DNA test gives dog owners new insight

Veterinarian Barbara DeMonarco-Snell poses for a picture with Lisa Snyder and her six year old dog McCloud at the South Trail Animal Hospital in south Fort Myers. McCloud will eventually have his blood drawn and have it tested for genetic markers that will tell Snyder what breeds are in her pet.

The dog barks a lot, jumps on the sofa cushions and nips at the ankles of delivery men.

And no matter what a pet owners does, the dog seems to have a mind of its own.

Veterinarians at the South Trail Animal Hospital in south Fort Myers are working to shed some light on the lineage of mixed breed dogs that may have been rescued from the pound or purchased from a pet shop.

The hospital is now administering a DNA test in which blood is drawn from the animal and sent to a lab for testing.

“Every dog has genetic markers that are consistent with certain breeds and this test can help answer a lot of questions for pet owners,” said Barbara DeMonarco-Snell, a veterinarian at the hospital who is having two of her own mixed breed dogs tested.
“We just started doing the tests and a lot of it’s new but owners will get a lot out of it.”

The $212.50 test is administered at the request of pet owners looking for answers about their pets behavior or possible health issues that may arise in the future.

“This will change how we treat patients because it tells the owner what kind of breeds are in their dog and that what illnesses might be characteristic of each,” said DeMonarco-Snell, adding that pets can have the test done during regular blood work. "We have identified over 300 breed markers for 134 different breeds and that is a great start.”

The test results take a few weeks to arrive but owners receive a five-page report detailing the eight strongest breeds identified in the dog's DNA.

“All 134 breeds on this list are approved by the American Kennel Club,” said DeMonarco-Snell adding that there are 400 identified breeds worldwide and more breeds will be added to the list as more genetic markers are found. “This is a test only carried by veterinarians and anyone who is curious about their pet can now have it done.”

Practice Manager Joyce Gerdin said the test will also help owners make sure they get what they paid for.

“If you buy a dog and it's different from what you were told than will know with this test,” Gerdin said.

Individual pet insurance may not pay for the test but vets add that the test helps them better plan a pets treatment.

“This (test) answers the age old questions that veterinarians face everyday and it allows us to tell pet owners more precisely what is going on,” said DeMonarco-Snell referring to owners who don't understand their pets behavior. “This is a big bonding opportunity for owners and their pets ... they can finally understand each other.”

Park project does away with exotics

A cyclist at Lakes Regional Park in south Fort Myers rides past new plants and shrubs that were planted at the park as part of $182,646.60 project sponsored by the Florida Division of Forestry.

Nature lovers, bird watchers and those who exercise at Lakes Regional Park in south Fort Myers are seeing a lot more green on the east and west side of the park.

The park recently completed a $182,646.60 landscaping project that in a few years will give the park more Florida friendly foliage and eventually a canopy that everyone can enjoy.

"We put a plan together to get rid of all the exotics that are bad for the park and we planted all new plants," said Fred Johnson, the project manager for Lee County Parks & Recreation. "Following the 2004 hurricanes, a lot of the exotics fell over and it was a mess."

Park officials had always planned to remove the Australian pines and Melaleuca trees that were taking over the native foliage at the park.

Johnson worked with the Florida Division of Forestry for a grant that helped gave the park $75,000 to start.

"Lee County through their landscaping projects are very good with working to solve issues and do these projects," said Mike Weston, the senior forester with the Florida Division of Forestry.

Weston oversaw Johnson's plans for the park and said the project will drastically improve the parks uses.

"The project area is a high traffic area and it puts people in contact with the woods and lets them enjoy it," said Weston, who said that in 10 to 15 years the trees will enhance the aesthetics of the park.

"Right now, it's kinda disappointing with the smaller trees but a lot of pine trees were planted and it will be great."

The project was completed in the spring and the more than 1,025 trees and 2,000 shrubs are flourishing, Johnson said.

Park visitors on the east side of the park can enjoy the walking trail that now includes a winding plant scheme.

Parts of west side of the park were cleared to make way for an open field where visitors can play with a flying disc and picnic.

Maples, palms, pines, oaks, pop ash, mahogany, black olive, bald cypress and red mangrove were a few of the trees planted along with smaller plants that will attract animals to the area as well.

"It has a greater variety of trees and everyone has had very positive things to say about it," said Johnson, about the project that reused the exotic plant material as mulched bedding. "It opens up a lot of area for people to enjoy and it makes it more attractive."

Work at the park isn't finished though, Johnson said, referring to a master plan that is being created to possibly include a botanical garden, a railroad museum and moving the park's maintenance facility.

"We are looking at various uses and how they can be arranged," Johnson said. "The work is on-going and it makes it all much nicer."

Fair prices and service define tire shop

South Trail Tire & Auto Repair Technician Scott Werner works to balance a tire using a machine that tests the balancing of tires and tests the impact they have with the pavement.


Jason Boyce, a technician at South Trail Tire & Auto Repair, inspects a battery at the shop that has 11 bays and has return customers that rave about the service and prices.

The South Trail Tire & Auto Repair shop is hidden behind warehouses on Youngquist Road in south Fort Myers.
And that’s exactly the way Owner John Zadrovitz likes it.

Zadrovitz, the shop owner for the last six months, is using word of mouth and strong recommendations to gain his customers.

“I’m not the cheapest one in town and I don’t want to be but I know that we aren’t on the beaten path but I like that customers like the work so much that they search for me,” said Zadrovitz, who worked at the shop for six years before buying it. “I have regular customers but as the word spreads more will come in.”

Zadrovitz has 11 bays and has four experienced technicians who are held accountable for their work that includes simple oil changes to replacing and balancing tires.

“I’m a stickler for details and doing the job right the first time is key ... my philosophy is customer service and my techs know that,” he said. “I’m a customer service oriented person and I will do what people want and make sure they get value for their money.”

Raymond Perry Jr., 57, is a regular customer at the repair shop who has trusted Zadrovitz with several cars including his porsche during a recent visit.

“He really understands German cars and he is just very honest and dependable,” said Perry, of south Fort Myers, about Zadrovitz who has serviced his cars for the last five years. “His prices are competitive and fair and if you have an emergency he will take care of you.”

Taking care of the customer is top priority for Zadrovitz who has picked up cars for customers all over Southwest Florida and even picks up and drops off customers at their homes.

“That’s part of the service and people appreciate that we work with them as much as we can,” said Zadrovitz, who lives in Gateway and moved to the area from Connecticut.

In his former life, Zadrovitz worked in the parts business and admits that working with customers is more rewarding.

“I always inform the customer what is work is needed and give the customer the option to make the decision unless the car isn’t safe to drive,” he said adding that after work is completed customers are shown the old parts.

“I always think of the customers economics when I give estimates for jobs and I balance what they need with value and pricing.”

Part of offering value to his customers, Zadrovitz has a Hunter Road Force Machine that tests the balancing of the tires and tests the impact it has with the pavement.

“It simulates the tires being on the road and he just has all the latest equipment,” said Perry about the service that costs about $22 per tire. “He is a great doctor of cars and I trust that I get good work here.”

Palm Pointe Shoppes under new management

The Palm Pointe Shoppes in south Fort Myers was purchased by The Timberstone Group, Inc. for $22.5 million. The HoneyBaked Ham Company was getting its new sign installed recently at the center.

The Palm Pointe Shoppes in south Fort Myers was purchased by the Timberstone Group, Inc. recently for $22.5 million and business owners are happy with the change.

The shoppes were recently remodeled and will be expanded to include roughly 170,000 square feet of space that will available for lease.

“We feel that this will have a positive impact on the surrounding areas ... ,” said Mike Denman, of the Timberstone Group. “... we look forward to contributing to the improvements on U.S. 41 with a significant upgrade to the property.”

The shoppes currently house national and local chains including Dunkin’ Donuts, HoneyBaked Ham Company and Dan’s Fan City.

“We are happy to be here ... we are in a perfect location right on U.S. 41,” said Bob Costanzo, the assistant manager of Dan’s Fan City.

The fan store has been in business at the Palm Pointe Shoppes for more than 13 years.

“We just moved back here after a long time and we haven’t heard about much else going on but it’s good,” said Constanzo, who had to relocate the business for 15 months while renovations were made to the shopping center. “We like being right on 41 ... our customers can find us easily.”

The Timberstone Group, Inc. is in negotiations with new tenants and could not reveal what businesses would be moving in.

“We will not mention names until the tenants determine it is appropriate but we are working to see who will come in,” Denman said.

Vijay Uttam, the owner of Noble Jewelers, is welcoming the changes around his fine jewelry store.

“We are in a nicer part now and have been here since May, “ said Uttam about relocating within the shopping center to a location in front of U.S. 41. “We were in another part of the center but now we are in absolutely the best part.”

Denman said the center will continue to grow as final plans are made to the layout of the shoppes.

“Currently we are still determining what the new layout will be but having only owned the property for a few months, the design is continuing to evolve,” Denman said. “We are looking to contribute with our upgrade to the improvements on U.S. 41 landscaping and resurfacing efforts.”

Bell Tower Shops keeps up with the times

The Bell Tower Shops is known for its relaxed atmosphere, landscaping, water fountains and ample seating. The mall is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.


Michael Kirk’s Portfolio art gallery and custom framing store at the Bell Tower Shops is the last remaining original tenant at the mall that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Bell Tower Shops celebrating its 25th year anniversary and Cheryl Kirk, part owner of Portfolio, has been there the entire time.

"People think it's upscale but compared to other malls ... it has a charm to it and it's a beautiful place to spend time," Kirk said. "We've been in town for a long time and we are happy to celebrate the anniversary."

Portfolio was the first store to open at the mall.

The anniversary is a big one for the 352,000-square-foot mall because locals and visitors have come to appreciate the variety of shopping and activities available.
"It's convenient to a lot of our customers and we also have a great mix of retail, entertainment and restaurants," said Becky Thompson, the mall's general manager for 7 1/2 years. "Location is a rule of thumb in this type of business and people appreciate that."

The mall, which has been owned and managed by Madison Marquette Realty Services since 1995, has grown over the years to include 52 stores and a renovated movie theatre.

"The new development company brought in more national

retail stores and over the years has gotten better," said Kirk, adding that her fine art reproductions and custom framing store has seen an increased in its customer base as well.

"(Management) are very hands on, proactive and really worked to build this."

Working to build a successful mall on Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41 — once a little developed area — has taken years of planning and listening to their customers.

"We have gone with what customers want as far as tenants ... we just did another survey this past spring," said Thompson about the mall that is constantly maintained to keep up with the times. "It doesn't look that old but we keep it up to date and the tenant mix is very special."

The mall is decorated with water fountains, an abundance of trees, ample seating and has become a mecca for those looking for a different shopping experience.

"The way it was built originally, all the stores face in and there are some sign limitations so people don't know what's in it until they come in," Kirk said.

"When you come in, you see fountains, landscaping and see that it's a beautiful place to bring people, relax and enjoy the day or night."

The mall's layout is unique because the court center hosts events such as live music on Friday nights and a host of activities during the holidays.

"It's different and unique and it's just not your typical mall," said Vicky Kearns, the manager of Key West Boutique, whose 1,300-square-foot specialty boutique faces the courtyard. "Our store has evolved as the mall has grown and it's all better."

The growth of the mall has followed the area's increased population.

"The population grew so fast in 2002 to 2006 that we found that we were in the perfect location and reaping the benefits of that," said Thompson, who plans to spend the next 25 years continuing to grow the mall. "We are a tourist destination so we try to give it the feel that people who visit expect and it makes people want to come back."

Frank Tripodi drives from Cape Coral to Bell Tower because of what the mall offers.

"In Cape Coral we don't have anywhere like this to sit and enjoy the day," said Tripodi, 45, while enjoying a sunny day at the mall. "It's nice that you can come and just sit and enjoy the environment."

That environment — the offering to customers a relaxing atmosphere and a mix of activities — Kirk said, is what makes the Bell Tower Shops a special place to visit.

"People who come here to shop expect a certain level of service and we are able to give that to them ... unlike a big corporate shopping center," said Kirk, who in 25 years got married, had children and expanded her store, all while working at Bell Tower. "We feel like our customers are a second family for us and we really enjoy being here."

Margarita Grill to be rebuilt as tiki-type Lazy Parrot

Margarita Grill closed and will become The Lazy Parrot.

The Margarita Grill in south Fort Myers is being partially demolished and will become The Lazy Parrot, a tiki bar and grill.

"There is a need for this in that area because people don't like to have to drive these days," said Jeff Gambiano, the owner of the Buddha Bar & Grill in south Fort Myers. "People want an environment where they can relax and enjoy themselves."

Gambiano is expanding his bar and grill business further south by opening The Lazy Parrot and offering patrons a new venue to listen to live music.

"The two venues will be totally different but they will both have live music and a nice atmosphere," said Gambiano, who has run the Buddha Bar & Grill for more than a year.

"There aren't a lot of tiki bar places where people can enjoy the outdoors ... it is Florida after all."

Gambiano is rebuilding the 8,000-square-foot Margarita Grill building to include a new 80--by-50-foot tiki bar, new bars and a glass wall that will open to connect the inside with the outside seating.

"We want this to be something very unique and that's why we are adding the glass wall, people can smoke outdoors and hear the music," he said about the restaurant that will employ 30 to 35 people. "We will be putting more focus on a huge outdoor tiki bar in the front."

The remodel will also include changing the existing entrance

to the building and moving it near the parking area.

"There will be major changes, new bathrooms and all brand new bars," said Gambiano, who had been looking for a space to open the tiki bar for a year. "Our hope is to catch the second half of season."

The Lazy Parrot is expected to open in January 2008 and Gambiano said it will be unlike anything people have seen before.

"The food will be island fare ... fruity drinks at the bar," Gambiano said. "We will have anything that you'd expect at a full-scale night club and at a tiki bar."

Bear Rock Cafe a casual delight

Bear Rock Cafe opened in south Fort Myers.

A new dining option has opened in south Fort Myers and local residents and businesses are lining up to take advantage.

Bear Rock Cafe has officially opened at the Shops at Jamaica Bay and the casual restaurant has garnered the attention of locals looking for a new place to eat.

“It appeals to a wide range of people ... we have had a good mix of residents from Jamaica Bay and working people,” said Nick Firrinciell, the co-owner of the restaurant that opened on Oct. 22.

Firrinciell and his business partner Lou Iamarino opted to open on the U.S. 41 corridor when they noticed a need for a casual dining atmosphere in the area.

“I feel that we fill a nitch that is above a fast food restaurant and a lot of people like the speed of the service,” said Firrinciell, about the cafe he feels is priced lower than a sit down restaurant and people don’t have to tip a wait staff.

“You order, you sit, we bring you the food and leave when you want.”

Leaving the Bear Rock Cafe is sometimes hard for customers who want to try everything on the menu.

Food options include garden fresh salads, hot sandwiches, soups and cold sandwiches.

“It’s fantastic. It has a nice atmosphere and the menu is huge. Everybody here is polite, efficient, and always smiling,” said Nancy Markey, 67, a Jamaica Bay resident who visited the restaurant twice in its opening week. “The menu has (ingredients) that I wouldn’t think to put together.”

Markey said the variety of ingredients and salads that include artichokes, kalamata olives, onion tumbleweed and hearts of palm, will make her a regular customer.

“I had the best sweet potato fries. ... There is nothing close by here and they have a lot you don’t get everywhere else,”she said.

The cafe also serves robust coffees lsuch as the Bear Latte — a mix of espresso, steamed milk, a swirl of honey, a splash of vanilla, a pinch of spice and a heap of whipped cream.

“Eating fresh foods and natural foods are in our nature. We wouldn’t serve anything frozen,” said Gary Cobey, a cafe employee who worked at the company headquarters in North Carolina before transferring to south Fort Myers. “The menu changes constantly and people like that.”

The dinner entrees the cafe begins to serve at 4 p.m. include pot roast, meatloaf or crab cakes and grilled shrimp.

“We have limited time offerings and bake our bread daily,” said Firrinciell, of the cafe that is 3,450 square feet and seats 144. “Two people can eat for less than $20 here.”

The cafe is the first of the 33 locations in the U.S. to offer a full menu that now includes burgers, entrees and a five iced coffees.

“I don’t eat at $50 restaurants and this fills that need for me and not have to eat fast food,” said Markey while looking at the dessert menu. “The cookies are wonderful and I still have a a lot more to taste.”