Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk January 2025 by Osprey Observer

Former Newsome High School football player Spencer Shrader is living out many people’s dreams of playing in the NFL.

Shrader went undrafted in the recent NFL draft but signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on their practice squad. He was elevated to the roster for the ﬁrst game of the season, where he made all three extra-point attempts. Then he went to the New York Jets, where he played one game, making both ﬁeld goal attempts. He was then o ered a roster spot by the Kansas City Chiefs when their starting kicker, Harrison Butker, got injured.

The kicker played in two games with the Chiefs and converted all three ﬁeld goal attempts, and six extra points.

Shrader kicked the game-winning ﬁeld goal for the Chiefs against the Carolina Panthers on November 24, 2024.

“In that situation, you just really have compartmentalize and keep yourself calm,” said Shrader. “When you think about the game and the stage, it’s a big deal and there is a lot going on. At the end of the day, my job is really simple. I just have to kick the ball through the uprights.”

The Lithia resident played one year of football at Newsome High School, where he also starred in tennis and soccer. After graduation, he played a year of semipro soccer in Brazil and Canada in 2018. He was o ered several soccer scholarships but decided to take a risk by walking on at the University of South Florida as a kicker. Shrader

By Nick Nahas

said Tim Tebow was one of his role models and wanted to have a platform like his to inspire others. He played for the Bulls for four years, earning a scholarship his junior and senior seasons, before transferring to play at Notre Dame as a grad student.

The NFL wasn’t always his main dream. Shrader is an entrepreneur and has an investment property in South Bend, Indiana. But he found himself in a position that many people would envy.

“It’s kind of a unique experience because the NFL wasn’t always my dream,” said Shrader. “I know that sounds crazy. I just really wanted to do my best at every level.”

Shrader said he is grateful for the opportunity but doesn’t need the NFL to feel fulﬁlled.

“When I did make it, it was a little bit of a surreal feeling, but honestly how I feel is more like I have a responsibility to perform because of all the blessings I’ve had and all the people who have supported me to get here.”

Schrader injured his hamstring in practice and was put on injured reserve. With his injury and Butker’s return, he said his future with the team may be in doubt.

“It’s such a crazy industry that anything can happen at any time,” he said. “In a sense, it’s a blessing because tomorrow is not guaranteed, and you take that to heart. For me, as an undrafted free-agent rookie, it’s very much unknown what the next steps will be.”

Have you ever seen the Take 5 Tree along FishHawk Boulevard? It was 20 years ago when local grandfather Dan Nagle Sr. and his grandsons, Keidan and Quinten, would make a routine stop at a favorite landmark — the Take 5 Tree — during their bike rides up FishHawk Boulevard to grab a Slurpee.

“I do a lot of biking myself, and when we’d go out to get some exercise with the grandkids, they couldn’t quite make it all the way up the hill for a Slurpee,” explained Nagle Sr., now age 91, who added, “I’d say, ‘Hey guys, let’s ‘take ﬁve’ under this tree.’”

Years ago, on a visit to Busch Gardens, Nagle Sr. saw a vendor o ering custom wood carvings and had a sign made for the ‘Take 5 Tree,’ and in 2005 he got a ladder and mounted the sign.

GRANDFATHER’S TRADITION LIVES ON WITH TAKE 5 TREE SIGN AFTER 20 YEARS

By Marie Gilmore

Now, two decades later, the sign is still there and Nagle Sr. who still rides, but not all the way up the road for a Slurpee, is proud of the lasting tribute to the perfect rest stop.

“I’m glad the tree is still there,” said Nagle Sr. “It’s nice to know that something so simple can still mean so much, even after all these years.”

Nagle Sr., an Army veteran, served in Germany in the 10th Infantry division in 1956. He came home and missed his daughter Deb’s birth in 1959 because it was a 16-day

journey by ship back to the U.S. He was indeed stateside for the birth of his daughter Lynn and son, Lithia resident Dan Nagle Jr. and. Life changed when Nagle Sr. had a heart attack at 42 years old and open-heart surgery at 50 years old. His doctor instructed him to exercise or die, and he conﬁrmed that cycling was actually considered exercise. Nagle still cycles to this day and rides 7-10 miles every Wednesday, and he even participated in a ‘Tour de Nagle’ ride from Valdosta, Georgia, all the way to Riverview at age 72 years old, 20 years ago.

“Age is just a number,” advised Nagle Sr., a retired lawyer, during a recent visit to Florida. “There is so much you can do to overcome what you think you can’t do.”

The Take 5 Tree still stands on the south side of FishHawk Boulevard right after the Circa FishHawk sign.

Dan Nagle Sr. stands with his grandsons 20 years after they started riding bikes up FishHawk Boulevard to get a Slurpee, and the Take 5 Tree still stands today.

Photos courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs. Spencer Schrader lines up to make a kick against the Bu alo Bills.

Kansas City Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce hugs Spencer Schrader after he makes the game-winning kick against the Carolina Panthers.

Photo Courtesy of Plant City Main Street

ALAFIA ELEMENTARY INCREASES BOOK INVENTORY BY ALMOST 2,000 BOOKS

Students at Alafia Elementary School wrapped up 2024 with an expanded library. Alafia received a gift of 1,867 books for its media center in early November 2024.

Alafia’s media specialist, Laura James, said books were unboxed and on the shelves for checkout within a week.

“Students have been so excited to get their hands on the new books. It has been such a joy to see their faces light up when they find their next great book,” James said.

The inventory was purchased using money received from the 2023-24 Supplemental School Improvement Grant received from the Florida Department of Education. Alafia’s media center was one of 152 schools in the district to receive close to $30,000 in funds.

In a normal year, each school in the district has a yearly budget based on student enrollment from county funds and from state funds for purchasing books.

“For a smaller school like Alafia, this additional grant was a windfall because it meant I could purchase new books to replace woefully out-of-date materials on a large scale that would have taken me years to chip away at with just my yearly county and state money,” James said.

The upgrades James made included updating a large portion of the school’s nonfiction section, replacing worn-out animal facts and sports books. She expanded the graphic novel section and updated the biography section to reflect current ath-

By Jane Owen

letes, artists and books with fresh perspectives on historical figures. She refreshed the entire area used by preschoolers, kindergarteners and first graders. She was able to buy Playaway books, which are books with a built-in MP3 player that allow students to listen to the book as they read along.

James praised Hillsborough County Library Media Services supervisors John Milburn and Kimberly DeFusco for their work providing the books to the schools.

“They are the real heroes of this story — they work tirelessly to support all of us media specialists and help us create the best programs for our individual schools,” James said.

DeFusco lauded the district’s librarians as heroes for their students. She commended them for being highly skilled, on top of curriculum and Florida standards and aware of the community they serve. Each librarian that received grant money curated their orders to fit the needs of their school.

The grant was applied for in December 2023. DeFusco gave credit to Deborah Pepe, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, for taking the initiative to apply for the grant and use a significant portion of it for media services.

“We are very, very fortunate and grateful to her and her leadership. Literacy is a huge priority in our district. An investment in literacy in our district looks like an investment in our libraries,” DeFusco said.

HIGH 5 INC. HOSTS FREE ANNUAL TRIDENT TALENT SHOW

High 5 Inc. hosted its annual TRIDENT (Training and Recreational for the Intellectually Disabled Enhancing their Natural Talents) talent show in December 2024 to raise money for its programs and bring talented performers to the stage.

The talent show brought 24 performers who sang and danced to the stage on December 13. Participants also showcased their use of American Sign Language or displayed their artwork and baked goods.

“Most notable I would say [was] that the response and support from those in attendance showed the love they have for our programs and their loved ones,” said Joe Somers, director of TRIDENT.

Around 150 people attended the free event and helped raise $460 through donations and purchasing crafts, baked goods and beverages made by Adult Day Training clients.

The funds will go toward program supplies, new vehicles, curriculums and scholarships.

“It was very evident that our Adult Day Training program is on the right path for this very special portion of our community, and we are excited and looking forward to 2025 and everything we have

By Lily Belcher

planned,” Somers said.

Everyone that participated was a winner, Somers said. Since last year, the show has grown to include more participants and talents. This year’s show also featured members from the Livingstone Academy’s Transition program.

The TRIDENT program focuses on “active recreation, proper socialization/ interpersonal skills and independent life skills.”

Its day program runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. It promotes an active lifestyle and helps its members become more integrated into society.

The after-school program has the same goal from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on weekdays. There is also a study hall offered during this time for members to work on projects and homework.

TRIDENT is one of High 5 Inc.’s programs dedicated to helping the community through educational and athletic activities.

For more information on TRIDENT or High 5 Inc.’s upcoming events, visit https://high5inc.org/. To contact High 5 Inc., which is located off Beverly Dr. south of U.S. 60, call 813-689-0908 or email memberservices@high5inc.org.

High 5 Inc.’s TRIDENT members showcased their crafts and baked goods at the annual talent show.

Alafia Elementary School students enjoying new books. From left to right: Julia Kielblock, Xavier Monteiro, Emily Maready and Olivia Monteiro).

TRIDENT members sang and danced at the annual holiday talent show.

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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.

BRANDON HOSPITAL’S VEIN CARE PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM

FDA-APPROVED BLOOD CLOT REMOVAL TECHNIQUE

The cardiac catheterization laboratory at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is at the cutting-edge of care for blood clots in the heart and lungs. These serious conditions need critical care, and this newly FDA-approved thrombectomy system provides greater precision and adaptability in the venous system.

Before the use of this new thrombectomy system, patients had to have multiple wires navigate through their veins to remove blood clots or undesirable intravascular material, depending on their individual case. Now, this highly steerable mechanical thrombectomy system can transverse veins that are di cult to access due to location, size or shape, causing less blood loss and removing blood clots.

“Blood clots in the heart and lungs are serious conditions. We strive to incorporate new procedures as they become approved by the FDA that enable strong patient outcomes within the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Brandon Hospital,” said Dr. Umesh Gowda, interventional cardiologist at Brandon Hospital.

The primary beneﬁt to patients is that this system is more precise in removing clots in the venous system, which can be critical to a positive outcome in cases involving the heart and lungs. The time involved in the procedure is typi-

cally shorter, so less anesthesia may be used, and there are fewer risks due to a more streamlined, e cient technique.

This blood clot treatment is used for deep vein thrombosis, which presents as leg pain or swelling in the legs. It can become serious because blood clots can break loose, travel through the bloodstream and settle in the lungs, blocking blood ﬂow (pulmonary embolism).

It is also used to remove blood clots in the heart’s right atrium that need critical care. The right atrium is the heart’s upper chamber, which is part of the process of sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs. If a blood clot in the right atrium occurs, it can be life-threatening without medical intervention.

Due to Brandon Hospital’s commitment to the advancement of heart care, which involves blood clot removal, it holds the prestigious three-star (out of three stars) overall designation from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Only 10 percent of open-heart programs nationwide achieve this honor for outstanding patient care and outcomes. Brandon Hospital is considered among the elite for general thoracic surgery in North America. The hospital is located at 119 Oakﬁeld Dr. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.hcaﬂoridabrandonhospital.com. Sta Report

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e cardiac catheterization laboratory at HCA/ Brandon is the rst in Hillsborough County to use this thrombectomy system technology.

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST UNVEILS DYNAMIC BRAND REFRESH

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United Way Suncoast recently unveiled its refreshed brand identity, revealing an invigorated visual style and a mission-aligned message to amplify its impact. This update includes a modernized logo, engaging new calls to action and a simpliﬁed yet powerful mission statement: “United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.” By becoming an early adopter of United Way Worldwide’s brand evolution, United Way Suncoast aims to strengthen its connection with the community and broaden its reach as it heads into the season of giving.

“The refreshed brand allows us to better convey what we stand for, how we’re di erent and why people should get involved,” said Ernest Hooper, United Way Suncoast chief communications o cer.

“This new look is energizing and reinforces our mission. While it preserves familiar elements — like our Circle of Hope symbol with its rainbow, hand and human ﬁgure — it repositions these elements to show how United Way leads the way in community support.”

United Way Suncoast’s new brand maintains its core symbol, the Circle of Hope, which represents the organization’s commitment to hope, support and humanity. This logo now appears to the left, emphasizing United Way’s leadership role, with a fresh color palette and modernized design elements to communicate openness and inclusivity.

In addition to visual changes, the organization has updated its calls to action to

better encourage community engagement.

While the previous calls to ‘donate, volunteer and advocate’ have been instrumental, the new directives — ‘get involved,’ ‘give back’ and ‘take action’ — aim to foster a more active, hands-on relationship with audiences, underscoring the organization’s accessible, inclusive approach to engagement.

As part of the refresh, United Way Suncoast also introduces a concise mission statement that reﬂects its enduring commitment to uplifting communities. The mission, crafted with clarity and focus, sets the stage for United Way’s unique approach to driving community change. The restylized brand and mission statement reﬂects United Way Suncoast’s dedication to delivering meaningful impact while supporting communities as they move forward together.

In the coming months, the organization will continue to roll out new website updates and adopt a more vibrant color palette, typography and graphic elements designed to convey depth and dynamism.

United Way Suncoast gives families and community members across its ﬁve-county footprint the ‘freedom to rise.’ Founded in 1924, United Way Suncoast proudly serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves.

For more information, visit https://unitedwaysuncoast.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

BOLTS & BLUE FACEOFF AGAINST HUNGER EVENT SCORES BIG FOR TAMPA BAY COMMUNITY

The annual Bolts & Blue Faceo Against Hunger event, held on December 7, 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Blue and Feeding Tampa Bay to make a meaningful impact in the lives of University Area families.

The event, which took place at the University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC), welcomed hundreds of families from the community, providing a fun-ﬁ lled day of activities, resources and giveaways. The event aimed to combat food insecurity, a pressing issue a ecting many families in the Tampa Bay area.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including chef-prepared meals, live cooking demonstrations and take-home family meal kits. Kids had a blast playing street hockey, while adults took advantage of valuable resources, such as SNAP registration, ﬂ u vaccines, haircuts and vision screening for kids. Financial health tools and higher education resources were also available to help families plan for a brighter future. Additional partners that came together to help broaden the resource o erings and overall impact of the event included the Glazer Family Vision Foundation, the Hills-

borough County Sheri ’s O ce, GTE Financial and the University of South Florida.

The event also featured special appearances by Tampa Bay Lightning Alumni and the beloved ThunderBug, who brought joy and excitement to the crowd. Each family received a protein option from Metropolitan Ministries, a toy or gift card for the holidays and a complimentary pie from Publix, courtesy of the event sponsors.

“We’re proud to be part of this annual event and to have the opportunity to give back to the community that supports us,” said Elizabeth Frazier, executive vice president of community development and social impact at Tampa Bay Lightning.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the resources they need to thrive. We’re committed to continuing our partnership with Florida Blue and Feeding Tampa Bay to make a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors.”

The Bolts & Blue Faceo Against Hunger event is just one example of the ongoing e orts by Florida Blue, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Feeding Tampa Bay to address food insecurity and support the well-being of the community.

Florida Blue, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Feeding Tampa Bay partnered to combat food insecurity and bring holiday cheer to Tampa-area families.

On December 13, 2024, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, U.S. representative for Florida’s 15th congressional district, announced Colonel Orlando Rodriguez as Florida’s 15th District 2024 Veteran of the Year.

“Colonel Rodriguez’s service and leadership have left a remarkable legacy on our community and nation. His impressive background coupled with his undeniable admiration and dedication for our great nation make him a deserving recipient of Florida’s 15th District’s Veteran of the Year award,” said Lee. “His commitment to service, the spirit of excellence and dedication to supporting fellow veterans are apparent. We are forever indebted to American heroes like Col. Rodriguez, and I am honored to present him with this recognition.”

Rodriguez is a retired United States Army colonel with nearly three decades of faithful and dedicated service to our nation. Born in Havana, Cuba, Rodriguez fled the island in 1959 but returned as part of the famed Brigade 2506, a CIA-sponsored group of Cuban exiles who carried out the Bay of Pigs invasion. After serving

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two years in a Cuban prison following the failed operation, Colonel Rodriguez was released to the United States and commissioned into the U.S. Army in 1963.

He went on to serve multiple combat tours in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Later, Rodriguez served as one of President John F. Kennedy’s world-renowned Green Berets and acted as an advisor to U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Rodriguez is one of the nation’s most highly decorated Hispanic military soldiers, including recognitions like the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and many more.

The Veteran of the Year award for Florida’s 15th District is awarded to an outstanding veteran from one of our United States Armed Forces branches from either Pasco, Polk or Hillsborough County. The recipient was selected based on the following criteria: a demonstration of commitment to service in their community, having a spirit of excellence and showing dedication to supporting their fellow veterans.

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.

By Brad Stager

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

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 officials is the

According to an email response from Tim Dudley, director of the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management, “Residents should be aware that emergency operations are still in progress. The Public Works department is finishing up its efforts 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 effect. 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 officials.

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.

Representative Laurel Lee with Colonel Orlando Rodriguez at the Veteran of the Year ceremony.

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

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

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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.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES STRIKE GOLD SHOW CATTLE COMPANY

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.

“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.

Gillian Matheson combines her love for animals and leadership in her business.

Strike Gold founder Gillian Matheson

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.

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

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.

BUSCH GARDENS REAL MUSIC SERIES LINEUP HAS SOMETHING FOR ALL

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.

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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.

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-

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.

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.

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

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

Red Phone Booth, a true 1920s Prohibition experience, is slated to open its second franchise partnership in Florida with Amendment XVIII 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.

“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

Sta Report

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

“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/.

Belinthia Berry.

Lila Star Morgan family.

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.

ANNUAL HIKING SPREE FEATURES 22 TRAILS ACROSS 21 PARKS

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

By Kathy L. Collins

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.

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.

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

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 &

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. 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/. Sta Report

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

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 traffic is tied up, it is probably not a traffic jam; it is a train crossing.

The 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.

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

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

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.

a our fa ori e lake, see co s razing in a pasture or dri past a citrus ro e, remember e’re using land for a ital role helpin the world row the food it needs

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.

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.

By State Attorney Suzy Lopez

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.

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.

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

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. 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: ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS

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.

& MORE

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 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.

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.

Strawberry Festival Concert Tickets On Sale

ginger boats following behind. The boat features Santa and his elves, who are having fun hanging around and causing some trouble of their own. Residents enjoyed planning, designing and decorating their boats and showing their creative side.

MercyMe Coming To

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

By Lily Belcher

Center

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.

Gasparilla-themed Gingerbread Display

Residents at Osprey Heights participate in a yearly gingerbread decorating contest. This year, a Gasparilla-inspired theme was chosen, featuring a large sailboat made entirely of chocolate with resident made

Tampa’s Yuengling

Grammy-nominated band MercyMe has announced that their spring 2025 MERCYME LIVE TOUR, with Zach Williams and special guest Sam Wesley, will stop at Tampa’s Yuengling Center on April 3 at 7 p.m. Their No. 1 track, “Say I Won’t,” from their inhale (exhale) album, was recently certiﬁed gold by the RIAA, bringing the band’s certiﬁcation tally to total 16 gold, platinum and multiplatinum singles and albums. MercyMe is currently in their studio working on a new album that is scheduled to be released in 2025.

Tickets for this event are on sale at www.ticketmaster. com. Ticket prices are $25, $29, $37.50, $49.50, $67 and $79 and are subject to change without notice. Prices do not include facility fee or service charges. Advanced parking passes are available at www. parkwhiz.com. Get connected with MercyMe at https://mercyme.org/.

Friends Of e Bloomingdale Library Celebrates 20 Years

The Friends of the Bloomingdale Library (FOL) 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 Public Library is located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Be sure to stop by. Compiled by Jenny Bennett

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Matthew 6 Ministries located at 4450 40th Ave N, Unit D3, in Pinellas County, in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida 33714, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida

Dated at Valrico, Florida this 1st day of January 2025

Owner Thomas Geer

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

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.

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/.

Expires 1/31/2025

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

HEF RAISES $1.2 MILLION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS

Sta Report

TAMPA Y HONORS OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS AT THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPACT CELEBRATION

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have deeply impacted communities across the region, Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) mobilized swiftly to support students, teachers and schools in need. With widespread damage leaving many without the essential resources and supplies necessary for a successful school year, HEF has taken decisive action to meet urgent needs.

“When we witnessed the heartbreaking impact these storms had on our students, teachers and schools here in Hillsborough County, we knew we couldn’t stand by,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “The devastation demanded immediate action — not just to restore what was lost but to o er hope, stability, and a sense of community during an incredibly challenging time.”

HEF quickly established a Hurricane Relief Fund, collaborating with dedicated donors and community partners to raise over $1.2 million to date.”

HEF has already distributed nearly 500 backpack kits ﬁlled with core school supplies essential for students to engage in learning, with another 500 kits set to be distributed in the coming weeks.

The hurricanes have had a devastating impact on many educators and support sta , with hundreds of employees already conﬁrmed as displaced due to ﬂooding. To

support these employees, HEF established a hurricane relief fund specifically to aid those who have lost their homes, experienced significant damage or flooding or lost primary vehicles. Financial support will assist with temporary housing, repairs, deductibles and the replacement of personal items. HEF has received over 700 applications for financial assistance to date and is working as quickly as possible to review and process requests.

Approximately 20 schools experienced ﬂooding, while others su ered storm-related damage. Many teachers lost classroom supplies, furniture and teaching materials.

To address these losses, HEF has replaced nearly $30,000 worth of elementary classroom rugs across 10 schools and provided $50,000 in essential school supplies, including whiteboard markers, copy paper and bulletin boards.

HEF’s relief e orts have been made possible through the generous support of key donors, including the Lightning Foundation, the Jarcarlene Foundation, the Helios Education Foundation, the Florida Disaster Fund/ Volunteer Florida, Suncoast Credit Union, the Spurlino Foundation, Generate, RaceTrac, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and numerous individual donors. Visit https://educationfoundation.com/.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA honored outstanding volunteers at the annual Community Impact Celebration, presented by Regions and BayCare. Held on November 20, 2024, at the Tampa Theatre, an estimated 400 guests enjoyed an evening emceed by the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn showcasing the Tampa YMCA’s robust impact on the community as videos, testimonials and stories were shared.

Clara Reynolds, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay president and CEO, was presented with the 2024 Community Impact Award. A distinguished executive leader with over 19 years of experience in managing Tampa Bay nonproﬁts, since July 2015 Clara has overseen a large team and plays a pivotal role in serving more than 160,000 people annually. Under her guidance, the Crisis Center has achieved exceptional growth, expanding its services, community impact and driving a remarkable 130 percent revenue increase.

“The work I do day in and day out is incredibly stressful. I look to the YMCA as my place for self-care, solace and community. I have been a proud Bob Sierra Family YMCA member for 22 years. I have made amazing friends there. Thank you, Tampa YMCA, for always supporting our community and thank you for this honor,” Reynolds said.

Renowned community leader Bob Gilbertson was presented with the 2024 Red Triangle Award. The award is given to a volunteer

whose leadership and service reﬂect the countless lives transformed through their generous contributions. With his 45-year YMCA career, Gilbertson is the Tampa Y’s longest-serving president from 1981-2007. Under his leadership, the Tampa Y grew from serving 5,000 to serving over 130,000 members/program participants annually and from ﬁve centers to 14. The namesake of our Central City YMCA, he is a champion of advancing the Y mission, underserved communities and youth..”

“I am thankful to the Tampa YMCA for this honor. All of you helped us grow and sustain — the sta , supporters and volunteers. I hope everyone keeps supporting the Tampa YMCA,” Gilbertson said.

Matt Mitchell, president and CEO of Tampa YMCA, congratulated all the honorees. He emphasized the “magnitude of the role the Tampa YMCA plays in our communities. We impacted over 280,000 people last year.”

Locally, the following YMCA Center Volunteers of the Year were recognized for their unwavering commitment to helping children, families and seniors reach their full potential: Campo Family YMCA’s Eileen Kaminski, Plant City Family YMCA’s Marsha Passmore and Michael Jemison and YMCA Camp Cristina’s Will Alfonso. Visit www.tampaymca.org for more information on your local YMCAs.

e Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA honored outstanding volunteers at the annual Community Impact Celebration at the Tampa eatre.

In collaboration with dedicated donors and community partners, HEF has raised over $1.2 million to date for hurricane relief.

Your Life, YourWay YourWay

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 o cial 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, 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.

Ship Gulf Coast

clude mailbox rental, notary, ﬁ nger 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. For more information on its services, call 813-741-9600 or visit its website at https://shipgulfcoast.com/.

Helping Hands Assistant LLC

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 in-

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 o ers a helping hand wherever needed. She also o ers compassionate and reliable support to help seniors maintain their independence and continue to live comfortably at home, with services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Call Bass at 863-409-9890.

SouthShore Wealth Management Serves You With Integrity SouthShore

Wealth Management, owned by Mike McCormick, is an independent financial services firm committed to guiding you forward with up-front, data-informed financial advice and devoted, concierge-level

service. Extensive industry knowledge and experience are the basis of your custom ﬁnancial strategy, designed to support your lifestyle now and into the future. SouthShore Wealth Management is located at 1601 Rickenbacker Dr., Ste. 1, in Sun City Center. For more information, visit its website at www.southshorewlth.com or call 813-4999247.

Shear Excellence Academy Hosts Ribbon Cutting

Founded in 2000, Shear Excellence is a family-owned academy and has developed strong relationships in the Tampa Bay area with established salons and hairstylists. Shear Excellence Hair Academy welcomes students who wish to pursue a post-Secondary level program of study.

The Donaldson Family remains dedicated to growth and expansion in all aspects of the business so that it may o er training and support to individuals who wish to establish a career as a licensed personal care professional.

Any questions about admissions, please call 813-933-2468 or visit website at www.shearexcell.edu. The school is located at 1106 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL, 33596.

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.

Kathy Bass is the owner of Helping Hands Assistant LLC, and you go-to gal for the things you do not have time to do.

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

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

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.

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. Sta Report

THE 32ND BRANDON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL BRINGS FRESH CATCHES AND ENTERTAINMENT

By Lily Belcher

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

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.

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.

USF RESEARCHERS BEGIN FIRST LIFESPAN STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL MEDIA USE

A groundbreaking new study conducted by the University of South Florida (USF) will track young people through 2050 to learn more about the long-term impacts of smartphones, social media and other digital media on individual well-being.

e Life in Media Survey will be conducted twice a year over decades, tracking the same participants to collect insights and experiences as they pertain to digital media.

Though the long-term research will be conducted over the next 25 years, data collected every six months will give ongoing insight to parents, teachers, researchers, health care providers and others on the impact of digital media use on children and as they age into adults.

“We have research from other ﬁelds that tracks people across decades, looking at cardiovascular health or work-life balance across the lifespan. We don’t have that yet for digital media use and wellness,” said Justin Martin, the Eleanor Poynter Jamison chair in Media Ethics & Press Policy at USF St. Petersburg and lead researcher of the study.

The Life in Media Survey will collect insights and experiences from thousands of 11 to 13-year-olds as they pertain to digital media. Researchers will then track the same participants over decades to determine how digital media use impacts and changes attitudes, behaviors and health throughout their lives.

The survey will cover topics such as social media use and addiction, cyberbullying, news consumption, streaming services, parental controls, media literacy, artiﬁcial intelligence and more. Examining responses

Sta Report

and patterns over time, researchers will discover possible connections between device ownership and time spent on social media with the prevalence of sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression and other critical wellness indicators.

Some 1,500 Florida youth took the survey in November to provide researchers with baseline data. Findings and insights from this cohort will be published in a report in the spring of 2025.

Informed by the pilot survey, the research team will then start a nationwide, long-term survey for up to 9,000 children as young as 11, when nearly half of children in the U.S. do not yet own a smartphone. Researchers will survey these children twice a year, once during the school year and again in the summer.

Although there has been a lot of snapshot research on the e ects of digital media on everything from political discourse to social development, there are few conclusive ﬁndings and no long-term study tracking digital media use and well-being from childhood into adulthood.

The research team comprises experts across various disciplines, including journalism, psychology, public health, political science, sociology and communications. USF is also collaborating on the research with the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and its MediaWise initiative, which empowers young people with media literacy skills. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Mindset Training School located at 710 Oakfield Dr. Ste 153, in Hillsborough County, in the city of Brandon, Florida, 33511 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida

Dated at Valrico, Florida this 23rd day of December 2024

Owner Dr. Nekeshia Hammond

Eric Udouj on the river overlooking the old town and fortress of Salzburg, Austria

Eric Udouj in Graz, Austria, the 2d largest city in the country. of e

Bring your Osprey Observer on your travels and share with us. Email photos, name & location to jhurst@ospreyobserver.com.

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Bar-B-Clean Tampa Bay located at 5611 Lark Meadow Place, in Hillsborough County, in the city of Lithia, Florida, 33547, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida

Dated at Valrico, Florida this 27th day of December 2024

Owner The Wolf Pack Collective

VALOR SERVICE DOGS SUPPORTS OUR HEROES — JOIN THE CAUSE

Valor Service Dogs (VSD) is a local nonproﬁt that helps wounded post-9/11 veterans and ﬁrst responders regain independence through the training and placing of mobility assistance and PTSD service dogs.

Once matched with the right applicants, these trained canines help their forever heroes return to civilian life and maintain successful partnerships. VSD also trains facility dogs, which “can help sta / clients/patients increase motivation, promote social interaction and improve overall morale,” according to its website.

The organization was started in 2015 by longtime animal trainer Carol Lansford, VSD’s founder and director of training. It hit close to home when her husband, Justin, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, lost his leg during a 2012 deployment in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb struck his truck. Justin recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where Lansford was the contracted service dog training instructor. Justin was later paired up with Gabe, a golden retriever service dog.

“I’m married to someone that’s in the population that I would like to serve,” said Lansford. “It’s one

By Taylor Wells

of my favorite days when an applicant meets their dog for the ﬁrst time,” she said adding that what makes Valor Service Dogs’ mission possible is its volunteers.

Valor Service Dogs is in need of more puppy coaches, sitters, nurses and general volunteers.

Puppy coaches lovingly raise and train puppies into service dogs from the age of 12 weeks to 2 years old. Puppy sitters step in for these coaches whenever they need to be away. Puppy nurses are trained to assist VSD’s sta in providing aroundthe-clock care to its future service dogs in training. General volunteers, meanwhile, help by cleaning, doing yard work and more.

VSD raises approximately ﬁve to seven dogs per year and usually has around 10-12 dogs in training at any one time. Monetary donations to purchase needed supplies, including items on its Chewy or Amazon Wish Lists or Walmart Registry, are always welcome. Valor Service Dogs is located at 15006 McGrady Rd. in Wimauma. To apply for a service dog, visit its website at https://valorservicedogs.org/. To contact VSD, 813-634-3232.

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/.

Valor Service Dogs-trained Frannie Valor with her forever hero.

Valor Service Dogs-trained Molly Valor with her forever hero.

IN MOSI’S NEW FLIGHT CLUB DRONE ZONE, GET HANDS-ON WITH HIGH-FLYING TECH

Fun and hands-on learning will take to the sky as Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union opens as a new, permanent addition to MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry.

Guests will take control of real drones, completing challenges, racing each other and getting up close with the technology that’s transforming countless aspects of our world.

Regulations and training requirements are increasing for drone operators across the United States, but in MOSI’s dedicated indoor drone space, trying out a drone is both approved and encouraged. The new experience will be included with MOSI admission for guests of all ages, with guidance from a MOSI educator always close by.

“At MOSI, this is what we do. We take science and technology that may be new, confusing or overwhelming and we make it real for you. We get you hands-on with it. And we show you how it fits into your future — looking at how it may change our community and how you can be prepared for the new careers the technology is creating,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith.

In addition to controlling drones that are about the size of a paper plate, guests will see drones on display in a range of sizes, designed for a range of jobs. Videos showcase the careers that are emerging from this growing technology and show drones in action around the world. The number of drone-related job postings more than dou-

Staff Report

bled between 2021 and 2023, according to drone training company DARTdrones.

As part of Suncoast Credit Union’s partnership with MOSI, Suncoast members can buy one MOSI ticket with their Suncoast debit or credit card and get a second ticket free.

MOSI’s team used one of their favorite concepts, the scientific method, to develop Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union. Starting in 2023 with the hypothesis that drone flying would be a great guest experience, they tested a small drone flying area in their IDEAZone makerspace.

After analyzing their experiment, the MOSI team tested different types of netting and drones and rearranged a section of the museum to more than triple the area available for flying. The ultimate conclusion is Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union — complete with mesh walls that won’t snag, durable drones and enough room for three guests to take to the skies at once, allowing for skills challenges and head-to-head races.

Drones (more formally called ‘unmanned aerial vehicles,’ or UAVs) have also been added to several MOSI programs and Summer Science Camps.

Learn more about Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union or get tickets now at https://mosi.org/.

MOSI is located in North Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave.

LOCAL VETERAN

SWIMS 10 MILES

NONSTOP ON HIS 45TH BIRTHDAY TO SUPPORT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

Rob Hill of Wimauma completed a nonstop 10-mile swim on November 3, 2024, to raise funds for Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and to celebrate his 45th birthday, hosted by the Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road. The swim took about five and a half hours.

Every day, 58 injured veterans and their families sign up to receive critical services and support offered by WWP. Thanks to the generosity of people throughout our communities, warriors and their families will never pay a penny for these life-changing programs.

Hill is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard and was inspired to raise funds for WWP after attending a 3 of 7 Project event which encouraged people grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Hill’s swim was an emotional and inspirational fundraiser that

By Kelly Wise Valdes

successfully raised nearly $2,000.

“I chose this swim as my first big event and wanted to do something for veterans,” said Hill. “Next year, I plan to run 100 miles, and the year after bike 1,000 miles.”

The swim was challenging but rewarding for Hill.

“When I finished and got out of the water, my lips were blue and my skin was gray from the effort,” said Hill. “I trained hard. Starting in March of this year, I logged over 320 miles in preparation. I had not swum laps in 15 years, so it took some work.”

Even though it was a difficult journey, Hill said he enjoyed every minute of the 10 miles.

“I was thinking of how hard our veterans fight every day to keep on and decided that no matter how I felt, there was nothing going to slow me down from giving them a voice,” said Hill. “If you are unsatisfied with your life, confront something that you are unprepared for and face it head on. Be intentional and choose to not fail.”

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The Spurlino Family YMCA is located at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd, Riverview, FL 33578, www.tampaymca.org.

Photo courtesy of www.brentsucher.com.

Wimauma resident and owner of Hill’s Aquatics snail farm Rob Hill raised $2,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project by swimming 10 miles.

Guests are able to fly real drones in Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union at MOSI.

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/.

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top Stories From 2024

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 tra c 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 tra c 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.

VALRICO RESIDENTS COMPETE ON THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT WITH FUNDRAISER DISPLAY

Participating in The Great Christmas Light Fight hasn’t changed the Burton Family Light Show much, although it has seen an increase in crowds, Rodney Burton said. The Burtons view this as an opportunity to connect more with our community and make a positive impact. Some visitors share heartfelt stories like losing loved ones, and they ﬁnd comfort and joy in the family’s lights, giving them a renewed sense of purpose.

e light display is open to the public until the end of January.

The Burtons have also seen others join the lights community after visiting their show and have gained new clients through these interactions. This year, they’ve made a few updates, adding six more fountains and four additional moving heads on the roof. They’ve expanded their playlist as well and currently rotate it weekly, with the show running about an hour before repeating.

On Sunday, the Burtons continue to host their Worship Light Show Hour featuring Christmas songs and Christian music. They are also collecting pet food and donations for A Kitten Place and Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary. Original Story Printed January 2024.

By Lily Belcher

For Rodney and Audra Burton, Christmas lights are more than just decorations; they’re also a way to give people a place to escape their everyday lives.

“This is truly for the community. That’s what this is all about: giving something back, paying it forward from those blessings that God has allowed us to be able to see and manifest its gift into something with lights,” Rodney said.

The couple competed in 2023’s The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC with their display of nearly 120,000 LED pixels in Valrico.

The Burtons applied to compete in 2022 by sending in photos and videos of their music-synchronized display. They were selected for the holiday show and their display was recorded last winter.

While they did not win the $50,000 prize, Audra said it was “a win just to get on the show.” “We adopted two kittens this year and both of them came from one of those rescues, so that’s why we decided to go with them,” Audra said.

Their display is open to the public at 2014 Sydney Rd. in Valrico through Wednesday, January 31. Visit Burton Family Light Show on Facebook.

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.

e Burtons’ Christmas light display includes nearly 120,000 LED pixels.

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top Stories From 2024

ZOOTAMPA PROVIDING EXPERT CARE TO NEW MANATEE ARRIVALS, ROMEO AND JULIET

“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.

Staff Report

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.

VETERANS EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

By Sharon B. Still

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/

“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

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.

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.

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 From 2024

NEW AIRLINE PREPARING TO TAKE OFF FROM LAKELAND LINDER AIRPORT

By Brad Stager

“Avelo began service to New Haven in June, and since then, the airline has expanded to o er ﬂights to eight destinations, with Nashville set to be added in March 2025. As our airport continues to grow and serve more travelers, we’re eager to share this exciting development with the local community,” stated Amy Campbell, airport customer experience manager at Lakeland International Airport, in an email.

These seven other destinations include Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina; Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester, New York; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire; Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico; Hartsﬁeld-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia; Wilmington Airport in New Castle, Delaware; and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

Original Story Printed February 2024.

Whether your destination is Kalispell, Montana or San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll soon be able to consider ﬂights from another Tampa Bay area airport to meet your travel needs.

A new option for Tampa Bay travelers is

on the horizon as Avelo Airlines prepares for passenger service at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Agreements between Avelo Airlines, Visit Central Florida and the airport were approved by the Lakeland City Commission in December 2023, clearing the way for the budget air carrier to begin operations there. According to Avelo’s website, the airline currently operates out of 43 airports with regular and seasonal schedules.

The new passenger service is expected to contribute to Lakeland’s proﬁle as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and o cials are pleased.

Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “We are excited to partner with Avelo Airlines to provide passenger services in and out of our Lakeland Linder International Airport. This relationship will further diversify the tremendous economic beneﬁts and services that our community receives from our airport. We are conﬁdent that Lakeland will assist Avelo in advancing their founding purpose, ‘To Inspire Travel,’ and welcome the many visitors that will come to know Lakeland because of the travel options Avelo and the City of Lakeland will provide.”

For updated ﬂight destinations and itineraries, visit https://www.aveloair.com/.

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 A ordable 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.

Fit

• Team

• Private

Caring Behavioral

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

Avelo Airlines is preparing to begin operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Year In Review – Updates On Our Top

FOUR LOCAL ATHLETES SELECTED FOR THE UNITED WORLD GAMES

Participating in the United World Games, representing the USA and their community, was an unforgettable experience for all four student athletes.

Competing on an international stage fostered new friendships, a deeper appreciation for the game and exposure to a new cultural setting. Representing their community in such a prestigious event was an incredible honor, especially knowing they were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants.

The team performed exceptionally, ﬁnishing undefeated with a 7-0 record and bringing home the gold medal. Beyond the competition, they thoroughly enjoyed their time in Europe, taking in the beautiful scenery and embracing the unique atmosphere, which made the experience even more special.

Original Story Printed March 2024.

Four local student basketball players will travel to Europe this summer to participate in the United World Games.

Josiah Reid from Randall Middle School, Tomi Akingboye from Rodgers Middle School, Lennox Zayela from Bell Creek Academy and Elijah Ventura from Farnell Middle School will represent the United States.

The United World Games’ basketball competition for those ages 10-19 years

By Lily Belcher

old will take place from Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23. The boys will travel for 10 days and combine the basketball competition with skill development and cultural education.

Hope Reid, Josiah’s mother, said the four boys were selected alongside other players from a pool of applicants across the country based on their playing style, skills and character.

“It’s just a really exciting time. We’re all looking forward to watching them represent the U.S. and hopefully bring home the gold,” Hope said.

PhD Hoops, a travel basketball company, is sponsoring the trip, but the boys have participated in a shoe drive to help fund their trip to Europe. During the shoe drive, the boys collected over 2,000 pairs of shoes for micro entrepreneurs in developing countries.

The United World Games are an annual youth sporting tournament nonprofit. It hosts events, including basketball, ﬁ eld hockey, dance and more sports. The four boys will play on the United States’ basketball team with hopes to showcase their skills and bring home the gold.

For more information about PhD Hoops, visit www.phdhoops.com. For more on the United World Games, visit https://unitedworldgames.com/.

The Polk County Veterans Council’s Flight to Honor Mission 10 is currently scheduled for Tuesday, April 29.

Applications for both guardians and veterans are accepted and maintained on a continuing basis. All applicants will be considered for this mission and the next mission until selection. The selection of those who will be o ered the opportunity to participate in Mission 10 will be made in March.

Original Story Printed July 2024.

Being a veteran is deemed an honorable sacriﬁce by many citizens in this country. The fact that there are people so patriotic that they have the guts to serve their country speaks volumes about the magniﬁcence of America and its populace. So, what better way to respect our veterans than by giving them an unforgettable experience?

The Polk County Veterans Council’s Flight to Honor missions do just that. Plans are currently underway, and funds are being raised for the next Flight to Honor trip, Mission 10, in April 2025.

Flight to Honor is an organization that was established in 2015 by United States Air Force Col. Gary Clark and he has been with the organization since then as a chairman. He also founded the Polk County Veterans Council in 2003 and is its

By Gunnar Wagner

chairman.

Flight to Honor provides veterans from World War II to now a free one-day trip (called ‘missions’) to our nation’s capital, speciﬁcally to see the veteran memorials that were erected there. Each veteran is accompanied by a ‘guardian,’ someone who ensures the safety of the veteran they are assigned to, so that both the veteran and the guardian have a safe and memorable experience.

When asked how someone can become a guardian and how a veteran can be a part of the trip, Clark said, “You must ﬁll out an application to become a guardian and a veteran must also ﬁll out a separate application as well.”

When asked if Flight to Honor is seeing many World War II veterans or if it is helping more Vietnam War veterans nowadays, Clark said, “Few remaining World War II vets are able to travel. Most veterans now are Vietnam or later.”

According to Flight to Honor’s website, fundraising is underway to cover the cost of its e orts.

For more information about Flight to Honor or to sign up to become a guardian today, visit www.polkveteranscouncil. com/ﬂight-to-honor.html or call 863-6020921. Donations are accepted through the website at www.givecf.org.

Josiah Reid, Tomi Akingboye, Lennox Zayela and Elijah Ventura represented the United States at the United World Games this summer.

e Korean War Veterans Memorial was visited by Mission 8 participants.

TAMPA YMCA MEMBER CREDITS STAFF FOR HELPING HER FIND HER SPARK

AND LOSE 40 POUNDS

The countdown is on. January 1, is here, and the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA would like to invite you to ‘Find Your Spark’ with it this New Year. There is a limited-time $0 joining fee for new members along with a free InBody scan when they join. The offer is for new members through Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The InBody test is a cutting-edge, research-backed body composition analysis that provides an accurate and reliable breakdown of body composition, objectively measuring and tracking progress in critical areas, including muscle mass, body fat percentage and metabolic rate.

Casey Frachiseur, age 45, has been a North Brandon Family YMCA member for almost three years. Thanks to the YMCA, she lost 40 pounds and six pants sizes since this July.

“I started at a size 24 and am down to an 18. The YMCA has changed my life by helping me get back on track and healthy. I don’t feel judged, and every member and staff is always so helpful. I don’t feel like I am coming to a gym where no one cares if you are there or not. The Y is a safe place where I truly feel valued. I would recommend the YMCA to others because they

Staff Report

have everything you need to get healthy. The only thing anyone would have to provide is the willingness to show up. The staff will help guide you to which programs work best for you,” shared Frachiseur.

“I am so grateful to the YMCA. Without them, I would probably still be sitting at home, or in bed not caring about my health.

Having staff that care, I not only don’t want to disappoint myself, but I don’t want to disappoint them. The YMCA gives me purpose, and I am forever grateful,” said Frachiseur.

The Tampa YMCA is grateful for its Y family. It is pleased to offer many options to help everyone attain their health and wellness goals along with support through this fitness journey. Members have the option of using its wellness floors with a variety of modern equipment for different workouts.

Another membership perk? Tampa YMCA Summer Camp registration for members opens on January 1. Spots fill up quickly, so get a head start for your family. Its $0 joining fee runs from January 1-15, with only a $5 joining fee from Thursday, January 16, through Friday, January 31.

LIFE WRITING CLASSES TO BEGIN AT THE END OF JANUARY

By Michelle Colesanti

Most family members will value your life stories as much as anything else you give them. And like real estate, your stories gather interest as time passes.

To help you on your writing journey, the Bloomingdale Writers Connection (BWC) will offer a 10-week Life Story Writing (LSW) class at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library starting on Friday, January 31, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

This class is free for participants due to generous funding from the Friends of the Bloomingdale Library.

Once completed, you will have written at least nine new life stories and have an organized writing portfolio to which you may continue to add.

According to Val Perry, who has coordinated these classes for 18 years, “Past participants report that taking the life writing class positively changes their lives. Through writing short stories every week, younger people often find a new life direction, while retired people learn an appreciation for their lives. In addition, if shared, everyone’s life story adds to the history of this community.”

The writing coaches are trained to help writers at all skill levels. The goal of a class

participant might be to leave a legacy of their lives for their families and their community, gain some self-direction or rekindle their past enjoyment of writing to publish a book. Each class meets for about two and a half hours each week. Many people find the course to be therapeutic because the classes invite them to reflect on their lives and gain new perspectives. A different theme is visited each week. Hands-on activities and group interaction help participants recall long-forgotten memories.

According to Perry, “After the class ends, if the participant wishes to continue writing their life stories, free support is available, including monthly writing groups. Over the years, a large community of writers and friendships have formed, resulting in many local families receiving the precious gift of life stories from their loved ones.”

Will this be the year you join the Bloomingdale Writers Connection? For more, contact Perry at lifewritersbloom@msn.com or by phone at 813653-9591. You can also pick up a brochure in the foyer of the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library.

Val Perry (right) and Ann Shaklee (left) present Susana Mueller (center) with a certificate for completing the Life Story Writing class. New classes will begin on January 31, 2025.

North Brandon Family YMCA member

Casey Frachiseur’s photo timeline. She lost 40 pounds and six pants sizes since this July.

CREEKSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST DEDICATES NEW PLAYGROUND IN HONOR OF JOHN MANLEY

Creekside Church of Christ recently dedicated a new playground, fulﬁlling a long-standing promise made to the family of John Manley, a beloved local farmer. The dedication ceremony took place at the end of the Sunday service on November 24, 2024.

Matthew Kimball, a dedicated servant of the church who spearheaded the playground project, shared the story behind the dedication.

“One of our members heard about a property acquisition at her workplace that included a large commercial playground. She got permission for the donation, provided we could remove it within a week,” Kimball said. He took charge of the playground removal in 2023 and, this spring, mobilized a team to reassemble it at the church, creating two playgrounds — one for smaller children and one for older children.

The church’s property, located on Lithia Pinecrest Road, was initially acquired in 1999 from the Estate of John Manley. The elders of Creekside Church struck a deal with the Manley family, who requested that something special be done in remembrance of Manley, who cherished the land and spent many years farming it.

Before the playground’s installation, the property had only a single building used

By Kelly Wise Valdes

for worship.

“We wanted to honor Mr. Manley’s legacy and fulﬁll our promise to the family,” Kimball explained.

The playground, valued at $135,000 if purchased new, was a perfect opportunity to do so, despite being donated. Unfortunately, to date the church is unable to locate any of the descendants of the Manley family and has reached out to the community for assistance to see if they can be located.

“In 1999, our elders made a promise to the Manley family, and we are proud to deliver on that promise,” said Kimball.

Creekside Church, known for its commitment to worshiping God, sharing Christ and transforming lives through service, holds various events throughout the year. Upcoming events include a OneBlood blood drive starting in January, a wild game/ﬁsh fry in February, an Easter egg hunt in March and a Summer Family Fun Fest in June. Details and updates can be found on its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/creeksidechurchofchristbrandon/.

Creekside Church of Christ is located at 3949 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information, visit the Creekside Church Facebook page or go to https:// creekside.life/.

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 &Events

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.

Take a stroll about downtown Plant City and view all the J. Seward Johnson sculptures including A Memorable Date at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.

FOUNDATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

PANTHERS CLAIMS EIGHT-ON-EIGHT FOOTBALL STATE TITLE

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 playoffs, 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 offseason 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 offense 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/.

Hillsborough County, New Vision Commu nities, and Wen dover Housing Partners cut the ribbon on November 14, 2024, celebrat ing the opening of Fulham Ter race, the new 116-unit affordable housing community for seniors located at 10461 Towncenter River Lane in Riverview.

Amenities include a community center/ clubhouse, computer lab, fitness center, hair salon, swimming pool and pool deck, theater, community garden and fenced dog walk area. Units at Fulham Terrace feature open floor plans with a kitchen island, 24/7 emergency call system and walk-in closets. Units also include an Energy Star dishwasher, range, microwave and full-size washer/dryer.

Two years ago, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved $6.2 million in funding to build the 116-complex in Riverview in an effort to alleviate affordable housing challenges for local seniors. $4.7 million of the cost came from Hillsborough’s local affordable housing fund, Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE), with $1.5 million from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.

Kevin Kroll, vice president of institutional funding for Wendover Housing Partners, praised Hillsborough County leaders for their support and teamwork on this project, “We designed Fulham Terrace with community, comfort and accessibility in mind because we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home where they feel supported and

By Brian Bokor

valued,” said Kroll. Kroll brought up some great points about living at Fulham Terrace, saying Fulham “offers residents independent senior living but also allows the option of having family members or caregivers living with them,” and adding it is “an active community consisting of both working and retired residents.”

Wendover has collaborated on a similar senior affordable apartment complex in the University of South Florida area of Tampa named Haley Park.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers and her staff were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Brenda Brackins, Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services director. Speaking from personal experience growing up in affordable housing, Brackins emphasized the importance and need to build communities that provided “dignity, stability and security for all those that live there.” There is no doubt that residents of Fulham Terrace enjoy all of these benefits plus many more.

The 55-plus independent-living senior community consists of 58 one-bedroom, one-bathroom units; 54 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units; and four three-bedroom, two-bathroom units. All units are allocated for rent at below-market levels to residents making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income. For current rates and availability, visit www.fulhamterrace.com or call 656-207-5650.

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

Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services leaders welcome new affordable housing in Riverview, Fulham Terrace.

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.

WORSHIP: IT’S ABOUT GOD, NOT US

“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

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

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 posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com.

Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk January 2025

GRANDFATHER’S TRADITION LIVES ON WITH TAKE 5 TREE SIGN AFTER 20 YEARS

ALAFIA ELEMENTARY INCREASES BOOK INVENTORY BY ALMOST 2,000 BOOKS

HIGH 5 INC. HOSTS FREE ANNUAL TRIDENT TALENT SHOW

BRANDON HOSPITAL’S VEIN CARE PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM

FDA-APPROVED BLOOD CLOT REMOVAL TECHNIQUE

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST UNVEILS DYNAMIC BRAND REFRESH

INCREASE OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WITH ADOLESCENTS

BLOOMINGDALE PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATES

TMS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

BOLTS & BLUE FACEOFF AGAINST HUNGER EVENT SCORES BIG FOR TAMPA BAY COMMUNITY

Staff Report

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

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

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES STRIKE GOLD SHOW CATTLE COMPANY

BUSCH GARDENS REAL MUSIC SERIES LINEUP HAS SOMETHING FOR ALL

WINE-GARDIUM LEVIES! TAMPA THEATRE’S

22ND ANNUAL WINEFEST FUNDRAISER RETURNS

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

ANNUAL HIKING SPREE FEATURES 22 TRAILS ACROSS 21 PARKS

HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZEN BOARDS AND COUNCILS

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

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

TOP FIVE REASONS WHY READING

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

Why Naming a Guardian Is Critical

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& MORE

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Strawberry Festival Concert Tickets On Sale

MercyMe Coming To

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

Center

Friends Of e Bloomingdale Library Celebrates 20 Years

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

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

HEF RAISES $1.2 MILLION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS

TAMPA Y HONORS OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS AT THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPACT CELEBRATION

Your Life, YourWay YourWay

Easterseals School

Ship Gulf Coast

Helping Hands Assistant LLC

SouthShore Wealth Management Serves You With Integrity SouthShore

Shear Excellence Academy Hosts Ribbon Cutting

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

THE 32ND BRANDON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL BRINGS FRESH CATCHES AND ENTERTAINMENT

USF RESEARCHERS BEGIN FIRST LIFESPAN STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL MEDIA USE

VALOR SERVICE DOGS SUPPORTS OUR HEROES — JOIN THE CAUSE

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS

IN MOSI’S NEW FLIGHT CLUB DRONE ZONE, GET HANDS-ON WITH HIGH-FLYING TECH

LOCAL VETERAN

SWIMS 10 MILES

NONSTOP ON HIS 45TH BIRTHDAY TO SUPPORT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

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INAUGURAL PARADE OF LIGHTS WILL BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN DECEMBER

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COMMUNITY CELEBRATES LONG-AWAITED BELL SHOALS COMPLETION

VALRICO RESIDENTS COMPETE ON THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT WITH FUNDRAISER DISPLAY

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ZOOTAMPA PROVIDING EXPERT CARE TO NEW MANATEE ARRIVALS, ROMEO AND JULIET

Staff Report

VETERANS EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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NEW AIRLINE PREPARING TO TAKE OFF FROM LAKELAND LINDER AIRPORT

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

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FOUR LOCAL ATHLETES SELECTED FOR THE UNITED WORLD GAMES

TAMPA YMCA MEMBER CREDITS STAFF FOR HELPING HER FIND HER SPARK

AND LOSE 40 POUNDS

LIFE WRITING CLASSES TO BEGIN AT THE END OF JANUARY

CREEKSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST DEDICATES NEW PLAYGROUND IN HONOR OF JOHN MANLEY

Community Arts &Events Community Arts &Events

FOUNDATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

PANTHERS CLAIMS EIGHT-ON-EIGHT FOOTBALL STATE TITLE

Grace Notes Splashing Joy