrested
and jailed for conspiracy to disturb the
peace. They became known as the East
LA 13. The movement is memorialized
in his 2006 HBO film Walkout.
He also helped organize Chicano
student conferences and the Media
Urban Crisis Committee, which
analyzed the effects of media
on minority communities and
recommended that members of those
communities attend film school. After
graduating from UCLA, he worked
for the children’s television program
Sesame Street, developing bilingual
segments. Shortly thereafter, he
produced the pilot and the first season
of the PBS program Villa Alegre, which
won multiple awards. Moctesuma
Esparza is the producer of such films
as Selena, The Milagro Beanfield War,
Gettysburg (1993), and Gods and
Generals (2003), founder of Maya
Pictures.
Moctesuma is a multi-talented, awardwinning filmmaker, producer, and
entertainment industry executive. He
has received over 100 honors including
an Academy Award nomination, an
Emmy, a Clio Award, and a Cine
Golden Eagle Award.
Here is what this
Orgullo Latino had
to say to Latin
Times Magazine!
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: Tell us
about how you grew up –I know that
you were born in East LA? What was
East LA like back then?
Moctesuma Esparza: My father came
to the U.S. in 1918, and Los Angeles
was a very, very different city back
then. I still live within 3 miles of
where I grew up, the neighborhoods
back then were still Spanish speaking,
back then it was about 15% but today
it’s over 50%, and about 70% of the
children in schools are Latino today.
New America is -----very diverse and
multicultural.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: What
was it like back then to produce?
Moctesuma Esparza: I am blessed
to have produced a great deal of
movies, 40 movies in 40 years,
hundreds of short films, and scores
of documentaries. The Latino
community today is so large –there
are more people today in Hollywood
and we represent a huge market, a
huge income a market that wants to
see itself on television and should
be served….it isn’t capping just yet,
but it will soon…there was very little
consciousness back then.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: Tell us
about your familia?
Moctesuma Esparza: My wife,
Esperanza and I have been married
33 years and we have 4 wonderful and
accomplished Children.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: What
has been your biggest/greatest
challenge in life---or in career –and how
did you overcome it?
Moctesuma Esparza: Being a father
and a husband and a friend –to learn
how to overcome my own issues and
be a supporter and commit myself to
those that I love.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: Hispanic
or Latino?
Moctesuma Esparza: Latino is
the popular preference. We think
of it different here. In California
immigrants of southwest descent
don’t have a strong identification
with Spain and all the suffering and
indigenous Hispanic does not include
the Indian background, at the same
time we do have a Spanish heritage
and we are interested in a more
inclusive word and we think of the
word Latino is more inclusive…. I think
we as Latino communities need to
discuss.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: What
can we expect to see of you in regards
to your immediate future projects?
Moctesuma Esparza: Preparing a
huge mini-series for an HBO landmark
series. We just finished a movie with
Andy Garcia…..Across the Line, which
is available now with Aidan Quinn and
America Ferrera.
I am here to promote Latino
Talent and share its beauty.
Automotive
Diversity for
Hispanics at
Honda Motor
Company? A Mirage…
By: Al Piña
H
ispanics now account for over
50% of all new population
growth in all major U.S. cities,
including Florida.
There is no doubt that we are the
consumers of the future. So it
would make sense that Honda
Motor Company should become
diverse (Hispanic speaking) in the
areas of procurement contracts,
top management, philanthropy and
dealerships.
Honda Motor Company is
headquartered in California, a state
that claims the largest Hispanic
population in America. Yet, Honda
Motor Company has not a single
Hispanic in top management.
They provide less than 3% of all
procurement spent on Hispanic
businesses (this is an estimate since
Honda Motor Company refused to
provide Latin Times with Data) and it is
estimated that over 90% of all Honda
auto loans to Hispanics are subprime.
Can anyone remember the Housing
crash due to subprime loans???
Hispanics are critical to the automotive
industry as a consumer. But you
would not know this looking at Honda
Motor Company. Maybe they, like
so many other large corporations
take our purchases for granted. We
applaud auto manufacturers such as
General Motors Company, Hyundai and
Nissan for not only hiring Hispanics
in top management positions but for
also make an effort to not take our
community for granted. Honda Motor
Company should take notice and begin
to provide our businesses (including
publications), organizations and
consumers with access, opportunities
and last but not least-RESPECT.
Walter
Rodriguez
What is your
Profession: Manager,
Diversity Relations
Company: Hyundai
Motor America
What is your Pais?
USA / Born in Mexico
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
How did you get started in your
career?
Walter Rodriguez: My interest
in the automotive industry
dates back to my childhood
days helping my dad repair
cars, especially engines.
While in college, I worked at a
dealership during the summers.
After graduating from college,
I went to work for Nissan
North America in 1996. This
is where I really learned about
the auto industry and was first
introduced to the importance
of Diversity in business. Then
in 2006, I had the great
opportunity to continue my
automotive career at Hyundai.
One of the best decisions I have
ever made.
Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times:
As the manager of Diversity
Relations, what does your job
entail?
Walter Rodriguez: Well, I wear
a lot of hats at Hyundai. I
sometimes think my title
does not really portray exactly
all that I do. I work in the
Corporate Communications
Division. My department is
called General Affairs. My
Director and I oversee all
Hyundai activities regarding
Diversity Relations, Community
Relations, Government Affairs
and our Corporate Philanthropy.
As Diversity Relations Manager,
I am responsible for developing
and implementing diversity
strategies for Hyundai. That
includes working internally
with our departments to
ensure diversity is part of
their department business
plans, training employees to
value and leverage diversity
in their jobs, and being the
liaison for Hyundai with
external diversity partners.
As Community Relations
Manager, I am responsible for
developing and administering
Hyundai’s charitable
contributions strategy. This
includes evaluating charitable
requests and providing
funding recommendations
to Hyundai’s executive
committee based on our
areas of community relations
support: Health, Education,
Safety, and Environment. As
Government Affairs Manager,
I support my Director in
implementing our corporate
wide government relations
strategy and maintaining a
pulse on important federal
and state legislation that may
affect Hyundai. As Philanthropy
Manager, I assist my Director
in operating the Hyundai Hope
On Wheels Foundation. Hope
On Wheels is a 501c3 non-profit
organization with a mission of
Helping Kids Fight Cancer. It
is the coordinated efforts of
Hyundai Motor America and our
800+ Hyundai Dealers across
the country. This is such a
great program! I encourage
your readers to visit www.
HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org for
more information.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin
Times: Tell us a little bit
about the Hyundai Diversity
Relations program, when was it
implemented, and by who was
it implemented by?
Walter Rodriguez: Since
Hyundai first entered the United
States, the company has been
active in supporting diverse
communities. In 2006, Hyundai
Motor America established a
diversity department to focus
on coordinating all of Hyundai’s
diversity activities. I was excited
to have been chosen to be
part of the team. In 2007, we
developed and implemented a
3-year diversity business plan that
introduced Hyundai to national
and local diversity organizations,
developed partnerships with
leaders in diverse communities,
became actively involved in
supporting and implementing
national diversity programs
in communities where we do
business and strengthened
Hyundai’s internal diversity
policies and programs. My
Director and I are very
committed and have stayed
extremely focused to
ensure diversity remains a
priority and cornerstone of
Hyundai’s success. In 2010,
we implemented a new 5-year
diversity business plan with a goal
to have Hyundai recognized as a
Top 50 Company in Diversity by
2014. It is an ambitious goal,
but I have every confidence in
my diversity team and the efforts
of all Hyundai employees that
we will achieve our goal. Visit
our diversity website www.
HyundaiUSA.com/Diversity to
learn more about Hyundai’s
diversity programs.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times:
Why is Diversity Relations so
important to Hyundai? And
what does it do specifically
within or for the Hispanic/
Latino Community?
Walter Rodriguez: Diversity
is an integral part of Hyundai’s
success in the United States…
for our employees, our dealers,
our suppliers and our customers.
We know that diversity is a
competitive advantage in
business. Most importantly,
diversity of thought, respect for
cultures, and a commitment to
value unique perspectives are
what drive our success. We have
a saying at Hyundai … “We are
best when we are all included.”
Hyundai is aware and recognizes
the importance that the Latino
community will have in our future
growth. Economically, socially,
and politically, we are keeping
close tabs on the evolution of the
Hispanic community. We have
created programs, established
partnerships, and supported
organizations within the Latino
community both on the national
and local level. Specifically,
Hyundai recruits qualified
candidates through Hispanic
educational and employment
organizations for employment
opportunities, Hyundai provides
funding to support educational
scholarship and internship
programs in Latino communities,
Hyundai provides important
distracted driver safety seminars
to Latino students, Hyundai
provides Hispanic business
owners opportunities to do
business with Hyundai, and
Hyundai recruits qualified Latino
dealer candidates to apply for
Hyundai dealership opportunities.
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times:
What do you enjoy most about
your job?
Walter Rodriguez: Just the other
day my daughter asked me this
very same question at dinner. I’ll
share with you what I shared with
my daughter: I love working for
Hyundai because through my job,
I am helping people and most
importantly, I know I am making
a positive impact. I also know
that what I am doing is helping
Hyundai grow successfully in
the United States and across the
World.
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a Latin
ConneXions
Event Yet?
Tampa Event!
L
atin Times invites you to 1st.
Fridays @ the Doubletree Hotel
Tampa Westshore Airport @
4500 West Cypress Street | Tampa,
FL 33607 (LOTS of FREE PARKING! )
Meet lots of great people, and enjoy
many networking opportunities @ 1st
Fridays: “1st Friday Latin ConneXions”
business networking social is just
around the corner and it will be a
HUGE event! This networking social
is among the biggest, most exciting
“after-work” business events in
Tampa Bay!
Entertainers
The event starts at 5:30 PM until
8:30 PM. Like every 1st Friday
event, this event is FREE for general
admission.
1 Drink Minimum to enjoy the
delicious buffet!
Entertainment by Delite Entertainment
and exciting special Performances!
Music: Latin Jazz y Disco. Parking
is FREE and there will be many great
giveaways.
Every 1st Friday of the MONTH @ the
Double Tree!
More great events coming to a city
near you!
Brandon Event!
Join us on Friday, March 18th, 2011
for our Brandon Latin ConneXions
Networking Social at Dancin Motion
@ 127 W. Bloomingdale Ave in
Brandon, FL.
Complimentary Buffet, Free
Dance Lesson – LOTS of GREAT
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES!
About Latin
ConneXions:
L
atin ConneXions Business
Networking Socials are the
product of “Latin Times
Magazine, Florida’s Publication for
the Elite Latino.”
This event was created in order to
offer Florida’s business community
the opportunity to meet and
network with other area business
professionals in an upscale social
environment. Latin ConneXions
events attract both Latinos and nonLatinos alike and typically draws over
250 business professionals.
Exhibitor Opportunities: Exhibitors@
Latin-Times.com
More great events
coming to a city
near you!
For more information, please visit our NEWLY
Designed Website: Latin-Times.com
What an incredible
performance by Simona
B who performed at 1st
Friday “Latin ConneXions”
at the Double Tree.
In 1994, Simona B hit the Dallas music
scene with her fresh outlook on Tejano
music!
Born and raised in North Dallas. Simona grew up in a religious family with
strong Latin values. From a very young
age she often sang and performed in
church and at family gatherings. It was
not long before she realized her gift was
meant for more than just family entertainment and she decided to pursue a
career in music.
Read more about Simona B at Latin-Times.com
Jerry Ulm Dodge, Pollo
Tropical and Latin Times,
celebrated El Dia de los Tres
Reyes Magos / Three Kings Day
(LIVE TOY DRIVE and Giveaway)
on Sat, Jan 8th @ Jerry Ulm
Dodge in Tampa!
H
undreds of toys were given away to the many
children that came out to celebrate this beautiful
cultural tradition and they enjoyed the many
toys given to them by the Three Wise Kings /
Los Tres Reyes Magos, Dance performances, Bouncers,
Clowns, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Face Painting and other
fun activities
The event was FREE and courtesy of the generosity of
Jerry Ulm Dodge and Latin Times.
Sponsored in part by the Tampa Latin Chamber of
Commerce, PHHHCC, Pollo Tropical and the Puerto
Rican Chamber of Commerce of Florida.
Special THANK YOU to Jerry Ulm Dodge Chrysler
Jeep in Tampa, FL!
And if you are looking to buy a new car, LOOK NO
FURTHER than Jerry Ulm Dodge who is offering you the
opportunity to trade in your car and they will give you up
to $3,000 OVER the Kelly Blue Book Value for your trade
AND up to $8,000 OFF a NEW CAR! PLUS they will pay
off your trade no matter how much you owe! If you have
bad credit, bankruptcy, divorce or even no credit, don’t
worry! Jerry Ulm Dodge’s Credit forgiveness program gets
you the credit you need to drive home that day in a new
car! In some cases they are also offering no payment for
90 days with payments starting as low as $93 a month!
For more info contact Felix Ramirez or David
Gonzalez @ (813) 872-6645
Congratulations
to Mr. & Mrs. Al Piña
On the birth of their beautiful son
Baby Albert Piña!
Baby Albert was supposed to be born on
Christmas but our lives were blessed when he
came a month earlier than expected. Baby Albert
is the center of our family. His birth gave us
perspective that adult nonsense is not important.
It is about the children and the world we leave
them.
Name: Albert Alexander Pina IV
DOB: Nov. 26, 2010
Weight: 5 lbs. 8 ozs
Height: 18 ½ inches
bochinche blvdcontinuación
Millie Puente,
Reyna de las
Congas…
A Visit to the all
NEW Dali Museum
brings out the
Surreal Stylists
of
Tampa
By Amalia Bracho
Sorprende a muchos que el centro
moderno de arte surrealista se encuentra
en el área de Tampa Bay. La punto focal
es el reconocido Museo Dalí, que se
trasladó a su nuevo edificio, diseñado por
el conocido arquitecto, Yann Weymouth.
No es sorprendente que los diseñadores
y estilistas de la región, mientras que
influenciado por Dalí, modernizado la
estética surrealista. Cuando Amalia
Bracho necesita un traje para uno de los
eventos de gala asociada a la apertura del
museo, que sabía que necesitaba hacer
un llamamiento a diseñador de Tampa,
Mario Gómez, y estilistas Amra Farcheg y
Mónica Ponce de Muse Salón.
El nuevo Dalí es el doble del tamaño del
actual museo. Maravillosas obras de
Salvador Dalí de arte, finalmente tendrá
un hogar diseñado específicamente para
esta colección. El nuevo Museo Dalí
también es construido para proteger
la colección de arte no tiene precio.
El diseño ya ha atraído la atención del
mundo y está considerado como “uno de
los edificios principales que hay que ver
antes de morir” en AOL Noticias de Viajes.
The new Dalí is located at:
One Dali Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tel: (727) 823-3767 or 1-800-442-DALI (3254)
www.thedali.org
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin Times: Millie how did
you get started in the music industry?
Millie Puente: I started with Tito Puente, and
through the years he introduced me to Ralph
Mercado’s recording label.
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin Times: You are the niece
of the most recognized and talented musician,
Tito Puente, tell us about your relationship with
him?
Mille Puente: My
relationship with Tito
Puente was very special.
As part of my family and
musical director he was
the best of the best.
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin
Times: You recently
have been playing at
Without Walls for the
Spanish service with
Pastor Mike Salas; tell us
how that came to be, and
how you like it?
Millie Puente: I started
to visit Without Walls,
and a Spanish nice lady
invited me to the Latin
Connection, and from
there I continue visiting
and now I am a member
of the Latin connection
church. And I am very
thankful to God to be
there Amen!
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin
Times: Tell us about your
relationship with God
and how he has affected
your life?
Millie Puente: My
relationship with God
has been a blessing
experience. And since I
gave my heart to Jesus
Christ he has change my
life completely in sprit
and soul and now I am a
new born Christian.
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin
Times: Tell us about
your singing career, and what is the works with
that?
Millie Puente: Now my career is for the lord,
and trough my singing and playing I want to win
soul for the lord..
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin Times: Who living or
deceased have been a hero and an inspiration
in your life?
Millie Puente: My hero and my inspiration in
my life is the lord my father Jesus Christ.
Jolie Gonzalez /Latin Times: What are the
future plans for Millie Puente?
Millie Puente: My future plans is to be able to
go to other countries and sing to people that
need God in their hearts, and give then all my
love in Jesus name.
Rays Sign Manny
Ramirez, Johnny Damon
for $7.25M
Big Year ahead for Tampa Bay, as the Rays signed
free agent outfielder Johnny Damon and designated
hitter Manny Ramirez each to one-year contracts.
Damon will earn a base salary of $5.25 million.
Ramirez will be paid $2 million.
I
n Ramirez and Damon, the Rays are
getting two of the three active players
with 2,500 hits, 1,500 runs and
800 extra- base hits. The two have
combined for 23 seasons of 30 or more
doubles, 16 seasons of .300 or better
batting averages and 16 seasons of 100 or
more runs. Damon’s 103 hits at Tropicana
Field are second most by a visiting player
and Ramirez’s 92 are third.
The two have played a combined total of
166 postseason games and at least one
of them has gone to the postseason in 13
of the last 16 seasons. Ramirez has made
11 trips to the postseason and Damon
seven. Each player has won two world
championships: they were teammates
on the 2004 World Champion Red Sox,
Ramirez won a second title with the 2007
Red Sox and Damon was a member of the
2009 Yankees.
Damon, 37, is a veteran of 16 major league
seasons with the Kansas City Royals (19952000), Oakland Athletics (2001), Boston
Red Sox (2002-05), New York Yankees
(2006-09) and Detroit Tigers (2010). In
145 games last season he hit .271 (146-for539) with eight home runs, 51 RBI, 81 runs
scored, 11 stolen bases and a .355 on-base
percentage.
He has appeared in 140 or more games for
15 consecutive seasons, a feat matched by
only four players: Hank Aaron (16 seasons),
Brooks Robinson (16), Pete Rose (16) and
Willie Mays (15). The two-time All-Star
(2002, 2005) has had 11 seasons of 30 or
more doubles, including 36 in each of the
last two seasons. The only active player with
more doubles is Ramirez with 12. Damon is
also one of three active players, 14 all-time,
with 10 seasons of 100 or more runs.
A left-handed hitter, Damon owns a career
.287 batting average with 2,571 hits, 215
home runs and 385 stolen bases. With 13
more doubles he will become just the fifth
player in the last 50 years with 500 doubles
and 100 triples joining George Brett, Paul
Molitor, Pete Rose and Robin Yount. He
resides in Orlando, where he attended Dr.
Phillips High School.
Ramirez, 38, is a 12-time All-Star (1995,
1998-2008) and nine-time Silver Slugger
Award winner. The 18-year veteran has
played for the Cleveland Indians (19932000), Red Sox (2001-08), Los Angeles
Dodgers (2008-10) and Chicago White Sox
(2010). He split the 2010 season between
the Dodgers and White Sox, batting a
combined .298 (79-for-265) in 90 games
with nine home runs, 42 RBI, a .409
on-base percentage and .460 slugging
percentage. With 555 career home runs,
Ramirez ranks 14th on the all-time list
and third among active players. Only four
members of the 500-home run club have a
higher career batting average than Ramirez’
.313 mark: Ted Williams (.344), Babe Ruth
(.342) and Jimmie Foxx (.325). His 1,830
RBI rank second among active players
and 18th in baseball history. Ramirez
has also compiled 547 doubles (second
among actives), a .586 slugging percentage
(second among actives, ninth all time) and
.411 on-base percentage (third among
actives).
Ramirez has batted .300 or better 11 times
and has a current streak of 16 consecutive
seasons of .290 or better. Only five players
all-time have hit .290 or better in 16
straight seasons of 300 or more plate
appearances: Ty Cobb (20), Tris Speaker
(19), Tony Gwynn (17), Stan Musial (16)
and Babe Ruth (16).
His 21 grand slams rank second all-time
to Lou Gehrig (23). Ramirez has recorded
12 seasons of at least 30 home runs and
100 RBI, one of four players to do so along
with Alex Rodriguez (14 seasons), Jimmie
Foxx (12) and Babe Ruth (12). He was born
in the Dominican Republic and currently
resides in Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Ramirez is baseball’s all-time
postseason home run leader with 29
and ranks second all-time with 78 RBI.
He was named Most Valuable Player of
the 2004 World Series.
the sports roomcontinuación
Latin Times on the
sidelines for Bucs
final 2010 Games
By: Victor Padilla
T
he very first Bucs game I went to was
when the Bucs played against the
Rams in the playoffs of 1979. The Bucs
were young and fresh, a new team with
John McKay at the helm Coaching. Their
color spectrum of Florida Orange, red and
white with the image of a pirate who’s
face would resembled Tampa’s own Jose
Gaspar, a respected, Spanish naval officer
who turned pirate. Aggressively through
the years our Bucs Changed Coaches,
changed colors, and finally scored a great
treasure when they won Super Bowl XXXVII
playing against the Oakland Raiders in
2003. Today the Bucs have grown to stand
tall with the greatest teams in the NFL.
Latin Times enjoyed press privileges
for the last part of the 2010 Buccaneer
Season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
finished the 2010 NFL regular season
with a 10-6 record. Not bad at all! We
are confident that the 2011 season will be
even better! Go Bucs!
Franklopez
Name/Number: Frank Lopez
What is your Profession/Title? NBA
Clinician
Company: NBA
What is your Pais? Puerto Rico
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez:
Please tell us your familia and your
background?
Frank Lopez: Born raised in Brooklyn,
New York, to Francisco and Andrea
Lopez. The eldest of four boys
(Marcos, Benjamin and David). Grew
up in a traditional Hispanic household
where parents spoke Spanish and the
kids spoke English while attending
church (strict up bringing) almost
every day. We used sports as a way of
life living in the projects (Williamsburg
Housing), to stay away from the
drugs and violence that plagued our
community. Our parents worked hard
to offer us a better way of life. My Dad
was an associate pastor of a small
Spanish church and always wanted
us to do the right things and to better
our small area of the world. Like
my brothers, I gravitated to sports,
baseball, football, basketball and even
street hockey. But it was baseball and
basketball that got me thru high school
and then onto college.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: Tell us
about how you first began coaching
and how u came to be where you are
today.
Frank Lopez: While playing sports
I never settled with just playing the
games. I was a student of the game.
I always tried to beat my opponent by
using strategy always wanting to be the
captain to choose the sides and setting
the rules for the games. I watched
a great deal of games on TV, where
other kids were outside, I was watching
the game of the week. I would break
down plays as they were taking place,
I would draw up what I would see
then try and figure out why that play
worked or why it didn’t. You could say
I had a fascination for the subtleties
for the game. After my playing days at
Southeastern University I went right
into coaching.
Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: Who was
your hero growing up that inspired you to
get involved with Sports/Basketball?
Frank Lopez: I had many sports figures
I looked up to, but Walt Frazier a guard
for the New York Knicks in the 60’s and
70’s was my all-time favorite because of
team play and how he conducted himself
on and off the court. A gentleman who
praised his teammates and coaches
and took NO credit for himself. My high
school coach Allen Blanc, who played
in the 60’s for NYU, taught me to have
respect for yourself, your opponent and
the game. I draw a great deal from how
my Dad raised me. There were always
lessons I NOW understand.
Multicultural
Festival
A Taste of Diversity &
Business Expo
@ Florida State
Fairgrounds
Saturday, April 30th, 2011
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Celebrating Rich
Culture, Arts &
Crafts, LIVE Cultural
Performances,
Delicious Foods and
UNITY!
face painting, puppet
shows and MORE!
Multicultural
Musical
performances
include:
Asian Dance, Middle Eastern
performances, tropical music,
Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Steel Pan
Bands, exciting cultural dance
lessons and performances, a
multicultural costume parade and
so much MORE!
Although the event offers FREE
admission, we are asking each
person to donate $1.00 towards
Christian’s Fight. “meet” Christian,
go to ChristiansFight.com.
There will be a VIP Taste of
Diversity: featuring the tastes and
aromas of the different cultures!
(Tickets required for this area)
Event sponsored by: Latin Times
Media, Inc. FMCRC, Tampa Latin
Chamber of Commerce, Pasco
Hernando Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, Verizon, HART, WEDU,
V-Me, Salem Communications,
Centro Newspaper, St. Pete Times,
Telemundo, ESPN Deportes
1550 AM, Univision, La Maxima
92.5 FM, The Power Broker
Magazine, Humana, Good Faith
Insurance, Tropical Fun Rentals,
Dancing N Motion, Higher Dreams
Productions, Grace Family Church,
Without Walls International Church,
The Crossings Church, Ziur
Photography.
Great Kidz ZONE with
Clowns, Jumpers,
Exhibit and sponsorship:
[email protected]
(813) 407-6866 or (813) 407-7191.
A FREE COMMUNITY festival & expo
celebrating the richness of Florida’s
Multicultural communities! Dozens
of Performances, over 200 Food,
Cultural & Business Exhibitors,
Art Exhibits, Workshops, Worship
Sessions, Seminars, Cigar Lounge
and MORE!
Lets HELP Christian
– Please attend
the Multicultural
Festival and give
Christian $1.00!
M
eet Christian….Christian was
born a healthy baby, or at
least they thought. When he
was 15 months old, his Mommy and
Yaya, (that means grandma) noticed
that he had stopped sitting up alone,
rolling around, crawling and lifting
my head. They were very concerned. They went to see his pediatrician and
he sent them to see a neurologist.
A couple of weeks later they found
out he had SMA (Spinal Muscular
Atrophy.) The doctor said that he
would not live past 2 years old. That
is the day his fight began. You see,
SMA stands for Spinal Muscular
Atrophy and it’s the number one
genetic killer of children under two
years old. It causes children to lose
muscle strength necessary to move,
cough, swallow and even breathe.
A slight cold can put an SMA child
in the hospital and cause major
complications.
Celebrating
Vibrant
Colors!
Rich Culture, Arts &
Crafts, LIVE Cultural
Performances
Delicious Foods and
UNITY!
Dozens of Performances
Over 200 Food, Cultural &
Biz Exhibitors, Art Exhibits,
Workshops, Worship Sessions,
Seminars, Cigar Lounge and
MORE!
Featuring 3 Stages
honoring music in
the Latino culture,
African American and
the Asian Culture,
as well as a Worship
Dome! Featuring LIVE
performances by: Adriel
Gonzalez y Su Orchestra,
A Son de Plena, Mike
Salas and MORE!
PLUS: OUR VIP Taste of
Diversity, featuring the tastes
and aromas of the different
cultures! (Tickets required for
this area)
Over 10,000
People
Expected!
Although the event is
FREE to get in, we are
asking guests each
guest to donate $1.00
per person to Christian’s
Fight, one special little’s
boys fight against SMA.
Visit ChristiansFight.
com to “meet”
Christian!
Give
Christian
$1.00
An exciting fun filled day for
family & community featuring
multicultural food exhibits and
tastings, children’s art, cultural
arts & crafts and live musical
performances! Multicultural
Business Expo: Tampa Bay’s
multicultural and minority
business community is invited
to exhibit their businesses,
and guests are encouraged to
attend and participate in our
multicultural workshops and
seminars.
Multicultural
Musical
performances
include:
Asian Dance, Middle Eastern
performances, tropical music,
Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Steel Pan
Bands, exciting cultural dance
lessons and performances, a
multicultural costume parade
and so much MORE!
Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities:
[email protected] (813) 4076866 or (813) 407-7191.
Accounting and Beyond
LLC
Jackie Quinones
5225 Ehlich Dr Ste F,
Tampa, FL 33624
813-998-9800
Centro Tampa
Carlos Espinel
202 S Parker St, Tampa,
FL 33606
813-259-8133
www.CentroTampa.com
Advance Cable
Connection
Richard Schemitsch
P.O Box 8097, Tampa, FL
33674
813-978-0101
www.accicable.com
Chase
David Aponte
10943 Causeway Blvd,
Brandon, FL
813-571-08-41
En Casa Con Martin
YCaza
Martin Ycaza
2366 East Mall Drive 312,
Fort Myers, FL 33901
234-247-4909
Clear Channel Outdoor
Alexis Sotolongo
5555 Ulmerton Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33760
813-2985220
www.clearchannel.com
Entravision
Communications
Lily Gonzalez
2610 W Hillborough Ave,
Tampa, FL 33614
813-998-3601
Clear Channel Radio
Ileana Iturriaga Giordano
P.O. Box 26331, Tampa,
FL 33623
813-494-5707
Erick Corps
An American Organization
Alicia Trigo
20435 Moss Bend Ct
Lutz,FL 33558
813-865-5316
www.amazingorg.com
Ana G Mendez University
System
Yvonne Cadiz
3655 Waters Avenue,
Tampa, FL 33614
813-230-0872
www.suagm.edu
Anderson Thornton
Consultants
Roger Silvera
15438 N FL Ave Suite 104,
Tampa, FL 33613
813-546-1876
www.hrman.net
Arbonne International
Lorien Smith Johnson
3107 W Fair Oales Ave,
Tampa, FL 33611
813-758-3492
Bay Sports Orthopedic
Specialist
Jeffrey L Tedder
5015 4th St N, St. Pete FL
33703
727-520-0855
Bayview Radiology
Cesar Seminario
10010 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Suite 150,
Tampa FL 33618-4469
813-205-8524
www.bayviewradiology.com
Bijou Brigitte Inc
Joeng Hwa Park
7941 Citrus Park Dr, Tampa,
FL 33625
813-926-4752
www.bijou-brigitte.com
Black Tie Rentals
Sandy Bonet
19651 Bruce B Down Blvd,
Tampa, FL 33647
813-900-7845
Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Florida
Oscar Rojas
5404 Cypress Center Dr
Suite 130, Tampa, FL 33609
813-288-9500
www.ab-financialgroup.com
Community Tampa Bay
Stacie Blake
9535 International Court
North, St. Petersburg, FL
33716
Cortes Hodz Family law
and Mediation, P.A.
Vivian Cortes Hodz
505 E. Jackson, Suite 203,
Tampa, FL 33602
813-5140909
www.corteshodzlaw.com
Coulter, Aviles, & Jackson
LLC
Jon Aviles
14452 Bruce B Downs,
Tampa, FL 33613
813-514-1729
www.cajcpa.com
CruiseOne Tampa
Maria T Steijlen
11218 Pocket Brook Dr,
Tampa,FL 33635
813-855-0373
www.cruiseone.com
Customized Financial
Solutions LLC
Itamar J Martinez
3111 w Dr. MLK Blvd Ste
100, Tampa, FL 33607
Damaio & Associates
Victor Rudy Dimaio
PO BOX 22885 Tampa, FL
33622
813-361-1922
Duque & Associates
Frank A Duque
4509 N Armenia Ave,
Tampa, FL 33603
813-998-0803
ESPN Deportes 1550 Am
Gabriela Guerrero
4201 N. Armenia Ave
Tampa, Fl 33607
813-500-0381
www.
momentodeportivo1550am.
com
Fast Claim Consultants
John Mercedes Aca
4102 West Linebaugh
Avenue
Tampa, FL 33618
813-443-4862
Fiol & Gomez, P.A
Alejandro Fiol
1515 N Marion St # 1
Tampa, FL 33602-2605
Florida State Fair
Authority
Terri Parnell
4800 US Hwy 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
813-627-4313
www.doacs.state.fl.us
Frederick
Communications
Al Frederick
16159 Gardendale Dr
Tampa, FL 33624
813-758-9149
Freire and Gonzalez P.A
Fernanda Rodriguez
2124 W Kennedy Blvd Ste
C Tampa, FL 33606
813-251-1100
www.freiregonzalez.com
Demolition Comics, INC
William Insignares
4049 S Dale Mabry Hwy,
Tampa, FL 33611
www.demolitioncomics.com
Global TPA LLC
Ricardo Cabrera / John
Williams
5403 N Church Ave Tampa,
FL 33614
813-506-6000 ext 1116
www.freedomhealth.com
Dignity Memorial
Maria Gonzalez
7209 N Dale Mabry Hwy,
Tampa, FL 33614
813-931-1833
www.sci-us.com
Hart
David Armijo
1201 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL
33605
813-623-5835
www.gohart.org
Breeze of the Bay A/C
14119 Wake Robin Dr,
Brooksville, FL 34604
Dos XX Beer
Emeline Fines
Carpet System Inc DBA
Carpet Store
Peter Beale
5015 W Hillsborough Ave,
Tampa, FL 33634
813-249-2088
DoubleTampa Westshore
Christian Salazar
4500 W Cypress St, Tampa,
FL 33607
813-998-2210
www.hilton.com
Higher Standards Public
Adjusters Inc
Penelope Serrano
2520 W Minnehana ST
Tampa, FL 33614
813-774-9111
www.highstandarspa.com
Irene M Rodriguez PA
Irene M Rodriguez
3918 N Highland Ave
Tampa, Fl 33603
813-221-4111
www.imrodriguezlaw.com
Coloutes
13014 Saint Filagree Dr,
Riverview, FL 33579-7082
813-663-9500
J & L GREEN LIGHT INS
Mirelia Arenas
5001 N Nebraska Ave Ste D
Tampa, FL 33603
813-514-0888
Mosi
Wit Ostrenko/Alicia SlaterHaase, Sara Leonard
4801 E Fowler Ave Tampa,
FL 33617
813-987-6304
www.mosi.org
Janet Rojas
23843 Plantation Palms
Blvd Land o Lakes, FL
34639
813-996-6880
JCT Travel
Eloy “Greg” Gregory
8722 Bay Crest Lane
Tampa,FL 33615
813-376-4219
Kegan Enterprises
Cynthia Kegan
6527 Black Mangrove Dr
Largo, Fl 33773
727-919-7808
Latin Times Media, Inc.
Jolie Gonzalez
2302 W. St. Louis St.
Tampa, FL 33607
813-407-6866
www.Latin-Times.com
Leticia L Valdes
Lilibeth Cain, PA
Lilibeth Cain
PO BOX 850 Riverview,
FL 33568
813-391-2204
Major League Financial
Gustavo Bustamente
3111 W Dr. Marthin Luther
King Blvd Suite 100 Tampa,
FL 33607-6235
813-418-5246
www.majorleaguefinancial.
com
Manana Marketing Devin
Ventures Inc
Ileana Devin
8325 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33615
813-885-4005
Maney & Gordon
Richard Giglio
Maribel Sanchez
8212 W Waters Ave Tampa,
FL 33615
813-871-1529
Mary Kay Deborah
Belcher
Deborah Belcher
4028 Audubon Dr Largo,
FL 33771
727-480-6781
Max GXL
June Morris
5230 Denver St NE St
Petersburg, FL 33703
727-463-0354
Mike Suarez
1304 W Plymouth St
Tampa, FL 33603
813-282-1020
www.wachovia.com
Milan Construction and
Remodeling
Devy Silverthorne / Dominic
Nelson L Rodriguez
171 E Bloomingdale Avenue
Brandon, FL 33511
813-382-8203
International Attorney
Norma C Reno
813-390-5709
Nuskin
Angela Yates
1198 Lazy Lake Rd
Dunedin, FL34698
813-810-9402
www.pharmanexmd.com
Pasco Hernando Chamber
of Commerce
Rocio Paulsen
Pilar Ortiz Enterprises
Pilar Ortiz
Po BOX 4383 Clearwater,
FL 33758
727-557-5656
www.pilarortiz.com
Pilka & Associates, P.A
Mayra Calo
213 Providence RD
Brandon, FL 33511
813-653-3800
www.pilka.com
Pinecrest Day Care
Ana Tomas
6609 N Hale Ave Tampa,
FL 33614
813-735-6344
Rodan + Fields Bilingual
Luisa Meyer
13528 westshire Dr Tampa,
Fl 33618
813-264-4929
Royal Trust Properties
Sissy Echevarria
89 Martinique Dr Tampa,
FL 33606
813-494-0913
www.royaltrustproperties.
com
Sonrise Seafood LLC
Lazaro Gonzalez/William
Hughes
4503 E 7th Ave Tampa,FL
33605
813-241-9300
Southern Crafted Homes
Jim Deitch
3840 Land O Lakes, Land O
lakes, FL 34639
813-751-0210 ext 332
www.southercraftedhomes.
com
St. Pete Times
Grace Posada
Sunshine Geriatric
Services
Delma Sweazey
PO BOX 4871 Seminole,
FL 33775
727-748-5072
www.sunshinegeriatric.com
Superior Foundation
Solutions
John Quinones / John Lang
5225 Ehlich Dr Ste F
Tampa, FL 33624
813-601-5888
Tampa Chiropractic
Dr. Brian Caez
1001 N MacDill Ave Tampa,
FL 33607
813-8274455
www.drcaez.com
Tampa International
Airport
Trudy Carson
PO BOX 22287 Tampa, FL
33622
813-875-6670
www.tampaairport.com
Tampa Port Authority
Jim Pyburn
1101 Channelside Dr Tampa
FL 33602
813-905-5109
www.tampaport.com
TBA Medical Center, INC
3707 W Hamilton Ave Ste
102 Tampa, FL 33614
TELEMUNDO
Francisco J Moll
www.zgsgroup.com
The Campaign of Janet
Cruz
Janet Cruz
5035 W San Miguel St
Tampa, FL 33629
Tony Santos
Top Line Broadcasting
WLCC
Erika Espitia
1915 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33607
813-871-1819
www.toplinebroadcasting.
com
USF
Jessica Taylor
31343 Anniston Dr Wesley
Chapel, FL 33543
813-507-9898
Volvo of Tampa
Daniel D Omallen/Andy
Marrero
6008 N dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33614
813-885-2717
Weight & Body Solutions
Michael Berkezchuk
5907 Webb Road Tampa,
FL 33615
813-886-6959
WMORTV32/ESTRELLA
TV
Ken Lucas
7201 East Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33610
813-6263232
www.hearst.com
WTOG-TV
Sophia A Lopez
365 105th Terrace St.
Petersburg, FL 33716
727-570-4228
www.wtogtv.com
directorycontinuación
Accounting Management
Services
Minerva Ramos
2344 Crestover Lane Building
7.
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-907-5656
www.accountingworkshop.com
Afocuson Fitness
Kelly Mothershead
2136 Asheley Oaks Circle
Suite 101.
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-843-2354
AJA Wiregrass
Christina Navatta
28330 Pasco Drive Suite 190.
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-385-8510
American National and
International Mediators LLC
Carolyn Dragseth
2405 Creel Lane
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-377-3837
www.AmericanniMediator.org
Americhoice
Judy Powers
601 Brooker Creek Blvd
Oldsmar FL 34677
727-433-0379
www.evercarehealthplans.com
Auto Muri LLC/Quality Care
Automotive
Gustavo Giovannetti
1915 Collier Parkway
Land O’ Lakes FL 33549
813-909-4030
www.qualitycareautocenter.
com
BBT Bank
Eddie Acevedo
26644 Silver Maple Prkwy
Wesley Chapel FL 33543
813-907-2010
www.bbandt.com
Best Buy
Michael Noriega
5947 Wesley Grove Blvd
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-482-8277
Bfit Coffe
Beth Feiertag
8228 Placid Street
Spring Hill FL 34606
352-397-5239
Big-Frog Custom T-Shirts of
Wesley Chapel
Patricia Cardona
24830 SR 54
Lutz FL 33559
813-909-9235
www.bigfrog.com
Consuelo M. Gonzalez
Consuelo Gonzalez
37715 Magnolia Avenue
Dade City FL 33523
352-567-3203
Crespostour 22 Inc
Carlos Magno Crespo
9162 Lakechase Island Way
Tampa FL 33626
978-609-6911
Chris Back Insurance
Chris Black
58452 6th Avenue
Zephyrhills FL 33542
813-782-3555
Custom Computer Coach
Christine Campos
18113 Suger Brokke Drive
Tampa FL 33647
813-907-7737
Dancing With Grace
Grace Badillo
19407 Sweet Grass Way
Lutz FL 33558
410-903-0648
Edward Jones Investments
Jimmy Tovar
2748 Windguard Circle.
Suite 101
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-991-7034
www.edwardjones.com
Elena Mccullough
Elena Mccullough
P.O. Box 7634
Wesley Chapel FL 33545
813-784-6153
www.elenamccullough.com
ESPN Deportes
Jayme Ribeiro Neto
4107 W. Spruce St Suite 250
Tampa FL 33607
813-319-4949
FarmWorkers Self-Help
Margarita Romo
37240 Calle de Milagros
Dade City FL 33523
352-206-7763
www.fshflorida.org
Fines Lines Boutique
Janet Schuleer
5168 Mariner Blvd
Spring Hill FL 34609
352-666-8843
Finest Deeyas
John Jay Angala
27221 Sr 56 #110
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
813-208-3232
Florida Bank
Welselly Santana
3001 Cove Bend Dr
Tampa, FL 33613
813-463-4200
www.flbank.com
Florida Medical Clinic
Christine Hope
38135 Market Square
Zephyrhills FL 33542
813-779-0685
Frederick Communications &
Consulting LLC
Al Frederick
3837 Northdale Blvd #112
Tampa FL 33624
813-758-9149
Fresh Legal Prospective
Natalia Grisales
16536 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa FL 33625
877-232-2455
www.FreshLegalProspective.
com
Gaceta Latina
Maria Barros
27524 Cashford Loop,Suite
102
Wesley Chapel .FL 33544
813-936-4024
www.gacetalatinanews.com
Gateway Chiropractic Clinic
Pedro Rosado
6761 Land O’Lakes Blvd
Land O’ Lakes,FL 33544
813-495-4181
Genesis 680 AM
Evelyn Chaparro
2005 Pam Am Circle
Suite 250
Tampa, FL 33607
813-637-8000
www.genesis680.com
Girl Scout of West Central
Florida
Karla Jagannathan
27912 Summer Place Dr
Wesley Chapel ,FL 33544
813-262-1761
www.gswcf.org
Good Faith Insurance Services
Rocio Paulsen
3848 Flatiron Loop,Suite 102
Wesley Chapel , FL 33544
813-909-6965
www.gf-is.com
Guardian Protection Services
Julio Hurtado
P.O. Box 6192
Port Richey, FL 34674
727-505-2858
www.guardianprotection.com
Gulf Ridge Council, BSA
Stephen Kubasek
13228 N. Central Ave
Tampa,FL 33612
813-872-2691
www.boyscouting.com
Hampton Inn and Suites
Janet Arnold
2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-973-2288
HBIF
Yanina Rosario
7402 N. 56th Street, Suite 45
Tampa, FL 33617
813-980-2765
Helicon
Antonio Kaik
4217 N. Sandalwood Ln
Tampa, FL 33682
813-900-5757
www.heliconfoundationrepair.
com
Henry C’s
Felix Manzanares
37752 Meridian Ave
Dade City, FL 33752
352-521-7793
Hernando Home Health
Care, Inc.
Mindy Ramirez
6165 De Hona Blvd
Spring Hill, FL 34606
352-442-1539
Hispanic Scholarship Civic &
Cultural Foundation
Dennis Cotto
2180 Malaga Ave
Brooksville, FL 34609
813-841-7700
www.hsccf.org
HPH Hospice
Robin Kocher
12107 Majestic Blvd
Hudson, FL 34667
727-863-7971
www.hph-hospice.org
Humana
Montserratt Urena
5401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Suite 161
Tampa, FL 33609
813-298-4617
www.humana.com
Iglesia Cristo a las Naciones
Patricia Sandoval
Heritage Isles
Tampa, FL 33647
813-994-1763
Jarrett Ford Lincon Mercury
Darryl Collins
38300 Dick Jarrett Way
Dade City, FL 33525
352-567-6711
www.Jarrettford.com
John A. Ferlita M.D., P.A.
Alina Ferlita
6719 Gall Blvd, Suite 208
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-782-7318
Kuima Net
Manuel Stagg
2413 Silvermoss Dr
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-679-8577
www.kuaima.net
Latin-Times Media, Inc.
Jolie Gonzalez
2302 W. St. Louis St.
Tampa, FL 33607
813-407-6866
www.Latin-Times.com
Lithobinder USA
Ramon Jimenez
4611 N. Hale St., Suite B
Tampa, FL 33614
813-249-1241
Lose It Right
Candace Koney
8403 Balm Street
Weeki Wachee, FL 34607
352-340-5938
www.loseitrightwithcandace.
com
Louis Tiffany Realtor/Charles
Rutember
Louis Rodriguez
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-333-3871
Lucas, Green and Magazine
Tracy Ramirez
8606 Government Dr.
New Port Richey, FL 34654
727-845-7949
www.pascolawgroup.com
Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pregnancy
Center
Ana Hidalgo-Cooks
1528 Land O’Lakes Blvd.,
Suite 102
Lutz, FL 33549
813-948-7734
www.lutzpregnancy.org
Martinez Chiropractic and
Wellness Center
Robert Martinez
10520 SpringHill Dr
Brooksville, FL 34608
352-686-1686
www.martinezchiro.com
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Scarlet Torres
8253 Galgano Ln
Spring Hill, FL 34606
347-671-2575
www.MaryKay.com
Oasis Pregnancy Center
Peter Castellani
3632 Land O’ Lakes
Suite 108
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
813-406-4965
www.oasispregnancycenter.org
OurTownFLA.com
Anthony Masella, Jr.
3848 Briarbrook Place
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34649
813-951-4200
www.ourtownfla.com
Premier Community Health
Care Group
Sue Hutson
37944 Pasco Ave, Ste A
Dade City, FL 33525
352-518-2000
www.hcnetwork.org
2136 Ashley Oaks Circle
Suite 101
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
813-973-8187
Qualilty Time Learning Center
Nelson Patricio Guevera
10552 Coralkey Ave
Tampa, FL 33647
813-907-1396
State Farm/Adi Khonsandian
Erica Cantu
20752 Center Oak Dr
Tampa, FL 33647
813-991-4111
www.StateFarm.com
Rasmussen College
Melinda Rodriguez
2127 Grand Boulevard
Holiday, FL 34690
813-779-0685
REAP Financial Group LLC
Alton Scott
9602 Nathaniel Ln
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
407-361-1029
www.reapfq.com
Republican Party of Pasco
Louie Rodriguez
15041 Princewood Ln
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
813-333-3871
www.club-politico.org
Rosie’s Boutique
Edgard Valdez
14012 7th St, Unit 15
Dade City, FL 33525
813-770-8711
Saint Leo University
Ana T. Di Donato
P.O. Box 6665, MC2323
Saint Leo, FL 33574
352-588-8992
San Antonio Citizens Federal
Credit Union
Jill Evans
37925 Church Ave
Dade City, FL 33525
352-521-5606
www.sacfcu.org
Scarlet Ribbon Dist.
Scarlet Torres
8523 Galgano Lane
Spring Hill, FL 34606
347-671-2575
Shop Best.com
Frances Lee
1451 Obear Ct
Wesley Chapel , FL 33543
813-600-9098
Sign-A-Rama of New Tampa
Beatriz Cardona
1821 Bruce B. Downs Blvd
Suite 111
Tampa, FL 33647
813-994-0101
www.signarama-newtampa.
com
SkyBlue Carpet Care Inc
Miguel Rozo
6801 Aramon Ct
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
813-406-0668
www.skybluecarpetcare.com
Soto Construction Corp
Ralph Soto
23110 State Rd 54 # 319
Lutz FL 33549
813-436-7094
www.sotoconstructioncorp.
com
Soto Publishing Co.
Pedro Soto
P.O. Box 10
Dade City, FL 33626
352-567-5256
Stars Organic Spa
Ryan Star
Suncoast Schools Federal
JennyTorres
813-621-7511
Sunset Memory Gardens
Givanni Caballero
11005 N. US Hwy 301
Tampa, FL 33592
813-986-2402
www.dignitymemorial.com
Suntrust
BonnyMatles
12501 Drayton Dr.
Spring Hill, FL 34609
352-442-8680
www.SunTrust.com
Tampa Bay Gulf and Country
Club
Rich Unger
10641 Old Tampa Bay Dr
San Antonio, FL 33576
352-588-0059
Tampa Bay Professional
Cleaning
Silva Rayner
20043 Heritage Pointe , D1
Tampa, FL 33647
813-562-6795
Tampa Latin Chamber
Alfred Frederick
5525 Ehrlich Rd Suite F
Tampa FL 33624
813-758-9149
www.tampalatinchamber.com
Texas Road House
Corina Evans
26409 Silver Maple Pkwy
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
321-506-2265
www.texasroadhouse.com
The Drapery Company
Anna Diaz
2415 Sunset Lane
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-3100
The Way Radio Mix WWMG
Michael Gonzales
15413 Sarota Dr.
Brooksville, FL 34604
561-629-4278
The Window Man
Jimmy Skolburg
P.O. Box 6956
Hudson, FL 34674
352-397-5739
Uniwax New Tampa
Armando Acosta
6417 County Line Rd
Tampa, FL 33647
813-477-2573
www.uniwax.com
West Gate Printing
Sue Prenderville
36942 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-788-4237
Withlacoochee River Electric
Cooperative, Inc.
David Lampert
P.O. Box 278
Dade City, FL 33523
352-567-5133
Friday, April
1st, 2011
6th Anniversary
Celebration of
1st Friday Latin
ConneXions!
10th
Anniversary Celebration of Latin
Times Magazine @ The Double
Tree 4500 W. Cypress St, Tampa,
FL. 33607 Starts at 5:30pm –
8:30pm for more information call
813-407-6866, email@ Jolie@
Latin-Times.com
April 02 - April 03, 2011
International Shrimp Fest:
Daytona Beach, Florida.
Daytona Beach’s biggest music
festival with heart-pounding
entertainment, action packed
family activities and delicious
food. For more information call
386-566-6876
Sunday, April
3rd, 2011
Afro-Cuban All
Stars @ The
David Straz
Performing Arts
(Tampa, FL)
Info: strazcenter.org
Friday, Apr 8th,
2011
The Florida
Orchestra:
Hot! Hot! Hot!
A Night at
the Copa @
David A. Straz Jr. Center for
the Performing Arts, Tampa
In a musical tribute to New
York’s famed hot spot, The
Copacabana, Grammy Awardwinning arranger Victor Vanacore
leads the orchestra in a night of
sizzling Latin dance rhythms.
8:00pm Info (727) 892-3337,
visit www.floridaorchestra.org
Los Munequitos
De Matanzas @
Curtis M Phillips
Center for
Performing Arts
Gainesville,
FL.7:30 PM.
Info: Ticketmaster.com
April 11-17th ,
2011
Outback
Steakhouse
Pro-Am: The
Champions
Tour’s top
money-winners compete at TPC
Tampa Bay. Celebrities and
amateurs will play alongside
Champions Tour professionals in
the first and second rounds, with
a select number competing again
in Sunday’s final round. 2010
Champion - Bernhard Langer.
Call (813) 265-4653 or visit www.
outbackproam.com
Fri., April 15 ,
2011
Juanes @
American
Airlines Arena
Miami, FL. The
Colombian
singersongwriter and all around
Latin icon will be performing
his newly released acclaimed,
Grammy-winning La Vida es. for
information please call: 786777-1000 or http://aaarena.com
8:00pm Ticket Price: $40-$110
th
Friday, April 15th, 2011
Lady Gaga: The Monster Ball
tour Amway Center Orlando 8:00
pm http://tickets.eventchannel.
net for tickets and information
Friday, April 8th, 2011
Ricky Martin @ Amway Center
(Orlando, FL)
7:30 PM. Tickets at
Ticketmaster.com
Saturday, April
16th, 2011
Los Muñequitos
de Matanzas @
The David Straz
Performing Arts
(Tampa, FL)
Info: strazcenter.org
Sunday, April 10th, 2011
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Atlantis’ “Sin Fin” Latin Night:
12:00 - 8:00 pm La Fiesta
Mexican Restaurant 2329
Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee,
FL 32301 Venue Phone: 850656-3392
Friday, Apr 29th
World of Nations Celebration
Metropolitan Park, Jacksonville,
FL
Journey with us as we celebrate
the rich cultural traditions and
unique heritage of people from
around the world. As you travel
through the World of Nations,
you will have the opportunity to
experience the cuisine, artistry
and customs from lands near
and far, 10:00 AM. Info: www.
makeascenedowntowm. World of
Nations Celebration Information
(904) 630-3690
[email protected]
Saturday, April
30th, 2011!
Latin Times
Media Inc.
presents
1st Annual
Multicultural
Festival and
taste of Diversity: at the Florida
State Fair, Starts at Noon ends
at 8pm, a celebration of life
thru unity. Info 813-407-6866 or
email- [email protected]
Thursday, May
5th, 2011
Cinco de Mayo
Celebration,
2nd Annual
Tampa Latin
Chamber of
Commerce, Golf
Tournament. Info:
TampaLatinChamber.com
Friday, May 6th,
2011
Latin
Connexions
presents 1st
Friday:@ The
DoubleTree 4500 W. Cypress
St, Tampa, FL. 33607 Starts
at 5:30pm – 8:30pm for more
information call 813-407-6866,
email@ [email protected]
Saturday, May
7th, 2011
Cinco de Mayo
Spring Fest:
3:00p Emerald
Grande Harbor
Walk Village,
Destin
Come enjoy a day of traditional
live Latin music, dancing, food,
and more! Free facepainting and
crafts for kids from 3-6. Contact
Jamie Hall @ Sage Marketing
and Management 850-585-5451.
[email protected]
Thursday, May 26th, 2011
Jacksonville Jazz Festival:
10:00am at Downtown
Jacksonville, Jacksonville,
FL. The 2011 festival will
continue the tradition of Jazz
in Jacksonville with a variety
of jazz genres and special
components. Other activities
include the ‘Round Midnight
Jazz Jam and a Jazz Brunch.
For more information, visit www.
jaxjazzfest.com, e-mail events@
coj.net or call 904-630-3690.
Friday, June 3rd,
2011
Latin
Connexions
presents 1st
Friday @ The
DoubleTree 4500 W. Cypress
St, Tampa, FL. 33607 Starts
at 5:30pm – 8:30pm for more
information call 813-407-6866,
email@ [email protected]
June 3rd , 2011
Wisin y Yandel
@ American
Airlines Arena
8:00pm Wisin
& Yandel are a
Puerto Rican
reggaeton duo,
consisting of Llandel Veguilla
Malavé Salazar (Yandel) and Juan
Luis Morera Luna (Wisin). For
more info contact 786-777-1000
or http://aaarena.com