FEB Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition 2025 by Osprey Observer

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is delighted to add another gem to its facilities. In January, the Spurlino Family YMCA’s gymnasium was o cially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by Ken Hagen, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, and Commissioner Gwen Myers, along with many other supporters and Tampa YMCA leaders.

The facility opened a day before Spurlino Family YMCA’s sixth anniversary. Located at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, the $6.6 million gym is 18,345 square feet and provides space for 500 additional community families.

Creative Contractors in Clearwater, which built the main Spurlino Family YMCA in 2019, completed the gymnasium. The well-known Tampa ﬁrm FleischmanGarciaMaslowski was the architect.

Jarrod Williams, Spurlino Y’s executive director, was excited about the ceremony.

“This is not just a momentous occasion for our YMCA but a signiﬁcant milestone for our entire community. We have welcomed over 100,000 individuals to our YMCA since we opened. This new space is about much more than a gym. It will serve as a vibrant hub for community connection, allowing us to expand and enhance our summer camp programs, group ﬁtness classes, sports o erings and so much more.”

Hagen noted, “As chair of the Hillsborough County Commission and a proud, longtime member of the Bob Sierra Family YMCA, I am thrilled to highlight the YMCA’s lasting impact on our community and residents.”

“The partnership between the county and the Tampa YMCA is more than just funding — it is a collaborative e ort to meet the diverse needs of our community. Through this partnership, we are enhancing the lives of our residents by providing access to ﬁtness, education and wellness programs that cater to people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Y’s commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community is evident in the opportunities it provides,” he added.

Myers added the gym is “all about community. My mind goes back to 2023 when we decided to build this gymnasium. All of you saw a need and made it happen. The YMCA keeps our children o the streets and gives them a safe place to be active. This is what today is about for me,” said Myers.

Matt Mitchell, president and CEO, noted,

“This milestone would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Hillsborough County, who generously leased us the land and provided a transformative million-dollar gift.”

“We are also deeply grateful to our generous donors and community partners, whose contributions were vital to this project, including Commissioner Myers and Hagen, the Spurlino Family, the LV Thompson Foundation, Creative Contractors, TECO, Jarrod Williams and his exceptional Spurlino Family YMCA Team,” said Mitchell.

Guests enjoyed facility tours and sports demonstrations following the event.

For more information, visit https://www. tampaymca.org/

Prepare to experience the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Salty Shamrock’s 2025 Celtic Fest, a fourday event ﬁlled with music, food and Irish traditions.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Now in its ninth year of hosting St. Paddy’s Day parties, the Salty Shamrock, located at 6186 N. U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach, is going bigger and better than ever before with a four-day festival from Friday, March 14, through Monday, March 17. Featuring live music, authentic Irish food, festive drinks and plenty of fun, this event is perfect for anyone looking to celebrate.

deliver a memorable St. Paddy’s Day performance on March 17, making it a mustsee part of the Celtic Fest. The festival will feature delicious Irish specials, including corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches, ﬁsh and chips, shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash.

Tickets are just $5 per day or $10 for the four-day wristband, making it easy to enjoy the full festival experience. Wristbands can be purchased at the Salty Shamrock on the day of the event.

“This festival is unique in the fact that we are featuring 10 of Tampa Bay’s top bands for entertainment,” said Terri Sherman, general manager. “One of the biggest highlights is the performance by Blue Skye Pipes and Drum Band.”

Guests will enjoy a variety of live music throughout the festival. Stormbringer kicks o the festivities on Friday, with Mrs. Red Band and The Fulcos taking the stage on Saturday. Sunday showcases SMAKK and Chas Collins, while Monday features the Nightbreakers and Crossﬁre Creek. Blue Skye Pipes and Drums will bring their high-energy performances on both Sunday and Monday, adding a traditional touch to the weekend. The Irish Ramblers, a band traveling all the way from Ireland, will

Guests can enjoy a pint of Guinness, Shamrock Red Ale, green beer, or Jameson whiskey while soaking in the atmosphere. Two large outdoor tents with tables and chairs will ensure everyone has a comfortable place to relax, rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Irish-themed outﬁts to fully embrace the spirit of the weekend. The New World Celts, a local Irish club, will also host booths throughout the event, bringing cultural enrichment and more.

The Salty Shamrock is a beloved Irish pub known for its welcoming atmosphere, great food and live entertainment. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the Celtic Fest is your chance to experience the best of Irish hospitality in Southwest Florida.

For updates and more information, visit https://saltyshamrock.net/.

With 10 live performances from local and international bands, Salty Shamrock’s Celtic Fest is the St. Paddy’s Day party you won’t want to miss.

Salty Shamrock’s 2025 Celtic Fest celebrates with a weekend full of live music, Irish food and festive drinks. Purchase a four-day wristband and enjoy the festivities all weekend long.

GREATER

It was an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping fun and heartfelt recognition at the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce’s annual Banquet Rodeo. The event celebrated outstanding community leaders, dedicated volunteers and local businesses that have made a lasting impact. Special thanks were given to the ‘Rescue Rangers,’ a group of volunteers still working tirelessly on storm relief efforts.

Here are the winners from the night:

• Community Leader of the Year: Deputy Jeff Merry.

• Chamber ‘Person’ of the Year: Jerry Meeks.

• Nonprofit of the Year: Experienced Autism Alliance.

• New Member of the Year: David Bermudez, B5 Creative.

Chamber Executive Director Melanie Davis shared her gratitude: “Our annual banquet is such a special time for us to reflect on the past year, celebrate the achievements of our members and express our thanks for their unwavering commitment to the community. 2024 had its challenges, but we’re looking ahead with optimism as we head into 2025. We truly have the best chamber members out

Staff Report

there!”

The 2024 Rescue Rangers — chamber members who’ve gone above and beyond in storm relief efforts — were also honored, including:

• Tom Campbell.

• Shannon Hill.

• Carrie Elwell.

• Terri Sherman.

• Amanda Burnes.

In a heartfelt moment, Campbell was named the 2025 Honorary Mayor of SouthShore, and the chamber said a fond farewell to Ray Monahan, the outgoing 202324 chamber president.

Sean Andrews was welcomed as the 2025 chamber president.

The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, formed through the merger of the historic SouthShore and South Hillsborough chambers in November 2023, now serves a larger community, including South Riverview, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Wimauma, Balm and extending to the Manatee County line.

For more details or to get involved, visit www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org or call 813-645-1366. The chamber office is located at 201 W. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin.

LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR AND KIDS’ HEALTH ADVOCATE SANDRA COLINY COMPETES FOR ‘ENTREPRENEUR OF IMPACT’ TITLE

Small business owner and kids’ health educator Sandra Coliny is making big waves as a finalist in the prestigious ‘Entrepreneur of Impact’ competition. This national competition celebrates leaders who are driving meaningful change in their communities, and Coliny is proudly representing the Tampa Bay area.

As the founder of HealthEd4KIDS, Coliny has dedicated her work to empowering kids to ‘Eat Well, Feel Well & Live Well’, by making better food and lifestyle choices. Her efforts have positively impacted families and kids, earning her a spot on this national stage. Coliny received her bachelor’s in nursing with a minor in behavioral health from the University of South Florida and her master’s in nursing education from the University of Tampa, and she continues to offer health education to children.

“This journey has truly been about contributing to something greater than myself.” said Coliny. “Being recognized for my efforts is truly humbling, and I hope it encourages others to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.”

The Entrepreneur of Impact competi -

Staff Report

tion not only highlights innovative business practices but also shines a spotlight on leaders who are making real contributions to society. With a chance to win a feature in Forbes magazine, $25,000 and oneon-one mentorship with Daymond John of Shark Tank , Coliny hopes to leverage this platform to expand her work and inspire others. Community support is the key to winning. Voting is now open through Thursday, March 27, at https://entrepreneurofimpact.org/2025/ sandra-coliny. Support Sandra and help bring this recognition home to Tampa Bay. visit her social media pages: www.youtube. com/@healthed4kids and Instagram @healthed4kids.

To learn more about Sandra’s inspiring work, please visit her social media pages: YouTube @healthed4kids and Instagram @healthed4kids

You can also purchase Coliny’s book, My First Coloring Book of Healthy Habits for Kids: Top 16 Fruits & Vegetables for Great Health , an Amazon No. 1 New Release in Health Teaching Materials, at www.amazon.com/first-coloring-bookhealthy-habits/dp/b0ckh5mpyq.

The ‘Rescue Rangers’ were recognized for their storm relief efforts at the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce’s annual Banquet Rodeo.

Experienced Autism Alliance was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year at the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce’s annual Banquet Rodeo.

SUN HILL OPTICAL CELEBRATES FOUR DECADES OF VISIONARY SERVICE

CAREPATROL OFFERS FREE HELP WHEN NAVIGATING SENIOR LIVING SITUATIONS

For over four decades, Sun Hill Optical has been the trusted source for exceptional eye care in Hillsborough County. It was founded by Francis Xavier Finnegan and run by brothers Frank and Michael Finnegan since 1989, who stated that a legacy of family dedication, unparalleled expertise and personalized service has been woven into the fabric of their practice.

Sun Hill Optical’s Commitment

Sun Hill Optical believes that clear vision is more than just seeing; it’s about experiencing the world fully. Its commitment to providing the highest quality eye care extends beyond simply correcting vision. Sun Hill partners with optometrists Vincent Panetta, O.D., and Esther Craig, O.D., who specialize in comprehensive eye exams that not only include diabetic vision screenings but also test for glaucoma, retina, cataracts and macular degeneration. Dr. Panetta also specializes in pediatric exams and patients with difficult eye problems, like dry eyes, prism and keratoconus, and Dr. Craig specializes in gas permeable contacts, dry eyes and double vision, all being done with stateof-the-art diagnostic equipment.

“We understand that every patient is unique. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and develop a personalized care plan that meets your individual needs,” said Frank.

Sun Hill Optical stays on the cutting-edge of technology with its own in-

house lab located in the Valrico office. It utilizes the latest advancements in eye care technology, including inhouse progressive, Varilux and digital lenses. Sun Hill also provides the thinnest lens available that change to sunglasses when you go outside and provide better night vision.

Sun Hill offers an extensive selection of stylish and fashionable eyewear frames to choose from, including top brands like Versace, Ray-Ban and Coach.

Experience the Difference

For over four decades, the Finnegan brothers and their staff have been dedicated to serving our community with the highest quality eye care. Being one of the few family-owned and operated optical businesses in this area, Sun Hill is dedicated to exceptional customer service. Its office accepts many insurances, so it asks that you contact its staff, who will research and verify your insurance coverage.

Sun Hill Optical offers three area locations, including 11649 Boyette Rd. in Riverview (813-672-8100), 1940 S.R. 60 in Valrico (813-653-9200) and 1601 Rickenbacker Dr., Ste. 8, in Sun City Center (813634-6344). You are invited to experience the difference of Sun Hill Optical, where it helps you see what you love, and love what you see.

For more info or to make an appointment, visit https://sunhilloptical.com/. Staff Report

• MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, bone density scans

• 3D mammography (screenings with no referral required for women over 40 without symptoms)

By the year 2050, over 27 million people will need senior living care. Navigating the various types of senior living communities can be overwhelming for family members, but CarePatrol can help with that journey.

Almost five years ago, Sarah Baez, certified senior advisor and franchisee, opened a branch of CarePatrol in Bradenton. CarePatrol is a free service that aids family members in finding accommodations for seniors, tailored to meet each individual’s needs, whether it is placement in a retirement home, assisted living, dementia care or homecare. This branch also serves the SouthShore area of Tampa Bay such as Ruskin, Riverview and Sun City Center.

By Ashley Abene

where to begin, we can help guide you on the process of finding a community that allows your loved one to live a productive and healthy life.”

As CarePatrol’s website states, “When you are factoring in your senior’s medical, emotional, and social requirements, the options available can be overwhelming. We are here to lend a hand and provide your family with our knowledge and understanding of the senior care placement experience to ensure that the community you choose meets your loved one’s needs and yours. We understand the local landscape and have deep and trusted relationships with the assisted living communities we recommend. Whether you have had a poor placement experience or don’t know

CarePatrol focuses on placing seniors in an environment that meets individual physical, emotional, and social needs. In order to accomplish this, it takes a holistic approach to placement and conducts an evaluation to understand individual circumstances. CarePatrol also meets with family members to incorporate budget and visitation outlook. When a senior is placed in a community, CarePatrol also checks on that individual within the first week, the first month and the first quarter to ensure safety and comfort for both the senior and family members. It can also help with other needs, such as finding an attorney for estate planning or a financial planner, estate sales and figuring out insurance.

Baez stated, “Reach out to us first when you are looking for guidance with your family member’s care. We do not give out your information and we are a free service.”

More information about CarePatrol can be found on its website at https:// carepatrol.com/bradenton/ or by calling 941-586-3033.

• Open evening and weekends

• Online scheduling and walk-ins welcome

CarePatrol franchisee Sarah Baez and her daughter helping a senior in the community.

SunHill optical team offers excellent service at 3 locations. Owned by brothers.Frank and Michael Finnegan

MANAGING

EDITOR

Marie Gi lmore

657-2418

editor@)ospreyobserver.com

BILLING

MANAGER

Terry Vassalotti

657-2418 terry@Jnspreyobserver.com

MARKETING

MANAGER

Jennifer Hurst

657-2418 jhurs@Jspreyobserver.com

NEWS REPORTER

Taylor Wells 657-2418 twells@}pspreyobserver.com

657-2418 kcollins@Jpspreyobserver.com

By Nitish Rele

Scan the roadways and we can bet you will be able to count just a handful at best, station wagons, i.e. There’s the Audi A6 allroad, Benz E-Class Wagon, Subaru Outback and a few more. And, of course, the carmaker that made station wagons trendy in the good ole days, Volvo, before SUVs took over. To carry on in the same vein, the Swedish-made but Chinese-owned automaker still produces the V60 and the larger V90.

Length:

Width: 75.4 inches

Height: 59.2 inches

Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons

City/highway: 23/31 mpg

Base price: $54,000

Price as tested: $62,075

Website: www.volvo.com

pants will be greeted by a 12.3-inch driver digital cluster and tailored sport tilt/ telescopic steering column while ensconced on perforated Nappa leather seats. The surface and detail of the short, crystal gear shifter has been meticulously treated.

Volvo Sensus infotainment, with a distinct vertical 9-inch display touch screen, is essentially made up of four tiles: navigation, media, phone and user-deﬁned. Activate one and watch it expand while keeping the other tiles visible for future use.

The fairly new, built-in Google Assistant, Maps and Play store features are attractive additions. The 10-way power heated/ cooled seats, 60/40 bench seat, wood on instrument panel/console, four-zone auto AC, panoramic sunroof and head-up display come standard in the Ultimate edition.

We recently test-drove the smaller V60 Cross Country AWD Prestige trim, which also comes as a plug-in hybrid. It is fitted with a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged and direct-injection engine that produces 247 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm. Mated to a seamless and efficient eight-speed auto transmission, its start-stop feature (the engine stops when the vehicle halts) aids in significant fuel savings. A double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension, along with electric rack-and-pinion steering, boost the V60’s ride and handling balance. Ground clearance is high enough at 8.1 inches in the 2,000-pound tow capacity vehicle. And 0 to 60 is possible in 6.4 seconds, good enough for a ride over 4,100 pounds. Looking for a little bit of thrill in your drive? Switch on to dynamic from eco, individual, comfort and o -road modes.

LED headlights with Thor’s Hammer-design daytime running lamps ﬂank the studded-chromed mesh grille and the recognizable Volvo iron mark. Step into the roomy and lavish cabin and the driver and occu-

Continuing the solid Volvo safety tradition, the V60 is equipped with dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, lane-departure/keep aid, blind-spot information, cross-tra c alert, rear-park assist and sensors, adaptive cruise control, four-wheel antilock brakes, three-point seatbelts for all, side impact protection, dynamic stability and traction control, a 360-degree camera, hillstart assist and descent control, forward collision warning, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Agreed, the V60 is just a wagon, but this is no ordinary ride. It is packed with plentiful power, opulent cabin and people-hauling practicality. Add in the renowned safety capabilities that Volvo is known for, and you have a best buy in your hands.

At Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), we’re all about preparing students for life, no matter what path they choose after graduation. That’s where our career and technical education (CTE) programs come in — they’re truly a game changer.

What used to be called vocational education has evolved into modern CTE programs, designed to set students up for well-paying jobs right after high school.

Here in Hillsborough County, we o er over 400 unique middle and high school courses across a wide range of ﬁelds — from agriculture to culinary arts, computer programming to health sciences. CTE programs are taught throughout our 28 high schools, four career centers and include 47 middle school programs.

By Superintendent Van Ayres

IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETINGS COMING FOR SOUTH COUNTY PIPELINE PROJECT

By Brian Bokor

Starting as early as middle school, students can explore their interests while earning industry-recognized certiﬁcations, such as EKG technician, nursing assistant, agricultural technician, veterinary assistant, welder and more.

lenging and include academic, technical education and career training. Whether students are learning how to repair cars, build homes, design software or manage ﬁnances, CTE programs give them the skills and conﬁdence to step into their fu-

CTE courses are designed to be chal-

And it’s not just students who beneﬁt. We work closely with local businesses to ensure our programs match the needs of the job market. These partnerships lead to internships, apprenticeships and mentorships, o ering students real-world experience and connections to potential employers. Many graduates transition straight from CTE into rewarding careers, helping to ﬁll critical workforce gaps in industries like health care and skilled trades. Finally, CTE programs also play a big role in helping students graduate. By o ering handson learning and pathways tailored to their interests, students stay engaged and motivated to succeed.

To learn more about our CTE programs, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

To meet the longterm water needs of this area, Tampa Bay Water is building a new South Hillsborough Pipeline that will carry up to 65 million gallons per day of additional drinking water to the fast-growing Southern Hillsborough County service area.

The project will run for 26 miles with the pipes installed up to 60 inches in diameter and carry a price tag of $505.7M, with up to $84M funded by Hillsborough County. Construction is expected to start as early as fall 2025, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2029 although the pipeline is expected to be in service late by 2028.

The pipeline will start at Tampa Bay Water’s Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant in Brandon, connect to Hillsborough County’s Lithia Water Treatment Plant and end at the county’s new connection point at Balm Riverview and Balm roads. The pipeline will provide redundancy between the Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant in Brandon and Hillsborough County’s Lithia Water Treatment Plant.

multiple crews.” Some night work is planned to minimize impacts on local businesses. Three-block (street) rolling closures will be used, with the process being: Forward Block (staging of equipment and dewatering), Center Block (open cut pipe installation) and Trailing Block (restoration). The dewatering process is to keep groundwater out of the site with noise-minimizing water pumps running 24 hours a day until construction in that area is complete.

Tampa Bay Water and Garney Construction’s team of nearly 20 sta were available to answer all questions at the ﬁrst meeting held at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library on January 14. It is highly suggested that anyone in the path of construction attend the meeting closest to where they live or work.

Those in and around constriction zones may experience road closures, detours, noise, dust and possibly short-term interruptions for water/sewer at times when utility relocation is needed. Most construction impacts will be between 30-180 days, with some lasting longer. Equipment will be staged in the right-of-way wherever possible to minimize resident impacts.

Tampa Bay Water is conducting several community meetings along the South Hillsborough Pipeline route. These community meetings will allow sta to share information and answer questions.

In order to hear information that is most relevant to you, please review the map and attend the meeting whose section is closest to your home or business. Residents along the route will receive an invitation postcard indicating which meeting they should attend.

Each meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an open house where attendees can peruse maps and informational boards and ask questions of project sta in attendance. Then at 7 p.m., Tampa Bay Water sta will make a formal presentation on the project, followed by a question-and-answer period.

When asked about the impact this project will have on residents, Brandon Moore, public communications manager of Tampa Bay Water, summed the project up perfectly with the simple statement “short-term pain for long-term gain,” stating, “It’s been 20 years since the Tampa Bay area has had a pipeline project of this scale.”

It was apparent that the project team had spent a signiﬁcant amount of time planning the project around minimizing the impact on those that live in the area.

Tampa Bay Water’s engineering consultants analyzed 10 routes (ﬁve northern segments and ﬁve southern segments), resulting in a shortlist of three top-ranked consolidated routes. The routes were evaluated against 13 selection criteria, which included noncost factors, such as public inconvenience, safety, environmental impacts and permitting, as well as project cost.

Sam Flowers, construction manager of Garney Construction, added, “To expedite the project, crews are working Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Crews will be able to lay up to 50 ft. of pipe per shift (2-25 ft. pipe segments), and we will employ

Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. — Section 5, in St. Stephen Church’s Family Life Center at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview.

• Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. — virtual meeting.

For those that cannot attend a meeting in person, a virtual meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Details for this meeting will be posted to this website prior to the meeting. Forty-five-foot (45-foot) shafts will be drilled on both sides of the Alafia River to tunnel under the river, with 10-12 depths typical of under roads. Moore mentioned, “Our first option was to follow Kings Road south under the river, but the swimming academy on the opposite side prevented that. We were fortunate to find and purchase two vacant lots on either side of the Alafia just west of Kings Road.” He added, “There will be no impact on boaters using the river as all work will be completed underground.”

In areas where residential and business accesses are impacted, on-site ‘community coordinators’ will be hired as part of the project, and job openings will be posted when available.

Coordinators will be supplied with golf carts and will be responsible for assisting residents navigating the construction zone seven days a week on a 24/7 basis. Duties will include mail and package delivery, resident parking, trash pickup and caddy services.

Visit www.tampabaywater.org/shp for information and project updates. Interactive map is available at https://southhillsboroughpipeline.com/interactive-map/.

Residents may also opt-in to receive notices by email to shpinfo@tampabaywater.org or by calling 813-485-6480.

CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY

AND SUCCESS 4 KIDS & FAMILIES COMPLETE MERGER

Sta Report

On January 6, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Success 4 Kids & Families (S4KF) completed the merger of their operations. Programs run by S4KF are now being run by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as a core service area.

with S4KF.

Success 4 Kids & Families programs help children and families throughout Tampa Bay. The S4KF team provides family-focused behavioral health and psycho-educational services to assist both individuals and their families. Its services include case management and community-based therapy services for school-age children and teens and specialized services for adolescents and young adults. Through innovative services, S4KF empowers individuals and families to build strong, healthy communities.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has served the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years. The nonproﬁ t organization’s mission is to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone. The organization currently operates a telephone contact center that answers six crisis and community information lines, provides trauma counseling at three locations and through teletherapy, serves as Hillsborough County’s certiﬁ ed rape crisis center and operates TransCare Medical Transportation.

Success 4 Kids & Families was founded in 2005. One of its founders and its ﬁ rst executive director was Clara Reynolds, who later joined the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as president and CEO, a position she has held since 2015.

At the beginning of 2024, the leadership team at S4KF started to explore the possibility of merging their services into another nonproﬁ t organization to ensure the long-term growth of its programs. After numerous conversations and a thorough due diligence process, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s board of directors unanimously voted to merge

“We are excited to welcome the Success 4 Kids & Families team to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. This strategic move provides a tremendous beneﬁ t to our community. People who were previously receiving help from S4KF can expect the same services and quality they have experienced,” stated Reynolds.

As of January 1, S4KF ceased operations as a separate nonproﬁ t organization and S4KF sta became Crisis Center of Tampa Bay employees. S4KF’s programs team continues to provide the same services as part of the Crisis Center.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is located at 14905 Crisis Center Plaza in Tampa. To learn more about Success 4 Kids & Families programs and the center’s other programs, visit the website at www.crisiscenter.com.

INCREASE OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WITH ADOLESCENTS

BLOOMINGDALE

PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATES

Due to the rise of mental health issues with adolescents, Dr Charles Devine and Natalie Beemer, ARNP of Bloomingdale Psychiatric Associates are pleased to announce that they are now accepting adolescents 15 years and older.

Dr Charles Devine, with his 25 years experience and Natalie Beemer who specializes in Psychiatry have become well known in our area and are considered top in their field.

TMS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

TMS of Central Florida provides NeuroStar TMS therapy. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a safe, effective, FDA cleared treatment for individuals 15 years and older who suffer from major depression and adults with OCD. It is for individuals that have tried and failed medication due to the side effects or did not receive positive results. TMS is not a drug or “shock” therapy. TMS therapy is an inoffice treatment that is 18 minutes and 45 seconds long. Treatments are done 5 days a week for 7 weeks. It requires no down time! You can resume all normal activities immediately such as returning to school or work. Visit our websites Tmscentralflorida.com for more information and Neurostar.com for full safety and for prescribing information.

Both facilities are conveniently located at 336 East Bloomingdale Avenue in Brandon. Insurance ranges for each facility so please contact us at the following numbers.

Bloomingdale Psychiatric Associates

813-689-2466

CONGRESSMAN VERN BUCHANAN

INTRODUCES EIGHT BILLS TO KICK OFF 119TH CONGRESS

Congressman Vern Buchanan announced on January 6 that he has introduced eight bills to open the 119th Congress, laying out his priorities to provide tax relief for families and small businesses, combat illegal immigration, ‘Make America Healthy Again’ and deliver conservative leadership for the country.

“It’s time to move past the chaos of the current administration and focus on getting our country and economy back on track,” said Buchanan. “The American people spoke clearly that they want conservative leadership that will revive our economy and protect our communities. I look forward to a productive year working with the Republican House majority and President Trump to deliver results for the American people.”

The eight bills Buchanan introduced are:

1. An amendment to the Constitution of the United States (H.J.Res. 3) that requires Congress to balance the federal budget. Balancing the budget is an urgent priority, as the U.S. national debt has reached a staggering $36 trillion and continues to grow.

2. The TCJA Permanency Act (H.R. 137), which makes permanent the tax cuts for individuals and small businesses originally enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. One hundred and four of Buchanan’s Republican House colleagues joined this bill as co-sponsors during the 118th Congress.

3. The Hurricane Milton and Helene Tax Relief Act (H.R. 140), which provides much-needed tax relief for those in his district and across the country impacted by recent hurricanes and future natural disasters. This legislation incentivizes donations to relief e orts by raising the charitable donation cap for those who want to financially contribute to recovery e orts and expands benefits for people struggling financially in the aftermath of recent storms. Additionally, this bill raises the amount of retirement savings disaster victims can withdraw to cover disaster-related expenses.

4. The Protecting Our Communities from Sexual Predators Act (H.R. 134), which ensures illegal immigrants convicted of sexual assault are detained, deported and permanently banned from the United States.

5. The Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), which makes daylight saving time

permanent and ends the twicea-year clock change that takes place every November and March. Buchanan introduced this legislation alongside Senator Marco Rubio during the 118th Congress and hopes to work with the incoming Trump administration, who has demonstrated a desire to end the biannual clock change, to get this over the ﬁnish line.

6. The Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 136), which requires the Department of Veterans A airs (VA) to review the deaths of all veterans it treated who died by suicide or from a drug overdose in the last ﬁve years. The new data generated by the bill will be used to better treat veterans suffering from both mental and physical injuries. Veteran suicides account for nearly 15 percent of all suicides in the United States.

7. The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act (H.R. 138), which lowers costs for caregivers by allowing individuals to use tax-free health savings accounts (HSAs) and ﬂexible spending accounts (FSAs) on medical expenses for their parents and loved ones. Currently, caregivers are unable to take advantage of these tax-free accounts unless their parents are classiﬁed as dependents for tax purposes.

8. The Manatee Protection Act (H.R. 135), which o cially upgrades the West Indian manatee from “threatened” to “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Upgrading their designation under the ESA will not only require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to refocus their attention on manatee population rehabilitation, but also allow for increased federal resources including more funding and personnel.

Buchanan ended the 118th Congress with eight of his legislative initiatives signed into law, bringing the total number of legislative proposals he has passed since taking o ce in 2007 to 42. He had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama, 13 by President Trump and 19 by President Biden.

Buchanan will continue to serve as vice chairman of the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in the 119th Congress, as well as chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug beneﬁt program and Medicare Advantage.

TMS of Central Florida

813-423-7037

State Attorney Suzy Lopez was officially sworn in for her first full term in o ce in front of a room of state and local leaders, supporters, attorneys and sta . Gov. Ron DeSantis was the keynote speaker for this historic occasion as Lopez officially became the first woman ever elected to serve as State Attorney in Hillsborough County. Former Florida Attorney General and current nominee for U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi swore in Lopez, while current Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody held the Bible for the ceremony.

Lopez told the crowd of state and local leaders and supporters that she will continue to enforce and follow the law to make our community a safer place. She thanked her colleagues, supporters, law enforcement o cers and local leaders for their commitment to ensuring that Hillsborough County remains safe under her watch.

Since she arrived to lead this agency in August 2022, Lopez has successfully put the concerns of crime victims ahead of criminals while partnering with law enforcement to see a record reduction in crime. She has personally mourned with families who have lost loved ones to criminal violence and does so with compassion and care.

“I promise to proudly serve my hometown as we pursue public safety together. Working for victims and their families is why we get up every day. We all want to live in a safe community, and we as pros-

ecutors will enforce and follow the law with the help of our law enforcement partners. I thank my dedicated team of attorneys and support sta who value this community as much as I do and are committed to keeping our families safe,” said Lopez.

“Florida is a lawand-order state. That means our state attorneys up-

hold our laws, prosecute crimes and seek justice for victims. But too many prosecutors around the country put their ideological agenda over upholding their oath of o ce.

Three years ago, Hillsborough County had such a state attorney. I removed him from o ce and replaced him with Suzy Lopez.

Suzy has earned the trust of her community by restoring the rule of law and keeping Hillsborough County safe. That’s why she defeated the Soros-aligned candidate in November’s election, and she will continue to set an example for other state attorneys to follow,” said DeSantis.

The state attorney’s o ce is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. The o ce believes it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust.

To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our o ce, follow it on Twitter @HillsboroughSAO and @SuzyLopezSA, Instagram @HillsboroughStateAttorney and Facebook @HillsboroughSAO.

BOB HENRIQUEZ SWORN

INTO OFFICE FOR FOURTH TERM AS HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER

In front of dozens of supporters, family members and dignitaries, Bob Henriquez was sworn into his fourth consecutive term as Hillsborough County property appraiser on the morning of January 7 at the Frederick B. Karl County Center in downtown Tampa.

Henriquez, a ﬁ fth-generation resident of Tampa, took the oath of o ce from former Hillsborough County Public Defender Julianne Holt. Among those in attendance for the ceremony were Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Meyers and representatives from the o ces Hillsborough County Clerk of the County Victor Crist, Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer and Hillsborough County Public Defender Lisa McLean.

After taking the oath, Henriquez addressed the crowd and spoke of being humbled to earn the voters’ trust to serve as property appraiser for a fourth term and his continued desire to make his o ce e cient, modern and transparent for the public he serves.

“In many ways, I want to view this fourth term as my ﬁ rst in the o ce,” Henriquez said. “For all the steps we

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have taken to improve and modernize the duties we perform, my sta and I never want rest on our laurels. We want to keep moving forward with the goal of making our o ce a model for other property appraisers around the nation — and the world.”

Prior to his election as property appraiser, Henriquez served eight years (1998-2006) as a representative in the state house. A graduate of Princeton University, Henriquez also worked as a county planner and administrator for the Florida Department of Children and Families, where he oversaw approximately 300 employees.

Henriquez is also well known locally as the former head football coach at Tampa Catholic High School, his prep alma mater, as well as an assistant at Je erson and Hillsborough high schools. As Tampa Catholic’s head coach, Henriquez led the Crusaders to 13 playo berths, seven district titles and two appearances in the state championships.

For more information, visit the Hillsborough County property appraiser’s website at www.hcpaﬂ .org.

Marie Gilmore and Heather Darrah with the Osprey Observer in Chipman, New Brunswick Canada.

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RUSKIN FRESH MARKET BRINGS FARM FRESH GOODNESS TO YOUR TABLE PREMIER PRO WASH & SEAL PAVES THE WAY TO PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED PROPERTIES

The Ruskin Fresh Market, a family-owned gem in the heart of Ruskin, has quickly become a favorite destination for fresh, high-quality produce and local goods.

Opened in April 2024 by siblings Nicole and David Ferrera, the Ruskin Fresh Market offers a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, microgreens, honey, dairy products and Amish goods, all with a focus on freshness and affordability. With its commitment to quality and community, the market has quickly become a favorite destination for locals seeking fresh produce and unique local items.

and has a passion for bringing everyone in the community fresh, local produce.

Vine Ripe Farm Inc., a wholesale/repack tomato farm in Ruskin. As children, the Ferreras spent countless hours accompanying their father to work, learning the trade and cultivating a shared passion for farming and fresh, local goods. These experiences laid the foundation for their dream of opening the Ruskin Fresh Market, where they could combine their expertise with their desire to give back to the community.

Premier Pro Wash & Seal LLC is a veteran and woman-owned business specializing in paver sealing, pressure washing and exterior maintenance for residential and commercial properties.

This past January marked the company’s ninth anniversary of serving Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas.

A Business Built on Service and Experience

Known for its exceptional tomatoes, often regarded as the best in town, the market has built a reputation for delivering top-notch produce that keeps customers coming back. As spring approaches, the Ferreras are excited to offer a variety of seasonal items, including the highly anticipated Ruskin watermelons. Beyond produce, the market’s carefully curated selection of local goods makes it a one-stop shop for customers who appreciate both quality and variety.

“The Ruskin community has been so welcoming and supportive,” said Nicole, co-owner of Ruskin Fresh Market. “All of our customers are amazing; we truly love all of them and could not be more proud to be part of this community.”

Nicole and David, who grew up in the Ruskin and Riverview area, have deep roots in the produce industry. Their father, a longtime figure in the business, owns Florida

Nicole, a 2023 graduate of the University of South Florida (USF), leads the market’s day-to-day operations with energy and expertise. Her brother David, who is currently completing his degree at USF, manages sales and assists with operations, bringing his own enthusiasm and commitment to the family business. Together, they have created a welcoming environment that reflects their family values and dedication to serving the Ruskin community.

The Ruskin Fresh Market has been warmly embraced by locals, and the Ferreras are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support. Fully bilingual, they ensure Spanish-speaking customers are able to have an easy shopping trip to grab their favorite produce options. Stop by to explore its fresh offerings and discover why the Ruskin Fresh Market has quickly become a cherished part of the community.

For more information, please contact Nicole at ruskinfreshmarket@gmail.com or visit the store at 2619 14th Ave. SE in Ruskin.

“We served 20 years in the military before retiring in 2016,” said Jeremy Forrest, co-owner of Premier Pro Wash & Seal alongside his wife, Tiffany Forrest. “After retiring, we decided to go into business for ourselves, and that’s when we launched Premier Pro Wash & Seal.”

With nearly a decade in business, Premier Pro has built a reputation for excellence, offering a wide range of exterior cleaning services, including:

• Paver, concrete and travertine sealing.

• House washing.

• Pool deck, screen and fence cleaning.

• Rust stain removal.

• Soft washing for delicate surfaces.

For areas that require a gentler touch, Premier Pro uses a soft wash method — a lower-pressure spray combined with a chemical mixture designed to kill mold, mildew and spores while preserving surfaces.

“We’ve found that certain exterior surfaces can’t handle heavy pressure,” said Tiffany. “So instead, we use soft washing, which applies a lighter spray with a chemical solu-

By Taylor Wells

tion that kills mold and spores at the root. This method not only cleans the surface but also provides a longer-lasting clean.”

Award-winning Service and Customer Commitment

Premier Pro Wash & Seal is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service — from answering calls promptly to maintaining communication throughout the process. Its commitment to excellence has earned it numerous recognitions, including:

• Finalist in Tampa Bay Times’ People’s Choice Best of the Best 2024 for Paver Sealing Services.

• Nominated for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Best of the Bay in the Best Residential and Best Commercial Cleaning Company categories.

“Our mission is to provide the absolute best service possible,” said Jeremy. “That means being on time, reliable and responsive. Our customers will never have to worry about whether they can reach us — we answer the phone, and if there’s ever an issue, we’re here to fix it.”

Premier Pro Wash & Seal is located at 7709 Nottinghill Sky Dr. in Apollo Beach. For more information, visit https://premierprowashandseal.com/ or call 813-3352869. Be sure to also follow its social media pages: Facebook at www.facebook.com/ premierprowashandseal, Instagram @premierprowashandseal, X (formerly Twitter) @premierprowash and YouTube at www. youtube.com/c/premierprowashseal.

The Ruskin Fresh Market is family-owned and operated

Jeremy and Tiffany Forrest, husband-and-wife co-owners of Premier Pro Wash & Seal.

Trax Credit Union, a member-focused ﬁnancial institution, continues to enhance convenience and accessibility for its more than 45,000 members throughout Florida. Trax is known for its commitment to providing seamless and secure banking experiences for its members.

Trax Credit Union has nine locations that all o er exceptional credit union services as well as a fantastic kids club.

Following its rebranding from the Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union in 2021, Trax has reﬂected a continuous evolution to meet modern banking needs. Established in 1935, Trax currently operates nine branches across Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties. With assets exceeding $480 million, Trax delivers personalized ﬁnancial solutions while maintaining its core values of member service and community support.

In addition to enhancing member services, Trax Credit Union remains committed to engaging with the local community through various initiatives and events. It provides ﬁnancial literacy workshops, supports local charities and encourages member participation in community development programs.

According to Chelsea Smith, Trax’s marketing manager, Trax has a fantastic youth program.

“We have our Platform 8 1/3 Kids Club for ages 12 and under, and the Embark teen account for ages 13-17,” said Smith. “The name of the kids club came from how we were founded for the railroad industry.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

The mascot, Max, is a young train engineer with an invisible best friend named Rex, who she discovers waiting for her on Platform 8 1/3. The club’s name is inspired by the Harry Potter train platform 9 3/4, and 813 is the area code for Tampa.”

In 2024, Trax also received a ‘Category’s Best’ Diamond Award in the PR campaign category for the annual Heart of the Holiday Card contest.

“Trax holds a contest for kids 14 and under to compete in a drawing competition,” said Smith. “This event is posted on social media, and the declared winner gets their artwork featured on the cover of the o cial Trax holiday card and also receives $100.”

Looking ahead, 2025 marks Trax Credit Union’s 90th anniversary since its establishment. As it continues to evolve, Trax remains dedicated to the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ ensuring each member feels appreciated.

“Our members often express their gratitude for the support we provide, whether it’s helping them secure a loan or o ering ﬁnancial assistance during tough times,” said Smith. “They also appreciate the warm, personal experience they receive when visiting our branches, where we make it a point to greet every member by name, ensuring they feel recognized and valued from the moment they walk through the door.”

For more information, visit www.traxcu. com or call 813-800-TRAX (8729).

The beautiful spring weather has arrived, and what is more enjoyable than getting out and exploring the many local markets in our area?

On Sunday, February 9, the new, outdoor Kingsway Market will be presented by Jen’s Markets & Events at the Kingsway Shopping Plaza, located at 1213 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. The market will run every second Sunday from February through April and then close for the summer before opening again in October. Its hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

ed artists, innovative makers and an exceptional collection of oneof-a-kind products. It has been described as a “bustling hub of creativity where artisans and entrepreneurs come together to showcase their craftsmanship and o er you an extraordinary shopping experience that will leave a lasting impression.” Visit www. winthroppopupmarket. com for details on how to become a vendor.

The February event is the ‘Favorite Things’ Valentine’s Market. Shoppers can ﬁnd home decor, local honey, breads, fresh eggs, locally made crafts, jams, apparel, jewelry and pet items. Freshly popped kettle corn and other hot foods will also be on-site. Homestyle Scratch Kitchen, a tenant in the plaza, will also have indoor and outdoor seating. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Jennifer McCa erty at jennifer@jens-market. com.

The Apollo Beach Market will take place on the third Sunday of each month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Waterside Shops Plaza, located at 6110 N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach, with the next being on February 16. This location is just south of Apollo Beach Boulevard and the Salty Shamrock restaurant. Along with its wide range of market items and fresh baked goods, Armetta’s Gelato & Ca è is also located in that plaza and will be open, so you can go out, have a cup of co ee, shop and ﬁnish with a gelato. This event is also put on by Jen’s Markets & Events.

The Winthrop Pop Up Market will take place on Saturday, February 15, at Winthrop Town Center, Riverview from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The market will run every third Sunday through Saturday, May 17. It is a vibrant market with many talent-

Remember, when you shop at local markets, not only are you uncovering treasures and one-of-a-kind items, but you also have the opportunity to support your fellow community members. Go out and be a part of something special.

JEEP RUN TO BENEFIT MARY & MARTHA HOUSE ENDS AT THE MOTOR ENCLAVE

Jeep enthusiasts will hit the road for a good cause at the inaugural Duck Domestic Violence Jeep Run, supporting Mary & Martha House Inc. The event will take participants on a scenic drive through Tampa Bay, culminating at The Motor Enclave on Saturday, March 15.

The run will kick o at 10 a.m. from various locations around Tampa Bay, with the ﬁnal destination being at The Motor Enclave by 2 p.m. At the event’s conclusion, prizes will be awarded based on the color and number of custom ‘ducks’ collected along the route.

Each registered participant will receive a custom tote bag and a Duck Domestic Violence vehicle window ﬂag to display during the run. Along the way, they will stop at various checkpoints around Tampa Bay to pick up specially designed ducks, which will play a role in the prize giveaway at The Motor Enclave.

Space for the event is limited to 100 Jeeps, and registration costs $75 per

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Jeep. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well, starting at $250.

“This event is incredibly important to us,” said Bill Chini, executive director of Mary & Martha House. “Not only will it raise much-needed funds to support victims of domestic violence and homelessness, but it also o ers a chance to raise awareness about

our mission in a fun and engaging way.

By driving through Tampa Bay with Mary & Martha House ﬂags on our vehicles, we can reach new communities and expand the conversation about domestic violence.”

Mary & Martha House, which has been a lifeline for women and families for over 40 years, o ers emergency and transitional housing and critical support services to help homeless women and domestic violence survivors secure stable housing and employment. The organization is based in Ruskin, with a retail store at 312 S. U.S. 41. For more information, visit https://marymarthahouse.org/.

LOCAL FAMILY-OWNED LA SEPTIMA CAFE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

La Septima Cafe is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been in the Brandon area for 30 years. La Septima Cafe was opened in 1995 by owners Ronnie and Dahlia Fernandez, with its original location being on N. Parsons Avenue. After 16 years at that location, it moved to its current location in La Viva Plaza, o of W. Lumsden Road. Ronnie and Dahlia’s children, RJ and Jennifer, have been actively involved in the restaurant as well over the years.

By Ashley Abene

When La Septima opened, the Fernandezes planned to incorporate Ybor’s charm, as their grandparents had originally immigrated to Ybor. La Septima’s decor became that of old Ybor City. It still has that old Ybor City feel 30 years later, with La Septima’s motto written on its sign as “a taste of Old Ybor.”

Dahlia said of opening La Septima Cafe 30 years ago, “On February 9, 1995, La Septima Cafe was born. What a scary day. We were no strangers to the restaurant business, having years of experience with delis, breakfast/lunch/dinner spots, but this was all new. … Our son, RJ, and daughter, Jenni-

fer, then 17 and 24, were hired immediately to do whatever had to be done. It was a family business, after all. We had a minimal sta , limited menu and a lot of heart and ambition. Our family (me, my husband, our son and daughter) are very much hands-on still, but our general manager, Virginia Gri n, is our mainstay. She is the center of the operation, and we are grateful to her for her hard work, loyalty and compassion.”

To celebrate 30 years in business, La Septima will be featuring its mojo-marinated roast pork, rice and black beans as a special all day on Monday, February 10.

Dahlia also stated, “We truly love our community and their tremendous support through thick and thin, and the changes to the way we do business. We strive to keep our prices a ordable and our service excellent.”

La Septima Cafe is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 813-685-0502 or visit https:// laseptimacafe.com/.

La Septima Cafe is a family a air. Pictured are owners, the multi-generational Fernandez family.

Catering is available at La Septima Cafe. Pictured is baked chicken, black beans, rice and tossed salad.

Jeeps are wanted for the rst-ever Duck Domestic Violence Jeep Run to support Mary & Martha House.

The Creative Arts Theatre Company, the City of Tampa’s resident theater company for young audiences, is bringing its latest production, Sleeping Handsome, by Bill D’Agostino, to local libraries this month. The performances are free, open to the public and sponsored in part by the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation department.

Sleeping Handsome is a whimsical reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, set in a kingdom where magic is banned. When a spell causes the prince to fall into a deep slumber, the kingdom’s inhabitants — including fairies and even a talking dog — must work together to break the spell. This enchanting tale, which teaches the value of teamwork and staying true to oneself, is perfect for audiences of all ages, though it’s best suited for children ages 4 and up.

Staff Report

Its mission is to promote literacy and inspire young minds through the power of live theater. With a talented team of five professional artists, it creates engaging performances inspired by both classic and contemporary children’s literature.

Upcoming performances of Sleeping Handsome include:

• Friday, February 21, from 11 a.m.-12 Noon and 3-4 p.m., at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, in the McLean Family Community Room.

• Saturday, February 22, 11 a.m.-12 Noon at the Riverview Public Library, in James B. Jim Johnson Community Room 109 A and B.

Jeffrey wasn’t the usual addition to A Kitten Place — he was much older and sick. But Michelle Bass couldn’t just send him to a different shelter. Jeffrey, a grey cat, was one of the 2,500 cats Bass’ organization has saved.

Bass

co-founded A Kitten Place with Alicia Pollock to save cats they found in the community. From vet visits to spaying or neutering to finding foster families, A Kitten Place gives cats a second chance through its fostering program and returning them to the wild.

The nonprofit, volunteer-based organization has been saving kittens, neonates and special needs cats for over five years.

The Creative Arts Theatre Company, which has been serving the Tampa community for over 50 years, produces more than 100 performances annually across schools, libraries and community centers.

The Bloomingdale Regional Public Library is located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, and the Riverview Public Library is located at 9951 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. For more information about Creative Arts Theatre or to inquire about upcoming performances, contact Meg Heimstead, supervisor, at 813-931-2154.

“We’ve grown this really big, amazing team attracted a lot of talented rescuers and people that offer a lot of their different skills to make this organization really kind of blossom into something we never thought it could be,” Bass said.

She said 40-45 volunteers actively foster their cats, including several regular fosterers. A Kitten Place covers all the costs, from vet bills to a litter box

By Lily Belcher

for the home.

Bass and Pollock founded the organization after nursing a cat back to health, splitting the costs to care for it and keeping it out of a normal rescue shelter.

Last year, the organization spent $200,000 saving local cats, all of which was raised through community donations and fundraisers.

In May, the nonprofit will host a golf fundraiser, and in the fall it will host its annual Black Cat 5K.

The organization keeps track of roughly 100-200 cats at a time and focuses its attention on kitten season, which Bass said is in the summer.

A Kitten Place also takes in pregnant cats and cares for the litter, something many rescue shelters won’t do.

And, Jeffrey has “rebounded” since being under the care of A Kitten Place, Bass said.

“This cat is receiving love, and he is happy and he’s purring, and he loves his foster,” Bass said.

For more information on A Kitten Place or to see which cats are up for adoption, visit https://akittenplace.org/. To contact A Kitten Place, email the nonprofit organization at akittenplace@gmail.com.

Sleeping Handsome is a free theater production coming to local libraries in February. It is perfect for children ages 4 and up.

Jeffrey, a gray cat, was sick when he was taken in by A Kitten Place.

Jeffrey, a gray cat, was nursed back

FORD’S GARAGE UNVEILS NEW BURGER OF FAME RECIPIENT

In January, Brandon Kiwanis Club members met at Ford’s Garage Brandon to celebrate the unveiling of a new Burger of Fame on the menu named for club chair Jim Howell, who was honored to receive the recognition on the menu for the Ford’s Signature Burger. Ford’s Garage, a neighborhood burger and brew joint, serves up mouthwatering, all-American favorites with a vintage vibe on the side. With Black Angus burgers and craft beers and a one-of-akind, 1920s-service-station-inspired dining room featuring classic Ford vehicles and memorabilia, Ford’s Garage o ers great food and a great welcoming atmosphere.

Lisa Longest, director of marketing for Ford’s Garage, said, “At Ford’s Garage, we are proud to recognize community ﬁgures through our Burgers of Fame menu. Each location names people within their local areas, so every menu is di erent and unique, just like the communities we serve.”

For the Brandon location, other local dignitaries with burgers on the menu include Riverview High School Principal Brian Spiro; Fire Chief Dennis Jones; Brandon Ford general manager Wayne Hammond; Buckhorn Elementary School Principal Corrie Heidt; community leader Ziad Kazbour; Hillsborough County Sheri ’s O ce Master Deputy Brian Sherman; Girl Scout Troop 33309 leader Michelle Gaghard; Col. Adam Bing-

By Marie Gilmore

ham, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing; and Osprey Observer editor and publisher Marie Gilmore.

Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2015, Ford’s Garage opened its ﬁrst location in Fort Myers, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. Today, as an o cial licensee of the Ford Motor Company, enabling operators to use the company’s iconic blue oval logo and other brand imagery, the 1920s-garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant franchise has expanded to include a total of 26 locations across six states. For more information, visit https:// fordsgarageusa.com/.

The stars of the Ford’s Garage menu are its juicy burgers made with Black Angus beef. They are served with all-natural aged cheeses, fresh toppings and ﬂavorful sauces on artisan buns branded with the Ford’s Garage logo. Each burger is also available in one of four beef alternatives, including bison, chicken, turkey and veggie patties.

The satisfying selection of burgers includes the specialty Burgers of Fame, named after inﬂuential individuals and organizations in the community.

Ford’s Garage Brandon is located in the Lake Brandon Plaza at 11105 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon.

For more, call 813-661-3673 or visit the menu at https://fordsgarageusa.com/.

49 YEAR TRADITION: BRANDON ROTARY’S WILD GAME NIGHT OFFERS A NIGHT OF FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

Established in 1961, the Rotary Club of Brandon is a part of the foremost organization for businesspeople and professionals committed to community and international service. Rotary’s motto is ‘Service above self,’ and this motto is why the club has been hosting its Wild Game Night for 49 years.

“We do this event each year to help our local charities,” said Patrick Skidmore of the Rotary Club of Brandon. “It’s also great night of delicious food and quality time our fellow Rotarians.”

Each year, the guys-only fundraiser attracts outdoorsmen from throughout Hillsborough County eager to sample a variety of expertly prepared wild game fare, including the club’s famous venison chili, quail and wild boar dishes and swamp cabbage.

“We have about 600 guests in attendance every year, so that is why the event is held at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds,” Skidmore said. “We have all kinds of ra e prizes, gun ra es, and this year we are adding live music and a cornhole tournament to Wild Game Night. The whole event is sponsored by

By Libby Hopkins

Rivard Buick GMC. We are really hoping to take the event up a notch this year.” The local charities that beneﬁ t from Wild Game Night are High 5 Inc., ECHO, the Angel Foundation FL, the Brandon Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, Rotary’s Camp Florida and Hope for Her. The club is very meticulous about the vetting process for the local charities that beneﬁ t from Wild Game Night.

“Our hopes for this year’s Wild Game Night are to raise money for these awesome local charities so they can continue to make a di erence and impact in our community,” Skidmore said. “Last year, we raised $111,538 for these local charities, and we were thrilled we raised so much from the event. This year, our goal is to raise $200K, and we are conﬁ dent that we can do this with Wild Game Night.”

Wild Game Night will be held on Friday, February 21, from 6-10 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased through the Rotary Club of Brandon’s website, www.brandonrotary.org.

e 49th Annual Wild Game Night will be held on Friday, February 21, from 6-10 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.

Brandon Kiwanis Club Chair Jim Howell is one of the latest Burger of Fame recipients in the community with the newly renamed Ford’s Signature Burger.

CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY TO FACILITATE VIRTUAL

COMMUNITY TRAINING REGARDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

VIA ZOOM

tual training. The goal of the training is to educate the public with basic information and signs of human trafficking.

The training will give warning signs to help identify human trafficking and actionable steps people can take to help victims. This training is intended to be an introduction to individuals who may not be familiar with human trafficking or those wanting a refresh on the basics. Education is key to combat this crime in our community.

The training is intended for all community members including health care providers, teachers, and church members. Anyone interested in learning more is welcome to RSVP.

Attendees will receive an email with the event link a few days before the event. To RVSP, please visit the events section of www.crisiscenter.com.

The direct link to the event registration page is www.crisiscenter.com/event/human-trafficking-see-the-signs-and-take-action-virtual-community-training-2/

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s hu -

Staff Report

man trafficking program is funded by Hillsborough County.

About the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay The mission of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone. The organization is the community’s gateway to help, hope and healing,

and it is Tampa Bay’s elite provider of crisis and trauma services. The nonprofit agency offers a range of evidence-based programs designed to meet community needs, including:

• Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counseling and sexual assault survivor services).

• Gateway Contact Center (988 and 211: suicide prevention, crisis counseling and information and referral services).

• Success 4 Kids & Families (support for families coping with behavioral health challenges).

• TransCare (911 basic life support ambulance service, behavioral health transport, basic and advanced life support interfacility transportation).

For more information about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay or to make a donation, please visit our website at www. crisiscenter.com.

With the motto of ‘Service Above Self,’ local Rotary clubs make an impact by supporting local and global organizations, with proceeds from fundraising events and by contributing to the eradication of Polio and funding of global grants through Rotary Foundation in seven areas of focus.

During the 2024 calendar year… Brandon ’86 Rotary participated in campus beautification at schools, Christmas and Easter events for foster children at Everyday Blessings, quarterly roadside cleanups with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and hurricane recovery efforts both locally and across the Bay Area. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

USF Rotaract exceeded their fall semester goals by painting pinkies on campus to raise awareness of polio, collecting 1,300plus lbs. of debris, organizing 14 hurricane relief events, sorting 1,000-plus articles of clothing for Oasis Opportunities, crocheting 50-plus plushies for the children at Joshua House and collecting food for the Feed-ABull pantry on campus. For more information, visit USF Rotaract Club on Instagram.

Brandon Rotary, with proceeds from its annual golf tournament and annual Wild Game Dinner, awarded college scholarships to students and supported charities, including the High 5 TRIDENT program; ECHO; the Angel Foundation FL; Hope for Her; Rotary’s Camp Florida; the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America; and the Guatemala Aid Fund. It has provided gate volunteers for the Hillsborough County Fair, a hot dog lunch for Backpack Heroes Day and 100-plus teddy bears for children

through the Tampa Rough Riders. For more information, text Debbie Meegan at 813-6012315.

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary, with funds from its annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and annual Crawfish Festival, supported students with college scholarships, student delegates to Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders (S4TL) and awards in the annual high school Speech Contest. Yearly, a volunteer team travels to La Paz, Honduras, to work with Honduras Compassion Partners on building projects. Local projects included lunch for Backpack Heroes Day and hurricane cleanups. For more information, contact Betty Huth at betty@hbphoto.com.

The E-Club of Tampa South meets on Zoom to enable those with tight schedules, especially military and first responders, to engage in service through Rotary. A new but thriving club, it provided veterans with breakfast at Fishhawk Bagels on Veteran’s Day this past November, sent a student to S4TL, supported Honduras For more information, contact Duane Williams at dsigma79@aol.com or 813-541-6202.

You’re invited to visit local Rotary clubs, follow the clubs on social media and join them for these fundraisers in early 2025:

• Brandon Rotary Club’s annual Wild Game Dinner, on Friday, February 21, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.

• FishHawk-Riverview Rotary’s annual Crawfish Festival, on Saturday, April 26, at Winthrop Town Centre, located at 6108 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview.

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

AB Woman’s Club Luncheon

On Wednesday, March 12, Col. Amanda Robbins, Psy.D., will be the guest speaker at the Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) luncheon. The luncheon will be at the Moose Lodge #183, located at 1212 E. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin, from 12 Noon-2 p.m. Contact Claudia Gassett on 352258-4580 for menu details and reservations.

e Royal Krewe Of Charlotte De Berry Golf Tournament

The SouthShore Krewe, the Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry, is excited to announce its upcoming local golf tournament. Funds raised will provide scholarships for aspiring young women in the area who are graduating high school and entering college or technical programs. The tournament will be held at Cypress Creek Golf Club in Ruskin on Saturday, March 1. The registration fee is $550 per foursome, or $155 per individual golfer, and includes green fees, cart fees, range balls, a goody bag, lunch and a fantastic time. There will also be ra es, a 50/50 drawing, awards and a silent auction. To register for the event, visit www. kreweofcharlottedeberry. com.

At the January luncheon, the ladies recognized the club’s longevity award recipients, honoring 16 members who have been part of the club for 10, 15, 20 and 30 years. To learn more about the ABWC, visit www. apollobeachwomansclub.com.

Fishhawk Lions Club Music Bingo

Since 2020, the Fishhawk Lions Club has assisted local schools, churches, food banks, shelters and nursing homes by providing vision testing, charity work and other aid. Join the club for a fun night of music bingo at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Thursday, February 27, at 7 p.m. All proceeds go to supporting the Fishhawk Lions Club’s community service projects. Visit www.ﬁshhawklionsclub. com for more information.

Hillsborough County

Southshore Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon

Tax Collector’s O ce Serves Over 1 Million Customers In 2024

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s O ce proudly announced a signiﬁcant achievement: serving over 1 million customers in 2024. This milestone reﬂects the organization’s ongoing commitment to exceptional service, e ciency and community engagement.

“Our team’s dedication to serving the residents of Hillsborough County is truly remarkable,” said Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County tax collector. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to our hard work and commitment to providing accessible and e cient services to our community.”

All women are invited to a ladies’ luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, at the fellowship hall of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, located at 1239 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. Doors open at 11 a.m., with the program running from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ‘From Broken to Life’ is the luncheon theme, and it will be hosted by the Southshore Christian Women’s Connection. The featured speaker will be Paula Blanda from Florida All Risk Insurance. The guest speaker will be Deedy Tripp, who will share her journey ‘From Weary Brokenness to Life Fully Purposed.’ Reservations and payments are required by Thursday, March 6. Please call Macy at 813-454-5509 to make your reservation, or email mndecker1971@yahoo.com.

Boy

Scout Mulch Delivery

Boy Scout Troop 610 is selling and delivering bags of high-quality pine and cypress bark mulch throughout the Apollo Beach, Brandon, Lithia, Riverview and Valrico areas. All proceeds from the sales and deliveries will go toward helping cover the costs of summer camp for the Scouts. To order, visit https://st-stephencatholic-church-scout-troop-610-610g. square.site/. All orders must be received by Thursday, February 20, and the minimum order is ﬁve bags. The mulch will be delivered to all areas, excluding Lithia, on Saturday, March 1; mulch will be delivered to Lithia on Saturday, March 8 (weather permitting).

AT LOCAL LIBRARIES

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) is kicking o the new year with a variety of exciting events focused on reading, community and creativity. One of the highlights is the 45th annual Storytelling Festival Workshop Series, a six-week program starting in January that teaches children the art of storytelling.

Workshop locations and schedule:

• Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library on Mondays at 6 p.m.

• Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

• Bloomingdale Regional Public Library on Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

Held locally at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, the workshops will focus on creative theater arts, literacy and public speaking. Designed for students in second through seventh grade, the series o ers a unique opportunity for kids to develop their storytelling skills and even have a video of their performance featured on the library’s website.

The workshops are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County Inc. Space is limited to 25 students per session, and registration for the full six-week series is recommended.

• Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

• Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library on Fridays at 11 a.m.

• New Tampa Regional Library on Saturdays at 1 p.m.

In addition to the storytelling series, several libraries, including Bloomingdale, Riverview, Brandon, SouthShore and Ruskin, also o er weekly toddler and baby times as well as story times. These events foster early literacy, social interaction and a love for reading among children of all ages.

To learn more or register for any of the HCPLC events, visit https://hcplc.org/.

e Apollo Beach Woman’s Club Longevity Award recipients.

Students in second through seventh grade are encouraged to sign up for the 45th annual Storytelling Festival Workshop Series.

e Tampa Elks Lodge #708 gifted the Liberty Manor for Veterans with $1,000 worth of gas gift certi cates.

Sarah Baez, CSA, Owner Senior Living Placement Specialist

DINOSAUR DISCOVERIES:

Get your prehistoric questions ready.

Dinosaur Discoveries:

Ancient Fossils, New Ideas is open now through Sunday, April 27 at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. The exhibition explores what living, breathing dinosaurs were really like — based on research from one of the world’s leading dinosaur research institutions, New York City’s American Museum of Natural History.

Here, guests will get answers to questions like: • How did a running T. rex really rampage through the wilderness? • How high could a long-necked Apatosaurus really reach into the towering trees? • How beautiful did a horned Triceratops and its cousins really look before they were fossilized?

Dinosaur Discoveries o ers captivating insights into the world of dinosaurs, appealing to guests of all ages. Visitors will explore how scientists use advanced tools, such as computer simulations and specialized X-rays, to reveal fascinating details about dinosaurs — their appearance, behavior and even their movement. The exhibition also invites guests to engage with a compelling question: why did dinosaurs vanish — or did they?

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history and science are working together, and that combination gives you new ways to explore this world of dinosaurs that we all ﬁnd so fascinating,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith. Dinosaur Discoveries marks

MOSI’s inaugural collaboration with one of the world’s leading dinosaur research institutions, the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. “This exhibition illustrates how scientists are using di erent ideas, discoveries and technologies to revolutionize our understanding of dinosaurs,” said Mark A. Norell, curator of Dinosaur Discoveries and curator emeritus in the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History.

While studying dinosaurs still involves plenty of digging and work in the wilderness, Dr. Norell explained that understanding new fossils also depends on people with a passion for the career ﬁelds of STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math.

The exhibition is located on the third ﬂoor of MOSI’s iconic blue dome building. MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa.

Derrick Williams, a vocalist, pianist, songwriter and host of The Gospel Voice, will be celebrating his 18th year on the Christian Television Network (CTN) in 2025. Williams is a six-time Best of The Bay winner for Best Vocalist, Singer, Songwriter and Pianist. He currently gigs as a solo act locally as a jazz vocalist and pianist at various restaurants around Tampa Bay.

Williams also records gospel music and serves as a praise and worship leader for over 30 years. His upcoming gospel album is expected to be released in 2025 across all music platforms worldwide.

Williams is also well known nationwide for his thrilling stage performances as the originator of the lead role of the ‘Rabbi’ in the musical The Rock & The Rabbi. He joined the cast in 1998, receiving rave reviews while playing to sold-out crowds at prestigious venues throughout the country for 22 years. Touring nationally a orded Williams’ tens of thousands of fans nationwide.

After an impromptu musical guest appearance in 2007 on CTN’s Flagship proThe Good Life with CTN’s late president and founder, Bob D’Andrea, Williams was o ered to host a gospel music show. D’Andrea, who appreciated Williams’ musical gifts, coined him as ‘The Music Man,’ believing in his ability to reach souls through music and his passion for the Lord.

“Singing gospel music is not what I do; it’s who I am and what God has gifted me to be.

I am truly blessed and thankful to begin my

18th year on air on the Christian Television Network, sharing the gospel through music and praise and worship. When you are walking with the Lord, you gain wisdom, guidance in your life and knowledge of God’s truths,” said Williams.

The Gospel Voice with Derrick Williams, nominated in 2023 and 2024 as Best of the Bay for Best Morning Show, is an energetic and inspiring music show featuring Williams’ passion for the Lord and his unique songwriting and musical style. He blends an extraordinary mix of traditional, contemporary and original gospel and Christian music fused with jazz, rock, rhythm and blues and soul.

Led by the Holy Spirit, Williams leads praise and worship while ministering through spoken words and music. He serves as the show’s musical and creative director and is joined on stage by the ﬁnest musicians and vocalists, who all share a love for the Lord. Williams is also employed as an audio technician at CTN headquarters.

The Gospel Voice currently airs weekly across all CTN Networks on Wednesdays at 9 p.m., Fridays at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 a.m. (locally on WCLF, channel 22). Check your local network for additional dates and times.

Williams is available for bookings for church events, praise and worship, Sunday’s Soulful Supper shows and corporate or private parties or events.

Visit www.derrickwilliamsvocalist.com or www.thegospelvoicetvshow.com or on socials at @thegospelvoicetvshow.

Tobacco Free Florida's Group Quit Sessions (in-person or virtual) now offer participants $25 - $125 in gift cards for their attendance.*

Group Quit offers free, expert-led in-person or virtual sessions for all Florida residents regardless of insurance status. Upon class completion, participants are eligible for nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.**

Pre-registration required

Call USF AHEC today at: 813-974-7889

*while supplies last

**if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Your Life, YourWay YourWay

Riverview/Apollo Beach

Cypress Creek Assisted Living And Memory Care Residence

Cypress Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence, privately owned and family operated, was founded upon enhancing the quality of life through a family-focused model and personalized care. The communities at Cypress Creek Assisted Living are divided into personalized neighborhoods with high sta -to-resident ratios, and the living spaces provide a sense of community in an environment that does not overwhelm and has been purposed to accommodate individualized needs. Cypress Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence is located at 970 Cypress Village Blvd. in Sun City Center. Visit its website at www. cypresscreekalf.com or call 813-633-7777 for information.

tive in more than a century. Hurricane Milton caused widespread outages and significant devastation from fierce winds, windblown debris, flooding and heavy rain. Tampa Electric brought 6,000 line workers from as far away as Texas, Minnesota and Canada. Electricity was restored in a week.

Align Right Realty Celebrates

Lender AnnieMac

Tampa Electric Granted National Award

Tampa Electric has won the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award for 2024, in recognition for the company’s outstanding work to quickly restore power after Hurricane Milton. EEI’s Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance e orts of electric companies after extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. Florida’s 2024 hurricane season was the deadliest and most destruc-

Align Right Realty is excited to share that its longtime preferred mortgage lender, Michael Longman, has joined AnnieMac Home Mortgage. Longman has been a vital part of its brokerage, consistently providing top-tier mortgage support and forging a strong partnership with the team. His transition to AnnieMac brings even greater opportunities for collaboration with Align Right’s agents, enhancing their knowledge and involvement in the home buying and selling process. Align Right Realty is located at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. Visit its website at https://alignrightriverview.com/ for info.

Magruder Agency Celebrates 36 Years In Insurance

Pat Magruder of Magruder Agency is celebrating 36 years in the insurance business. Magruder Agency understands that you care about your family, business and possessions, and it has the knowledge to navigate

all of those unique risks so that you can feel safe knowing that they are protected from anything life throws their way. Magruder Agency is distinguished from others by its persistent commitment to personalized service, believing that each individual deserves solutions speciﬁcally tailored to their circumstances. The o ce is ocated at 655 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Visit its website at www. magruderagency.com or call 813-654-3100.

Black Flag Gaming Company Opens Store In Brandon

Hillsborough Community College

Welcomes New Vice President Of Strategic Planning And Analysis

Black Flag Gaming Company, a veteran-owned trading card store, has opened its store in Brandon, o ering a welcome space for collectors, enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Located at 173 E. Bloomingdale Ave., the shop provides a wide variety of trading cards, including popular games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, as well as Warhammer 40K and more. The store also features accessories and collectibles, and it provides a place to meet others with shared interests. Founded by Will Falcon, a proud veteran with a passion for collecting, and Michael Dorsey, Black Flag Gaming Company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can feel at home. For more information, visit https://blackﬂagﬂ. com/ or call 813-530-0002.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Nicole Jagusztyn to vice president of strategic planning and analysis for the college. Dr. Jagusztyn has been with HCC since 2009, serving in various leadership roles, including interim vice president. She brings 15 years of experience in higher education research and analytics. HCC serves more than 45,000 students annually at its ﬁve campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. Visit www.hccﬂ.edu.

Serenity Meadows Celebrates National Caregiver Day

The third Friday in February is designated as National Caregiver Day, also known as Thank a Caregiver Day, and recognizes and honors the people who care for others and acknowledges the challenges they face. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 6919 Providence Rd. in Riverview, will be celebrating caregivers between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It will have light refreshments and gifts (while supplies last) for anyone in a caregiving role, including ﬁrst responders, nurses, hospice workers, home health care workers and family caregivers.

When an unexpected injury or illness happens, you can trust the emergency experts at AdventHealth. Backed by national awards and accreditations, we’re ready to care for you at 10 locations throughout Tampa Bay. And, with GetInQuickER.com, it’s easy to reserve a treatment time online — so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.

a treatment time

GREAT SHOWS STILL TO COME IN STRAZ BROADWAY SEASON

Just a few weeks into the new year and there are still some big shows coming to the Bank of America Broadway at the Straz season. The series, supported in part by the Tampa Bay Times, o cial media sponsor of the Straz, continues with A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, MJ the Musical, Mystic Pizza, Shucked and a threeweek engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. The season ahead also features an encore engagement of MAMMA MIA!

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Tuesday, February 11, through Sunday, February 16

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, showstopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock & Roll halls of fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway — and head out on the road across America.

MJ the Musical

Tuesday, February 25, through Sunday, March 2

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Tampa as MJ the Musical, the multi-Tony Award-winning, new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own.

Created by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, o ering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.

Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion

Tuesday, April 29, through Sunday, May 4

funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”) and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, cornbred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.

In addition to the nine-show Broadway series, The Straz will present the return engagement of: MAMMA MIA!

Now through Sunday, February 2

A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget.

Disney’s The Lion King

Wednesday, April 2, through Sunday, April 20

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King, and now you can too when Tampa’s best-loved musical returns to the Straz Center. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story ﬁlled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features some of

Based on the beloved 1988 MGM romcom that launched the career of Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza is a new musical about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint serving everyone from the townies to the privileged country club set. And what’s in that secret sauce, you ask? The hits of the ’80s and ’90s! The hit songs range from “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to “Hold On” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

Shucked

Tuesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 8

Shucked is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “ﬂat out hilarious!” And nobody knows

Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.

For show ticket information, call the Straz Center Ticket Sales O ce at 813229-STAR (7827) or, if located outside the Tampa Bay area, at 800-955-1045, or visit www.strazcenter.org.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its programs are funded in part by the City of Tampa; the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners; the Tourist Development Council/Hillsborough County; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts.

King

Mystic Pizza

Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer.

Darian Sanders as Simba. e Lion King North American Tour ©Disney.

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Ashley D. Kelley and Grey Henson in Shucked.

ROTARY E-CLUB OFFERS OPTIONS

The E-Club of Tampa South (RECTS) initially focused its attention on the Tampa and MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) geographical areas. The city of Tampa and the AFB have very few Rotary clubs within extremely high-populated locations within the Greater Tampa area. It would be an inconvenience for military personnel at MacDill to attend in-person meetings since they only have a limited amount of time for any such activities.

As the 2021-22 district governor, Deborah L. Williams, herself retired from the military, wanted to charter a new Rotary club. She wanted to target professionals such as active-duty and reserve military, military spouses, military contractors and other base professionals. When the chartering of an after-hours e-club venue for civilians was promoted, first responders, such as law-enforcement officers, firemen, medical EMTs and RNs, as well as realtors, pastors and others with tight schedules to engage in local, national and international services through an active Rotary e-club. The Rotary E-Club of Tampa South was officially chartered on June 1, 2022.

The quest toward an active Rotary e-club started when the request was approved to set up a membership recruitment booth at MacDill’s Tampa Bay AirFest, from March 26-27, 2022. This was a first for Rotary District 6890 as a participant in such a huge signature event on a military facility such as AFB in the Greater Tampa area. It was estimated that AirFest 2022 would host well over 150,000 plus attendees. Some of the e-club’s future members not only participated but also many were recruited

from this single effort. This was an awesome opportunity for co-branding Rotary District 6890 within the Greater Tampa area and beyond. Rotary E-Club of Tampa South’s activities so far include:

• A Speech Contest, in which a RECTS student won at the Rotary District 6890 Group level in March 2023.

• A candidate from RECTS who participated in the Seminar for Tomorrow Leaders (S4TL) in June 2023.

• A two-day fundraiser for PolioPlus with e-cycling activities in October 2023.

• Providing monetary support to the Honduras Compassion Partners (HCP) of La Paz, Honduras in February 2024. RECTS’ humanitarian mission consisted of building a house and pilas (water storage structures) and installing latrines and water filters.

• Being granted the opportunity to be the International Partner Club on a global grant proposal to upgrade the Primary Health Centres and Sub-district Hospital in Bohr-Pune, India (Rotary Club of Pune Laxmi Road, District 3131). The global grant was completed in December 2024.

• Providing veterans with breakfast sandwiches and drinks at Fishhawk Bagels on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2024.

Anyone interested is welcome to join Rotary E-Club of Tampa South’s Zoom meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 7-8 p.m. The Zoom meeting link is https://zoom.us/j/7328811760.

For more information, contact Duane Williams at dsigma79@aol.com or 813541-6202. Staff Report

TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL RANKS NO. 1 IN THE NATION FOR TRANSPLANTS BY VOLUME

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is ranked first in the nation for transplants, completing the most procedures of any transplant center in the United States during 2024. Having completed 889 transplants between January 1 and December 31, 2024, Tampa General also set a new national record for transplant procedures in one year.

contributes to the best possible patient outcomes. This is incredibly meaningful for patients undergoing complex procedures. The latest data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, which evaluates data from transplant programs across the nation, confirms that Tampa General Hospital is one of the best for patient outcomes.

“Tampa General is not just one of the nation’s leading academic health systems, it is now the first choice in America for patients in need of a transplant,” said TGH President and CEO John Couris. “That’s because this team is exceptional at what they do and is backed by the latest academic research and the most innovative technologies in health care. The #1 ranking is a testament to Tampa General’s commitment to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.”

Tampa General, which was ranked fourth in the country for transplants by volume in 2023, surpassed Mayo Clinic Hospital Arizona, University of California San Francisco Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to achieve the top spot for 2024. Data was revealed on January 13 by the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network.

The rankings not only calculate the volume of procedures, but they are also a reliable indicator of patient outcomes. Surgeons who perform more transplants have greater proficiency, and strong proficiency

“Behind every number is a patient who has a greater chance of living a long and healthy life because of the world-class team at the TGH Transplant Institute,” said Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute. “This incredible achievement is a testament to the organization’s mission to save lives.”

In 2024, Tampa General completed the following transplant procedures:

• 500 kidneys.

• 110 living donor kidneys.

• 279 livers.

• Five living donor livers.

• 51 hearts.

• 42 lungs.

• Three hearts and lungs.

• 14 kidneys and pancreases.

Last June marked the 50th anniversary of Tampa General’s Transplant Institute, which completed its first transplant in 1974. In the five decades since, TGH surgeons have completed more than 14,000 transplant surgeries, a milestone achieved by only a few dozen hospitals nationwide.

OWNER MARK GIRDWOOD BRINGS A PERSONAL

TOUCH TO PRESSURE WASHING WITH PRO221

When it comes to exterior cleaning, Pro221 Pressure Washing stands out for its commitment to quality and community. Owner Mark Girdwood, a Valrico resident, has made it his mission to help homeowners maintain beautiful, lasting properties. His business isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about building longterm relationships with the community and o ering services that go the extra mile.

After years in restaurant management, Girdwood made the bold decision to leave his steady career behind and follow his passion for pressure washing.

“It was a big leap, but it was the right one,” Girdwood shared. “I wanted a business that would allow me to spend more time with my wife, Lindsey, and our two kids, Andrew and Adalyn. I also wanted to do something that had a real impact on my community.”

Pro221 Pressure Washing o ers a range of services, but one of the most popular is paver sealing. This service protects and enhances the appearance of patios, walkways and driveways, helping them stay looking new for longer.

“Paver sealing not only adds protection but also brings out the natural beauty of outdoor spaces,” Girdwood explained. “It’s an investment that can make a big di erence in your property’s curb appeal.”

But what really sets Pro221 apart is Girdwood’s hands-on approach. When you call, you’ll speak directly with him. He schedules every job and personally ensures the work is done right.

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“I want my customers to know they’re getting my full attention,” Girdwood said. “I’m involved every step of the way to make sure they’re happy with the results.”

Beyond his work with Pro221, Girdwood is also deeply involved in the Valrico community. He believes in supporting local events, organizations and families.

“Being a part of this community is important to me. It’s where I live, work and raise my kids, and I try to give back in whatever way I can,” Girdwood shared.

Whether it’s volunteering at local schools, sponsoring events, or supporting neighborhood projects, Girdwood is always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

One local resident, Joseph from Valrico, recently shared his experience with Pro221: “Mark did an amazing job sealing our driveway and patio. The quality of work and attention to detail was beyond our expectations. We’re deﬁnitely using Pro221 for all our future exterior cleaning needs.”

Pro221 uses high-quality equipment and eco-friendly products to deliver lasting results. Girdwood treats every job as if it were his own home, ensuring every customer is satisﬁed with the work.

“My goal is simple — 100 percent customer satisfaction,” Girdwood said. “If something’s not right, I’ll ﬁx it.”

To schedule a service, 813-699-0304, visit www.pro221.com, or check out Pro221’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pro221pressurewashing.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AT THE HEART OF TAMPA’S THAT 1 PAINTER FRANCHISE

Michelle Mason loves meeting new people and customer service. She also loves painting.

When she moved to the Tampa Bay area from Indiana last year, she was looking for a service-based business.

Then she stumbled on painting.

Mason is the owner of Tampa’s That 1 Painter franchise. Her business o ers residential and commercial painting, drywall repair, pressure washing and more for customers from Land O’ Lakes to Venice.

By Lily Belcher

said.

That 1 Painter o ers more than just interior and exterior painting, as the company also o ers staining, odor removal, repairs, carpentry and caulking.

The challenge for Mason has been stepping into a male-dominated ﬁeld while relocating to Florida, but the business’ growth has motivated her throughout.

That 1 Painter also hosts a ‘Paint It Forward’ program, a way to give back to the community.

“Getting to go into each customer’s home, get to know them, understand their needs and then bring their vision to life and get to see that end result and be a part of that home improvement for them has been the best part,” Mason said.

The local, woman-owned business prioritizes the customer’s experience. Mason and her ﬁve employees make sure to inconvenience customers as little as possible.

From caring for household items to the ﬁnal cleanup, Mason said That 1 Painter makes sure the home is protected throughout the process.

If a customer is not completely satisﬁed, That 1 Painter is going to ﬁx it. And it o ers a three-year warranty.

“We consider ourselves the best house guests our customer will ever have,” she

Last year, Mason and her team painted a classroom at Brandon High School, donating labor and materials to transform the room with a fresh coat of paint. In partnership with Sherwin Williams, That 1 Painter o ers its services for the program free of charge.

“That was one of the major reasons that I was so drawn to the That 1 Painter business model,” Mason said.

And her favorite paint color, especially for home accents, is ‘naval’ from Sherwin Williams.

For more information on That 1 Painter and to see a full list of services o ered, visit https://that1painter.com/tampa-bradenton/. To contact That 1 Painter, call 813413-1684 or email tampabradenton@that1painter.com.

Michelle Mason opened her at 1 Painter franchise with a love for customer service.

FORMER FLORIDA SENATE PRESIDENT TOM LEE NAMED CEO OF PEPIN FAMILY OFFICE

Tampa Bay business leader and philanthropist Tom Pepin announced today the creation of the Pepin Family O ce (PFO). Additionally, Pepin has chosen former President of the Florida Senate Tom Lee to serve as chief executive o cer for PFO. In this pivotal position, Lee will oversee strategic initiatives, guide the family’s investment e orts and help shape the next chapter of its commitment to improving the Tampa Bay community. A respected leader and public servant, Lee brings decades of business and political experience to PFO.

“As we continue to build on our family’s ﬁnancial and philanthropic endeavors, Tom Lee brings a focused and strategic approach to foster innovative partnerships and drive measurable change in our business and our community,” said Tom. “As a close friend for several decades, I know Tom Lee also shares a deep understanding of family and community service that will help us achieve our altruistic goals.”

“I have known Tom for more than 20 years, and he has an unwavering drive to make a di erence in the lives of others,” added former Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford. “His leadership continues to inspire and uplift those around him, and his legacy of impact in our community will continue as he works with the Pepin Family.”

“I have devoted much of my professional life to public service out of love for this

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community,” said Lee. “The Pepin Family and I share a deep commitment to preserving and enhancing our community’s quality of life for future generations.”

In his role as CEO, Lee will also work closely with Tom’s daughter, Tina Pepin, executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation, as she carries on the Pepin tradition of giving back to the community. The foundation’s legacy includes the Pepin Heart Institute, the Pepin Academies for children with learning disabilities and a new commitment toward the mental health and wellness of ﬁrst responders.

Lee’s extensive background includes serving as president of the Florida Senate (2004-06) and representing the Tampa Bay area in the Florida Senate for 18 years. His expertise in public policy, community engagement and organizational leadership will play a vital role in advancing the Pepin Family O ce initiatives.

About the Pepin Family Foundation

The Pepin Family Foundation is a family-led nonproﬁt focused on health care, education and mental health and wellness services for frontline professionals. From its support of students with disabilities at Pepin Academies to its groundbreaking cardiac care at Pepin Heart Institute, the foundation’s initiatives embody a commitment to creating a stronger, healthier Tampa Bay. For more information, visit https://pepinfamilyfoundation.org/.

U.S. NAVY BAND OFFERS FREE CONCERT AS PART OF NATIONAL TOUR

To celebrate 100 years of service to America, the United States Navy Concert Band, Sea Chanters chorus and Cruisers popular music group join forces for a series of performances across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Florida from Tuesday, March 11, through Wednesday, April 2. Locally, the band will perform free concert at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland on Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Performance details can be found by visiting the band’s website at www. navyband.navy.mil.

By United States Navy Band

All U.S. Navy Band concerts are family-friendly events meant to connect community members across the country with their Navy. Combining three of the Navy Band’s elite ensembles will create a dynamic musical production featuring traditional wind band repertoire, Broadway showstoppers, pop and patriotic favorites, sure to delight audiences of all ages.

In 2025, the United States Navy celebrates 250 years of defending freedom and protecting America’s interests around the world. As the premier musical organization of the U.S. Navy, the United States Navy Band is honored to mark this

In life, you o en get second chances —and the same is true with investing. To illustrate: You might not have been able to contribute to a Roth IRA during your working years due to your income level, but you may get that opportunity as you near retirement, or even when you are retired — through a Roth conversion.

Why is a Roth IRA desirable for some people? Here are the key bene ts:

• Tax-free withdrawals — You put in a er-tax dollars to a Roth IRA, so you can withdraw your contributions at any time, free of taxes and penalties. And if you’ve had your account for at least ve years and you’re at least 59½, you can also withdraw your earnings free of taxes.

• No RMDs — With a traditional IRA, you’ll have to start taking withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — when you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later. But there’s no RMD requirement with a Roth IRA — you can essentially leave the money intact as long as you like.

• Tax-free legacy for your heirs — When your heirs inherit your Roth IRA, they can withdraw the contributions without paying taxes or penalties, and if the account has been open at least ve years, they can also withdraw earnings tax free.

But even if you were aware of these advantages, you might not have been able to invest in a Roth IRA for much of your life. For one thing, you might have earned too much money — a Roth IRA, unlike a traditional IRA, has income limits. Also, a Roth IRA has only been around since 1998, so, in the previous years, you were limited to a traditional IRA.

As you approach retirement, though, you might start thinking of just how much you’d

historic milestone throughout the year bringing the Navy where ships can’t go, telling the Navy story, instilling pride and patriotism and representing the professionalism of more than 330,000 active-duty sailors serving around the world 24/7.

Celebrating 50 years, the RP Funding Center (originally known as the Lakeland Civic Center and later The Lakeland Center) has been a cornerstone of the Lakeland community. It has hosted legendary performances, events and conventions that have created cherished memories and enriched the lives of generations.

Beyond entertainment, the RP Funding Center has served as a powerful engine of economic growth, driving tourism, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Its contributions have profoundly shaped Lakeland’s prosperity and cultural identity. The legacy of the RP Funding Center will continue to thrive, inspiring new generations for the next 50 years and beyond.

The RP Funding Center is located at 701 W. Lime St. in Lakeland. For more information, visit https://rpfundingcenter.com/.

like to bene t from a Roth IRA. And you can do so by converting your traditional IRA to a Roth. While this sounds simple, there’s a major caveat: taxes. You’ll be taxed on the amount in pre-tax dollars you contributed to a traditional IRA and then converted to a Roth IRA. (If you have both pre- and a er-tax dollars in your traditional IRA, the taxable amount is based on the percentage of pre-tax dollars.)

If you have large amounts in a traditional IRA, the tax bill on conversion can be significant. e key to potentially lowering this tax bill is timing. Generally speaking, the lower your income in a given year, the more favorable it is for you to convert to a Roth IRA. So, for example, if you have already retired, but have not started collecting RMDs, your income may be down.

Timing also comes into play with the nancial markets. When the market is going through a decline, and the value of your traditional IRA drops, you could convert the same number of shares of the underlying investments and receive a lower tax bill or convert more shares of these investments for what would have been the same tax bill. Finally, you could lower your tax bill in any given year by stretching out your Roth IRA conversions over several years, rather than doing it all at once. You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before embarking on this conversion--but if it’s appropriate for your situation, you could nd that owning a Roth IRA can bene t you and your family for years to come.

This article was written by Edward

for use by your local

Jones

Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

e United States Navy Band will perform a free concert at the RP Funding Center on Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m.

DISNEY ON ICE FROZEN & ENCANTO SHOW COMING TO AMALIE IN MARCH

For the ﬁrst time, Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the No. 1 animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before. This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney ﬁlms as audiences can sing along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more when the show comes to Tampa playing at AMALIE Arena.

Audiences will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and many more. Narrating the captivating story of Frozen is Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer. Astounding ice-skating transports families to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to ﬁnd Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristo and Sven take fans along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer.

After a very Frozen adventure, audiences will journey to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where they will meet the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita, her enchanted family home, alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability

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to make plants grow and ﬂowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers.

In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. YOU are the magic!

‘Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel’ Character Experience

Glide and dance your way into the worlds of Frozen and Encanto with music and dancing alongside Elsa and Mirabel, celebrating the amazing gifts that make each of us unique. Enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel. Bring your personal device for photo opportunities.

Note: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Disney On Ice performances will be on Friday, March 21, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 23, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the venue box o ce. AMALIE Arena is located at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. For more information, visit www.disneyonice.com/frozen-and-encanto/tampa-ﬂ-amalie-arena.

KEEL FARMS’ NEW RENTAL VENUE OFFERS BEAUTIFUL

Keel Farms itself has been around since its founding in 1981 by local landscaper Joe Keel. What started as plants quickly turned into fruits, and by 2003 Keel & Curley Winery was born. Keel sold the company to his son, Clay, and Clay’s wife, Carmen.

VIEWS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

e Osprey View is a serene haven that blends the charm of a vineyard, the elegance of an event venue and the comfort of an Airbnb into one delightful experience. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the property promises an escape into nature’s tranquility while o ering a touch of luxury.

Serving the local community for the past 21 years, Keel Farms produces wines and ciders by utilizing its 25acre farm and focusing on sustainable, groundto-glass products. Keel Farms is widely distributed across the state of Florida.

The farm is a family-friendly environment that features farm animals, wine tastings, dining experiences as well as tours of the property and production facilities, and it is open seven days a week to the public.

Recently, Keel Farms opened its new rental venue, The Osprey View.

“Our new venue, The Osprey View, is a 10-acre property located directly on Lake Thonotosassa just outside of Tampa Bay that was purchased by Clay Keel and a small group of private investors,” said The Osprey View’s general manager, Josh Henneman.

“With over 6 acres of muscadine grape vines on property, the venue features beautiful sightlines in every direction. Our covered reception space sits on the front of our 124-year-old farmhouse and boasts incredible views of the lake. The property has two

By Libby Hopkins

ceremony sites, a gorgeous bridal suite on the second ﬂoor of our farmhouse, a groom’s bunkhouse across the street on the lake, a boardwalk running along the beach and more.

The Osprey View is perfect for hosting weddings or events.”

The Osprey View is a serene haven that blends the charm of a vineyard, the elegance of an event venue and the comfort of an Airbnb into one delightful experience. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the property promises an escape into nature’s tranquility while o ering a touch of luxury.

“The plan is to become one of the premier wedding and event venues in the Tampa Bay area, joining an incredible list of venues already operating in our community,” Henneman said. “We want The Osprey View to be a beautiful and natural background for our guests’ most memorable moments in life as well as to continue to provide an exceptional guest experience for our couples and event hosts before, during and after their events.”

If you would like to learn more about The Osprey View or book your next event at the new venue, you can contact Henneman at josh@theospreyview.com or visit the venue’s website at www.theospreyview.com. The Osprey View is located at 11501 Thonotosassa Rd. in Thonotosassa.

SESAME STREET KIDS’ WEEKENDS HAVE RETURNED TO BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY WITH FUN-FILLED THEMED WEEKENDS

Families are invited to a celebration of friendship and fun as Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from now through Sunday, February 9. Families can join their favorite Sesame Street friends including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more for funfilled weekends every Saturday and Sunday.

Each weekend of the event, families can enjoy the Sesame Street pirate theme with activities including storytime, interactive dance parties, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and the allnew show Elmo and the Bookaneers. Pirate-themed Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9.

Annual Passes Are the Best Way To Join the PaRrrty!

A Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions, and exciting seasonal events. Membership includes unlimited admission, access to vibrant seasonal events and exclusive pass member benefits, like free guest tickets, free parking and special savings on merchandise as well as food and beverages. Annual pass-

Bring your kids to the

es for 2025 are on sale now, starting as low as $15.75 per month with no down payment. Guests can visit https://buschgardenstampa. com/ to purchase tickets and learn more about the annual pass program’s benefits and monthly rewards. To be the first to know about park updates, guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.

About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world.

Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit https://buschgardenstampa.com/.

Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. Staff Report

*See website for available dates, tampaymca.org

GET READY FOR BBQ, BANDS, AND BEER AT THE BACK PORCH JAM

Mark your calendars for an epic weekend of food, fun, and live entertainment at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15. The Back Porch Jam promises two days of mouthwatering barbecue, live local bands and exciting activities for the whole family.

Kick o your weekend with the Friday Night BBQ, from 5-10 p.m., as grill masters ﬁre up their smokers and begin preparing some seriously tasty eats. Groove to live tunes while enjoying your favorite barbecue bites and cold beverages.

Then, come back on Saturday, March 15, for the BBQ Showdown. Gates open at 9 a.m. for a full day of ﬁerce competition between amateur and professional barbecue teams. Watch them battle it out for the coveted title of King of BBQ, judged by the renowned Kansas City Barbeque Society. The best part? You’ll get to sample their award-winning creations throughout the day, until 5 p.m. Competition categories include: Chicken, Ribs, Pork & Brisket.

Competitors wil be competing for over $7,000 in cash prizes in two divisions including the Master Series – For seasoned BBQ pros and the Backyard Series – Perfect for passionate BBQ enthusiasts.

Plus, explore a craft fair ﬁlled with unique

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treasures, bring the kids to the kid zone for nonstop fun and enjoy refreshing drinks while soaking in the tunes from talented local bands.

With a $10-per-carload admission (up to eight people), this is the ultimate weekend for food lovers, music fans and families looking for a good time.

Scheduled music entertainment including Friday 6 pm. The Fulcos, and Damon Fowler at 8 p.m. On Saturday the music kicks o at 11 a.m. with Ridge Country followed by Jezabelle at 1 p.m. and wrapping up at 3 p.m. with Crossﬁre Creek.

“We’re excited to showcase some incredible teams & talent who will be bringing the best of country, bluegrass, and folk music to our fair stage,” said event organizers via social media.

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Tickets are available at the gate or in advance. For more information, visit www. hillsboroughcountyfair.com/p/sub-pages/ back-porch-jam.

Come hungry, bring your crew, and get ready for a weekend of barbecue, bands and beer you won’t forget.

THE BING ROOMING HOUSE OF PLANT CITY: AN

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The Bing Rooming House Museum in Plant City was named after its late owner, Janie Wheeler Bing. The structure was built in 1928 as a rooming house to provide overnight accommodations to African Americans who visited Plant City. The Seminole Restaurant was later added on the south side of the property in 1931. The museum is owned and operated by the nonproﬁt group Improvement League of Plant City, CDC.

“I became involved with the Bing Rooming House because I always love the underdog,” said William Thomas Jr. of the Bing House. “The house was in horrible condition and the city had voted against keeping it, but I knew it needed to be preserved because it’s a part of Plant City history.”

Many local organizations came together to save the beautiful house.

“The Improvement League of Plant City and other local organizations come together to save it and restore it,” Thomas said. “Today, the Bing Rooming House of Plant City is owned and operated by the Improvement League of Plant City. It serves as one of our local museums that is rich in African American history.”

Bing operated the Bing Rooming House and Seminole Restaurant in the eastern half of the store, closest to the corner. Bing once said that she “could cook, clean up and deal with customers while still

By Libby Hopkins

keeping an eye on the children settled in one corner with their lessons.” The earliest city directory (1937-38) available for Plant City lists Elisha L. and Bing at 725 E. Laura St., where they operated a lunchroom.

Anchoring the Laura Street African American Business District, Bing operated the rooming house until 1975, providing overnight accommodations during the era of segregation for various black professionals, including doctors, teachers, entertainers and Negro League baseball players. Bing died on August 16, 1984.

James ‘Jimmy’ Washington was Bing’s grandson. He was born and raised in the Bing House. He is credited with having the vision to preserve the structure as an African American museum in recognition of his grandmother’s accomplishments as a business owner and educator. Washington started his e orts to have the structure recognized as a historic landmark in 1995 and deeded the house to the nonproﬁt organization Improvement League of Plant City in 1999 to restore through both public and private donors.

Today, the Bing Rooming House Museum is home to historical artifacts and local history, and it hosts various events throughout the year. If you’d like to learn more about the Bing Rooming House Museum, you can visit its website at www. plantcitybinghouse.com. The museum is located at 205 S. Allen St. in Plant City.

e Bing Rooming House Museum in Plant City is home to historical artifacts and full of rich African American history..

Don’t miss the Back Pork Jam at the Hillsborough County Fairground on March 14 and 15.

VOODOO BREWING CO. OPENS SCRATCH

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Voodoo Brewing Co., the high-energy, less-than-traditional brewpub franchise, continues its rapid expansion with the opening of its fourth Florida location in Valrico. The new brewpub, located at 3432 S.R. 60, officially opened its doors in December 2024 under the ownership of Chris Ciulla, marking another milestone in this key growth market for the brand.

“This is just the next step in our growth plans,” said Matteo Rachocki, chairman of the Voodoo Brewery Co. Board. “We are pumped to be growing in Valrico, and we know Chris will do a great job representing the brand and creating that community-first brewpub feel we all know and love.”

Ciulla, a former staffing business executive, is leading the brand’s expansion in Valrico. A Florida native, he moved back to his home state from New York in 2023 and immediately began looking for a business opportunity that would provide the perfect mix of flexibility and local focus. He came across Voodoo Brewing Co. and knew the one-of-a-kind concept was the perfect fit.

“Voodoo Brewing Co. has consistently seen a strong response from guests across the country, both in its brewpubs and through retail sales,” said Ciulla. “Knowing this, I am incredibly excited to be bringing the concept to Valrico.”

“My hope is that we have a thriving, successful restaurant. We have a scratch kitch-

en with incredible food. We have a proper chef. Everything’s made from scratch every day, including the french fries, including our dressings — everything is made on premise. My hope is that we have a lot of success together and that we continue to open up more restaurants in the area to serve our community.”

More than just a brewery, Voodoo Brewing Co. is a community of passionate beer lovers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer.

“We shattered our goals for opening week thanks to the support of the executive team,” said Ciulla. “Erik Ivey, our chief operating officer, rallied his team on-site to help us win, and he personally spent eight hours doing kitchen prep with executive chef John while other team members supported our front-of-house team. With this level of support from the franchisor, I see a bright future for us in the community.”

Before opening, Ciulla activated young artists from Durant High School to design custom doors that are now hanging as artwork around the pub, yet another sign of his commitment to the community. In January, a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce further introduced the restaurant to the community.

Voodoo Brewing Co. in Valrico is located at 3432 S.R. 60. For more information, visit https://valrico.voodoobrewery.com/.

FAOPA STUDENTS BRING HOME NATIONAL AWARDS AT 2025 JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL ATLANTA

Students representing Backstage Theater, Center Stage Youth Theatre, the Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Academy received awards and recognition at the 2025 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta (JTF Atlanta). The monumental weekend dedicated to rewarding and celebrating excellent student-driven musical theater programs happened from January 17-19 at the Cobb Convention Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

munity.

At the festival, each group performed 15 minutes of a Broadway Junior musical for adjudicators.

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts received the Excellence in Acting Award.

FAOPA’s Anna Beth James and Kat Baudoin were named Junior Theater Festival All-Stars, a select group of outstanding performers.

FAOPA presented Disney’s Aladdin JR. to Kelby McIntyre-Martinez, associate dean for arts education and community engagement of the University of Utah; and Bob Lenzi, Broadway actor (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Tuck Everlasting).

McIntyre-Martinez said, “Wonderful ensemble work, great storytelling!”

Lenzi added, “This program finds a way to feature many of its talented individuals, while also being able to step back into an ensemble and work together.”

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization established in 2010 with the goal of supporting and developing performing arts throughout the com-

FAOPA offers numerous programs at different levels in order to encourage personal growth and to work collectively to produce productions that allow its students the opportunity to reach a new level of competence, self-esteem and confidence. One of the groups operating at FAOPA is the competition team. The competition team was established in fall 2021, and its past pieces were from Junie B. Jones Jr., Children of Eden Jr. and Once on This Island Jr.

FAOPA has embarked on the journey of a second competition team, who has the exciting opportunity to attend JTF this year. They will be presenting Seussical Jr. The growth in competition opportunities, participation and experience has exceeded its expectations.

Student Morgan Sheriff (2024 and 2022 JTF Atlanta) won a Sheridan Giles Technical Theater Award. Noah Ochalek and Morgan Sheriff (2023 JTF Atlanta) were added to the Technical Theatre All-Stars, a select group of students who worked side-by-side with individuals to help run events.

Students Mary Pope and Nicole Drake (2024 JTF Atlanta) and Timothy Addie (2022 and 2023 JTF Atlanta) made it to the callback for special projects or future video shoots for ‘how-to’ choreography videos. He was ultimately cast and traveled to New York City to film the videos (2022).

FAOPA is located in Brandon at Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Dr Brandon, FL 33511. https://faopa.org/

Voodoo Brewing Co. in Valrico recently hosted a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber.

DOG DAYCARE

LODGING

KEEL FARMS TASTE OF THE STATE FAIR CIDER FLIGHTS INCLUDE COTTON CANDY, CHURRO FLAVORS AND MORE

Keel Farms, home to Keel + Curley Winery and Keel Farms

Agrarian Ales and Ciders, will once again offer tasty beverages, and this year it’s providing ‘Taste the Fair Cider Flights’ to toast everyone’s favorite fair foods

Enjoying Keel Farms wines and ciders at the Florida State Fair is becoming an annual tradition, as Keel Farms is participating as a ‘Friends of the Fair’ partner for the fifth straight year.

From Thursday, February 6, through Monday, February 17, fairgoers (21 and over) can enjoy a Taste the Fair Cider Flight by Keel Farms, featuring four iconic, fair-inspired flavors: candy apple, churro, funnel cake and cotton candy.

Farms will offer a Taste of the Fair Cider flight during the Florida State Fair from Thursday, February 6, through Monday, February 17.

At each of the past four Florida State Fairs, Keel Farms has released a new flavor, and this year it’s bringing back all four flavors for a Taste the Fair Cider Flight to celebrate its fifth year at the fair.

“We know that in addition to the

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rides, food is one of the main attractions at the Florida State Fair, so we figured, why not offer up ciders that celebrate tried-and-true fair favorites?” said Clay Keel, president of Keel Farms. “Our team has produced an amazing selection of ciders featuring flavors that we know fairgoers will love.”

Visitors to the Florida State Fairgrounds will find Keel Farms Agrarian Cider and Keel and Curley Wine at the North Dome and South Dome at the fair. Keel Farms’ friendly staff invites you to tantalize your taste buds with all four flavors by trying a Taste the Fair Cider Flight.

Keel Farms’ mission is to grow people, community and agriculture by always providing memorable experiences through quality farm products and sustainable practices. It offers a destination farm, winery, brewery, dining and events right at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City. For full details, visit www.keelfarms.com.

Winter, such as it is in Florida, can last for several months. In West Central Florida, however, we are very fortunate compared with other areas in the country. Now is a great time to go outside and garden. It may be chilly in the morning, but the afternoons are wonderful.

The Central Florida Gardening Calendar is a great resource that will help you make timely landscape maintenance decisions. Access this publication at ‘Ask IFAS’ followed by the title.

Gardening green tips for the next few months:

Plant vegetables: In January, plant peppers and potatoes; in February, plant beans, corn, cantaloupes and tomatoes; and in March, same as February, plus cucumbers, okra, sweet potatoes and watermelons.

Mulch: Cool weather is always a great time to add mulch to your landscape beds if it is less than 3 inches deep. Mulch regulates soil temperature, adds organic value, inhibits weeds and retains soil moisture. Pine bark, pine straw/needles, eucalyptus, melaleuca and leaves are good options.

Manage Weeds: Using mulch (2-3 inches deep after it settles) helps. If you chose to fight the weed war, you can cover weeds with newspapers to smother them and/or point, aim and squeeze with an environmentally-friendly weed killer spray.

Prune: Check the ‘calendar’ for what plants can be pruned and when. Prune to train plants to grow in a certain direction, improve health by removing diseased stems, increase flowering, and more abundant foliage.

Pests: Biting, sucking and chewing. Yes, we have pests: aphids, caterpillars, slugs, snails, scale insects and spider mites. Less than 1 percent of all bugs are ‘bad bugs.’ The first step is to properly identify the insect to be sure it is a pest versus a beneficial insect. If you must, use the least-toxic product. Spot-treat plants as needed, not the entire landscape.

Inefficient Irrigation: If you have an inground irrigation system, do you have broken heads, plants or other materials blocking the spray pattern, and/or a rain shut-off device that does not work? Do you have program A, B and C set to run subsequently? Is your water bill for more than 20,000 gallons of water per month? If yes, call Will Stone at 813-744-5519, ext. 54133, to see how he may be able to help you decrease your water usage.

Right Plant, Wrong Place: After the last chance of frost, which is generally mid-February, consider the opportunity to move the right plant to the right place in your landscape if it is not there now. Consideration should be given to light (sun/shade), soil pH and texture, water, wind and other conditions. An invasive plant is never the right plant in any place. If you’re not sure if it’s invasive, go to the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas page at https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/. Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office. In Hillsborough County, call 813-7445519, visit our office at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. Contact me at labarber@ufl.edu

Keel

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL OFFERS RECORD-BREAKING MUSIC HEADLINERS

The Florida Strawberry Festival announced a record breaking sell out for headliner Reba McEntire’s upcoming performance at the 90th annual event.

McEntire is set to perform Friday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundstage and the concert sold out shortly after ticket sales went live in December 2024.

“We are very excited to announce that McEntire’s concert at the Florida Strawberry Festival has set an opening-day-ticket sales record. We learned just how many people love Reba and how many people love the Florida Strawberry Festival,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson. “The festival directors and sta work hard to bring the best musical artists possible to our guests each year, and I am pleased we could bring Reba to Plant City once again in 2025. We can’t wait to welcome her and all her fans to BerryFest25, where ‘The Stage is Set’ for an unforgettable evening.”

Although McEntire is sold out, there are 11 additional days of live performances to see.

“As we unveil our headline entertainment for BerryFest25, I am beyond excited to say this year’s theme perfectly captures the energy and anticipation surrounding our incredible lineup,” said Robinson. “We’re thrilled to welcome chart-topping stars like Lauren Daigle, The Beach Boys, Nelly, Jon Pardi, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sawyer Brown, Bai-

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ley Zimmerman and many more, who will bring their talent and excitement to our stage. With such amazing performances in store, this year’s festival is sure to be one for the books. We’ve worked hard to create an event that celebrates not just our community’s love for strawberries but also our shared passion for music, fun and tradition. Get ready — ‘The Stage Is Set!’, and we can’t wait to see you there!”

In addition to headline entertainment, the event will host more than 20 on-grounds entertainers, over 85 rides, 150 food vendors, seven livestock shows, six food contests and hundreds of arts and crafts.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, more than 600,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, strawberry shortcake. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival, where ‘The Stage Is Set!’, will take place from Thursday, February 27, through Sunday, March 9, at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City. For more information, visit www.ﬂstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok (#berryfest25). Reserved seat tickets are still available for the festival’s other headline entertainment acts and can be purchased on its website https://ﬂstrawberryfestival.com/, over the phone at 813-7541996 or at the Amscot Main Ticket Gate 1.

LEADERSHIP BRANDON CLASS PICKS CONNOR’S CORNER AT ROTARY CAMP

FLORIDA AS COMMUNITY PROJECT

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in the success of the Brandon area for more than 64 years and continues to be a driving force to make Brandon a better place to live, work and do business.

The chamber’s mission is at the heart of everything it does, which is to connect, collaborate and build a better community. One of the ways the chamber achieves its mission is through its Leadership Brandon Program.

The Leadership Brandon Program works to identify and develop civic-minded leaders throughout the community with insight and access on community operations through eight months of Leadership Development Days, which include a series of activities, seminars, tours and interactive presentations that nurture business relationships, improve community awareness and strengthen leadership abilities. Leadership Brandon is open to emerging leaders from diverse professional backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, executives’ mid-level managers and community advocates.

“Our leadership recently met with various nonprofits from our community to learn about what they do for our community,” said Dylan Chadwell, owner of Regalitea and Leadership Brandon’s Class of 2025 president. “Each nonprofit pitches us a need they have at their nonprofit and then we, as a group, decide which nonprofit’s need will become our class project.”

By Libby Hopkins

The project the Leadership Brandon class picked was pitched to the class by the Rotary Club of Brandon, and it is to restore a community garden at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon.

“We decided to update Connor’s Corner at the camp,” Chadwell said. “When Connor was a child who had a brain issue, which lead to him losing his ability to speak or be mobile, he was in a wheelchair but loved coming to Rotary’s Camp Florida and to be outdoors. When Connor passed, the camp dedicated a garden area in his memory. Since then, the garden is needing some upgrades, so this is our class project, and we hope to have it completed by the beginning of March.”

The Leadership class is looking to the Brandon community for partnerships to help them complete the project by March.

“We want to install raised garden beds that are wheelchair accessible, plant fruit trees for butterﬂies and add a sensory-friendly sandbox as well to Connor’s Corner,” Chadwell said. “We want this area to be a place for campers to come and have a little quiet spot to relax and enjoy themselves.”

If you would like to partner with the Leadership Brandon Class of 2025 on their community project or if you’d like to donate supplies to their project, you can contact Chadwell at dylan@regalitea.com.

e Leadership Brandon Class of 2025 has partnered with Rotary’s Camp Florida to update Connor’s Corner.

Photos Courtesy of Florida Strawberry Festival®. Boyz II Men, Nate Smith, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Home Free pictured.

RAYMOND JAMES GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS UNVEILS 2025 FESTIVAL IMAGE

By Doubletake Studios Inc.

by Ashli Harper as the o cial image for the 55th annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. This powerful artwork will promote the event, which will bring over 250 artists and 15 emerging artists to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, located at 1001 N. Blvd. in downtown Tampa, on Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2.

Harper, a Plant City resident, was an emerging artist at last year’s festival, making this year’s selection a full-circle moment.

“This piece is deeply personal,” Harper shared. “I created it during a time when I felt like I was in the final round of a fight — exhausted but determined to truly live. I hope others find strength in it, as we all face challenges that push us to discover resilience we didn’t know

we had.” Harper began her art journey during the pandemic as an outlet for stress. Her work resonated with audiences, leading her to apply to the GFA’s Emerging Artists Program, where she was one of 15 chosen to exhibit in 2024. Her debut collection sold out completely, setting the stage for this year’s honor.

“Being selected as the festival image feels like a powerful a rmation,” Harper said. “It fuels my passion and renews my purpose. I’m grateful and humbled to represent such an inspiring event.”

The Fight will be prominently featured in all promotional materials, ad campaigns, and merchandise for the 55th annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. To learn more, visit https://gasparillaarts.com.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) will present a one-night-only gala beneﬁt concert featuring legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, conducted by music director Michael Francis, on Friday, February 28, at 8 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. The renowned 19-time Grammy Award-winning artist will perform Antonín Dvořák’s stirring Cello Concerto, one of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire.

Tickets for this exclusive event are on sale with prices ranging from $75-$350. Fees apply. Tickets can be purchased directly through The Florida Orchestra’s website at https://ﬂoridaorchestra.org/, by phone at 727-892-3337 or in person at the TFO Ticket Center, located at 244 2nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.

The concert will also feature a performance of Richard Strauss’ famous Don Juan, adding to the evening’s dramatic and vibrant program. This special event will support The Florida Orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and its wide-reaching education and community programs, which serve more than 155,000 people across the Tampa Bay area each year.

A world-renowned musician, Ma has built a career based on his belief in the power of culture to foster understanding and unity. Whether performing timeless classics or exploring new musical forms,

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Ma’s artistry strives to connect people and inspire creativity. His performance with TFO is sure to be a memorable highlight in the orchestra’s season.

The benefit concert will be conducted by maestro Michael Francis, who is celebrating his 10th season with TFO. VIP packages and sponsorship opportunities are available, including premium seating, a preconcert reception and a seated dinner in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Great Room. These packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about VIP and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Susana Weymouth, TFO chief development ocer, at 727-362-5430 or sweymouth@ floridaorchestra.org.

Generously presented by The Cassaly Foundation, the concert is a key fundraising event for The Florida Orchestra, which continues to inspire, educate and unite the Tampa Bay community through the transformative power of music.

The Florida Orchestra’s 2024-25 season features over 100 performances across Tampa Bay, o ering a wide range of classical, popular and family-friendly programs.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 McMullen Booth Rd. in Clearwater. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit https://ﬂoridaorchestra.org/.

HILLSBOROUGH GRANT SUPPORT AIDS ‘BRANDON PARADE OF LIGHTS’ AND OTHER LOCAL EVENTS

By Linda Chion

Among the more than $1.46 million in grant funding issued for special events throughout Hillsborough County was a $15,248.25 grant for the December 14, 2024, debut of the Brandon Parade of Lights.

“The funds support overall parade expenses and help build a foundation to continue the legacy of the parade in 2025,” said Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Vice President Amber Aaron. “The joy we felt seeing this parade come to life and be so warmly embraced by the community is beyond words. It’s a true celebration of unity, tradition and the spirit that brings us all together and will continue for many years to come.”

As Liz Brewer, president of the Rotary Club of Brandon and head of the Angel Foundation FL, put it in a post-parade post, “Tonight was one more conﬁrmation we live in an amazing community and with people who have incredible servant hearts.”

The Christmas spectacle, staged in partnership with the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce, brought together the communities of Brandon, Valrico, Plant City, Riverview, Lithia and more to the sidewalks of Oakﬁeld Drive, where marching bands from four high schools — Brandon, Bloomingdale, Newsome and Riverview — participated in the merriment.

The parade grant funding was approved

by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), after a recommendation from the 11-member Cultural Assets Commission. Appointed by the BOCC, the commission meets quarterly at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Tampa. A call for grant applications occurs at least twice every ﬁscal year, which for the county runs from October 1 through September 30.

In the latest round of approved funding, 37 groups, staging 45 events, were approved to receive a piece of the $1.46 million. Eligible are such things as art, local food, ﬁlm and music festivals, as well as historic, local community and river celebration events. Not eligible are such things as sporting events, beauty pageants, charitable fundraisers and events organized for political or religious purposes.

Among the grants awarded most recently, the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce received $25,151.56 for the 34th annual Ruskin Seafood Festival. Another $22,646.86 was earmarked for the Fourth of July ‘Catch the Spirit and Celebrate America’ drone light show and festival at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover.

For more, including application information and a list of grant recipients, visit www. hcﬂ.gov and search for ‘Special Events Partnership Grants.’

Brandon Parade of Lights judges, from left to right, Melissa Snively, Annabel Lennard and Marie Gilmore.

Photo credit: Jason Bell. Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform for a one-night gala for e Florida Orchestra at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

When military members PCS, they move from one station assignment to another or make a ‘permanent change of station.’ In 2020, Valrico resident Rob Schelle recognized an opportunity to support military families as they PCS.

Schelle founded Military No Stress PCS, certiﬁed as a nonproﬁt in 2022.

Military No Stress PCS provides relocation assistance and free concierge services through an extensive network across the globe. The network consists of realtors — most of whom are veterans or military spouses — who have a full understanding of the challenges of military families. Military No Stress PCS has 280 connected locations with all six branches of the US military, including Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) locations.

In 2019, Schelle became the president and CEO of the Kilene Kelly Group (KKG) with Keller Williams Realty. Schelle’s desire to serve in the military began years ago. Both his grandfathers served in WWII and his stepdad served in Vietnam.

Realtors with KKG organically aid their clients with local resources — everything from ﬁnding a landscaper, pool service or electrician to recommendations for schools and youth sports. Our area has an inﬂux of military due to the proximity to MacDill Air Force Base. Schelle recognized a way to serve beyond Florida.

“The premise is that this is to serve those who serve. Sometimes they (the military)

By Jane Owen

have all the resources at their ﬁngertips but don’t even know where to start,” Schelle said.

In 2024, Military No Stress PCS helped 3,000 families, up from 1,800 in 2023. It is listed on Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.mil) and partner with No Paws Left Behind, which specializes in military pet moves.

Shanon Castro, a Lithia resident and military spouse, has used Military No Stress PCS for multiple moves, including a move to Korea.

“No Stress PCS has truly been a game changer. They took the time to truly understand our family, our needs and what was important to us in a community. Their knowledge of local resources, professional services and neighborhoods is unmatched, and whenever they didn’t have the answer, they ﬁnd it,” Castro said.

“When you contact our site or call us, however you reach out, we put you in contact with the right person within our concierge network that will contact you and walk you through it,” Schelle said.

On December 14, 2024, Military No Stress PCS placed 2,400 wreaths in nine military cemeteries as part of National Wreaths Across America Day (www.wreathsacrossamerica.org). Schelle and his family of four placed wreaths at Serenity Meadows in Riverview.

To learn more about No Stress Military PCS and its services, visit https://militarynostresspcs.org/.

THE TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH HOMELESS INITIATIVE LOOKS TO THE COMMUNITY TO HELP WITH ITS 2025 PIT COUNT

The purpose of the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI) is to lead the Tampa/ Hillsborough County Continuum of Care (CoC) in collaboration with agencies to develop and provide innovative solutions to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in Hillsborough County.

By Libby Hopkins

e Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI) is conducting its 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. THHI needs more than 500 volunteers, who will be asked to interview people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and collect data about them and their experiences.

This collaboration, with a wide range of partners, engages and mobilizes systems of care on a local, regional and national level to develop e ective prevention and intervention services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires CoC to conduct a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of persons experiencing homelessness at least every two years. The Tampa/Hillsborough County CoC conducts a homeless count annually. According to HUD, each community shall make every e ort to count all homeless individuals living outdoors, in shelters and in transitional housing.

“The Point-in-Time Count is our annual event, during which we survey our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness,” said THHI Director of Data Systems Sergio Santiago. “The data this event gathers is used by the federal and state governments to make all sorts of important decisions, so we put a

lot of e ort into making sure this event is a success.”

The community can get involved by signing up to a survey at www.thhi.org/ pitsignup and participating in this great event.

“The PIT Count is more than just a requirement; it’s an opportunity for our community to come together, see the reality of homelessness ﬁrsthand and take action,” said Antoinette Hayes-Triplett, CEO at THHI. “Every volunteer plays a crucial role in ensuring that no one is invisible and that we have the data needed to drive real solutions. I encourage everyone to step forward, join us and be part of the e ort to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in Hillsborough County.”

THHI needs more than 500 volunteers, who will be asked to interview people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and collect data about them and their experiences.

“The PIT Count allows us all to come together and help make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring,” Santiago said. “We hope to rally the community to unite and have a great count.”

THHI’s PIT Count will be held on Tuesday, February 27. If you would like to learn more about THHI or want to volunteer to help with the 2025 PIT Count, you can visit THHI’s website at www.thhi.org.

Rob Schelle placing a wreath at Serenity Meadows in Riverview as part of Wreaths Across America Day.

2025 BAY AREA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

BRINGS JOUSTING, MERRIMENT AND MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE TO TAMPA BAY

The 2025 Bay Area Renaissance Festival is set to kick off mid-February, promising an unforgettable journey back to the 16th century for visitors of all ages. During weekends from Saturday, February 15, through Sunday, March 30, rain or shine, the festival will transform the lush grounds of the Red Fest grounds in Dade City into a vibrant, medieval village, complete with knights, jousts and artisan markets.

This year’s events promise to be some of the most exciting yet, with a fresh lineup of performers, attractions, and themed weekends to engage guests in a variety of immersive experiences. Festivalgoers will be able to wander through the artisan marketplace, encountering costumed characters from all walks of life, from royal courtiers to rogue pirates and wandering minstrels. This year, the festival will feature an expanded entertainment roster.

Highlighting the action-packed schedule are the thrilling jousting tournaments, where armored knights will compete in full battle regalia for glory and honor. The competitions, set against the backdrop of cheering crowds, will take place throughout the weekends, providing excitement for spectators of all ages.

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Additionally, daily events include the Romance Package with front row seats at the joust, Brunch at the Joust including a gourmet lunch, mead tastings, a daily pub crawl, Cocktail Crawl, Queen’s Tea, Fairy Tale Tea Party, Marriage Renewal En Masse and Vow Renewal En Masse.

Festivalgoers can also expect a sprawling marketplace, where artisans will display handcrafted jewelry, clothing, pottery and other treasures, many of which are inspired by the Renaissance period. With live music, delicious food and the timeless fun of watching actors and performers immerse themselves in the lore of the era, the Bay Area Renaissance Festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Tampa Bay.

Tickets for the 2025 festival are on sale now, with special discounts for families, groups and early purchasers. For more information on the full schedule and ticket options, visit https://bayarearenfest.com/.

The Renaissance Festival grounds are located at 12838 Auton Rd. in Dade City, and the festival is open from 10 a.m.6 p.m. Parking is free. Discount tickets start at $17.59 and event tickets range from $30-$67 per person.

Master Garage Door Company has been a part of the Brandon community since 1997. Owners Steve and Tawnie Manning are committed to serving with integrity and value the trust of our community.

“We are a locally and family-owned and operated business,” said Steve. “Tawnie and I still work hard every day to serve our community. For our entire team, we take our work personally, have pride in the service we provide and love the relationships we’ve built along the way.”

Master Garage Door Company specializes in the installation, service and repair of all makes and models of residential and light commercial garage doors and garage door openers.

“We are licensed, bonded and insured,” Manning said. “Every new door we install is permitted by Hillsborough County to meet all wind load and hurricane specifications for hurricane code requirements.”

Being a part of the Brandon community is very important to the Mannings. Both Tawnie and Steve serve on boards or are part of various Brandon-community nonprofits and organizations. Their business has also won numerous awards for their level of customer service.

“We love our community and it’s im-

By Libby Hopkins

portant to us to give back to our community by being a vital part of it,” Manning said. “We are faith-based, and the name ‘Master’ comes from a few things; one, we intend to do the best at what we do, and the Lord is the master, and it’s because of him we are able to do the things we do for others.”

The Mannings have been strong supporters of Homes For Our Troops for many years. This veteran nonprofit builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.

“Giving back to our military is very important to Tawnie and I,” Steve said. “They served our country, and we felt is was our honor to serve them and give them a quality garage door for their new homes.”

Whether you need new equipment or repairs to an existing system, you can trust Master Garage Door Company to get the job done quickly and with integrity. If you would like to learn more about the services offered at Master Garage Door Company or to schedule a free consultation, you can visit its website at www.mastergaragedoor.com or call 813-684-7744.

There will be fun for the whole family at the 2025 Bay Area Renaissance Festival, located in Dade City from Saturday, February 15, through Sunday, March 30.

Master Garage Door Company has been a part of the Brandon community since 1997. Owners Steve and Tawnie Manning are committed to serving with integrity and value the trust of our community.

Discover Hammock Bay, a serene enclave nestled between Biscayne Canal and Tampa Bay, offering a rare opportunity for waterfront living at its finest. This exclusive, gated community combines privacy and tranquility with convenient access to Tampa and St. Petersburg. Each expansive homesite is designed for gracious living, featuring custom-built homes or a limited collection of thoughtfully designed residences by Bartlett Custom Homes and Tide Homes. Enjoy a private boat dock with direct access to bay waters, creating a perfect blend of luxury and a relaxed boating lifestyle.

HCC AND TECO TEAM UP TO GROW LINE WORKFORCE

One of the most welcome sights to see after a storm knocks out power across the region is the army of electrical line workers who are dedicated to restoring service to electrical utility customers.

Frequently the outage is so great that out-of-state reinforcements are brought in with convoys of trucks and gear, but a partnership between TECO and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is locally training people to become electrical line workers who repair and maintain a vital part of the community’s infrastructure.

Line workers provide the skilled labor needed to set up poles, string wire and maintain equipment to deliver electricity to individual customers from the utility’s power-generating infrastructure, whether it is part of post-disaster recovery or routine daily operations. Successful completion qualifies graduates of the electrical line worker training program for entry-level positions in the power industry, though employment with TECO or another company is not guaranteed.

The intensive, 14-week course of study involves 420 hours of instruction and includes various first aid and OSHA certifications.

Among the requirements are that applicants must have a high school or GED diploma, be 18 years or older at the start of the course, have a driver’s license, pass

By Brad Stager

a level-two background check and be able to lift 50 pounds. A drug screen is also required, and no exceptions are made for medical marijuana users. Classes are held at HCC’s Brandon campus.

According to Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric, “We rely on skilled line workers to safely and reliably maintain our electrical grid. This program will help to diversify the pool of candidates that we draw from to sustain our team of line workers into the future.”

Students of the program gained real-world experience working alongside electrical repair crews following last season’s hurricanes.

Recruiting for the class that begins on Tuesday, August 5, is happening now, with applicants required to attend a competitive screening boot camp on Saturday, July 12, where the class roster will be determined by selecting the top 16 candidates and eight alternates. There is a $93 fee to register for the boot camp. Tuition for the electrical line worker program is $6,500 and scholarships are available to qualified applicants.

You can find out more about the electrical line worker training program by visiting www.tampatraining.com or calling 813-259-6010.

TECO FAMILY BBQ COOK-OFF FOR CHARITY RETURNS TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY

The highly anticipated TECO Family BBQ Cook-off for Charity is back for another year of delicious food, fun activities and community support. Hosted by current and former Tampa Electric Company (TECO) employees, this popular annual event is set for Saturday, February 22, at the International Independent Showmen’s Association in Riverview. The gates will open at 10 a.m., with tickets priced at $15 for attendees ages 11 and up, and free admission for children 10 and under.

Founded in 2009 as a friendly competition among friends, the barbecue cook-off has since evolved into a major community event. This marks the 14th annual edition of the cook-off, which continues to grow in both size and impact.

“This year’s event promises to be another great celebration, bringing together TECO employees — past and present — and the community to support a great cause,” said Tiffany Bornfleth, project communications coordinator. “All proceeds from the event will benefit the Children’s Cancer Center, and we invite everyone to join us for a day of family-friendly fun!”

The Children’s Cancer Center is a nonprofit organization that has been providing emotional, financial and educational

support to children battling cancer and chronic blood disorders for over 40 years. With over 30 support programs in place, the center offers crucial assistance to not only the children but also their families, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate their challenging journeys.

Founded in 1974, the Children’s Cancer Center’s mission is rooted in the understanding that when a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, the entire family is affected. As such, its programs provide holistic support to meet the needs of all family members, helping them cope with the emotional and financial toll of the illness.

In addition to the competition, attendees will enjoy free samples from all the barbecue teams and a range of exciting activities suitable for all ages, including games, raffles and a car show. The event continues to be a cherished tradition in the community, fostering connections and promoting philanthropy through good food and shared experiences.

The International Independent Showmen’s Association is located at 6915 Riverview Dr. in Riverview. For more information, you can contact Tina Lukcic at 813-228-1341 or via email at tllukcic@ tecoenergy.com.

Photo courtesy of TECO.

Electrical line workers are a welcome sight after storms, and they also maintain the connection between customers and TECO in fair weather.

Enjoy delicious barbecue and fun activities at the 14th annual TECO Family BBQ.

The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center has new equipment to help rehabilitate more endangered sea turtles. The aquarium is now using Mobile Aquatic Sea Turtle Holding (MASH) units for the ﬁrst time since the installation of the stateof-the-art systems last summer. The eight portable pools expand the aquarium’s capacity to help sick and injured sea turtles.

Currently, four loggerhead sea turtles rescued from the icy waters o the Massachusetts coast and initially triaged at the New England Aquarium are receiving life-saving care in the new MASH units. A cold-stunning event incapacitated these turtles and more than 1,000 others in the Greater Atlantic Region this winter.

Cold-stunning, a life-threatening response to prolonged exposure to cold water, leaves sea turtles lethargic, unable to swim and vulnerable to hypothermia, malnutrition and infections. These turtles were stranded with low body temperatures and developed pneumonia but are now in stable condition in the new MASH units, thanks to the care provided by The Florida Aquarium’s expert veterinarians and animal care teams. They are expected to remain at The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center for several months before being released back into the Atlantic Ocean.

“These MASH units are a game changer — we can now treat more turtles at one time, ensuring more turtles can recover and return to their natural homes,” said Ashley

Riese, Sea Turtle Conservation Program director for The Florida Aquarium. “Every turtle we rehabilitate represents a step forward in conserving this endangered species.”

New Equipment Expands Impact

The MASH units not only expand the Aquarium’s capacity but can also be deployed in the ﬁeld to assist with sea turtle emergencies, such as mass strandings, making them an invaluable resource for marine life recovery.

Last year, The Florida Aquarium rehabilitated and released more than three dozen sea turtles. With the addition of the versatile MASH units, that number is expected to grow in the years to come.

Florida Drivers Helped Support the MASH Units

The Florida Aquarium’s MASH units were funded through the state’s ‘Helping Sea Turtles Survive’ specialty license plate program, which supports sea turtle research and conservation across Florida.

“By purchasing sea turtle license plates, Floridians are directly contributing to the survival and recovery of these incredible animals,” said Riese.

For more info, visit www.ﬂaquarium.org.

To note: All sea turtle rehabilitation work conducted by The Florida Aquarium is done with the approval of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles and authorized under conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-25-179.

DANCING FOR HEROES GALA TO BENEFIT PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS

The Small But Mighty Heroes organization is gearing up for its second annual gala, Dancing for Heroes, taking place on Friday, March 21, from 7-10 p.m. at The Regent. This enchanting evening will feature dancers performing superhero-themed routines to raise funds for children battling pediatric cancer.

The event, themed ‘Fantasy and Fairytales Night,’ aims to bring magic to life as dancers honor true heroes — children fighting cancer. Attendees can expect a night filled with wonder, joy and heartfelt moments as each step and spin on the dance floor becomes a tribute to courage, hope and resilience.

Small But Mighty Heroes is a 501(3)(c) organization that’s dedicated to providing services to pediatric cancer patients and their families. It is hosting a community fundraiser at The

By Kelly Wise Valdes

“Witnessing the impact of dance on grieving parents was transformative; it allowed them to process their loss and heal together,” said Downing. “This inspired us to include dancing as part of our bereavement program, offering families a powerful way to grieve, connect and find strength through movement.”

Participants, spectators, volunteers and sponsors were duly recognized at the awards ceremony for the first-ever Brandon Parade of Lights, the December 14, 2024, holiday parade presented in partnership with two chambers of commerce.

By Linda Chion

and Jon Sever, supervisor of music, grades six through 12, for the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Bands participating were from Bloomingdale, Brandon, Newsome and Riverview high schools.

Tina Downing is the founder of Small But Mighty Heroes and the visionary for this ballroom dancing fundraiser.

“Dancing For Heroes was born out of my personal journey with Latin and ballroom dancing, which began in 2021 after I tragically lost my twin sister,” said Downing. “At that time, I turned to dance as a way to grieve and cope. It gave me an outlet to express emotions that words couldn’t, serving as a form of therapy and healing.”

Over time, dancing became not only Downing’s personal refuge but also a way to honor the children she supported through her nonprofit organization, Small But Mighty Heroes, especially those whose lives were cut short.

This special community event celebrates the lives of the children battling cancer and to raise critical funds for Small But Mighty Heroes programs benefiting the families served through this nonprofit organization. Many local community members are dancing in this event, including local authors, business owners, realtors and more.

General admission tickets are priced at $75, offering half-hour early entrance, general seating, passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts, along with one drink ticket. VIP tickets are available for $125, providing one-hour early entrance, reserved seating in a premium location, VIP ‘red-carpet’ treatment, additional hors d’oeuvres and a meet and greet with professional dancers and contestants.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://smallbutmightyheroes.org/ or call 813-772-4584. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview.

In welcoming attendees to the awards ceremony at The Regent in Riverview weeks later, Kerrie Hoening, on behalf of the event committee, said the parade was a “grand experiment” that exceeded expectations.

“Everything we learned from this year’s parade we’ll use to smooth out the edges and make it an even greater event next year,” Hoening said, making it official that the inaugural parade is destined to become a long-standing holiday tradition.

“This grand experiment that we just went through, we appreciate your grace and willingness to come alongside us,” Hoening added. “I hope we can all agree that it was a really fun event and our community appreciated it.”

The applause Hoening received for her remarks resounded again for the award of checks to two nonprofits and to the issuance of awards for parade units. Thanks also went to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; to county officials who awarded the parade a special event grant; and to the four high school bands that participated in a show of school support, aided by the efforts of school board member Patti Rendon,

Special thanks went also to the parade’s 28 sponsors, including Reed & Reed, Attorneys at Law (title sponsor), and to Rivard Buick GMC (VIP tent and grandstand area).

The heavy load was carried by both the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) and the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC), whose representatives awarded the nonprofit checks from parade proceeds. GBCC Executive Vice President Amber Aaron presented a $3,000 check to the Angel Foundation FL. From the VFCC, Patti Sutherland presented the check to Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary.

Parade award recipients were High 5 Inc. (Most Festive); Judy’s Dance Academy (Judge’s Choice); Sea SaveYours Conservation Society (Crowd’s Choice); Creative Junk Therapy (Most Original); and 2023 Honorary Mayor of East Hillsborough Danielle Stevens, escorted by Abi Merkle (Most Community Spirit).

The 2025 Brandon Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, December 13. For more information, visit https://brandonparadeoflights.com/.

Regent on Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.