Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach Jan edition by Osprey Observer

THE YARD AT WATERSET TO OFFER NEW HOUSING, RETAIL, AND DINING OPTIONS

Growth in and around the Waterset community in Apollo Beach has exploded over the past decade, with much of this progress focused on residential neighborhoods, particularly locations south of Big Bend Road. The Yard at Waterset, located on Paseo Al Mar Blvd between US 41 and Waterset Blvd, focuses on bringing much needed new retail options to the area providing a gathering spot for locals as well as building a sense of community among Waterset businesses and residents. (photo The Yard at Waterset)

By Brian Bokor

achieve.

Currently, the blossoming development has ﬁve tenants open in Planet Smoothie, Wingstop, Crunch Fitness, The Learning Experience, and Pet Paradise with plans showing a variety of new options coming soon mixing a blend of dining options with health related and ﬁnancial services. More additions coming with Phase 2 delivery advertised for 4th quarter 2025.

The Citizen at Waterset, with 236 units, and Ridley at Waterset, with 400, o er ample rental opportunies within walking distance of The Yard. Local businesses, like the recently opened Planet Smoothie, welcome occupants of both complexes as well as folks using the gym, daycare, or pet sitting services to stop by and try what they have to o er. Building that kind of relationship between residents and local businesses is exactly what Owners in The Yard hope to

Jason and Jennifer Babinec, Owner-operators of Planet Smoothie Apollo Beach and residents of Waterset since 2018, opted to open their business in The Yard for that specific reason, in order to give back to their community. Franchise opportunities were available in Bradenton, Clearwater and Tampa, but the couple passed, saying,

“It was important to open here (Waterset), because we really wanted to be part of our community and support the area in which we chose to live”. You get a sense that it is not all about proﬁt with these Owners; it is about wanting to serve the community and o er people who live nearby more options without the need to travel miles.

The Babinec’s informed me a majority of Owners they know in The Yard are local residents who share the same sense of shared responsibility in providing a wonderful experience to all future customers who visit. Most employees at Planet Smoothie attend or have attended East Bay High or Lennard High helping further promote the sense of community Jennifer and Jason hope to achieve.

Opened less than a month, Jennifer was excited to announce they were “serving over 100 customers a day with several regulars already coming in to order their favorites!”

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, 100 Women Who Care Riverview/FishHawk achieved a remarkable milestone in December: collectively donating over $100,000 to local charities since its founding. The group, dedicated to improving lives in the Riverview and FishHawk communities, celebrated this achievement by selecting the Kiwanis Club of Brandon as the recipient of their December donation.

By Marie Gilmore

what can be accomplished when we all pool our resources and make a difference in the lives of those around us.”

For those unfamiliar with the initiative, 100 Women Who Care is a simple but powerful concept: women from the area gather four times a year, each contributing $100. At each meeting, three local charities are nominated, and after brief presentations, one is selected to receive the collective donations. With 100 women in the group, that’s $10,000 per meeting, with the potential to make a signiﬁcant impact on local causes.

The Kiwanis Club of Brandon was chosen in December for its ongoing work with local youth, including its weekly backpack feeding program, support of scholarships and community service projects. Its mission aligns with the core values of the group, making Kiwanis a perfect recipient for this milestone contribution.

“Reaching the $100,000 mark is not just a number—it’s a testament to the power of women coming together with a shared purpose,” said Debbie Matice, a member of 100 Women Who Care Riverview/FishHawk. “This milestone shows

The Kiwanis Club of Brandon was deeply grateful for the generous donation, which will help fund their continued e orts in supporting the community’s youth. “This donation will make a real di erence in the lives of so many young people in our community,” said Lynn Langowski, member of the Kiwanis Club. “It’s inspiring to see how local women are using their collective power to create positive change.”

Since its inception in October 2018, 25 local non proﬁt organizations have received donations. Additionally, the Shultz Family Foundation o ers a 50% matching grant up to $5,000 each quarter in a special partnership with registered 100 Women Who Care organizations. 100 Women Who Care Riverview/FishHawk meets quarterly. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m. at Vine Vegan restaurant located at 2080 Badlands Dr, Brandon, FL 33511. Find 100 Women Riverview/FishHawk on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/100WWCRiverviewFishHawk.

At its December meeting, 100 Women Who Care Riverview/ FishHawk donated to Kiwanis Club of Brandon bringing its total contributions to charity since 2018 to $100,000.

Jason and Jennifer Babinec, owner-operators of Planet Smoothie Apollo Beach and team.

The Tampa-based rock duo Fiendish Thingies is set to release a highly anticipated double single on New Year’s Day, January 1. The new tracks mark a signiﬁ cant milestone in the band’s evolution, o ering an exciting glimpse into their sound and creative growth.

By Riley and Austin Stanley

Brothers Riley and Austin Stanley, who are Riverview High School graduates and have deep roots in the local music scene, have poured their hearts into these new songs, which reﬂ ect their journey as both artists and individuals.

“We are so excited to show what we have been working on,” said Austin. “These songs mean a lot to us. We’ve spent countless hours crafting something we feel truly proud of, and we can’t wait for our fans to hear it.”

Fiendish Thingies’ sound blends elements of alternative rock, indie, and blues, drawing from their diverse inﬂ uences and years of performing in the Tampa area. According to Riley, “These songs have been brewing for a while, having played them at a lot of shows at venues here in town. It feels great to ﬁnally share them with the world.”

The Stanley brothers, both alumni and students of Florida universities — Riley from the University of Tampa and Austin from Florida Gulf Coast University — have been playing music together since their youth. Their deep connection

to the Tampa community and local music venues has shaped their music, and this new double single is a testament to their passion and dedication.

Fans of the band can expect a fresh and reﬁ ned sound on these two tracks, which showcase their musical evolution while staying true to the raw energy that has made them a standout act in Tampa’s live music scene.

The double single, “The Wait”/“That’s Why,” will be available for streaming and download starting at 12 Midnight on January 1. Fans can stream the new tracks on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Fiendish Thingies is a rock duo from Tampa, Florida, consisting of brothers Riley and Austin Stanley. Known for their electrifying live performances and distinctive blend of alternative rock, indie and blues, the band has built a loyal following in their hometown and beyond. The duo draws from a wide range of musical inﬂ uences while staying deeply rooted in the vibrant Tampa music scene. Their upcoming double single is their latest e ort to bring their evolving sound to a broader audience.

For more information, press inquiries, or to arrange an interview, please contact Fiendish Thingies management. You can also follow Fiendish Thingies on Instagram @ﬁ endishthingiesband.

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of our BRAND NEW Gymnasium. We will kick off with a short ceremony and light refreshments followed by gymnasium tours and fun.

NEW SPURLINO YMCA GYM DOUBLES CAMP CAPACITY, ADDS INDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is excited to celebrate the Spurlino Family YMCA’s latest addition—a new gymnasium! A ribbon cutting event will be attended by Tampa YMCA and community leaders and kicko the newest amenity in early January..

RSVP TODAY!

community,” notes Jarrod Williams, Executive Director, Spurlino YMCA.

The new 18,345 square-foot gymnasium provides additional space to help over 500 more families in our community grow and thrive. Additionally, the gym allows for the following enhanced programming:

• Doubles the capacity of summer camp programs from 2,000 to 4,000 campers each summer in a safe, fun and engaging environment, with increased indoor, air-conditioned time.

• Introduces new Youth Volleyball and Pickleball Leagues, Adult Sports Leagues, Pickleball instruction and more.

• Expands group exercise o erings to include more classes such as boot camp, HIIT, family classes and small group training.

• Increases the hours available for Pickleball open play on four designated indoor courts.

• Provides indoor space for events and activities for families, seniors, businesses and other community members.

“We are thrilled about the opening of our new indoor gymnasium and the opportunities it will bring to our members and

“While many may see this as a boost to our sports programming—and it certainly is—it’s much more than that. This space will serve as a hub for a variety of programming, reﬂecting the needs and interests of our diverse membership. We look forward to being part of the many memories created here—from a child’s ﬁrst basket to lifelong friendships formed at summer camp—and ensuring this space remains accessible and welcoming to all,” he adds.

Creative Contractors, based in Clearwater, completed the $6.6 million project and built the main Spurlino Family YMCA in 2018. Tampa’s well-known ﬁrm, FleischmanGarciaMaslowski, was the architect. The Spurlino Y gymnasium is located at 9650 Old Big Bend Road, Riverview, FL 33578. Visit https://www.tampaymca. org/locations/spurlino-family-ymca-bigbend-road.

Spurlino Y and all Tampa YMCA centers are o ering a limited-time $0 join fee for new members through January 15 with only a $5 join fee from January 1631, 2025.

TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA

657-2418 terry@Jnspreyobserver.com MARKETING

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Melody Gershkoff

813-300-5152 mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com

By Nitish Rele

Leave it to Lexus to shine in the compact luxury crossover segment. And that too with an h after it. It may be a hybrid, but the 2025 NX 350h is a fun ride to take on the road, responding with quickness in any driving situation while loaded with luxury/tech goodies and assuring safety features. The lively SUV is suitably quick, sprints from 0 to 60 in just over seven seconds and tops at 200 mph.

and phone. At 27.7 cubic feet behind the second row, we could have used some more cabin room, though the underﬂoor bin in the cargo area is a clever idea. Also, standard are the dual auto AC, eightway power heated/cooled front seats and manual recline/fold 60/40 rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shifter, 10-speaker premium sound, head-up display, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, power moonroof/liftgate and power tilt/telescopic steering column.

A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine cranks out 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pounds-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The all-wheel-drive NX is coupled with two battery-powered electric motors, the second one driving the rear wheels for better traction. It is mated to an ordinary continuous variable transmission. But drivers can pick the following modes: normal, eco and sport. During slowdown and braking, the vehicle uses regenerative decelerating to apply much of the wasted energy to recharge the hybrid battery.

The long and sleek front shows o the familiar Lexus spindle grille with a dark chrome trim, ﬂanked by triple-beam LED headlights and fog lamps. The full-width tail lamp with the new LEXUS insignia is a ﬁne touch. Step into the glowing (thanks to an array of ambient lights) and roomy cabin and quickly get cozy and comfy in the plush, semi-aniline leather seats. Atop the dashboard is a huge 14-inch touch screen for the driver to control climate, audio

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and a front-passenger cushion airbag, along with side-impact door beams, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control, a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-tra c alert, push-button start, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and front/rear park sensors and crumple zones. For enhanced protection, there is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes a precollision system to detect pedestrians, lane-departure alert with steer assist, smart beam headlamps and dynamic cruise control.

If you’re in the market for a compact luxury crossover with a forceful engine, admirable gas mileage (we averaged 36 mpg in combined driving) and ample creature comforts, the NX 350h ﬁts the bill.

HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS

SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZEN BOARDS AND COUNCILS

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time unless approved by the BOCC.

Examiners

Sta Report

Meeting schedule: monthly, third Tuesday, 9 a.m.

Code Enforcement Board

Meeting schedule: Monthly, third or fourth Friday, 9 a.m.

Council on Aging

Appointment to this council is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Meeting schedule: quarterly, second Tuesday.

County Internal Audit Committee

Meeting schedule: quarterly.

All applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form. Additional requirements are in the information that follows.

Forms are available on the County’s website www.hcﬂ.gov. Type in the search box ‘Announcement & Forms’ to ﬁnd the forms to download.

If you apply to a board that requires a background check, you will be provided with a link to complete the online background check process. A response within 72 hours is required, at which time the link will expire. The application is due by close of business on Wednesday, January 15. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in February or March.

Forms can be: Mailed to P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601, Faxed to 813-239-3916, Emailed to rotgerg@hcﬂ.gov or Delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa, FL 33602. Boards positions available include: Arts Council of Hillsborough County Meeting schedule: quarterly.

Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals &

Cross Connection & Backﬂow Control Board

Meeting schedule: quarterly.

Health Care Advisory Board

Meeting monthly, third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Review Committee

Meeting schedule: to be determined.

Historic Resources Review Board

Meeting schedule: monthly, third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

Historical Advisory Council

Meeting schedule: quarterly, 4:30 p.m.

Human Relations Board

Meeting schedule: monthly, second Tuesday, 12 Noon.

Land Use Appeals Board

Meeting schedule: monthly, ﬁrst Friday, 1:30 p.m., and as needed.

Plumbing & Gas Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners

Meeting schedule: quarterly, date and time to be determined.

Tourist Development Council

Meeting schedule: quarterly, 10:30 a.m.12 Noon, and as called by the chair.

More details and applications available online at https://hcﬂ.gov/.

TAMPA VETERAN RECEIVES FREE CAR FROM ‘DRIVEN TO SERVE’ PROGRAM

Tampa veteran Larisa Dickerson drove home in a new car at the end of November as part of the Driven to Serve program.

The Driven to Serve program is an initiative led by Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank to give cars to service members in need. Dickerson is the 52nd recipient of a new vehicle given through the program.

“A new, payment-free vehicle would lift a huge ﬁnancial burden, allowing me to pay o debt, save for home repairs, retirement and my kids’ college,” Dickerson said. “It would mean not worrying about car breakdowns and better meeting daily responsibilities.”

Dickerson joined the Army after high school and was stationed in Texas and deployed to Iraq after becoming a military police o cer in 2003. She was injured by an IED and medically retired from the Army afterward with a Purple Heart.

Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance, said Dickerson stuck out as a candidate for the payment-free vehicle in several ways.

“She has just a tremendous personal story, somebody who grew up in challenging circumstances, worked hard, … took on great responsibilities as a military

By Lily Belcher

police o cer and performed them well,” Kilgannon said.

Dickerson was referred to the program, but had to apply to conﬁrm the details of the referral before she was given the car.

Kilgannon said giving the vehicle at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM to Dickerson the week of Thanksgiving was “a beautiful feeling.”

“To be able to help her with a vehicle like this and to relieve that ﬁnancial burden and to honor her service is a tremendous feeling for us, and we’re just really grateful to be able to help somebody like Larisa this way,” Kilgannon said.

The partnership between Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank is years old. Over 80 vehicles have been provided by U.S. Bank since 2018.

“It really means a lot to service members,” he said. “When they see members of the community come our and extend a hand of support, I think it makes them feel good and helps them remember their service.”

For more information on the Driven to Serve program, visit https://freedomalliance.org/military-support-programs/driven-to-serve/.

Larisa Dickerson drove home in a free car she received from the Driven to Serve initiative.

WATCH FOR DOOR HANGERS FOR DATES OF LOCAL SCOUTING FOR FOOD PICKUP CAMPAIGN

The Boy Scouts of America’s Greater Tampa Bay Area Council has announced this year’s Scouting for Food dates. Scouts will be collecting nonperishable food items for local food banks from Monday, January 6, through Super Bowl Sunday which is February 9.

“Last year, we collected a record amount of 51,939 pounds of food,” said Jeremy Twachtman, council district director. “We know that we can blow that number out of the water this year.”

Scouting for Food typically sees Scouts distribute door hangers throughout local neighborhoods, requesting that residents leave nonperishable food items on their doorsteps at a speciﬁed collection time. This year, some units may even partner with larger grocery stores to maximize their returns.

According to Twachtman, who directs the Scouting for Food program in the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, the goal for the district food drive is to break each year’s previous record.

According to studies sponsored by Feeding America, Hillsborough County held an increasing rate of child food insecurity, and current events are believed to have

Sta Report

exacerbated the crisis. “As scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campﬁre or at the kitchen table,” the district website states. “And we know that not everyone is so lucky. Scouting for Food is a food-collection drive where scouts get out into their neighborhoods and collect food items to be delivered to families in need. It’s another reminder to our local communities that scouts are here, doing good turns.”

Between the dates of January 6 and February 9, Scouts will distribute door hangers to local homes in their community to let them know about the drive.

On or before February 9, Scouts will revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice and other nonperishable items. The food will then be delivered to food banks across the district.

In previous years, the Timucua District units elected to donate to Seeds of Hope, the St. Anne Food Pantry, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and many others.

For more information on Scouting for Food, visit https://tampabayscouting.org/.

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 cleared by the FDA treatment for individuals,15 years and older who suffer from Major Depression and 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 in-office 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

TMS of Central Florida

813-423-7037

TECO SEEKS RESTORATION COSTS AFTER UNPRECEDENTED HURRICANE SEASON

In 2024’s extremely active hurricane season, Tampa Electric customers were hit by two back-to-back hurricanes and one tropical storm. Restoring power after those storms has more than exhausted the company’s storm reserve, which was established to pay for damage from named storms.

Tampa Electric today ﬁled with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to recover the costs of restoring power after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, along with Tropical Storm Debby. The request also includes costs of Tropical Storm Idalia from 2023 and replenishing the storm reserve.

The 2024 hurricane season was one of the deadliest and most destructive in more than a century. Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented ﬂooding to West Central Florida, and just days later Hurricane Milton caused signiﬁcant devastation from downed trees. Over the course of the two hurricanes, the company brought in 9,500 line workers from outof-state utilities, which allowed speedy restoration. With the help of those crews, Tampa Electric restored essentially all power after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in one and seven days, respectively.

The company is seeking $464 million, which it paid upfront to restore power. For the average residential customer, who uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, that would add $30.81 to their monthly bill, if approved as ﬁled.

The PSC is expected to review and discuss the prudency of restoration costs in early 2025. The temporary ‘storm restoration surcharge’ would begin in March and continue for 12 months.

“These storms have left an undeniable mark on our region,” said Archie Collins, president and CEO of Tampa Electric. “We understand the hardship these storms have caused in our community and recognize that this cost increase will be challenging for some customers. We are ready to help where we can.”

To help those who need it most, Tampa Electric is contributing $1 million to the Share program to assist customers who are still struggling from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This donation will provide direct relief to help people pay their utility bills. It comes from shareholder funds and will not a ect customer bills.

Tampa Electric is committed to helping the community. The company o ers nearly 30 energy and money-saving programs (www.tampaelectric.com/residential/saveenergy/), the most of any electric utility in Florida. The company also has a variety of programs and partners to assist customers who need help paying their bills. This includes the Share program, which is funded by the generosity of TECO employees, customers and community partners. TECO matches donations to the Share program dollar for dollar.

For ﬁnancial help, please visit www. tampaelectric.com/payassist.

GET THE DIRT:

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (UF/IFAS) BOOKSTORE

For those of us that love to read, you should check out the University of Florida - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) Bookstore in Gainesville. There is a large variety of educational materials. They include topics such as 4-H, agriculture, boating and ﬁshing, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, gardening, lawn and landscapes, health, nutrition, family and community, homes and home maintenance, horticulture and plant diseases, insects, natural resources and wildlife, pollinators, native plants and more.

There is a section on health, nutrition, family and community that includes books on family and relationships, community, SMART (strengthening marriages and relationships training) and ﬁnancial management.

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

There is a great selection of cookbooks. Some include The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook; Simply Florida: A Taste of Flavors from the Sunshine State; Pickled, Fried, and Fresh: Bert Gill’s Southern Flavors; My Plate for Older Adults; Honey: 50 Tried & True Recipes; Good Catch: Recipes and Stories Celebrating the Best of Florida’s Recipes; Eggs: 50 Tried & True Recipes; Field to Feast; and Blueberries: 50 Tried & True Recipes. There is also A Culinary History of Florida, which

looks very interesting.

The bookstore also has a large variety of UF clothing items: shirts, T-shirts, hats, jackets and more. Picture an alligator or chicken hat, alligator plush key ring, bee, piggy bank, sea turtle and alligator, which at least will make you smile if not laughing out loud.

You can view products for sale and make purchases online at https://ifasbooks. ifas.uﬂ.edu/. To make an in-person appointment, go to https://outlook.o ce365. com/book/bookings-ifasbooksifasufledu@uflorida. onmicrosoft.com/. The bookstore is located on campus at 1374 Sabal Palm Dr. in Gainesville. Its phone number is 352-392-1764, and its toll-free phone number is 800-226-1764. You can also fax to 352-392-2628.

The travel time from Brandon to Gainesville is about 2 hours and 10 minutes using I-75 North. There is more good news: Antique malls and great restaurants are on both sides of the interstate. There are also amazing restaurants in Gainesville.

If you are looking for Gator garb, great recipes and a fun day, head to the UF/IFAS Bookstore in Gainesville. I may even see you there! Thanks. For more information, contact labarber@uﬂ.edu.

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT:

Rotary International is excited to announce the 202425 ‘The Magic of Rotary’ Speech Contest for area high schoolers — freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors (ninth through 12 grade) — enrolled in public, private, virtual or home school. Previous contestants and winners are welcome to participate again. Students present ﬁve to seven-minute speeches with original content, including facts, statistics, stories, examples and quotations that apply to the current Rotary theme, ‘The Magic of Rotary.’ There are three rounds of competition, with the ﬁrst at the club level to be completed by the end of February. At each level (club, region and district), monetary prizes will be awarded. Contact the Rotary Club closest to you for more information. Contact information is below.

Last year’s ‘Create Hope in the World’ Speech Contest winner at the club and region level for FishHawk-Riverview Rotary, Jaiya Gri n. Also pictured are Dawn Carson and Christine Ans.

acy and disease. To learn more about the club, contact Betty Huth at betty@hbphoto.com. or www.ﬁshhawkriverviewrotary.org. E-Club of Tampa South

You are welcome to join the Rotary E-Club of Tampa South via Zoom on the ﬁrst and third Tuesdays of each month from 7-8 p.m. Zoom meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/7328811760. For more information, contact Duane Williams at dsigma79@aol.com or 813-541-6202.

Brandon ’86

FishHawk-Riverview

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary hopes you enjoyed the 40th annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade presented by FishHawk-Riverview Rotary and Chris Ligori & Associates. The club enjoyed seeing everyone having a good time visiting Santa, doing crafts, voting on the chilis in the cook-o , learning about local resources and, of course, watching the beautifully lit boats. It gives a big thank you to all who made this year’s event magical. On Saturday, April 26, join FishHawk-Riverview Rotary for its 15th annual Crawfish Festival. Proceeds from both events benefit local and global projects which support its mission to alleviate hunger, poverty, illiter-

The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club looks forward to hosting the Brandon Seafood Festival on Saturday, January 18, at Rotary’s Camp Florida from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Attend for food, fun and fellowship. It will have live entertainment, games for kids, face painting and more. For more information, visit Brandon ’86 Rotary Club’s Facebook page, where you will ﬁnd a link to purchase tickets. Proceeds from this year’s Brandon Seafood Festival will support Rotary’s Camp Florida, Everyday Blessings, The SPARK Initiative and Family Promise. Go support these local charities and have a great time. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@ norgardinsgrp.com.

Brandon For more information, contact Debbie Meegan at debbiemeeganrotary@gmail. com.

Brandon Global Eco (Zoom) For more information, contact Katie Tyson at katietyson@icloud.com.

TAMPA BAY SIERRA CLUB ENJOYS, EXPLORES AND PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT

Tampa Bay Sierra Club Chair Rocky Milburn has always loved the outdoors. He’s an avid bird watcher and hiker. So, when his co-workers invited him to his ﬁrst Sierra Club meeting over 20 years ago, he was happy to go.

The Sierra Club, founded in 1892, is the country’s oldest environmental organization, and it has 64 chapters across the United States. Florida’s chapter is broken into 16 groups, including the Tampa Bay group serving Hillsborough County and parts of Pasco County.

“My favorite part is meeting people and teaching them about the outdoors and getting them outdoors,” Milburn said.

The organization’s main goals are to raise awareness, educate future generations and “enjoy, explore and protect” the environment.

Last year, the Tampa Bay Sierra Club fought big issues, like attempts to turn state parks into recreational areas. In 2025, the group plans to continue its efforts to protect state parks, encourage paper grocery bags over plastic and save trees, Milburn said.

Beyond advocating for or against legislation, the group hosts events throughout the year to get people outside, including several hikes.

Scheduled hikes will be posted on its

By Lily Belcher

website, but trail closures due to hurricane damage have made planning these events more di cult, he said.

The Tampa Bay Sierra Club has also launched a student group at Riverview High School that has around 60 students, making it the ﬁrst school in the state with a Sierra Club student organization, Milburn said.

The Tampa Bay Sierra Club helped fund and build a native plant garden at Riverview last year.

“We visited a couple weeks ago,” he said.

“It’s really looking good.”

Leto High School also has a student group, and the Tampa Bay Sierra Club is forming a group at Tampa Bay Technical High School. The goal is to start an organization at every school in the county, he said.

The Tampa Bay Sierra Club hosts speakers to talk about a variety of environmental topics on the second Wednesday of every month.

For more information on the organization, to see an event schedule or to sign up for its newsletter, visit www.sierraclub. org/ﬂorida/tampa-bay or contact Milburn at rockymilburn@tampabaysierraclub.org.

OPERATION STRONG FAMILIES PROGRAM TARGETS UNIQUE STRESSES OF MILITARY LIFE

Coinciding with National Veteran and Military Families Month, the YMCA’s Operation Strong Families (OSF) initiative kicked o in November 2024 as a targeted 10-week mental wellness program for active-duty and veteran families.

Hosted at four family centers by Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, including the Spurlino YMCA in Riverview and the North Brandon YMCA in Se ner, the next 10-week program is set to start on the week of Monday through Friday, February 3-7.

Promoting the Operation Strong Families military families program, at Brandon High School in November, for the Family & Community Engagement Academy (FACE) workshop and vendors fair.

According to David Jewell, associate program director for the Y’s Military Family Program and Engagement initiative, “Family moves and deployments impose unique stresses on military families, particularly the children and the parent providing care while the service member is away for extended periods.”

Operation Strong Families, he added, aims to equip families with the tools and resources they need to cope with military life and its e ects on daily life. Its objectives are to reduce stress for parents and caregivers, increase knowledge of community resources, improve social support for all military family members and enhance youth self-esteem.

Funded through the Children’s Board of Tampa Bay, the 10-week program is free of charge and includes YMCA membership during the program.

In addition to Operation Strong Families,

By Linda Chion

Operation Hero (OH), using curriculum provided by the Armed Services YMCA, is tailored to address the unique struggles of military life for youngsters, which can have an adverse e ect on academic achievement and dealing with emotions.

Both OSF and OH, for children in third through sixth grade, meet two evenings per week at the same time. Along with Spurlino and North Brandon, the programs are o ered at the South Tampa Family YMCA and the Northwest Family YMCA in Town ‘n Country.

The 60-minute program for families and children runs for two evenings a week for 10 weeks. Parents meet in small group settings led by a facilitator. The ﬁrst weekly meeting is to discuss the unique experiences of military life. The second weekly meeting is a workout, to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Meanwhile, through OH, children meet in their own group sessions. Younger children can stay in the YMCA’s Stay & Play child care area.

Visit https://tampaymca.org/operation-strong-families to learn more and to register.

The Spurlino Family YMCA is at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. The North Brandon Family YMCA is at 3097 S. Kingsway Rd. in Se ner. For more information on these and other locations, visit https:// tampaymca.org/locations.

e Sierra Club hosts events each month to encourage people to get outside for fresh air and excercise.

The Tampa Bay Sierra Club helped fund and build a native plant garden at Riverview High.

Photo by Linda Chion Kenney.

MADE FOR MORE CONFERENCE FEATURES LOCAL SPEAKERS

Are you ready to elevate your business, your life, and your faith? Join in for Made for More, a powerful two-day, faith-based conference designed to empower you to step into your divine calling and take your life to the next level. This is not just another event — it’s a transformational experience for those who believe they are made for more.

Over the course of two days, you’ll hear from 12 anointed speakers, each handpicked for their ability to inspire and equip you with the tools to grow spiritually, personally and professionally. These leaders are not just experts in their fields; they are vessels of God’s grace, called to help you unlock the greatness inside of you.

Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur or someone seeking a deeper sense of purpose, Made for More will provide the faith-filled strategies and inspiration you need to thrive in all areas of life.

Made for More founder Steve Hopper offers life-shifting keynotes seminars and workshops. Hopper leaves his audience with an overwhelming desire to want more, to do more and to become more. He’s been featured on TV, radio and in several magazines and publications.

As the author of From Prison to Purpose, he has inspired the masses through his personal story of turning a setback into a comeback and winning the most

AFTER 21 YEARS, ACE GOLF RIVERVIEW WILL CLOSE ON MAY 4

important game of all: life.

As a successful female entrepreneur, master networker and author, LeAnne Crabtree, another speaker at the event, has been impacting lives in a big way for over 30 years.

As the owner of LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies, Crabtree has built a nationwide gifting and client retention platform that is sweeter than all the rest. And as the author of God Has a Sweet Tooth, she shares her powerful journey to success and the important lessons she learned along the way.

What To Expect:

• Dynamic, Faith-focused Sessions: Learn how to integrate your faith into your business and personal life with practical strategies grounded in biblical principles.

• 12 Anointed Speakers: Hear from transformational leaders who will guide you to uncover your God-given potential and purpose.

• Networking with Like-minded Believers: Connect with other faith-driven individuals who are also seeking to elevate their lives and businesses.

The Made for More conference will be held on Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway. Register for buy-one, get-one-free $47 tickets today at https:// kingdominfluencerevents.com/. Staff Report

Ace Golf Range in Riverview plans to cease operations at the close of business on Sunday, May 4. Opened in 2003, the family recreation center includes an 18-acre golf practice range, 18-hole miniature golf and outdoor batting cages.

A developer has obtained zoning for a 24hour emergency medical center, medical offices and single-family homes on the golf range site. If all goes as planned, the developer will own the property as of May 22, barring any unforeseen event. Construction will take one and a half to two years.

Ace Golf Riverview is the second of two Ace Golf recreation facilities in Brandon and Riverview. Owners Bill Place and Su Lee started the Brandon golf range in 1993 and ran it until it was sold for development in 2019. The couple started Ace Golf Riverview, a former hay farm, in 2003. Both facilities consistently won awards for ‘Best Standalone Golf Range’ and ‘Top 50 Golf Range in the US’ from the Golf Range and Recreation Association.

The owners expanded Ace Golf to include two other Bay area golf ranges and four golf courses. The golf ranges were constructed in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The existing golf courses that Ace Golf acquired were failed or failing courses that the company renovated and restored to

CANTINA

profitability. The courses included: Pebble Creek Golf Club in New Tampa, Wentworth and Crescent Oaks Golf Clubs in Tarpon Springs and Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes. Crescent Oaks and Plantation Palms both earned ‘Best Golf Course’ awards by the Tampa Bay Times over the last five years. The courses have since been sold to golf course operators, except for Pebble Creek, which is closed and being converted into a residential development pending zoning.

Ace Golf Riverview sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including downed trees, a tornado destroying part of the maintenance barn and flooding in the batting cages. All services have been restored and will be offered through the May 4 closing date. Liquidation sales will start over the holidays and into the spring.

The owners wish to thank the many residents who enjoyed the facilities, the many staff members who have worked with them and the politicians and residents who supported the zoning that allowed the facilities to exist.

Ace Golf Riverview is located at 12910 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. To contact it, call 813-672-7750. It is open to the public seven days and evenings weekly, including holidays. For more information, visit www. ace-golf.com.

The Made for More Conference in Tampa this month will feature local inspirational speakers.

TROOP 61 HOSTS SEVENTH ANNUAL TASTE OF SCOUTING BBQ FUNDRAISER

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 8. Boy Scout Troop 61 will host the seventh annual ‘Taste of Scouting’ barbecue event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. This community-wide event will include barbecue meals prepared by Scouts for customers to pick up and enjoy. Come see what Scouting is about with fun activities such as knot tying, orienteering, fire building, camping, backpacking, first aid and more.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 61 are getting ready for their seventh annual Taste of Scouting barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

“The event was first held in February 2019, and we have been holding it every year since,” said troop committee member and grillmaster John Zelatis.

This year, the meal will include a choice of brisket, pulled pork or turkey or ribs (three bones) with mac and cheese, baked beans, a roll and a drink. The meals start are $17, except for brisket, which is $20. Meals can be pre-ordered online, and meats can also be ordered by the pound, along with banana pudding, additional

By Marie Gilmore

rolls and drinks. This is an annual event to raise funds for the Scouts as well as help recruit and bring awareness to all the incredible opportunities Scouting and Troop 61 provide. It is both a campout for the troop as well as an opportunity for the troop members to work alongside pitmaster Zelatis to prep and smoke meats on-site at the church.

“The night before, the Scouts will first make the rubs and sauces,” said Zelatis, “then they will trim and prepare the meats for smoking. Being that this is an overnight cook, the adult leaders will man the smokers while the Scouts camp out and sleep in preparation of the next day’s activities. On the day of the event, they will be serving food and setting up activities such as knot tying, orienteering, fire building, camping, backpacking, first aid and more so all our guests can see what Scouting is all about.”

For questions, please contact troop61fundraising@gmail.com or visit www. bstroop61.com.

HCC SOUTHSHORE SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER WITH ITS HAWKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOY DRIVE

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) SouthShore continues its proud tradition of giving back to the community through its annual Hawks for the Holidays toy drive. For the 15th consecutive year, the campus has come together to bring joy to local children during the holiday season.

The initiative began in 2010 by providing gifts to 60 children at South County Head Start in Ruskin. Over the years, the effort has expanded to include additional community partners. This year, the SouthShore campus collected 167 gifts for children at South County Head Start, Wimauma Elementary School and Calvary Church, touching more lives than ever before through its Hawks for the Holidays toy drive.

This ongoing effort reflects the leadership and vision of Campus President Dr. Jennifer China, who embodies a commitment to serving others. The Student Government Association, inspired by her leadership, played a key role in preparing and organizing the gifts, helping to spread holiday cheer and spread a spirit of community across SouthShore.

“The true joy of the holiday season lies in giving to others,” shared June Fishbourne. “From the smiles when donating gifts to the smiles when delivering them, it’s a celebration of kindness.”

Together with Steve Crudup and Cheyenne Olson, Fishbourne helped spread cheer

this year. Founded in 1968, HCC is currently the fifth-largest community college in Florida’s State College System, serving more than 43,000 students each year at its five campuses, three centers and online platform. HCC offers more than 200 academic options, including Associate in Art and Associate in Science degrees, college credit certificates, postsecondary adult vocational certificates, advanced technical diplomas and certificates as well as continuing education and lifelong learning courses. The college has an annual budget of over $135 million and employs more than 2,200. Over 84 percent of HCC graduates stay in the local community, and together, HCC and its former students contribute more than $1.3 billion in added income and economic impact to Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough Community College District includes five campuses, each with a unique identity reflective of the communities it serves, in addition to three academic centers. It is HCC’s priority to provide its students with an academic and campus life — including a wide array of support services, clubs, activities, service learning, and athletics programs — that helps foster a more well-rounded, engaged college experience for them.

HCC SouthShore is located at 551 24th St. NE in Ruskin. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu.

It’s Peach Milkshake

The Tony Baroni Team wishes YOU and your family a great 2025!!!

LEADERSHIP

Tony was the proud winner of the Tampa Bay Real Producer Ultimate Leadership Award, nominated by his Agent and Industry Peers.

HUNDREDS

We loved our annual PIE DAY to give away pies and express our GRATITUDE in person!

120

ONE 2024 Magazine Feature with Tampa Bay Top Producers.

QUARTERLY

TBT loves our Team Events to see each other, learn together and have a good time. After our annual Team Strategy and Planning meeting, we cheered on the TB Bucs!

$10,000+

TOP 200 Relationships with past clients and referrals were 120 closings this year. We love Florida and are so thrilled to help more families call it home!

300+ For the past 3 years we have consistently served over 300 families each year.

TOO MANY

Since 2007, for each family we help buy, sell or invest, we donate to KW Cares, a non proﬁt organization. Plus, we are honored to donate Thousands to local charities through our Call in to Win Contests, where we donate $2 for every entry and always round up!

Tony is honored to be in Gary Keller’s National Top Agents Group.

Too many coffees to count! 2,700+ 5 Star Reviews

CELEBRATING A QUARTER-CENTURY OF SERVICE: OUR LADY’S PANTRY FOOD BANK

Twenty-ﬁve years ago in December 1999, Our Lady’s Pantry distributed food to 25 individuals in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Migrant Mission. With the blessing of Father Demetrio Lorden, pastor of the mission, Project Hunger collections had just begun to help ﬁght hunger in the community. The idea was to buy nourishing food with those monies and give it out after Mass to anyone in need.

Tom Bullaro, co-director of the pantry with his wife, Anita, for most of the past 20 years, said that one of its longest-serving volunteers was Celine Martel. And Martel, who was there from day one, once gave him a glimpse of those earliest days of when the pantry was just ﬁnding its way.

“According to Celine,” Bullaro said, “we would welcome our clients in the back of the church after Mass.”

“We stored our fruits, vegetables and canned goods in the utility room near the back side door,” Martel said. “We had two used refrigerators to keep perishables safe. Another room, to the right of the entry into the mission, is where we kept huge bags of rice, beans and ﬂour. Volunteers would come during the week to divide this food into onecup portions to be distributed later.”

“Bags were not filled ahead of time as they are now,” she pointed out. “Instead, we would fill a family’s bag in the utility room while they waited. We had a chart that suggested how many fruits and vegetables someone might get, depending on the number of persons in his or her family — or whether someone was living alone. After a family’s bag was filled with perishables and canned goods, one of us would bring over bags or rice and beans and anything else we had to share.”

“We didn’t have much food at all in the beginning,” Martel remembered. “We couldn’t feed our families even for a week. But it made a di erence to those struggling to make ends meet for any reason. I remember one woman so overwhelmed with her bag of food that she threw her arms around me and gave me a big hug.”

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Little by Little “Before long, the number of persons coming for food from Wimauma and two nearby towns became unmanageable, so we divided our clients in half, with each family coming on alternate weeks,” Bullaro said. “And still more people kept coming for food. Eventually, the mission was too small to store all the food we were accumulating, so Father Demetrio gave us a room in the classroom building, where we remain today.”

“Soon afterwards, we connected with Feeding Tampa Bay and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to get more groceries,” said Bullaro. “By 2008, we acquired our ﬁrst truck. Within the next 10 years, we added our ﬁrst refrigerated truck, along with four more towns to our service area. We expanded slightly to add a walk-in cooler and freezer to our tiny pantry. Within the following decade, we added two more refrigerated trucks and our website. Little by little the pantry began to grow into the big business it is today — a place of hope when times were hard.”

Our Lady’s Pantry — 2025 Today, Our Lady’s Pantry serves two groups of clients who visit it on alternate Saturdays. On average, about 300 come through its drive-through pantry each week, so that’s 600 on average every two weeks. Many of these clients have large families depending on them for food, so Our Lady’s Pantry is putting food on the tables of perhaps 2,000 men, women and children every two weeks. It currently distributes about 34,000 pounds of food every Saturday.

“Anita and I thank each of you who have helped us thrive all these many years because of your kind donations of food, treasure and time,” said Bullarto. “We have been open every single week since Christmas 1999, never closing, even during COVID.”

To read the full Story of Our Lady’s Pantry, visit www.ourladyspantry.com and click on ‘News,’ then ‘2024,’ or go directly to www. ourladyspantry.com/the-story-of-our-ladyspantry/.

TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BREAKS GROUND ON AIRSIDE D

Tampa International Airport (TPA) o cials joined business and community leaders on December 18, 2024, to o cially break ground on Airside D, the ﬁrst new Airside terminal at TPA in nearly 20 years.

With flags marking the enormous space the future terminal will fill on TPA’s airfield, guests at the momentous event were able to envision Airside D, which will accommodate the region’s rapid growth and anticipated increase in passengers and flights.

“This state-of-the-art Airside will help us continue our tradition of staying ahead of trends by adding 16 gates for both domestic and international ﬂights at TPA,” Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. “It will also feature the latest technology for our passengers when it opens in 2028. We’re going to do it the Tampa way.”

Lopano was joined by several key o cials involved with the project, including Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue; Tampa Mayor and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) board member Jane Castor; TPA Executive Vice President of Planning & Development and Maintenance Smitha Radhakrishnan; and Hensel Phelps Regional Vice President for the Southeast Justin Starnes.

“The state of Florida has a nationally renowned, world-class transportation system, and it’s because of partners like the TPA that we can truly say that,” Perdue said. “Airside D is a shining example of how we lead in infrastructure and continue to build worldclass facilities that support the growth of the state of Florida.”

The ceremony for the new Airside took place on the airﬁeld where the facility will be built, to the northwest of TPA’s main terminal. The space once was the home of the

original Airside D, which existed when the airport opened in 1971. That outdated facility was closed and demolished in 2007. Since then, the space has been used by airlines to park planes overnight. The new Airside D will feature two levels plus a mezzanine for two airline lounges, a bright and spacious international passenger arrival processing area on the first floor, glass boarding bridges to allow views of the airfield for travelers and new shopping and dining locations.

The facility is a centerpiece project of phase three of TPA’s master plan, a blueprint for how the airport will deal with projected traveler growth. The Airside will help TPA, which currently serves an estimated 25 million passengers annually, serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037.

“Make no mistake, this Airside will be all about the passenger journey and we are going to make it magniﬁcent,” said Radhakrishnan. At approximately 600,000 square feet, Airside D will be the largest Airside at TPA when it’s completed. The project has a preliminary cost of $1.5 billion and is scheduled to open to the public in 2028.

The design-build team for the project, led by construction company Hensel Phelps, with Architecture and Engineering company HNTB Corporation, in association with Gensler. The design is currently scheduled to be ﬁnalized by the end of 2025.

A $91 million enabling contract awarded by the HCAA board at the December meeting will allow on-site work to begin at TPA. This includes installing security fencing around the perimeter of where the Airside will be built, concrete removal, establishing contractor o ces and utility work.

For more information, visit www.tampaairport.com/business/airside-d.

Photos courtesy of Tampa International Airport.

WATERMELON SWIM TEAM AND COMMUNITY PROVIDE HOLIDAY CHEER WITH GIVING TREE

Watermelon Swim, Tampa Bay’s premier swim school, recently embarked on its 17th annual Merry Melon Giving Tree, a program to provide Tampa Bay families in need with a full Christmas experience. For 2024, the program accepted 38 families, collectively 112 children, to fulﬁll holiday wish lists for children, parents and guardians.

Since 2007, the annual Merry Melon Giving Tree program has helped thousands of Tampa Bay residents by ensuring underserved communities have access to holiday gifts, meals, clothing and more. New to the program in 2024 was the gift of swimming. Watermelon Swim matched all swim lesson donations to help provide scholarships to families in need, totaling $6,210 raised for swim scholarships.

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piece,” added Seal. “Everyone deserves access to water safety and drowning prevention.”

Annually, Watermelon Swim gives nearly $1 million in charitable donations to the Tampa Bay community, including over $350,000 in partial and full scholarships for swim lessons and swimmers with disabilities. Additionally, the organization teaches over 3,000 students free water safety education in classrooms across the Bay.

Through December 19, 2024, Watermelon Swim families, sta , along with the local community, picked up Giving Tree ornaments at any of the four Watermelon Swim locations. Ornaments included an array of wish list items for all ages, along with the life-saving gift of swim lessons. Watermelon Swim matched all donations to ensure a full Christmas for all. Gifts were also be purchased via a curated Amazon Wish List.

SEE THE WORLD IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE HELP OF CRUISE PLANNERS

By Libby Hopkins

“Spreading our mission of water safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Micha Seal, founder and CEO of Watermelon Swim. “We look forward to the Giving Tree all year long, and o ering swim lessons, in addition to wish lists, felt like the missing

If you would like to learn more about the Watermelon Swim Merry Melon Giving Tree, including how to donate, please visit https://watermelonswim.com/bringingholiday-joy-to-all-2024-melon-giving-tree.

Matthew Gordon and his partner, Marji Beam, are Riverview residents and the proud owners of Venture Out Vacations, a division of Cruise Planners. The couple bring their passion for travel and adventure to their community and beyond.

“After more than 20 years in the corporate world, I decided it was time to build our dream, rather than someone else’s,” Gordon said. “Together, we have turned our love of travel into a thriving business.”

With their wealth of knowledge, personal experiences and meticulous attention to detail, the couple specialize in creating tailored travel experiences.

Cruise Planners introduces its clients to new and exciting destinations where they will discover ancient ruins, relax among sun-soaked beaches and experience the very best in travel. Whether by land or sea, its clients’ journeys are carefully tailored to exceed their every desire, and its travel advisors are committed to making the most of their special getaway.

“From the ‘why’ to the ‘when’ and ‘where,’ we ensure every trip is a treasure,” Gordon said. “The best part is our services come at no cost to you. We work closely with top travel companies, such as Trafalgar, Insights Vacations and many more, to save our clients money, time and stress.”

Whether you’re planning a vacation, a group tour or a dream getaway, Gordon and Beam are ready to bring your vision to life.

Cruise Planners has been committed to providing world-class travel services since 1994, and the organization is proud to be the country’s largest home-based travel franchise company.

“We’re your vacation experts,” Gordon said. “As travel advisors, we help individuals and groups plan and organize their trips, ensuring they have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. We take care of everything from planning trips and accommodations to creating personalized itineraries based on their interests and preferences.”

The couple’s goal is to save their clients time and stress by handling all the details and providing expert advice so they can focus on their dream destinations.

“From solo sojourns to group getaways, budget bliss or luxury living,” Gordon said, “indulge in your ideal itinerary, where every trip is a treasure.”

Ready to start planning your next unforgettable trip in the new year? If so, contact Gordon and Beam at 717-856-2646 or visit their website at www.ventureoutvacation.com.

Matthew Gordon and Marji Beam, the owners of Venture Out Vacations, a division of Cruise Planners. e couple help clients plan their dream vacations.

Watermelon Swim supports the Merry Melon Giving Tree program.

HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO LAUNCH FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is pleased to announce the launch of its Institute of Financial Technology, which will o er an Associate in Science degree and college credit certiﬁcate at its Brandon campus starting in January.

“To address the needs of employers in this fast-growing industry, we are thrilled to unveil the new FinTech program,” said HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater. “HCC strives to provide career-building training to our students, and we take pride in helping foster tomorrow’s leaders with courses led by expert faculty and resources provided by dedicated sta .” Financial technology, often abbreviated to FinTech, refers to the application of innovative technology solutions to ﬁnancial services, aiming to enhance user experience and streamline processes with the application of artiﬁcial intelligence and big data analytics. Salaries for students completing this program can range from $40,000 to $150,000 or more.

e HCC Financial Technology Program will be the rst Associate in Science degree program o ered for FinTech in the state of Florida.

LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY DECREES HELP COUNTY’S HURRICANE RECOVERY

By Brad Stager

JP Morgan Chase has donated $30,000 in scholarship funds to HCC’s Institute of Financial Technology. Current plans for the funds include tuition coverage to the ﬁrst 30 students who register for FIN 2060 Introduction into Financial Technology for the spring 2025 term and remain enrolled through the drop/add period. An o cial scholarship is also in development to start in

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the fall 2025 semester.

“Innovation is thriving at the HCC Brandon Campus,” said Dr. Deborah Stephan, Brandon campus president. “We are excited to be on the cutting edge of a growing and evolving multifaceted industry that experts say is worth $340 billion this year and will grow to approximately $1.15 trillion by 2032, with the U.S. capturing 34% of that market share.”

Students in this program will be learning in an environment that was created specifically to model workspaces of those in the FinTech industry. These high-tech spaces will allow for collaboration, independent work, demonstration of work and more.

A groundbreaking for this new space will be held on the Brandon Campus during the spring semester, which will be announced at a later date.

“With this novel HCC program, the Tampa Bay region is well positioned to train workers to help grow this industry,” Dr. Stephan said.

Students can now register for FIN 2060 Introduction into Financial Technology for the spring semester at www. hccﬂ.edu/registernow.

Hillsborough Community College serves more than 45,000 students annually at its ﬁve campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccﬂ.edu.

When disaster strikes a community, government emergency services spring into action to ensure residents’ safety, restore services and undertake whatever cleaning up is required.

That has been the case for Hillsborough County residents who are dealing with the aftermath of the impacts that Hurricanes Helene and Milton had on the local area.

Cleaning up and recovering after disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton is made easier through the local emergency orders issued by Hillsborough County.

To facilitate the deployment of emergency services and support the ongoing recovery process for Hurricane Milton, Hillsborough County has issued a series of local state of emergency decrees dating back to October 6, 2024, in preparation for the impending Hurricane Milton which struck Florida’s west coast south of Tampa on the evening of October 9. The county’s decree followed a State of Florida disaster declaration on October 5. It also followed the September 23 local emergency declaration by the county in anticipation of what became Hurricane Helene, which was extended on December 9. The state of emergency order for Hurricane Milton was renewed on December 15.

A local state of emergency decree has a maximum lifespan of seven days and must be renewed by the county if emergency conditions still exist and the beneﬁts of a decree are still needed to facilitate disaster recovery.

One of the major beneﬁts of a state of emergency cited by county o cials is the

ability to more easily purchase goods and services that support their disaster response and provide aid to residents.

According to an email response from Tim Dudley, director of the Hillsborough County O ce of Emergency Management, “Residents should be aware that emergency operations are still in progress. The Public Works department is ﬁnishing up its e orts to pump and remove ﬂoodwaters and collect debris, and the County is assisting with transitional housing and responding to unmet needs. The Local State of Emergency (LSE) permits the County to more quickly obtain the merchandise, goods, equipment, services, property, or personnel necessary to help alleviate the ongoing emergency.”

As of our deadline, the emergency orders issued by Hillsborough County for Hurricanes Helene and Milton remain in e ect. While the ongoing disaster recovery and accompanying decrees seem without end, the longest series of local state of emergency decrees occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and covered the period March 13, 2020, to March 10, 2022, according to county ofﬁ cials.

You can learn more about local state of emergency orders issued by Hillsborough County and other important disaster recovery information by visiting www.hcﬂ .gov.

ANNUAL HIKING SPREE FEATURES 22 TRAILS ACROSS 21 PARKS

By Kathy L. Collins

key. Reading gives them the tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce — and tomorrow’s

4. It Builds Empathy

Books are windows into other worlds, helping students understand and connect to di erent perspectives, cultures and emotions. Stories teach empathy, spark conversations and build emotional intelligence, which are so important for creating strong relationships.

From tackling word problems in math to writing essays in English, reading impacts every subject. Students who read regularly tend to perform better in school because they’re building vocabulary, language and comprehension skills without even realizing it.

3. Prepares Students for Their Future Careers

No matter what career path students choose, being able to process information, communicate clearly and adapt is

5. Reading Is the Ultimate Superpower

When students love reading, they unlock a lifelong passion for learning. It sparks curiosity and creativity, opening doors to endless possibilities.

Join us in our Hillsborough Reads campaign and encourage your child to pick up a book today. Snap a photo of them reading and share it with the hashtag #GetCaughtReading to spread the excitement. Let’s show our students that reading is fun, empowering and something to be celebrated.

Together, we can create a community of readers ready to achieve great things. Let’s inspire every child in Hillsborough County to discover the power of reading!

Hillsborough County’s annual Hiking Spree is back. Despite impacts to parks and preserves by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Hiking Spree opened on December 1, 2024. The Hiking Spree will run through Wednesday, April 30, which is one month later than when it normally ends. This year’s theme is Emerge and Explore.

Regardless, the annual Hiking Spree is a great way to get out and explore all of the beautiful parks, preserves and recreational areas that Hillsborough County has to o er. You can ﬁnd information on the Hiking Spree and complete your registration to participate by visiting www.hcﬂ.gov/hikingspree.

The annual Hiking Spree began in 2016 as a way to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors and experience nature. The environmentally diverse sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks to large preserves with multiple habitats. The trails are designed to o er something for residents of any age or ability, with hikes rated easy, moderate or strenuous. The lengths of the trails range from several miles to less than a mile, and a number of trails are perfect for wheelchair users or those with other accessibility needs.

ing Spree has grown in popularity each year and now draws thousands of participants.

The 2024-25 Hiking Spree trail list features 22 trails at 21 parks and preserves throughout the county. If you hike at least eight of the 22 trails between now and the end of April, you can earn a limited-edition patch, a medallion for a walking stick or a pet bandana. One of the hikes can be on a trail of your choice o the list.

Residents are encouraged to bring their pets so long as they are on leashes during the hikes. Participants are also encouraged to take photos and post them with the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC.

The Spree is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching season. The Hik-

Many of the trails are located within the Greater Brandon area. These include neighborhood parks, such as Clayton Park on Vonderburg Drive and Dover District Park in Dover. You can select from 12 conservation parks, and these include Alderman’s Ford in Lithia, Edward Medard Park in Plant City and Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve in Riverview. There are three Florida state parks and other trails, including McIntosh Preserve in Plant City. I personally have participated several times and plan to participate this year. Come join me and have fun getting outside and enjoy nature.

Visit www.hcﬂ.gov/hikingspree to register and participate.

Doctor Malcom S. Clements- Pastor

chai ovsky’s

Masterworks tchaikovsky’s rococo variations

Raymond James Pops the music of john williams

Hough Family Foundation Masterworks debussy’s la mer

Explore nature during the County’s annual Hiking Spree through April 30.

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT: NAME GUARDIANS FOR YOUR MINOR CHILDREN

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certi ed Elder Law Attorney

As an estate planning attorney (and new grandmother), I’ve been spending precious moments with my ﬁrst grandchild lately. These special times have reminded me just how important it is for parents to plan for their children’s future — particularly when it comes to naming legal guardians.

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to tackle this crucial aspect of estate planning that many parents overlook or postpone. While no one wants to think about not being there for their children, having a proper guardianship plan in place provides invaluable peace of mind for your family.

Why Naming a Guardian Is Critical

Without designated guardians in your estate plan, the courts will decide who raises your children if something happens to you and your spouse. This means:

• Your children could temporarily end up in the foster care system while the court makes its decision.

• Family members might engage in costly and emotional custody battles.

• The court might choose someone you wouldn’t have selected.

• Your children’s lives could be disrupted during an already di cult time.

Key Considerations When Choosing Guardians

When selecting guardians for your children, consider:

1. Values and parenting style that align with yours.

2. Physical and emotional capability to raise children.

3. Financial stability and responsibility.

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

4. Geographic location and its impact on your children’s lives.

5. Relationship with other family members.

Remember, you can name di erent guardians for di erent children if appropriate, and you can also designate backup guardians in case your ﬁrst choice isn’t available.

Making It Legal

Simply telling someone you want them to be your children’s guardian isn’t enough — you need proper legal documentation.

As your Brandon estate lawyer, I can help you:

• Create or update your will to include guardian designations.

• Draft separate guardian designation documents.

• Ensure all paperwork meets Florida legal requirements.

• Include speciﬁc instructions for your children’s care.

Don’t wait to make this crucial decision. Your children deserve the security of knowing they’ll be cared for by people you trust and have chosen carefully. The new year is the perfect time to put these protections in place.

Ready to secure your children’s future?

Contact the Law O ces of Laurie E. Ohall at 813-438-8503 to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to ensure your children are protected, no matter what the future holds.

Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certi ed elder law attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida. She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice is focused on estate planning, elder law planning and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Florida and Ohio.

JANUARY IS NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

January is National Human Tra cking Prevention Month, and the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s O ce is committed to ending human tra cking and supporting the victims who have been exploited for ﬁnancial gain. With an estimated 49.6 million victims and an annual proﬁt of approximately $236 billion, human tra cking is one of the largest criminal enterprises in the world.

When you hear the words ‘human trafficking,’ what often comes to mind is what we see in the movies: Young women traveling alone getting kidnapped overseas and sold to a tra cking ring. The reality is much more complicated than that. In most cases, a victim is groomed or deceived by someone they know and trust and then lured into a tra cking situation. Many traffickers are skilled manipulators and target vulnerable people who have emotional or material needs that they can fulfill. They then exploit their victim’s trust and dependency for their own financial gain by forcing the victim into a tra cking situation.

Sex tra cking is what most people think of when they hear the words human trafﬁcking. However, many experts believe that labor tra cking is much more prevalent worldwide. Labor tra cking occurs in industries ranging from farming and ﬁshing to hospitality and domestic service. There are thousands of laborers who are forced to work for little to nothing and are kept there out of fear and isolation. For many victims, escape may seem impossible, but for most there is a way out. Numerous local and national resources are available to

assist victims to escape and help survivors thrive.

The National Human Tra cking Hotline (1888-373-7888) is available 24/7 for victims to call and receive immediate help. Its extensive network of resources, including law enforcement, doctors, shelters and mental health counselors, helps victims with emergency, transitional and long-term needs. The hotline also serves as a tip line to report suspected human tra cking.

My o ce is dedicated to helping survivors by not only holding tra ckers accountable but also helping survivors start over with a clean record. Many victims commit crimes while being tra cked and after escaping their situation, and that criminal record makes an already di cult process that much harder. In Florida, victims who have committed criminal o enses while being tra cked can petition for their records to be expunged. Survivors face many physical and emotional barriers when trying to rebuild their lives, so giving them a clean record makes a huge impact on their ability to move forward.

e State Attorney’s O ce of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. e o ce sta consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates and support sta . e o ce handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez

LOCALSHOP

Habitat Hillsborough Awarded

$50,000 Donation From Lightning Foundation

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County has been awarded $50,000 from the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation’s Tampa Bay Strong fund for hurricane relief and recovery in the region.

The award is part of the foundation’s commitment of over $3 million to respond to community needs in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With the donation from the Lightning Foundation, Habitat Hillsborough will help provide urgent repairs to vulnerable homeowners in Hillsborough County whose homes were damaged following the hurricanes.

Friends Of e

Bloomingdale Library

Celebrates 20 Years

The Friends Of The Bloomingdale Library (Fol)

lic Library Is Located At 1906

Bloomingdale Ave. In Valrico. Be Sure To Stop By.

Strawberry Festival Concert Tickets On Sale

The Stage Is Set For The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival. Advance Tickets For Admission And Headline Entertainment Shows Are On Sale Now. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Takes Place From Thursday, February 27, Through Sunday, March 9, In Plant City. For More Information, Visit Https://Flstrawberryfestival.Com/, Facebook, Instagram And X (Formerly Twitter) Or Follow #Berryfest25.

Program Designed To Meet The Needs Of Customers Managing 25 Or More Vehicles By Streamlining The Registration Renewal Process. The User-Friendly Online Resource Provides Step-By-Step Guidance To E ciently Renew Registrations And Even Clear Outstanding Toll Violations, Without Having To Take A Trip To The Tax Collector’s O ce. Customers Can Explore The New Fleet Program By Visiting Www.Hillstax.Org/Title-Tag/Registration/ Fleet-Program. The Site O ers All The Information And Tools Needed To Get Started.

Tuesdays And Thursdays From 9:30-11:30

A.M. Classes Will Be In The Horizon Room Of The Atrium, Located At 947 N. Course Lane In Sun City Center. You’ll Be Able To Play Hands-On The First Day And Have Fun Doing It. Go With A Friend And Learn Together, Or They Will Find You A Partner To Play With. No Need To Register, Just Show Up And Have Fun.

TOPS Weight Loss Support

Hillsborough County Students Can Enter Water Conservation Poster Contest

Learn To Play Bridge

Cordially Invite You To Its 20th Year Celebration On Saturday, February 1, From 10 A.M.-3 P.M. Many Of The Groups That Meet At The Library Will Have Display Tables With Literature And Representatives Who Will Discuss Their Activities And Answer Any Questions You May Have. Refreshments Will Be Served. The Bloomingdale Regional Pub-

Hillsborough County Water Resources And The City Of Tampa Are Encouraging Students From Kindergarten Through 12th Grade To Enter The Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest. To Enter, Students Must Create A Poster Depicting A Water Conservation Idea, Slogan Or Drawing With The Goal To Educate And Raise Awareness About Water Conservation. The Poster Must Be On 8.5-Inch-By-11Inch White Paper And Can Be Vertical Or Horizontal. Students May Use Crayons, Paint, Color Pencils Or Markers; No Highlighters, Photos Or Computer Graphics Are Permitted. Visit Www.Hcﬂ.Gov/Dropsavers To See The Full Rules And Divisions. The Deadline Is Saturday, February 15.

New Fleet Program Simpli es Vehicle Registration Renewal Process

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s O ce Has Launched An Innovative Fleet

If You Have Always Wanted To Learn To Play Bridge, Now Is Your Chance. Beginning Tuesday, January 7, Kathy Smith And K.C. Chilton Will Be Teaching Easybridge 1 On

Have You Made A Resolution To Get Healthy? Maybe You Want To Drop A Few Pounds That You Put On Over The Holidays? If So, Tops (Take O Pounds Sensibly) Can Help. It Is A Successful Weight-Loss Support Group That Meets Every Wednesday At 8:30 A.M. In The Arts & Crafts Room At The Southshore Falls Clubhouse, Located At 5831 Cascade Falls Lane In Apollo Beach. For More Information, Contact Sandy Nolan At 815-603-0892.

CONNECTING TO OUR HISTORY: RIDING THE RAILS PLANT CITY UNION DEPOT

If you’re from Plant City or if you tend to visit its historic downtown area, you know it’s all about the trains. If nothing else, you know that if tra c is tied up, it is probably not a tra c jam; it is a train crossing.

e Plant City Union Depot was once the hub for railroads bring produce and passengers from Plant City to Tampa and is now the Willaford Railroad Museum.

“We love our trains, without which there would be no Plant City,” said local Plant City historian Gil Gott. “Imagine, if you will, what it was like before the railroad came. The roads were barely what we would call roads, dirt and sand and narrow.

There were no Wawas or Circle Ks, no McDonald’s and no AAAs if you break down. The weather could be beautiful or horrendous and you had to ﬁnd a way to deal with it while taking care of yourself, your ox or mule and your produce, and it took forever to get to Tampa, unload your produce and return home.”

When the Plant City Union Depot was built in 1902, it played an important role in the early development of Plant City, whose main industries of farming, lumber and phosphate mining depended heavily on the railroad.

The station once served both the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. Mail also arrived in Plant City via this depot, and the Western Union telegraph service was based there. The Plant City Union Depot continued to operate until 1971. It was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1974.

“Word of a potential railway coming

By Libby Hopkins

into the area to lead from east to west to Tampa was powerful news,” Gott said.

“Businesspeople and farmers began planning for a possible new future. They surveyed the area for the potential railway and suddenly land was being purchased for development. By droves, people began to leave their communities for the promise of the new town.”

In January 1884, when the Florida Southern Railroad, part of Henry B. Plant’s railroad system, completed the railway all the way from Sanford to Tampa, with Sanford’s access to the St. Johns River, Jacksonville and north and Tampa’s access to the Gulf Coast and beyond. In the center of all this was a town soon to be named for Mr. Plant.

“Plant City was named after Henry B. Plant,” Gott said. “The Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line merged into the Seaboard Coast Line in 1967, terminating passenger service to Plant City in 1970. The station, known as the ‘depot,’ was deeded to the City of Plant City in 1974. It was saved from demolition by the arts council and is now the Willaford Railroad Museum. Freight transportation to and from Plant City has diminished but is still strong, and freight will be riding the rails in Plant City for years to come.”

The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum is located at 102 N. Palmer St. in Plant City. Visit the museum website at www.willafordrailroadmuseum.com.

THE YARD AT WATERSET AND HYPOCRITES ROW

By Brian Bokor

which came as a pleasant surprise seeing as only Planet Smoothie and Wingstop are currently open in Phase 1. Many other stores, including locally owned and operated IM=X Pilates and Fitness South Shore, are eagerly eyeing an early January ’25 opening.

Rock N Roll Sushi will be another of the ﬁrst-quarter 2025 openings. Area representative/franchisee Andrew Jessen “chose The Yard at Waterset because of the location on Paseo Al Mar Boulevard, which has more and more cars traveling on it. “We like the residential growth in Apollo Beach and surrounding areas. It seems like an underserved market in terms of food options.”

Jessen and his team recently celebrated their new FishHawk location in November 2024 and look forward to serving the Waterset area soon.

One of the more anticipated tenants set to open later in 2025 is Hypocrites Row, a 5,525-square-foot, full-service, casual sitdown restaurant, something Apollo Beach and surrounding areas are severely lacking and desperately wanting. Details have been purposely vague about the new dining establishment, but the Osprey Observer managed to persuade the Ownership group for more information on their secretive project. Hypocrites Row Set to Dazzle at e Yard at Waterset in 2025

“Get ready for a dining experience like no other as Hypocrites Row plans to open

its doors at The Yard at Waterset in 2025. This full-service, polished casual restaurant promises to elevate the art of dining with an inventive drink menu, meticulously

crafted dishes and a commitment to both customer and employee experience.

“Locally imagined, owned and operated, Hypocrites Row is an immersive modern escape into a Prohibition-era-inspired gastro world. The menu reimagines classics from the roaring ’20s and ’30s with modern twists, infusing dishes with innovative alcohol pairings and bold flavors. Complementing the culinary adventure is a lineup of memorable, uniquely crafted cocktails that redefine mixology, bringing Prohibition-era spirits to life with bold, modern flair.

“The ambiance combines sleek, modern aesthetics with cozy warmth, creating a space that’s as welcoming as it is unforgettable. Every detail, from the decor to the service, has been thoughtfully curated to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

“As the countdown to opening begins, tantalizingly unique features will be unveiled, solidifying Hypocrites Row as a destination for extraordinary dining, inventive cocktails and one-of-a-kind moments. Stay tuned — 2025 can’t come soon enough.”

More information on leasing opportunities can be found by visiting Acre Commercial Real Estate’s website at www.acreﬂ.com/ the-yard-at-waterset.

RED PHONE BOOTH’S EXCLUSIVE 1920S PROHIBITION EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO TAMPA

Sta Report

Hospitality Group, owned by brothers Michael Smith and Scott Smith, in Tampa this year.

Red Phone Booth Tampa will occupy the ﬁrst ﬂoor (7,053 square feet) of the Frontier building in downtown Tampa, located at 610 E. Zack St.

This is the sixth location nationwide and the second franchise location in Florida.

Red Phone Booth Hospitality and Roaring Franchises was founded and curated by Stephen de Haan.

is that guests need a secret phone number from a member or local hotel concierge to dial into the restored antique London red phone booth to gain entry.

“We are so thrilled to announce our newest location in Florida alongside our dedicated partners Mike Smith and Scott Smith,” said de Haan. “Red Phone Booth is more than just a brand; it’s a dedication to exceeding guest expectations and establishing the gold standard with our Prohibition experience. We look forward to bringing our best-in-class establishment to the Tampa Bay community.”

Red Phone Booth is an exceptional Prohibition experience featuring a turnof-the-century craft cocktail selection and exclusive cigar program. With its intimate ambiance, handcrafted cocktails and unparalleled service, Red Phone Booth o ers an extraordinary destination for members to conclude their day with colleagues over a specialty craft cocktail, signature cigar and small plate. While the exclusive lounge is open to the public, part of the unique Prohibition experience

Red Phone Booth also o ers a worldclass mixology program curated by an expert team of bartenders. Patrons can expect a cocktail menu featuring an extensive selection of over 400-plus spirits, including rare bourbon, whiskey, scotch, tequila and Japanese whisky selections.

Patrons enjoy exceptional Italian-inspired appetizers and small bites menu, as well as a variety of fresh, authentic Neapolitan pizzas made to order.

In addition to its extraordinary libations, Red Phone Booth also o ers an extensive selection of 200-plus cigars from the temperature and humidity-controlled walk-in humidor.

Red Phone Booth spares no expense on the state-of-the-art ventilation system that completely cleans or replaces 100 percent of the air in the venue approximately every two minutes.

Red Phone Booth’s goal is to provide each guest with the most memorable experience, always looking for opportunities to exceed each guest’s expectations, while maintaining a sincere gracious attitude.

Memberships are reciprocal at all locations and range from $400 (individual) to $7,500 (corporate), depending on the location, with packages in between.

For more information about Red Phone Booth, visit www.redphonebooth.com.

Gillian Matheson has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was little. Her kindergarten homework saying she wants to grow up to be just like her mom, who is a vet, proves just that.

Years later, she is on her way toward that goal, pursuing veterinary school and using her experience from high school FFA to run Strike Gold Show Cattle.

Matheson started the business almost two years ago. While she is based in Lithia, she’s traveled across the United States to help hundreds of farmers with artiﬁcial insemination services, professional ﬁtting and clipping and private treaty calf sales.

business.

“I want to be just like my mom as a veterinarian,” Matheson said, “[to] help take care of animals and save them.”

While this goal has been unwavering, what has changed is what kind of vet she wants to be. Since working with cattle, goats and horses, she’s set her sights on being a large-animal vet.

“I’ve been surrounded by animals my whole life, but I am a ﬁrst-generation agriculturalist and a farmer,” she said.

Now, at age 19, Matheson is a student at Oklahoma State University, taking online classes while running Strike Gold Show Cat-

By Lily Belcher

tle. In December, Strike Gold helped students bring home 10 award banners at the Hillsborough Beef Fair held at the State Fairgrounds.

She credits much of her business’ success to the skills she learned in FFA, which she started in seventh grade.

“FFA was a really big part of my life,” she said. “Something that I learned all my leadership skills from and everything that I did in FFA is something that I use in real life.”

Matheson said one of her focuses is helping mentor young farmers because of how her mentors guided her in her show cattle career.

“I love seeing them grow into more knowledgeable cattle people, and just them finding their own place in the industry and seeing them embrace it and find a passion for it,” she said. Matheson said it was challenging to find her place in the industry, especially as a girl, but finding supportive people was key.

“We’re all inside the same fence, and so I’ve kind of taken that to heart through my business of trying to include everyone,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in show cattle, I will help you with whatever you need.”

For more information on Strike Gold Show Cattle, visit its Facebook page.

Tampa franchise owners Michael Smith and Scott Smith with Red Phone Booth Hospitality and Roaring Franchises team members. From left to right: Greg Grant, Ramon Arocha, Michael, Scott, Stephen de Haan and Milton McMillan.

Red Phone Booth locations feature a stunning interior reminiscent of a clandestine hideaway and exquisite design elements.

Gillian Matheson combines her love for animals and leadership in her

Strike Gold founder Gillian Matheson.

2709 E. College Ave., Ruskin, FL 33570

Discover the future of cancer care at our state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot facility in Ruskin. Opening in January 2025, this advanced center is designed to enhance patient experiences and improve clinical outcomes with leading-edge technology at every turn.

The Moffitt SouthShore facility brings Florida’s only Comprehensive Cancer Care closer to your home, offering:

Access to Groundbreaking Clinical Trials

Advanced Imaging & Laboratories

Cancer Screenings & Diagnostic Clinics

Medical Oncology & Radiation Oncology

For the best cancer outcomes, choose Moffitt first. Learn more at Moffitt.org/Outcomes

Mo tt Cancer Center SouthShore Taking Appointments

Mo tt Cancer Center at SouthShore, located at 2709 E. College Ave. in Ruskin, is welcoming its ﬁrst patients. Discover the future of cancer care at the state-ofthe-art, 75,000-square foot facility. This advanced center is designed to enhance patient experiences and improve clinical outcomes with leading-edge technology at every turn. The Mo tt at SouthShore facility o ers access to groundbreaking clinical trials, advanced imaging and laboratories, medical oncology and radiation oncology. New and existing patients can schedule their appointments at SouthShore. Visit www.mofﬁtt.org/closetohome or call 833-496-1420.

Take A Look At Shell Point Marina

Ship Gulf Coast

Located at the mouth of the Little Manatee River in Ruskin, Shell Point Marina o ers access to the Tampa Bay within minutes. Its location is just one of the many things that it has going for it. Shell Point Marina has been around for decades and prides itself on being an ‘old school Florida’ marina, but it has been completely transformed to incorporate the modern boating lifestyle. Modern services include app-based boat-launch reservation software, free Wi-Fi, a handicap-compliant parking lot and a new tiki-themed entertainment pavilion with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, board games and more. To schedule a guided tour of the marina, please call 813-645-1313 or visit www.shellpointmarina.com, where you can look at the full list of services.

Jimmy and Adrienne Lynch are the owners of Ship Gulf Coast and take pride in o ering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. It o ers a wide range of shipping services for an easy rate comparison with FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service. Other services o ered include mailbox rental, notary, ﬁnger printing, passport photos, U-Haul and professional packaging, as well as others. Its commitment

to being a one-stop destination for packing, shipping, o ce services and more sets it apart. Ship Gulf Coast is located at 11232 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, across the street from Riverview High School and next to Anytime Fitness. Call 813-741-9600 or visit its website at https://shipgulfcoast.com/.

Align Right Realty Supports ECHO

Align Right Realty of Riverview is proud to support ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization), a local nonproﬁt providing food and clothing to those in need. Led by broker-own-

er Lisa Tackus, a dedicated ECHO board member, the o ce raised funds through agent donations, brokerage matches and contributions at every closing. This year, agents also came together for the ECHO Blessing Bag Drive, creating 25 emergency kits for neighbors in need. To ﬁnd out more about Align Right Realty, visit its website at https://alignrightriverview.com/.

Pages 30-35

leading to the founding of this new school. ESLL o ers hope to local families with innovative programs designed for children with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and other disabilities. The school’s curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of its students, using hands-on activities and a play-based approach. ESLL’s new campus is located at 2460 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 170, in Valrico. For more information, call 813-236-5589 or visit its website at www.easterseals.com.

Easterseals School

For Limitless Learning Celebrates Ocial Opening With A Ribbon-cutting The Easterseals School for Limitless Learning (ESLL) recently held a ribbon-cutting from the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the ocial opening of its new private school campus in Valrico for children who are neurodiverse or have related disabilities. Easterseals Florida recognized a growing need for specialized education in the Bloomingdale area,

Helping Hands Assistant LLC

Local resident Kathy Bass is the owner of Helping Hands Assistant LLC, your go-to gal for all things organized and e cient. With a career spanning from private individuals to businesses of various sizes, she has the experience to make your life easier, smoother and more productive. Are you running your own business and feel like you need a clone? Are you a homemaker with not enough time in your day? Or maybe you have aging parents who need a helping hand? If so, Bass is the lady to call. She will manage daily tasks like scheduling appointments, running errands, handling household chores and organizing and generally offers a helping hand wherever needed. She also o ers compassionate and reliable support to help seniors maintain their independence. For details, call Bass at 863-409-9890.

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

Kathy Bass is the owner of Helping Hands Assistant LLC.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE GALLERY AT SOUTH TAMPA, A PREMIER SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN VALRICO

Sta Report

Experience Senior Living (ESL) is excited to announce the beginning of construction on The Gallery at South Tampa, an artfully crafted senior living community located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. As ESL’s eighth community in Florida and ﬁfth on the Gulf Coast, this vibrant new addition to the ESL portfolio will redeﬁne what retirement living can be in the Tampa area. The community is expected to open its doors by the spring of 2027, with a sales center opening in early 2025. To secure your priority deposit today, visit https:// gallerysrliving.com/communities/the-gallery-at-south-tampa/.

Designed to be as unique as the residents it serves, The Gallery at South Tampa will encompass 240,613 square feet of artfully curated spaces, o ering a diverse array of living options. The community will feature 202 homes, including 30 independent living cottages, 89 independent living apartment homes, 45 assisted living apartments and 38 memory care suites.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on The Gallery at South Tampa, a community where residents will not just live — they will experience a life full of purpose, creativity and connection,” said Phill Barklow, president of Experience Senior Living. “As

with all of our Gallery communities, we have carefully crafted a space that emphasizes engagement, wellness and the joy of living, all within an environment that sparks the imagination and encourages a vibrant, artful lifestyle.”

With intentionally designed spaces, The Gallery at South Tampa will o er an array of amenities to elevate both physical well-being and creative expression. Amenities include a saltwater outdoor pool, a professional beauty salon, a ﬁtness center, pickleball courts and a movie theater. Multiple restaurant venues o ering indoor and outdoor dining options will feature exceptional culinary creations and a full-service bar. Residents will have access to a variety of activity spaces where they can engage in arts, culture and meaningful connections. Local art will be featured throughout the campus, bringing the spirit of Tampa into every corner of the community.

Situated on a picturesque 17-acre site, The Gallery at South Tampa will be designed to preserve the grandeur of its existing oak trees, with winding walking paths providing residents opportunities to connect with nature together. Curated courtyards and private gardens will o er spaces to relax and enjoy time with new friends.

For more information about The Gallery at South Tampa, please visit www.galleryatsouthtampa.com.

THE 32ND BRANDON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL BRINGS FRESH CATCHES AND ENTERTAINMENT

The 32nd annual Brandon Seafood Festival will bring a selection of fresh catches and entertainment to the area on Saturday, January 18.

But, past the allyou-can-eat seafood, the festival will garner awareness for Rotary’s Camp Florida and raise money for several local and international charities.

Rotary’s Camp Florida o ers a space for those with disabilities to learn and play in a safe environment.

The camp was damaged in Hurricane Milton, which prompted the festival to be delayed from its original date in November, Chad Norgard said. He said the delay gave time to restore the camp and avoid the busyness of the holiday season.

“It’s just been overwhelming to see the support for the camp, and that’s one of the reasons why we do this seafood festival,” he said.

In addition to the camp, the festival will also support Everyday Blessings Inc., The SPARK Initiative and Family Promise.

While supporting these events, guests can dine on a variety of ﬁsh, crab and shrimp. For those who do not want seafood, burgers and hot dogs will be available with a selection of sides.

By Lily Belcher

There will be a juggler, face painting and other activities as well. In addition to tickets for the event, guests 21 and older also can buy an allyou-can-drink beer armband. The beer is being provided by Bootleggers Brewing Company, but other wine and co ee vendors will have drinks for guests as well. The event is sponsored by Rivard Buick GMC and the designated kids’ zone, which will feature a bounce house, is sponsored by Reed & Reed.

“It’s really a casual time built for families just to come out and have a good day,” Norgard said.

Tickets for adults can be purchased in advance for $35 and are $40 at the door. Beer armbands are $10. Children under 12 years old can get in for $1 or a donated canned good. Tickets for children 1217 years old are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

The annual Brandon Seafood Festival will take place January 18 from 11 a.m.3 p.m. at Rotary’s Camp Florida, located o Lakewood Drive at 1915 Camp Florida Rd. in Brandon. For more information about the event, visit https://brandon86rotary.com/brandonseafoodfestival/.

e arts-inspired senior living community introduces 202 homes, including independent living, assisted living and memory care to the area.

FIRST CHOICE EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CREATES UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS WITH ON-SITE PARTY EXPERIENCES

First Choice Events & Entertainment wants to take your party to the next level with its concierge-style entertainment packages. From foam parties to the silent disco, there is something for everyone, from ages 2-102, and all of this is provided at the client’s location.

By Sharon Still

Originally from Pennsylvania, owner Brian Porter retired from the United States Air Force in 2009 and now is fully immersed in throwing foam parties and other events.

“A friend introduced me to the foam party business, and I fell in love with it immediately,” said Porter.

Previously known as Florida Foam Factory, Porter changed the name to First Choice Events & Entertainment in November 2024, as he expanded the business to o er more than just the Florida Foam Factory brand. While foam parties are the main attraction, options available include the Rock Lobster Silent Disco, GellyBall battles, glow foam and shooting gallery.

“Everyone loves the options,” said Porter. “Silent discos are really taking o .”

First Choice Events & Entertainment partners with local businesses to provide

add-ons and further enhance guests’ experience. From ﬂowers to fancy restrooms, Porter said that adding more options helps make the guests’ party planning stress-free. Pricing is designed to best suit the host and the event.

“We do not sell a product or service, we provide an experience,” Porter stressed. “It’s all about the memories.”

“I love to see people having fun from what First Choice o ers,” he added. Porter knows the importance of giving back to the community. He has been a member of several area chambers of commerce, regularly attending networking meetings. In 2022, he held the esteemed title of Honorary Mayor of Riverview.

First Choice Events & Entertainment can bring the party and get guests’ feet moving to the beat in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Pasco and Polk counties. Bookings are available seven days a week, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. For additional information, call 813-485-6360 or visit https://ﬁrstchoiceeventsandentertainment.com/.

MOSI TO OPEN AMERICA’S SECOND-LARGEST DIGITAL DOME PLANETARIUM IN 2025

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County Commissioner Chris Boles and Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross joined community leaders today to unveil plans for the 2025 reopening of the famed Dome Theatre at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry — an ambitious multimillion-dollar project to bring one of America’s top STEM learning experiences to Tampa Bay.

The inside of MOSI’s iconic blue dome will begin lighting up imaginations early next year, powered by a combination of foundation, private and county support. MOSI’s new Digital Dome Theatre will be powered by 10 huge, cutting-edge digital Christie projectors. The new 8K technology is far sharper, brighter and more immersive than the old ﬁlm technology that last operated inside the dome in 2017.

“We’re talking about pull-you-in and blowyour-mind educational fun,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith. “Our 8-story-tall screen will surround you with science, with 360-degree movies and the second-largest digital dome planetarium in America.”

The theatre will also serve as MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium. MOSI’s existing Saunders Planetarium can seat 46 guests at a time, but in the new dome, more than 300 people can share the experience at once. By adding capacity for ﬁeld trips, group events, and daily museum guests, more people than ever in Tampa Bay will be able to take a planetarium tour of the universe, simulate

an undersea expedition in a 360-degree movie, or discover other wondrous new ideas.

In addition to replacing the entire 10,000-squarefoot screen inside the dome (which was completed in September), the project will install 10 new Christie digital projectors powered by an Evans & Sutherland Digistar 7 control system and custom Bowen speakers to deliver a feel-like-you’rethere immersive experience, whether in outer space, under the ocean or anywhere else your imagination and movie magic can take you.

Funds for the multimillion-dollar renovation are still being raised, but support from the Saunders Foundation, Raymond James Financial and Hillsborough County has already been secured, with more private funding pending, including naming opportunities for the theater.

This project sends the message that, once and for all, MOSI is here to stay next to USF in Uptown.

“This major investment shows that MOSI is committed to staying right here in North Tampa, an area driving innovation thanks to USF, Mo tt Cancer Center and the transformation of University Mall into Rithm at Uptown,” said Castor. “We look forward to watching MOSI continue to grow, here in its longtime home, now and for years to come.” MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. For more information and tickets, visit https://mosi.org/.

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Silent Disco parties are just one of the many options available for your next event with First Choice Events & Entertainment.

Your Life, YourWay YourWay

WINE-GARDIUM LEVIES! TAMPA THEATRE’S 22ND ANNUAL WINEFEST FUNDRAISER RETURNS

For more than two decades, Tampa Theatre’s signature fundraiser, WineFest, has shown up every year (just like a certain snakenosed dark wizard who must not be named), celebrating some of the most important moments in cinematic history with themes like The Vineyard of Oz, Napoleon Wineamite and last year’s Grapebusters. But given the spellbinding beauty and magical charm of the historic movie palace, it was only a matter of time before our thoughts turned to Hogwarts. So this year, WineFest has conjured up Harry Potter and the Goblet of Wine — presented by SouthEast Personnel Leasing — on Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8.

On March 7, a two-tiered wine tasting invites you to taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top independent restaurants from 7-10 p.m. You’ll also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions. • The Premium Tasting starts at 7 p.m. and features exclusive wines for a limited audience. Tickets are $130 ($120 for Tampa Theatre members). • Grand Tasting ticket holders gain entry at 8 p.m., and tickets are $80 ($70 for members).

On March 8, Tampa Theatre’s historic auditorium will be transformed into the Great Hall, seating more than 220 for the elegant wine pairing — presented by Quality Carriers Inc. — from 6-10 p.m. The multicourse menu, created through a collaboration be-

Sta Report

tween Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries’ Culinary and Hospitality teams, will feature delectable small plates expertly paired with exquisite wines. The live auction includes once-in-a-lifetime trips, exclusive experiences and a high-stakes wine pull. Tickets are $500, and only a few remain.

And though the theme may seem as corny as a Cornish pixie, WineFest’s purpose is as solid as the Sword of Gry ndor. As the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, WineFest has raised nearly $2 million over the past 21 years for the nonproﬁt theater.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just wave a wand and Tampa Theatre would be magically restored and perfectly programmed?” asked Lauren Ferrell, event chair. “Instead, it takes the hard work of a Hu epu , the creativity of a Ravenclaw and, yes, even the ambition of a Slytherin to support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming, plus the preservation of this landmark building ahead of its 2026 centennial.”

WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Harry Potter-inspired costume. New this year, they can also show o their house pride and defense against the dark arts skills with new WineFest merchandisee. Tickets are on sale now at the historic Franklin Street Box Ofﬁce and online at www.tampatheatre.org/ winefest. WineFest is restricted to those 21 and older.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) will perform The Music of John Williams on Friday, February 14, at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center and on Saturday. February 15, at 8 p.m. at the Maha ey Theater in the Raymond James Pops series, the orchestra announced. The program will replace the previously scheduled Pretty Woman to Hunger Games: James Newton Howard Conducts His Greatest Hits, due to circumstances beyond TFO’s control. Tickets are on sale now at https://ﬂoridaorchestra.org/.

Legendary composer John Williams has given us some of the most recognizable ﬁlm scores in cinema history and changed the way we experience movies. Join TFO for the ultimate celebration of his seven-decade career with music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., Jurassic Park Jaws and more. With ﬁve Academy Awards and 26 Grammy Awards, his incredible body of work is virtually unparalleled in the industry. Stuart Chafetz conducts. (Please note, this concert will be presented without video.)

Tickets are $28, $40, $65 and $80; all fees are included, and tickets are available at https://ﬂoridaorchestra.org/, by calling 727-892-3337 and at the TFO Ticket Center.

TFO now o ers $20 tickets for kids and

teens ages 5-18 in the Raymond James Pops series. They are available in advance by calling the TFO Ticket Center.

The Florida Orchestra’s mission is to inspire, educate and unite to build community through the power of music. TFO will perform more than 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular and family-friendly music. Through concerts and education/ community programs combined, TFO serves more than 155,000 residents each season.

The Florida Orchestra is recognized as Tampa Bay’s leading performing arts institution, the largest professional orchestra in Florida and one of the most vibrant and innovative orchestras in America. It is celebrating its 57th season. Under the leadership of music director Michael Francis, TFO performs series of classical, popular and morning co ee concerts in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as free Pops in the Park concerts. The orchestra is dedicated to connecting to the community both in-person and virtually, with family and youth concerts and other educational programs.

For more information and a schedule of other upcoming shows and events, visit https://ﬂoridaorchestra.org/. Sta Report

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top Stories From 2024

INAUGURAL PARADE OF LIGHTS WILL BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN DECEMBER

By Lily Belcher

The first-ever Brandon Parade of Lights was a resounding success with thousands of residents lining the streets near Oakfield Dr. on December 14, 2024, in what is now promised to be an annual event.

More than 70 parade participants, including four area marching bands, a drum line, three pirate krewes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, were on hand to light up the night.

Parade organizer Kerrie Hoening said, “As far as an ‘inaugural event’ could go, our committee was very proud of what we accomplished, and it exceeded our expectations.”

Marching bands from Bloomingdale, Newsome, Brandon and Riverview high schools were a highlight of the parade.

“On a personal note,” added Hoening, “I grew up in Brandon and we never had a holiday parade (outside of a few years a long time ago), so I am excited to have something like this for our community.”

On January 7, Parade winners will be announced, and plans are already underway for Saturday, December 13, for the second Brandon Parade of Lights.

Original Story Printed November 2024.

The Parade of Lights will bring the Greater Brandon community together on Saturday, December 14, for its inaugural event.

The mile-and-a-half-long parade will kick off just as the sun sets, filling the street with Christmas lights and music from Newsome, Brandon, Riverview and Bloomingdale high schools’ bands.

Committee Chairperson Kerrie Hoening said the parade, which is sponsored by Reed & Reed, will provide Brandon with a “big holiday event.”

The committee partnered with the Greater Brandon and the Valrico/Fishhawk chambers of commerce, which gave them access to resources, businesses and opportunities that helped make the parade possible.

“We are working really hard to make it a really fun event,” Hoening said.

Creating the Parade of Lights was not without its challenges, but the support from the county has made all the difference, Hoening said.

“We’re starting from ground zero,” she said.

One of the challenges was selecting a route that will be the least disruptive, a decision that took several months to make.

The free parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at the Parson Avenue and Oakfield Drive intersection, heading west down Oakfield Drive.

There will also be grandstand seating sponsored by Rivard Buick GMC. People can purchase grandstand tickets for $50, which offers VIP seating, parking, food and a signature beverage. However, there are only 100 seats available, so Hoening encourages people to purchase their VIP tickets soon.

Proceeds from the event will go to two charities: Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary and Angel Foundation FL.

Hoening said she’s expecting a huge crowd and would be “utterly thrilled” if they have at least 10,000 people.

“I would say having something new and unique to bring our community is probably the thing I’m looking forward to the most,” Hoening said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement of people who are going to show up and just have a really good time in this parade.”

For more information on the event or to buy grandstand tickets, visit https://brandonparadeoflights.com/.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES LONG-AWAITED BELL SHOALS COMPLETION

By Brian Bokor

Bell Shoals Road has now been open with it’s widened roadway for a year this month after nearly five years of construction and delays.

Original Story Printed January 2024.

Residents and commuters who travel Bell Shoals Road will have a finished new corridor this month as a ribbon-cutting event celebrates the completion of the expanded roadway.

The 3.1-mile corridor has two new vehicle lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks in both directions. A new traffic signal has been added at Starwood Avenue, and the existing signals at Glenhaven Drive, Rosemead Lane and Bloomingdale Avenue have been upgraded. In addition, the existing bridge over the Alafia River was widened.

These tremendous enhancements will accommodate higher traffic volumes, improve stormwater drainage and boost the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, they will increase access to transit and alternative transportation while preserving infrastructure assets.

The new Bell Shoals Road corridor is the latest in a string of massive infrastructure projects in Hillsborough County, including the Bruce B. Downs Boulevard expansion, the Citrus Park Drive extension and the Paseo al Mar Boulevard overpass connect-

ing U.S. 301 and U.S. 41 in South County. All of these projects increased safety for drivers as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, and improved mobility across the county.

The Bell Shoals Road project cost just over $70 million, including land acquisition and construction. The project was paid for with a variety of funding sources, including the Community Investment Tax (CIT), federal grants and mobility fees. The widening plans were introduced to the community at an open house public meeting held at the Bloomingdale Library in October 2018 with construction beginning soon after, so the excitement to announce completion of the five-plus-year project was palpable.

“Bell Shoals is major thoroughfare for this community and all of East Hillsborough,” District 5 Commissioner Donna Cameron-Cepeda told the crowd, adding that the road and its artilleries “serve tens of thousands of people each day.”

District 4 Commissioner Michael Owen, said, “This is where multiple communities come together to share this road,” including Brandon, Riverview to the west, Lithia to the south and Valrico to the east, while emphasizing there is still “more work to do on this side of town” as growth continues.

ROTARY YEAR IN REVIEW: DISASTER AID, SEAFOOD FEST...

Following the motto of ‘service above self,’ local Rotary Clubs make an impact by supporting local organizations with proceeds from fundraising events, the eradication of polio worldwide and The Rotary Foundation.

During the 2024 calendar year:

Brandon ’86 Rotary contributed over $17,000 to The Rotary Foundation, with over $1,300 designated for polio eradication. Locally, the club participated in campus beautification at schools, hosted Christmas and Easter events for foster children at Everyday Blessings, did quarterly roadside cleanups with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and helped with hurricane recovery efforts both locally and across the Bay area. It was recently recognized by The Rotary Foundation Trustees as the highest per capita giving club in the West Central Florida district. Contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

USF Rotaract exceeded its fall semester goals in several areas. The club painted pinkies on campus to raise awareness of polio and donated over $360 to the cause; cleaned up over 1,300 pounds of debris; organized 14 hurricane relief opportunities; sorted over 1,000 articles of clothing for Oasis Opportunities, which provides clothes children in need; crocheted over 50 plushies for the children at Joshua House; and collected food for the Feed-A-Bull Food Pantry on campus. Find USF Rotaract on Instagram.

With $120,000 in proceeds from Brandon Rotary’s fundraisers (its annual Golf Tournament and annual Wild Game Dinner), seven deserving students received college scholarships, with the remaining proceeds supporting seven impactful charities: the

By Barbara Howard

High 5 Inc. TRIDENT program; ECHO; the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center; 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. The club has welcomed four new members and volunteered with gate checkins at the Hillsborough County Fair, provided a hot dog lunch at Backpack Heroes at Bay Life Church, and collected over 100 teddy bears to support the Tampa Rough Riders’ local distribution to children. For more information, text Debbie Meegan at 813-6012315.

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary supported over 20 organizations both locally and abroad with funds raised through their annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and annual Crawfish Festival fundraisers. Yearly, a volunteer team travels to La Paz, Honduras, with Honduras Compassion Partners to build a home, latrines and water storage pilas and install water filters. Service projects included hurricane cleanups, lunch for Backpack Hero Day in Riverview and packing meals for U.S. Hunger. For more information, contact Betty Huth at betty@hbphoto.com. Early 2025 events: Brandon ’86 Rotary Club’s Seafood Festival on Saturday, January 18, at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon. Brandon Rotary Club’s annual Bill Harper Golf Tournament on Sunday, January 19, and the annual Wild Game Dinner on Friday, February 21, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds.

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary’s annual Crawfish Festival on Saturday, April 26, at Winthrop Town Center in Riverview.

Commissioner Michael Owen was among the commissioners and dignitaries at the recent ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the newly widened Bell Shoals Road.

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top Stories From 2024

“Romeo is in excel lent body condition and is continuing to adapt nicely to life at ZooTampa,” shared Sandra Morrison, di rector of communica tions. “As a geriatric animal, we are on constant lookout for any potential issues.”

Also, two new man atee patients success fully completed their rehabilitation journey and got a second chance at life in the wild in November 2024: Habanero, a 685-pound male manatee rescued in July 2023, and Dawlee, a 1,000-pound female manatee rescued in May 2024. Currently, ZooTampa is caring for 27 manatees, and 13 are scheduled for release this winter.

week, are gradually acclimating to their new environments.

“It’s going to be a long road, but there is no facility better prepared to address the urgent health needs of these manatees while the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership identifies the best option for their long-term placements,” said Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, manatee critical care veterinarian and senior vice president of animal health, conservation and education.

The years seem to be slipping past more quickly than they used to. I’m providing a humorous reflection of my life and career over the past year and that of our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ team.

LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE

propagation system to facilitate the successful cultivation of plant cuttings from her garden. That didn’t happen, and neither did experimenting with grafting and air layering plants.

Unfortunately, it is not all good news, as Juliet sadly passed away in the morning of April 21, 2024.

“Juliet was a beloved animal, who captured the hearts of many worldwide. We would be contacted frequently by animal care professionals, veterinarians and even the general public who credit her for instilling their passion for these gentle sea cows. Our thoughts are with the entire manatee community and the teams who for more than six decades have cared for her,” said Dr. Cynthia Stringfield.

Original Story Printed January 2024. With round-the-clock care and medical interventions in place, elderly and overweight manatees Romeo and Juliet, who arrived at ZooTampa at Lowry Park last

“Both animals are over 65 years old,” Stringfield said, “At this age, we always have concerns about cardiac health, which is difficult to evaluate in manatees due to their size.”

Stringfield said it is uncommon for manatees, often called ‘sea cows,’ to be as heavy as Juliet who is 3,045 pounds.

“As two of the oldest living manatees, Romeo and Juliet deserve the best care possible as they live out their final years,” Stringfield added.

The zoo’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has three 16,500-gallon medical care pools with controlled floors and two manatee recovery habitats containing 200,000 gallons of water combined.

The zoo invests nearly $1 million every year in manatee work. ZooTampa has cared for more than 500 manatees. Visit https://zootampa.org/.

I said I would add another one or two bird feeders to my landscape, and I did. It’s interesting to see the various birds, and I have found that squirrels are much smarter than I am. They can wipe out one feeder in a day easily. I still have about 80 bags of mulch that need to be moved and spread. My wooden raised garden bed is still in the box in the kitchen because Tina, my 20-plus-year-old cat, likes to get on top of it and scratch. I also did not clean out my rain barrels, but the year is not over yet, ha ha ha! Our team did go to the University of Florida - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Bookstore in Gainesville and had a great day.

Heather filled her kiddie swimming pool with soil and planted fruit trees there. That’s good because she did manage to kill a mango and pecan tree. She did not install microirrigation in her landscape beds. Will was determined to attempt to grow oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and learn how to can vegetables. Neither happened.

Michael wanted to reestablish his seed bank with new varieties of crops which he did. He was going to grow his own pizza, got distracted and grew four varieties of basil instead.

Josh said he was determined to lose weight but gained instead, and it was muscle … or so he said.

Kaleena created a sacrificial garden bed for raccoons which she thinks will save her other veggie garden. Hmmmmm …Mollie was going to establish a mist

I think all of us know that good intentions are great. We really don’t have to accomplish everything we feel we should. Let’s all take time to reflect on what we did accomplish versus what we did not. Wishing all of you a wonderful new year. For more information, or with any questions, contact labarber@ufl.edu.

Romeo and Juliet, a pair of elderly manatees relocated from the Miami Seaquarium, have been successfully transported and are receiving state-of-the-art care at ZooTampa.

USDA Photo By Lance Cheung Oyster mushrooms

Photo By Pat Welch

Raccoon with tomatoes.

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top Stories From 2024

VETERANS EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

“Consumer and Veteran Services is grateful that our county leadership and local community was committed to restoring our beautiful Veterans Memorial Park in time for Veterans Day,” said Frank Strom, Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services director. “In navigating three back-to-back hurricanes, damage at the Veterans Memorial Park included flooding around monuments, destruction within our new amphitheater, and the loss of more than three dozen trees.”

The staff worked remotely to file VA benefit claims for veterans and investigate Consumer Protection complaints. During park mitigation, the staff, rangers and volunteers were resolute in their dedication to complete restoration. These efforts were rewarded by an excellent attendance of 1,000 participants at the county’s 60th annual Veterans Day Tribute, which included an uplifting speech by the wing commander from MacDill AFB and recognition of the park from the Federal Veterans Administration National Veterans Day Committee for the eighth year in a row.

Along with many other park improvements, the Veterans Educational Center is continuing to be built as a state-ofthe-art facility and is estimated to be

By Sharon B. Still

completed by late 2025.

Original Story Printed February 2024.

Veterans and their families will find a plethora of new opportunities as phase two of development of the Hillsborough County Veterans Resource Center is underway, bringing the new Veterans Education & Cultural Center to the site.

A groundbreaking ceremony in mid-January, featuring local veterans and dignitaries, kicked off construction, which is expected to be complete by August.

Phase two of development, made possible by a $1.6 million grant from Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida, will add the 4,000 sq. ft. Veterans Education & Cultural Center, featuring a theater-style classroom and state-of-the-art displays connecting visitors to Hillsborough County’s distinct participation in our nation’s military.

The Veterans Resource Center, open since 2017, is already known as a one-stop shop serving veterans, their dependents and their survivors in accessing federal, state and local benefits at no charge.

The Veterans Resource Center is located on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park at 3602 U.S. 301 N. Its hours are 8 a.m.4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Park hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Veterans may call 813-635-8316 for assistance.

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH EXPANDS TO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO REACH MORE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Fellowship Church has “already established three locations in just three years leading people to encounter Jesus and experience life to the full,” stated Robin Lagrama, communications director of Fellowship Church.

Its international locations are in Amazonia, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Most recently, Fellowship Church launched a Riverview location on September 8 with over 370 attendees.

The Riverview location has hosted several impactful events in its first three months. Highlights include a back-toschool event at Collin’s PK-8, where the church currently meets; Thanksgiving meal distributions; and an Affordable Christmas initiative that helped more than 100 families provide discounted Christmas gifts for their children.

With a growing weekly attendance now averaging 250, the Riverview location will celebrate its first Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m., marking another milestone in its young history.

“Looking ahead, we feel the Lord leading us again to Southern Hillsborough County for our next potential location within the next three years,” said Lagrama.

Original Story Printed March 2024. FishHawk Fellowship Church recently changed its name to Fellowship Church — and the story behind the decision to change names is part of an incredible journey, ac-

By Kelly Wise Valdes

cording to Senior Pastor Daniel Butson. Since its original launch, the church has grown in attendance to more than 2,000 each week.

“God’s been writing an incredible story over the last 25 years in the life of this church,” said Butson. “We started church services in 1998 when a handful of people left the comforts of Bell Shoals Church to launch a brand-new campus here in Lithia. We started meeting in Lithia Springs Elementary, eventually moved to what is now White Oak Cottage. Then in 2001, Bell Shoals gifted our church the land we are on today and invited us to become our own church.”

Since that time, the church has made a significant impact in the community. It has seen thousands of people make decisions to follow Christ with nearly 2,000 people baptized. In addition, the church has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for local and global missions and providing thousands of meals for the hungry.

This is why FishHawk Fellowship Church is becoming Fellowship Church — one church in multiple locations. The church is launching its second location in Riverview.

“We’d love to see what God has done here in the Lithia area multiplied into other communities,” said Butson. “Riverview is our first step, as we plan to launch our first service Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Collins PK-8 School.” Visit www.fellowship.church. Fellowship Church is located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.

DOG DAYCARE

Senior Pastor Dr. Daniel Butson is excited to announce that FishHawk Fellowship Church is now Fellowship Church and is expanding to new locations.

With gold shovels in hand, local veterans and dignitaries celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Veterans Education & Cultural Center.

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top Stories

RIVERVIEW RESIDENT COMPLETES THE SIX MAJOR WORLD MARATHONS, BECOMES SIX STAR FINISHER

Tammy Dotson is happy to say that she has succeeded in completing a half-marathon in all 50 states, plus one in Washington, D.C.

Her remaining seven states were Iowa, West Virginia, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon and Kentucky, and Dotson completed her last state, Kentucky, on August 18, 2024, as part of IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville.

“As far as what’s next, I am almost to 100 lifetime half-marathons,” said Dotson. She has seven more to go. “I’ll finish that up, and then it’s whatever my body will allow.”

Original Story Printed April 2024.

On March 3, Riverview resident Tammy Dotson joined an elite group of worldwide runners with her Tokyo Marathon finish. Dotson, age 49 and an Air Force veteran, became a Six Star Finisher, completing the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world.

The six Major World Marathons consist of three in the Unites States in Chicago, New York and Boston and three overseas in Berlin, London and Tokyo. The Six Star Finisher feat is not an easy one to accomplish, not just because of the miles involved but also because of the selection process to compete in the esteemed marathons.

Dotson completed New York in 2018, Chicago (her favorite and fastest of the six with a time of 4:44:30) in 2019, Berlin

By Jane Owen

in 2019, Boston in 2022 and London in 2023.

Dotson ran her first marathon in 2006 after receiving a notice in the mail inviting her to an information session about doing something meaningful. She went to the session having no idea what it was about, and she ended up running the Kona marathon in Hawaii.

After a friend completed seven marathons in seven continents in seven days, Dotson was inspired with friends to earn the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Hall of Fame (which needs the completion of nine Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series marathons or half-marathons). Then, they decided to work towards their Six Star Finish.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity because not everybody does. I run for those that can’t,” Dotson said.

Dotson loves running because it is a stress relief for her and a way to encourage other people.

“You’d be surprised what the human body can achieve once we put our mind to it. It starts in the mind. A made-up mind is unstoppable,” Dotson said.

Now an accomplished endurance athlete, Dotson has completed 17 marathons (Marine Corps PR, 4:34) and the IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga. Her next goal is to complete a half marathon in all 50 states before she turns 50 in January. She has seven to go. Dotson is listed on https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ six-star/hall-of-fame.

USF SELECTS CONSTRUCTION

MANAGER FOR NEW ON-CAMPUS STADIUM AND ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

Oscar and Miriam Horton gave $1 million through The Horton Family Foundation, to support the University of South Florida’s new on-campus stadium on November 4, 2024. Soon afterward, on November 8, ground was broken for the stadium.

With a groundbreaking scheduled this fall, Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon LLC were recently announced as the constructiont team for the new on-campus stadium at USF.

“Beginning in fall 2027, the approximately 35,000-seat facility will host home USF football and lacrosse games, additional sporting events, concerts and festivals. It might also host graduation ceremonies, intramurals, club sports and other academic initiatives,” states a USF press release.

It adds, “Highlights of the stadium’s design include an east-west build to help maximize shade for daytime events and shaded home stands on the south side. There will also be a dedicated section for 8,000 students in the west end, an open concourse around a majority of the stadium that provides views of the field even while fans walk to the concession and restroom areas and a north lawn area ideal for tailgating.”

Original Story Printed May 2024.

The University of South Florida (USF) recently announced a significant development in the plans to build a new on-campus home for the Bulls.

Following a competitive bid process, USF

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has selected the highly experienced team of Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon LLC as the construction manager for the new stadium. The selected team has worked extensively with college and professional stadiums throughout the country as well as numerous facilities in the Tampa Bay region and state of Florida, and it has previously partnered on more than $1.2 billion in projects with USF’s design team, Populous.

“Choosing a construction management team is big step forward in our process to deliver a world-class stadium that will transform the future of our university and the on-campus experience,” said USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, cochairs of the stadium planning committee.

“After conducting a thorough review of each proposal we received for the project, we’re excited to get started on our partnership with a team that brings a proven track record of success in Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon LLC.”

USF’s on-campus stadium is scheduled to open in time for fall 2027. For more information on the project, visit www.usf.edu/stadium/. USF is located at 4202 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa and is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

Tammy Dotson completed the Tokyo Marathon on March 3, her sixth Major World Marathon, earning her the Six Star Medal and the title of Six Star Finisher.

BUSCH GARDENS REAL MUSIC SERIES LINEUP HAS SOMETHING FOR

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will keep guests rocking in 2025 with the return of its popular, longest-running concert series, Real Music. Every Monday through Saturday from Monday, January 6, through Saturday, February 22, the park will host an electrifying lineup of world-class tribute artists celebrating the iconic music of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Best of all, these performances are included with park admission, inviting everyone to sing along and create unforgettable memories.

The Real Music Series promises an exciting mix of tribute performances spanning classic rock, soul, pop and R&B. Whether a lifelong fan of these legendary artists or discovering them for the ﬁ rst time, the series o ers an incredible opportunity for all guests to enjoy top-tier entertainment at Busch Gardens. This year, guests can enjoy the following musical selections from tribute bands, including:

• The Kings of Queen (Queen tribute).

• Direct from Sweden (ABBA tribute).

• Hotter Than July (Stevie Wonder tribute).

• Tapestry, the Carol King Song Book.

ALL

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• Steve Michaels as Elvis (Elvis Presley tribute).

• Magical Mystery Doors (The Doors, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles tribute).

• E5C4P3 (Journey tribute).

The best way to enjoy the Real Music Series is with a Busch Gardens Fun Card. The 2025 Busch Gardens Fun Card allows unlimited visits to experience award-winning attractions and captivating seasonal events throughout 2025. For park access with even more benefi ts, annual pass members receive unlimited visits, access to exclusive events and no blackout dates. Pass members are fi rst for everything, including fi rst to experience new attractions, fi rst to view new animal exhibits and fi rst to know about major park announcements. In 2025, Busch Gardens pass members will be the fi rst to experience Wild Oasis, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest immersive realm before it opens to the public in the spring. For more information, park hours and to view showtimes, guests can visit https://buschgardenstampa.com/. Guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park details and information.

TWO AREA RESIDENTS WIN AWARDS AT 2024 SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY CEREMONY

The 2024 Spirit of Community Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, became a beacon of hope, inspiration and unity on November 22 at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. At the luncheon, 14 extraordinary individuals were celebrated for their unwavering dedication to their communities.

The theme of the event, ‘Blossom,’ resonated deeply as guests and honorees shared stories of growth, resilience and service. Congresswoman Laurel Lee joined a packed room of community leaders, advocates and supporters, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the positive changemakers among us.

Lila Star Morgan and Belinthia Berry, two exceptional honorees hailing from the heart of Southeast Hillsborough County, brought pride and recognition to East Tampa and Lithia. Their achievements were met with particular acclaim, as they embody the spirit of this vibrant region.

of challenges drew standing ovations from attendees. Berry’s impact is particularly evident through her unwavering determination and inspirational leadership. Despite her health struggles, she remained steadfast in her volunteer work with several nonproﬁts, attending community activities and serving in leadership roles. Her perseverance in the face of adversity is a true embodiment of the spirit of volunteerism. As a transformational leader, Berry’s vision is to inspire women, both young and old, to become actively involved in their communities, workplaces and the broader world. She believes in the importance of cultivating the next generation of women leaders to build upon and eventually replace the leaders of today. Her recognition at the ceremony served as a testament to her tireless dedication to uplifting women and communities through collaboration and action.

Guests shared moments of camaraderie and connection during the luncheon, savoring uplifting stories and exchanging ideas on fostering resilience and progress. The room buzzed with energy as attendees rallied behind the honorees, drawing strength and inspiration from their stories.

Morgan graduated early from high school while studying at Hillsborough Community College and has recently been promoted to the rank of captain in the Civil Air Patrol. She has a long list of accolades, including being president of the Youth Advisory Council and a leader within JROTC and Civil Air Patrol. Morgan is a remarkable individual who positively impacts those around her, inspiring young girls and grown women to believe in their capabilities by setting a strong example. Whether in uniform or an elegant gown, she exudes conﬁdence and determination. Morgan’s address to the audience was a heartfelt reminder of the importance of youth leadership in shaping a brighter future. Her commitment to service and resilience in the face

“This event was about more than just awards — it was about celebrating the collective spirit of service and the power of community,” said Rosie Paulsen, commissioner for the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. “We are especially proud of the honorees from Hillsborough County, whose stories remind us that impactful change begins at home.”

For more information about the 2024 Spirit of Community Awards or to learn how you can get involved, please visit https://fcsw.net/.

e Real Music Series at Busch Gardens Tampa runs Monday through Saturday from Monday, January 6, through Saturday, February 22, featuring an eclectic mix of tribute bands.

Sta Report

Belinthia Berry.

Lila Star Morgan family.

Tampa Theatre, Tampa’s historic movie palace, is debuting a new movie classic series. The new series is called Big Picture, and it will premiere in January.

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

The new movie series is made possible thanks to the new Taylor Screening Room and the flexibility it has brought to the film schedule. Big Picture will run for the entirety of 2025, with screenings on select Wednesdays at 8 p. m. Each month will follow a di erent theme, showcase a di erent filmmaker or examine a di erent genre.

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

“Big Picture will let us dig deeper into the unique qualities of these movies through the titles we select, but more importantly through the conversations we hope to spark within our audiences,” said James DeFord, Tampa Theatre’s ﬁlm program manager. “We want Big Picture to draw out the surprising connections and thought-provoking contexts that each group of ﬁlms creates. Maybe you have seen Casablanca a hundred times, but you may discover new facets when watching it alongside To Have and Have Not, or followed by Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, or in a series with The Battle of Algiers,” added DeFord.

The theme for January takes its inspiration from Tampa Theatre’s tagline, ‘Wel-

come to the Show.’ It will feature ﬁlms that highlight aspects of the theater’s mission to entertain, educate and enlighten audiences.

The ﬁrst ﬁlm will be The Last Picture Show on January 8. Following that, come see Singin’ in the Rain on January 15. Next, you can see Ed Wood on January 22, and then Cinema Paradiso on January 29.

Dates and titles will be available soon for February’s Big Picture theme, ‘Love on the Rocks.’ Then, the March theme is ‘New to Tampa Theatre,’ with selections from Sight and Sound magazine’s list of the greatest ﬁlms ever made.

“We want to introduce you to new movies that may become your favorites and to show you new perspectives on the favorites you already have,” said DeFord. “We want to zoom in on the intricate details but then zoom out too so you can get the Big Picture,” explained DeFord.

Tickets for Big Picture are $10, or $7 for theater members. Tickets for silent ﬁ lms will be $14.50, or $11.50 for theater members.

You can get tickets at the Franklin Street Box O ce, located at 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa, or online at https://tampatheatre.org/.

Now through Monday, March 31, you can see life-size sculptures which have been strategically placed throughout historic downtown Plant City by the Arts Council of Plant City. The sculptures were created by J. Seward Johnson.

The sculpture exhibition will display 10 sculptures of Johnson’s Celebrating the Familiar collection. Celebrating the Familiar provides a sculptural commentary on daily life, presenting viewers with realistic bronze sculptures. The works reﬂect ordinary, everyday tasks and activities. They are eye-catching and call attention to life’s simple pleasures. Johson’s sculptures explore moments that are familiar, personal and distinctly human.

The Plant City exhibition is located throughout downtown historic Plant City.

The statues and their locations include Hats Off at Bruton Memorial Library, No Way! at the north entrance of city hall, Forever Marilyn at Reynolds and Collins streets, Calling Girl at the corner of West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Evers Street, Tied Up at South Evers Street and West J Arden Mays Boulevard, Embracing Peace at McCall Park at Collins Street, Down to Earth at Unity Park, Getting Down at the South

Community Arts &Events Community Arts

Depot parking lot, A Memorable Date at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and Out to Lunch at McCall Park at Collins Street. Gilbert Gott, coordinator of the Sculptures Committee, said, “The Arts Council of Plant City started the sculpture exhibit at the inspiration of local pharmacist Myrle Henry, who ﬁrst saw them on display in Gainesville in 2012. We arranged and added that exhibition to the Smithsonian Exhibition the Plant City Photo Archives was also displaying.”

Gott added, “It is amazing what e ect these sculptures have. People pose with them, put their children in the arms of the sculpture for a photo and just relate to the bronze ﬁgures like old friends. The exhibition is public art, but it is not considered ﬁne art, and there is no attempt to educate the viewers except for the viewers to also celebrate the familiar. These sculptures are the people around you, the everyday people; they are just like you and your neighbors.”

The public art exhibit is sponsored by the Arts Council in partnership with the City of Plant City, Unity in the Community Inc., Plant City History & Photo Archives, and Business Insurance Center DBA Newsome & Associates. Visit www.plantcityarts.com.

J. Seward Johnson sculptures

A Memorable Date at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.

Foundation Christian Academy football program took the next step, winning the eight-oneight 2A football state championship, defeating Academy at the Lakes 34-0. The Panthers ﬁnished with a 9-3 record.

Foundation Christian Academy is a private school with a student population of around 120 who come from as far away as Lakeland, Riverview and Plant City. Some homeschool kids also play on the team. Because of their small size, their football program competes in eight-on-eight football with about 30 other schools in the Sunshine State Athletic Association. Eight-man football is just like tackle football but with three less players on the ﬁeld. All the teams make the playo s, competing in four separate brackets. Foundation Christian was put in the 2A bracket.

The team was led by second-year head coach Jeremy Shobe. He previously was the defensive coordinator of the Newsome High School football program. When Shobe came to Foundation Christian, the team had only been in existence for a couple of years, and they had an 0-18 record.

The Panthers were 2-10 in his ﬁrst season and had a 9-3 turnaround this year and won a state title.

It was amazing,” said Shobe. “The kids, some of the students and parents and everybody kind of just ran out onto the ﬁeld and joined the celebration with us, and it was just a big moment for the program.”

By Nick Nahas

Shobe thinks that his team really focused in the o season on conditioning plus they participated in spring football for the ﬁrst time.

“The kids really bought in and committed

over the summer,” said Shobe. “We started changing the culture slowly, and to go from 2-10 to 9-3 was a big moment for the kids, their families and the school. I told the kids that they were going to be a part of history, being the ﬁrst team to raise a banner in the gym. You may never get another opportunity like this in your life, so let’s take advantage of it.”

Shobe said that his team played complementary football and was solid in all three phases of the game. It took a lot of endurance from his players because with eightman football most of the players have to play o ense and defense.

There are no seniors on this Panthers team, so they expect to be able to compete for a state championship again next year. They are currently trying to get approval for a junior high JV program.

“We want to be the top team in all of eight-man football,” said Shobe. “We want to be considered an established top program year-in and year-out. We want to get to the top and be able to sustain success and ultimately get closer to having an 11-man football program.”

Foundation Christian Academy is located at 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico. Visit www.foundationchristianacademy.org/.

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES RETURNS

TO PLANT CITY FOR ITS 13TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION ON FEBRUARY 1

The much-anticipated 13th annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles (PT&A), presented by Tampa International Airport, is back. This family-favorite event will take place on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Plant City Airport, bringing with it a full day of excitement, adventure and community spirit. Returning stronger than ever after the recent hurricane season that affected so many in Central Florida, this year’s event promises a celebration of resilience and unity for all ages. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant array of activities, from awe-inspiring aircraft displays and radio-controlled ﬂight demonstrations to a fantastic car show and intricate model train setups. A highlight of the day will be the enormous LEGO transportation display, certain to captivate those of all ages.

Families will have hands-on opportunities to explore a variety of educational and fun activities. Featured stations will include ﬂight simulators and STEM exhibits from SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence, Young Eagles discovery ﬂights conducted by the Plant City Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1178 and even a chance for Scouts to earn merit badges. Younger visitors will enjoy bounce houses, a pinewood derby and other adventures

designed just for them.

Food trucks and local vendors will be present, o ering food and showcasing local products to make the day even more memorable.

“The event has always been a space for families to connect over the marvels of transportation and to experience the wonders of aviation ﬁrsthand,” said Jason Jones, PT&A Committee chairman and event founder. “With support from the Tampa Bay Aviation Association, we’re expanding the opportunities at the event to o er aviation scholarships, fueling dreams of future pilots, mechanics and other aviation professionals. It’s all about giving back to our community and making a di erence in the lives of our local youth.”

Planes, Trains & Automobiles, managed by the Tampa Bay Aviation Association and presented by Tampa International Airport, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation. This year, proceeds will fund scholarships for ﬂight training, mechanical education and aviation career pathways for local youth, continuing the event’s mission of giving back to the community.

Parking is free, and tickets are $7.50 online in advance or $12.50 at the gate. For tickets and event information, visit www. mytbaa.org/pta.

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Photo courtesy of Foundation Christian Academy. Foundation Christian Academy football program won the eight-on-eight 2A football state championship.

Grace Notes Splashing Joy

I think the beginning of a new year is a good time to take stock and assess goals for the coming year. For me, that means sitting on the wooden swing in my backyard beneath the canopy of oak trees and spending some quality facetime with Papa God.

By Debora Coty

This year, I feel compelled to get more in touch with my Jesus-joy, which ﬂows deep in the veins of believers but is sometimes buried beneath the cares of the world, which can pile up and block the ﬂow like a beaver’s dam if we let it. And sadly, I do. I allow worries and problems to collect like logs and make me lose touch with the refreshing, bubbling joy of knowing Jesus.

I focus on the troubles instead of the bubbles.

But I’m going to do better this year.

I’m going to be cognizant that Jesus-joy is 90 percent gratitude and comes from knowing what Jesus did for me — NOT deterred by my circumstances — and choose to rejoice in His presence daily.

Even though I may not feel joyful every moment, if I know Jesus as my friend and Savior, joy is always accessible. And I’d much rather live a light-hearted, joyful life than be oppressed by the joy-sucking dully-funks.

As one of my faith heroes, Jill Briscoe, said,

“Joy is faith dancing.” I think I need a little more dancing in my life. Briscoe also said, “God, through His spirit, grants us love, joy and peace no matter what is happening in our lives. As Christians, we shouldn’t expect our joy to always feel like happiness, but instead recognize joy as inner security — a safeness in our life with Christ.”

I aspire to get drenched this year in the joy of the Lord, which is where my strength comes from (Nehemiah 8:10).

And when my Jesus-joy overﬂows, I want it to splash on everyone around me. What about you, my friend? Are you up for bursting through the dam of circumstances and splashing a little joy on those you encounter this year?

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,” (Luke 2:14).

I am, by history and by choice, a Protestant Christian. Fine-tune Protestant to Presbyterian and there you have it. More important than Presbyterian or even Protestant is the designation ‘Christian.’

What ﬂoats my boat most of all in terms of church is coming together as a community where it is clear that what we are up to is worshipping God. Not the pastor, not the Bible, not the style, not the doctrine, not the religious structure but the Creator, the Son, the Holy Spirit — God.

So, this Christmas in Krakow, Poland Rebekah and I walked to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church for English mass — and we walked the mile to church in the snow.

It was a beautiful service, and what struck me so clearly and refreshingly was the sense of veneration and respect and awe for God, not just presented by the clergy but also a spiritual focus permeating the congregation.

God was so obviously present in the sanctuary, and the Holy Spirit was at work in and through both worship leaders and participants. There is no doubt these good

Now that the calendar has flipped, it’s time for some New Year’s resolutions. You could decide you’re going to exercise more, lose weight, learn a new skill, reconnect with old friends — the possibilities are almost limitless. This year, why not add a few financial resolutions to your list? Here are a few to consider:

• Reduce your debts. It may be easier said than done, but if you can cut down on your debt load, you’ll increase your cash flow and have more money available to invest for your future. So, look for ways to lower your expenses and spending. You might find it helpful to use one of the budgeting apps available online.

• Boost your retirement savings. Try to put in as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. If your salary goes up this year, you’ve got a good opportunity to increase your contributions to these retirement accounts. And once you turn 50, you can make pre-tax catch-up contributions for your 401(k) and traditional IRA. You might also want to review the investment mix within your 401(k) or similar plan to determine whether it’s still providing the growth potential you need, given your risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Build an emergency fund. It’s generally a good idea to maintain an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for shortterm needs, such as an expensive auto or home repair.

• Keep funding your non-retirement goals.

Your traditional IRA and 401(k) are good ways to save for retirement — but you likely have other goals, too, and you’ll need to save and invest for them. So, for example, if you want your children to go to college or receive some other type of post-secondary training, you might want to invest in a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan. And if you have short-term goals, such as saving for a wedding or taking an overseas vacation, you might want to put some money away in a liquid account. For a short-term goal, you don’t necessarily need to invest aggressively for growth — you just want the money to be there for you when you need it.

• Review your estate plans. If you haven’t already created your estate plans, you may want to do so in 2025. Of course, if you’re relatively young, you might not think you need to have estate plans in place just yet, but life is unpredictable, and the future is not ours to see. If you have already drawn up estate plans, you may want to review them, especially if you’ve recently experienced changes in your life and family situation, such as marriage, remarriage or the addition of a new child. Because estate planning can be complex, you’ll want to work with a qualified legal professional. You may not be able to tackle all these resolutions in 2025. But by addressing as many of them as you can, you may find that, by the end of the year, you have made progress toward your goals and set yourself on a positive course for all the years to come.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Jan. 6, 2025

people love Jesus.

Rebekah and I went forward to receive a blessing during communion, even though we absolutely reject the practice of excluding non-Catholics from the bread and the wine. But we went to the front of the sanctuary because worship is about God, and not about who is right and who is wrong. We were there to worship.

So, here is some food for thought, friends. If we are not attending church because we do not agree with something, or because the form of worship is ‘not my style,’ or because we have gotten out of the habit, remember this: Worship is not about us, it is about God. And when we attend church in that frame, it is very good for our souls, and it is a beautiful experience for God too.

Be faithful in worship! I will see you in church. — Derek

at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com.

Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, e United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, e Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog

Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach Jan edition

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HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS

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WATCH FOR DOOR HANGERS FOR DATES OF LOCAL SCOUTING FOR FOOD PICKUP CAMPAIGN

INCREASE OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WITH ADOLESCENTS

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GET THE DIRT:

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OPERATION STRONG FAMILIES PROGRAM TARGETS UNIQUE STRESSES OF MILITARY LIFE

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TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BREAKS GROUND ON AIRSIDE D

WATERMELON SWIM TEAM AND COMMUNITY PROVIDE HOLIDAY CHEER WITH GIVING TREE

SEE THE WORLD IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE HELP OF CRUISE PLANNERS

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

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JANUARY IS NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

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CONNECTING TO OUR HISTORY: RIDING THE RAILS PLANT CITY UNION DEPOT

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FIRST CHOICE EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CREATES UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS WITH ON-SITE PARTY EXPERIENCES

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ALL

TWO AREA RESIDENTS WIN AWARDS AT 2024 SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY CEREMONY

Community Arts &Events Community Arts

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES RETURNS

TO PLANT CITY FOR ITS 13TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION ON FEBRUARY 1

Grace Notes Splashing Joy