Boca Scrapbook

By Carly Hart

Having recently moved to this area, a couple of main concerns for me were finding a good hairdresser and a good

mechanic. Everyone knows the value of these important people. Leaving behind the ones you know to be tried and true is like a sad break up and it can be quite a daunting experience trying to find new ones.

My vehicle is about 7 years old now and has pretty high mileage. I had no doubt that I would need a fair and knowledgeable mechanic close to my new home in Placida. There was just no way that I would be able to drive 60 miles to my former, trusted mechanic for repairs and maintenance.

Friends of mine had heard good things about the new owner of Lemon Bay Automotive, Fred Ciampi, so, I thought I’d give him a try when my vehicle needed brakes, an oil change and an overall checkup. I have a background in auto mechanics myself so, I’m confident that I can walk into a shop and understand what the mechanic tells me and roughly how much repairs should cost.

My first thought with a new mechanic is generally, “I’ll bet he’s going to tell me that I need all kinds of work done on this vehicle because of its high mileage” but that wasn’t the case at all at Lemon Bay Automotive. I was very happy with the time Fred took to explain things to me in a straightforward, professional manner. I could tell he wasn’t out to rob me.

The repairs and check up took only one working day and the price was very reasonable considering the services done. I was pleased with the whole experience and thrilled that my search for a skilled mechanic was over, and the shop is right around the corner.

Since then, I’ve recommended Lemon Bay Automotive to friends and they claim to have had similar experiences. One friend commented, “I thought I needed a major job done and it

turned out to be something much smaller. I’m glad he was honest about what I really needed.”

Fred has only been in the area for one year now and already has an excellent reputation. He has many years of experience as a skilled mechanic and works on all makes and models. He insists on using the best parts available and believes no job is too big or too small.

Coming from New England - and I can attest to this - good work ethics are drilled into our

heads from the beginning of our lives. Fred prides himself on fair, honest, quality work. Isn’t that exactly what we’re all looking for when it comes to something as important as our vehicles?

For complete auto maintenance and repair you can find Lemon Bay Automotive at 4820 Placida Road in Englewood (SR 775) or call Fred at 697-5004.