Bloomingdale/FishHawk
33
January 2024
Volume 23, Issue 1
Y EIAN R REVIEW
Ph: 813-657-2418
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CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
LOCAL GIRL MAKES JEWELRY TO HELP ANIMALS INVOLVED IN MAUI FIRES
COMMUNITY CELEBRATES LONG-AWAITED BELL SHOALS COMPLETION
By Brian Bokor
By Ashley Abene
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Commissioner Michael Owen was at the recent ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the newly widened Bell Shoals Road.
Residents and commuters who travel Bell Shoals Road will have a finished new corridor this month as a ribbon-cutting event celebrates the completion of the expanded roadway. The 3.1-mile corridor has two new vehicle lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks in both directions. A new traffic signal has been added at Starwood Avenue, and the existing signals at Glenhaven Drive, Rosemead Lane and Bloomingdale Avenue have been upgraded. In addition, the existing bridge over the Alafia River was widened. These tremendous enhancements will accommodate higher traffic volumes, improve stormwater drainage and boost the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, they will increase access to transit and alternative transportation while preserving infrastructure assets. The new Bell Shoals Road corridor is the latest in a string of massive infrastructure projects in Hillsborough County, including the Bruce B. Downs Boulevard expansion, the Citrus Park Drive extension and the Paseo al Mar Boulevard overpass connecting 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. Representatives from five of unincorporated Hillsborough County’s seven districts
were present for the ribbon-cutting, along with Carl Harness, chief human services administrator for Hillsborough County; Kim Byer, assistant county administrator of the Public Works Administration; and Suzy Watts, Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association president. “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, a longtime resident of the area, followed by explaining how important completion of Bell Shoals was to the surrounding area. He 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. Owen commended county staff and fellow Board of County Commissioners colleagues, stating that over the past year they’ve “turned a focus over to roads and infrastructure” after “hearing loud and clear from constituents,” promising to stay the course. He mentioned Lithia Pinecrest Road and Triple Creek Boulevard as roads that are “desperately needed”, with the Bell Shoals widening being the first step to achieving that goal.
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In August 2023, and animals (as well as a series of wildfires people), so she decidbroke out on the ised to make necklaces land of Maui, Hawaii. to sell. We work a lot One FishHawk girl who with Peacefield Farm attends Bevis ElemenSanctuary (owned tary School, Brynley by John and Emma Lavayen, was very conHoel) and knew they cerned for the welfare had friends in rescue of the animals on the in Maui. We asked for island exposed to that recommendations for fire. She has a passion rescues that were in for animals, and she the area that were knew this wildfire had affected by the wildBrynley Lavayen sells necklaces at Peacefield Farm Sanctuary to raise to have a negative imfires.” money for animal rescues in Maui, pact on the animals in As of now, BrynHawaii to help animals who have Maui. She decided that ley has raised over suffered in the wildfires. she needed to find a $1,000 from selling way to help. these necklaces. EvAfter brainstorming ery dollar donated ideas with her mom, through the purchase 8-year-old Brynley beof a necklace is split gan making and selland sent directly to ing necklaces to raise two animal rescues money for a couple of in Maui: the Good Cat animal rescues on the Network and Leilani island. Brynley sells Farm Sanctuary. The her necklaces through Good Cat Network resword of mouth, social cues cats and kittens media sites and in-perfrom Maui and puts son events at Peacethem into good homes field Farm Sanctuary in Brynley Lavayen loves helping animals on the mainland (since Gainesville. Maui is overcrowded in any way that she can. Customers can make with feral cats). Leilani specific requests for neckFarm Sanctuary reslace designs, such as pickcues cats and farm aning a chain or ribbon and imals. To find out more choosing a charm or even information about these a birthstone. The cost of animal rescues, visit each necklace is $15. h t t p s : / /g o o d c a t n e t Brynley’s mom, Heathwork.org/mauistrong/ er Lavayen, said, “Brynley and https://leilanifarmBrynley Lavayen makes all kinds has lived her whole life of necklaces with ribbon or metal sanctuary.org/. helping animals. She is a strands and any charm or birthTo find out how to huge vegan and animal support Brynley in her stone of choice. rights advocate. When we were speak- efforts to help animals impacted by the ing about the Maui wildfires, she knew wildfires in Maui, contact her mom at that this would greatly impact wildlife heatherch3@gmail.com.
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FLIGHT TO HONOR POLK MISSION 9 LIFE WRITING CLASSES RESUME PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE AT BLOOMINGDALE REGIONAL By Brad Stager LIBRARY IN JANUARY
By Michelle Colesanti
Flight to Honor Polk veterans have a chance to tour the nation’s capital.
Preparations for Flight to Honor Polk Mission 9 to fly local military veterans to Washington, D.C., are underway, and the call is out for participants. The series of missions, which began in 2015, have allowed veterans a chance to visit the greatest monuments in Washington, D.C., that honor the sacrifices of them and their comrades. Applications for the Tuesday, April 30, mission are now being accepted from veterans and guardians to accompany them. There is no charge for participating veterans, with priority for the flights given to those dealing with severe medical conditions first, followed by veterans who served in the Second World, Korean and Vietnam wars. Veterans are accompanied during the day by designated guardians who volunteer to serve on the missions. The guardians’ purpose is to assist their veterans with the travel and memorial sightseeing activities. If a guardian applicant is chosen to participate, a $500 donation to defray the cost of the mission will be requested. Guardians are assigned to a veteran in the order that applications are received.
The flights take off early in the morning from Lakeland Linder International Airport to arrive in the nation’s capital for a day of touring monuments like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The Flight to Honor Polk missions are among many activities of the Polk County Veterans Council, which has been supporting veterans since 2003. Among the events featured on their websites are opportunities to meet with VA representatives and support various veteran-related causes as well as events and ceremonies like retirement of U.S. flags. Their support of this year’s Lakeland Veterans Day Ceremony and related events brought praise from Johanah Moran, who expressed her appreciation on the organization’s Facebook page. “So glad you Honor Veterans with a parade,” she wrote. You can keep informed about Flight to Honor Polk Mission 9 and other veteran-related activities by visiting the Polk County Veterans Council website at www.polkveteranscouncil.com and its Facebook page, where you can also find links to downloadable applications for veterans and guardians.
One of the most Each class meets valuable gifts you can for about two and a pass on to your family half hours each week. is the sharing of your Many people find the unique life stories with course to be therafuture generations. peutic because the After a long hiatus classes invite them to due to the COVID-19 reflect on their lives pandemic, the and gain new perBloomingdale Writers Val Perry (right) and Ann Shaklee (left) spectives. A different present Susana Mueller (center) with a Connection (BWC) theme is visited each certificate for completing the Life Story will again be offering week. Hands-on acWriting class. New classes will begin on a 10-week Life Story tivities and group inFriday, January 19. Writing (LSW) class teraction help particat Bloomingdale Regional Library starting ipants to recall long-forgotten memories. on Friday, January 19 at 10:15 a.m. Susana Mueller, a 2016 participant, The class is for all skill levels and is said, “I can’t believe it’s been eight years generously funded by the Friends of the since I took the class and how the 10Bloomingdale Library, making it free to week Life Story Writing course at the participants. Bloomingdale Library has enriched my life Once completed, you will have written by teaching me how to tell my life stories. at least nine new life stories and will have Once the course ended, it allowed me to an organized writing portfolio to which gather and write with others who have you may continue to add. taken the course. The class was a springAccording to Val Perry, who has coordi- board to publishing several books and nated these classes for 17 years, “Partic- producing my podcast, Cuban Stories on ipants report that taking the life writing the Green Plantain.” class has positively changed their lives. According to Perry, “After the class Through writing short stories every week, ends, if the participant wishes to continyounger people often find a new life di- ue writing their life stories, free support rection, while retired people learn an ap- is available, including monthly writing preciation for their lives. In addition, if groups. Over the years, a large communishared, everyone’s life story adds to the ty of writers and friendships have formed, history of this area.” resulting in many local families receiving The writing coaches are trained to help the precious gift of life stories from their writers at all skill levels. The goal of a loved ones.” class participant might be to just leave a For more information, contact Perlegacy of their lives for their families, or ry at lifewritersbloom@msn.com or by themselves, gain some self-direction, or phone (call or text) at 813-653-9591. rekindle their past enjoyment of writing You can also pick up a brochure in the to publish a book. foyer of the library.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
NEW PASTOR REVEALS BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT GRACE COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Grace Community United istry that loves to serve Methodist Church in Liththe community. In just a ia was excited to welcome few months, Grace has Juan Marcos Garay to serve accomplished many sucas the new pastor this past cessful community outsummer. Garay was born reach programs. Most and raised in Caguas, Puerto recently, Grace donated Rico, but moved to the Unit1,200 meals to Seeds ed States when he was 10 of Hope, collected more years old. Both of his parents than 60 pairs of shoes are retired, ordained minisfor Pinecrest Elementers in the United Methodist tary School and provided Grace Community United Church. Thanksgiving meals to 15 Methodist Church welcomed “I received my calling to families through the Minisnew pastor Juan Marcos Garay ministry when I was 21,” in July 2023, and the church is try of Hope. The church also said Garay. “At the age of excited about actively serving partnered with the Migrant 23, almost 21 years ago, I Education Program/You the community in 2024. became a pastor in Pasco County.” Matter to Me to donate 15 hope boxes for After graduating with his degree from children. Southeastern University in Lakeland and his Some upcoming community service projMaster of Divinity from Claremont School of ects include Hope for Her, a women’s reTheology in California, Garay is currently in source center in Brandon; beautifying the the ordination process. church grounds through ‘I Love My Church’ Most recently, Garay was successfully pa- activities; collaborating with the Restoration storing a Latino/Hispanic church in Orlando. Hem Project to provide girls in Zimbabwe “My district superintendent asked me to with menstrual supplies and information; consider a change of parish to FishHawk,” and partnering with organizations such said Garay. “After much prayer, consider- as Homes for Heroes, Burney Elementary ation, my family and I decided to make the School and Everyday Blessings. change as we knew it would be a great opGrace is also offering a prayer-centered portunity for us. We have been so moved yoga class on Mondays and a water aerobics by how our church has received us and the class focused on community. There is also an community.” amazing youth program with various weekly Garay said that his favorite part of being activities as well as a children program. In a pastor at Grace is the people. “I have had addition, a young adult program has been the wonderful opportunity to meet some of formed and meets twice a month on the the friendliest and most helpful people,” said second and fourth Sundays at 7 p.m. Garay. “I have met a lot of people in over 20 Grace Community United Methodist years of ministry, but the leaders here are Church is located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest top-notch and make work and ministry en- Rd. in Lithia. For more information, visit joyable.” https://mygraceumc.com/ or call 813The church aims to build a vibrant min- 661-8858.
Volume 23, Issue 1
NEWSOME SENIOR RECEIVES LEGION OF VALOR AWARD By Mariela Alvarez Newsome Cation along with det Jadyn Sitzher partner, mann received the Anna Pultorak, Legion of Valor and they placed award, one of the second overall highest medals a in the female cadet can receive. category. SitzThe Legion of Valmann is also or award is only the president of given to one of evthe JROTC Club, ery 4,000 cadets, a member of and Sitzmann is the cross-counthe only Army try team and JROTC cadet in participates in the state of Florhunter jumpida to receive the ing at Hidden Pictured (left to right): Dr. Andrea Beverly, HCPS CTE supervisor; Cadet Lt. Col. Jadyn Sitzmann; award this year. Meadow Farms. Katherine and Chad Sitzmann, Jadyn’s parents; NewSitzmann grew “JROTC has up in a military some High School Principal Katie Rocha; and Col. made me the Ron Tucker, HCPS director of Army instruction. family and moved leader I am toaround a lot. She kept to herself and day,” said Sitzmann. “It has given me decided to stop making new friends to confidence and taught me so many valuspare herself the disappointment of hav- able lessons.” ing to say goodbye. In 2019, Sitzmann When she joined JROTC, she was often moved to Valrico, where she was first in- too shy to speak, and now she is leading troduced to JROTC when she joined the the entire Battalion. Randall Middle School JROTC Club. “The people within JROTC showed me “I instantly fell in love with the New- true friendships and helped me come out some JROTC program. I was introduced of my shell and find my voice again,” said to all the special teams and got to inter- Sitzmann. act with high school students,” said SitzSitzmann’s parents were both exmann. tremely successful in the Air Force and Over the next four years of high school, served as her motivation as a leader. Folshe quickly advanced through the ranks. lowing graduation, Sitzmann intends to She served as a platoon leader and com- participate in Air Force ROTC at USF and pany commander before being selected major in International Affairs. as the Wolfpack Battalion commander “I am so honored to have received the this year. Sitzmann is a member of the Legion of Valor award,” she said. “I have raider and drill teams and has helped grown so much over the past four years, lead both teams to the state competi- and I am so grateful for the leadership tions each year. Last month, Sitzmann opportunities provided by JROTC. The competed in the Best Raider Competi- program is my second family.”
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1
APOLLO BEACH RESIDENT WRITES BOOK AFTER DISCOVERING HER FAMILY HISTORY By Kathy L. Collins Apollo Beach resident other genealogy sourcTheresa L. McGoldrick es. The book is infused is a descendant of John with news, local events Alden and his wife, and stories stretching Priscilla Mullins-Alden, over 100 years. It all of the Mayflower. She begins in the 1850s and learned about this hisfollows the lives of three torical connection in pioneer families and 2010, and this led Mctheir descendants after Goldrick to do in depth their arrival in the logresearch on her famging and lumber town of ily. It also led to the Stillwater, Minnesota. publishing of her book, McGoldrick said, “I Unspoken Words: A Denamed my book Unscendant of Stillwater spoken Words: A DePioneers Discovers Her scendant of Stillwater Ancestors. Pioneers Discovers Her McGoldrick is an apAncestors because of An interesting historical fact took proved member of the the way the ancestral Theresa McGoldrick on a genealogy General Society of May- research trail and led her to writing records and very old flower Descendants. newspaper articles I her book, Unspoken Words: A She is also a member Descendant of Stillwater Pioneers found on microfilm, at of the Society of Maylibraries, historical soDiscovers Her Ancestors. flower Descendants in cieties or online had sithe State of Minnesota. When she moved lently spoke to me during my research to Florida in 2015, she became a member about my family, their acquaintances of the Society of Mayflower Descendants and the goings-on in their towns and our in the State of Florida. country throughout the centuries and McGoldrick explained, “Since I had so decades while they lived. That is why the much information on my ancestors, due designer of the cover put a background to several years of research, I decided to of a newspaper behind the picture of my begin writing my book. My book took on great-great grandfather.” a life of its own. It became more than As to genealogy and research, McGoljust an ancestry book due to the snippets drick said, “For those people who realof newspaper articles I incorporated. ly enjoy family history or history itself, Once I decided to write the book, I be- I would recommend it. If they are not lieve from start to finish it took about a interested in doing full on ancestry reone and a half years to write and pub- search, I found vintage newspaper artilish.” cles to be fascinating.” Unspoken Words: A Descendant of You can find Unspoken Words: A DeStillwater Pioneers Discovers Her Ances- scendant of Stillwater Pioneers Discovtors is inspired by details found within ers Her Ancestors online at Barnes & newspaper articles, ancestry records and Noble and on Amazon.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
TIPS FOR A HAPPIER AND
HEALTHIER NEW YEAR INBy2024 Ashley Abene
With every new mind, whether it is year comes talk drawing, sculpture, of resolutions and quilting or writplans for the fuing. It generates ture. But often resa sense of accomolutions fail just a plishment and refew months in and ward which boosts can ultimately disour self-esteem appoint. However, and creates posithere are still many tive emotions.” ways to plan for a Get better sleep. healthy year both Better sleep has mentally and physbeen linked to ically. many health benFirst, don’t make efits both mentala New Year’s resoly and physically. lution. Since New Helpful tips for Year’s resolutions better sleep are to usually involve an adjust bedtime to entire life overhaul, 20 minutes earlier. Getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air resolutions can be Sometimes that and sun can be invigorating. impossible to accomplish. Rather, con- shift can alter sleep patterns and help centrate on attainable goals. one get a deeper sleep. Often something Second, focus on mental health. This that interferes with solid sleep is techgoes with the first tip. After the whirl- nology as well. If TV and all devices are wind of the holidays, stress can be at an turned off 30 minutes prior to going to all-time high. Although, stepping into bed, a better REM sleep can be achieved, 2024 with a positive outlook is possible which ultimately leads to a happier attiwith a few simple changes, such as tak- tude in the day. ing time to unwind after the holidays. Finally, making wiser health choicTaking a few minutes out of the day to es can be feasible with small changes. turn off technology can also be great Some simple changes could be taking for mental health and maintaining pos- the stairs instead of the elevator or itive self-esteem. Another idea is to find parking a little farther away from the a new hobby and make time for it once grocery store to get more walking in. a week. A new hobby could be reading Make healthier food choices by changa book, working on puzzles, crafting or ing one side in the meal to a vegetable learning how to sew. or fruit, or spend a little more time outAccording to Mercy Health, “A benefit doors getting fresh air and vitamin D of hobbies is the promotion of creativ- from the sun. ity and self-expression. Any creative Ultimately, with a few small lifestyle process can be very therapeutic for the changes, a healthy year is possible.
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TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY UNVEILS TWO NEW SLIP
RAMPS TO ENHANCE COMMUTER EXPERIENCE
Staff Report
The Tampa Hillsborough Ex p re s sway Authority (THEA) is proud to announce the opening of two new slip ramps along the reversible express lanes (REL), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the transportation experience for Tampa Bay commuters. Slip ramps are additional access points/ internal ramps within the expressway; they are the on-ramps and off-ramps from the Selmon Expressway to the REL. The new slip ramps allow westbound drivers to enter the REL near I-75 (avoiding congestion at Falkenburg Road and U.S. 301) and then exit the REL near IKEA and continue on the local lanes of the Selmon Expressway to destinations further west. This will reduce morning congestion on the westbound Selmon Expressway near I-75, avoid congestion near the I-4 Connector and reduce backup at the Twiggs Street and REL intersection. “We are dedicated to improving the daily commute for our community,” said Greg Slater, THEA executive director and CEO. “These new slip ramps are a testament to our ongoing efforts to optimize traffic management and ensure that the Tampa Bay region thrives.” The new slip ramps are part of THEA’s commitment to reinvesting toll revenue into the community, facilitating smoother traffic flow and a more efficient commute for Tampa Bay residents. Slip Ramp Benefits: 1. Seamless Transition: The new slip ramps are strategically positioned along
the REL, allowing drivers to make a seamless transition from the express lanes to the local lanes. 2. Continuous Journey: REL drivers can now continue their journey while enjoying an uninterrupted drive all the way to Gandy Bridge without unnecessary exits and reentries. 3. Reduced Congestion: By eliminating the need to exit at Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa, these slip ramps contribute to reducing cut-through traffic and congestion on city streets. “Time and time again our community leaders talk about our transportation challenges in the region and the potential for these challenges to negatively affect our growth and safety. All of us at THEA are proud to deliver a solution that addresses one of those challenges with congestion relief while addressing safety by reducing cutthrough traffic on neighborhood streets,” said THEA Board Chair Vince Cassidy. About THEA THEA is an award-winning and dynamic transportation agency that owns, manages and operates the Selmon Expressway, Meridian Avenue, Brandon Parkway and the Selmon Greenway. THEA processes 58 million toll transactions and serves almost 2 million customers annually, with an investment plan to deliver over $1.2 billion in capital improvements to the community over the next 10 years. Visit www. facebook.com/tampahillsboroughexpresswayauthority/.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
ROTARY SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE
Staff Report
Rotary Clubs will be offering the 2023-24 Speech Contest, open to all high schoolers in our area. There are three rounds of competition, with the first starting at the club level, which is to be completed by the end of February. At each level, monetary prizes will be awarded for the top five to seven-minute speeches on the topic ‘Create Hope in the World,’ the 2023-24 theme for Rotary International. For information about the theme ‘Create Hope in the World’ and to find your local Rotary Club, visit www.rotary.org.
gram.
Brandon Global Eco (Meets On Zoom)
Want to do service from home? Brandon Global Eco may be the opportunity for you. The club meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Members are from the immediate area and other states. The primary focus is environmental education and ecological friendly projects. For information on joining this cause-based Rotary Club, or if you would like to be a guest speaker, contact Bruno Kazenas at bkazenas@comcast.net. Visitors are always welcome.
Interact Club of Tampa Bay (High Schoolers) FishHawk-Riverview All area high schoolers interested in service, leadership, food and fun are invited to the next meeting of the Interact Club of Tampa Bay on Monday, January 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. The Interact Club is sponsored by the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club. Contact: Chad Norgard, chad@norgardinsgrp.com.
USF Rotaract (College Students)
USF Rotaract has engaged over 650plus students in over 700 meaningful service opportunities and social events. Voted the 2022-23 Volunteer Organization of the Year, check out Bulls Connect for opportunities or its social media channels on Facebook and Insta-
The FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club hopes you enjoyed the 39th Alafia Lighted Boat Parade on December 2, hosted by the club and presented by its title sponsor, Christopher Ligori & Associates. It would like to thank all the boaters, the chili cook-off competitors, Santa, volunteers, sponsors, and you, the spectators. It was a beautiful night celebrating the holidays on the Alafia River. On Tuesday, January 30, a 12-person team from the club will head to La Paz, Honduras. For seven days, they will work with Honduras Compassion Partners, alongside locals, to build homes, latrines and water storage and install water filters. Follow their trip on our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.
Volume 23, Issue 1
PICKLEBALL GETS MORE
SUPPORT FROM COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION By Brad Stager Local pickleball enthusiasts are looking forward to planned improvements to county recreational facilities in Mango and Balm. Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation announced plans to build eight pickleball courts at Mango Park and Recreation Center at 11717 Clay Pit Rd. in Seffner. Besides the additional courts, features of the $600,000 upgrade include LED lighting, improvements to sidewalks and seating around the courts. When completed, players will be able to access the pickleball courts from sunrise to 10 p.m. The Mango Park and Recreation Center is already popular for features like its drone course, dog park, basketball courts, after-school programs, meeting rooms and event shelters. The prospect of adding eight pickleball courts found a lot of support from residents who weighed in on the project at Hillsborough County’s online Engagement & Education Hub, where input on public projects is solicited. Of 150 residents responding to whether pickleball courts should be added, 97 percent said “Yes.” As for the number of courts, 83 percent of respondents indicated support for eight of them. Residents also responded with comments about the courts and what else they would like to see at county facilities.
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Amanda Peterson weighed in online with her comment: “I am so excited for this project. Pickleball is a family activity that will help promote healthy living in our community. It would also be lovely to have the workout equipment available at Saladino Park. In the dog park area, a lot more people would use the park if there is a water feature for dogs to play in during the heat of summer. Heat exhaustion is becoming a bigger issue and the dogs need more than a water fountain in order to cool off.” Hunter Morris wrote that he sees a demand for more pickleball facilities: “Please do this! This area is in need of more courts for a growing sport.”
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
VALRICO RESIDENTS COMPETE
CELEBRATING SIX YEARS IN BUSINESS!
ON THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT WITH FUNDRAISER DISPLAY
3513 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL, United States, Florida
By Lily Belcher For Rodney and light show.” Audra Burton, “When you see Christmas lights it, it’s a work of are more than art. It’s not just just decorations; put out in the they’re also a way yard. Everything to give people a has been strategiplace to escape cally placed with their everyday that guide,” Rodlives. ney said. “This is truly for Rodney said the the community. size of the display That’s what this is unheard of for a is all about: giving team of just two something back, people. While they paying it forward do not have kids, from those blessthe opportunity The Burtons’ Christmas light display includes nearly ings that God has to give back to the 120,000 LED pixels. allowed us to be community is the able to see and manifest its gift into some- driving force behind their dedication to the thing with lights,” Rodney said. display. The couple competed in 2023’s The Great “We’ve sacrificed vacations to do ChristChristmas Light Fight on ABC with their dis- mas lights instead of going to places,” Audra play of nearly 120,000 LED pixels in Valrico. said. The Burtons applied to compete in 2022 The couple collects pet food and moneby sending in photos and videos of their mu- tary donations for local pet rescues, includsic-synchronized display. They were selected ing A Kitten Place and Raining Cats and for the holiday show and their display was Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary. Rodney said recorded last winter for this Christmas’ ep- they donate all money raised directly to the isode. organizations. As the owners of two cats, While they did not win the $50,000 prize, Pumpkin and Pixie, the cause holds a special Audra said it was “a win just to get on the place in their hearts. show.” “We adopted two kittens this year and The Burtons’ display started with 5,000 both of them came from one of those respixels but has grown rapidly over the past cues, so that’s why we decided to go with six years. Their 2023 display took 35 days of them,” Audra said. 10 or more hours to set up, beginning at the Their display is open to the public at 2014 end of September. Sydney Rd. in Valrico through Wednesday, “It’s a labor of love and passion,” Rodney January 31. For more information, visit Bursaid “… It’s not just an average Christmas ton Family Light Show on Facebook.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
BRENDA WADE TEAM HOSTS 11TH PARTNERS IN GIVING EVENT TO BENEFIT A KID’S PLACE By Marie Gilmore
Volume 23, Issue 1
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The Brenda Wade team Partners in Giving event raised $23,500 for A Kid’s Place foster home this year.
For its 11th annual ‘Partners in Giving’ event, the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and its community partners were able to come together and raise $23,500 for A Kid’s Place foster home in Brandon. The partner donations paired with a Giving Tuesday grant opportunity helped boost this year’s funding. “It means the world to us that Brenda Wade supports and invests in her local homegrown organizations,” said Brad Gregory, CEO. “She has been a terrific partner to A Kid’s Place for several years and a great role model for the community! This gift will improve the lives of many foster children here at A Kid’s Place.” Through the years, the Brenda Wade Team, the top real estate agents in Hillsborough County and one of the top 50 real estate teams in the USA, has donated more than $125,000 to local charities. “Each year, I match the amount of money our partners donate,” said Brenda Wade, president and CEO of the team, “so we truly are partnering together. We help families, day in and day out, as they buy and sell homes, so this was a wonderful opportunity to come alongside of families in times of need.” Wade is thankful to her business partners, who offered their support not only to her clients but to the community as well. This
year’s business partners include Joel Meek, Meek Insurance Group; Jeff Grove, DFCU Financial; Rebecca Gullick, All American Title; Jim Gaffney, Amerifirst Home Mortgage; Wayne Gonzalez Roofing Contractor Inc.; Patrick Latimer, United Mutual Funding Corp.; Matt Willums, Willums Home Services; Jim Klos, The Klos Appraiser Group; Brian Hodgers, Complete Choice Insurance; Jay Grechika, CertaPro Painters; Nicole Fielder, Lake Michigan Credit Union and Osprey Observer Newspapers “A Kid’s Place speaks to my heart. I was one of four growing up. My husband was one of eight. I can’t imagine being moved away from my parents for any reason, but I know being with my siblings would have made any trauma easier. I believe in families and home. A Kid’s Place serves both of those passions with excellence and is right here in our community,” explained Wade. “It is a privilege to be able to give for the most vulnerable in any season, but truly during the Holidays. I am grateful that it is so easy to get our business partners to join my teammates in giving.” “When we work together, we can make a difference,” she said. For information about A Kid’s Place, visit https://akidsplacetb.org/. For information about the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team, visit https://brendawade.com/.
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January 2024
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
COVID-19 STILL AROUND AS
AGENCIES MONITOR AND ADVISE By Brad Stager While pandemic er COVID-19 rules protocols like “two regarding masking weeks to flatten the and vaccinations is COVID-19 curve” and the EMT training the following mask program operated and vaccine mandates out of Aparicio-Levy are pretty much in Technical College. the rearview mirror Students working for most Florida resiwith the program’s The CDC has COVID-19 vaccine formula dents, businesses and clinical partners are and shot schedule options it recommends institutions, the virus generally required to for people six months of age and older. is still circulating and follow their masking sickening people. and vaccine requireThe Centers for Disease ments. Control (CDC) continues Free COVID-19 tests are to monitor the presence of available from the CDC by COVID-19, and as it does invisiting www.covidtests. stitutions like Hillsborough gov, where you can also find County Public Schools are looking to the additional information about the current agency for ongoing guidance to set pol- state of the disease and recommended icies and inform families and students precautions. According to the agency’s who have questions. website, each home in the country can “The district continues to communi- order four at-home tests at no charge. cate CDC guidelines if and when a parent If the household has not requested any seeks guidance from our student health tests so far in 2023, a total of eight tests professionals,” said Hillsborough County can be ordered. Public Schools Chief of Chief of CommuThe CDC states on its website that nications Tanya Arja. if you know you have been exposed to Arja added that a doctor is the best COVID-19, you should wait at least five person to determine a student’s health days before taking a test. The CDC also status, and a basic guideline is that feel- suggests testing might be appropriate ing unwell is a sign to stay home and not before visiting someone, such as an oldstress too much over out-of-class time. er or chronically ill person, or attending “We let parents know that they should some social gatherings. follow the instructions from their doctor, As for how the virus may affect things which is typically to isolate for five days. like operating schools in Hillsborough Overall, if students and staff do not feel County, Arja said, “The health and wellwell, they should stay home. Our staff being of our students and staff is a priworks with parents on make-up assign- ority for the district.” ments that were missed due to illness.” The CDC’s www.vaccines.gov website Participation in one district educa- provides information about getting vaction program that may involve strict- cinated.
Page 11
THE PROJECT JOY GIVES A HELPING HAND FOR THOSE WHO SERVE OUR LEARNING YOUTH
By Libby Hopkins The Project Joy be adding additional is a local nonprofit schools in Hillsborough that was founded and to two schools by a group of retired in Pasco County,” educators, Rebecca Diaz said. “We are an Diaz, Linda Stanley, all-volunteer local nonJason Philpot and profit. Besides serving Louis Diaz, who were teachers at individuconcerned with the al sites, we also hold emotional and mencontests where groups tal well-being of the at schools won $500 teachers and staff each to create snack serving our youth. Rebecca Diaz, Linda Stanley, Jason Philpot carts, go-kart racing and Louis Diaz, of The Project Joy. “While there are and adventures of their multiple avenues of support for children, choice. Last year, we were able to provide we found this area of need to be lacking for four local teachers with cash to help them to the adults within our educational system,” have the joy of supporting their own family said Rebecca. “The Project Joy began in members. We are currently visiting various a simple manner of providing opportuni- schools to provide teachers, administrators ties to inspire joy at Webb Middle School, and other educators who have reached out where Linda, Jason and myself served and to us to let us know that these adults were Louis had mentored the principal as he in need of a little extra joy. These special began his role in administration. At times, educators will receive monetary support to we provided breakfast, raffles, lunches and help them during this season.” treats on stressful days. As we grew, we As The Project Joy grows, it wishes to be added Michelle Chase, Shawna Berger and able to provide more support. Justin Rancourt. All three of these former “One way we are working toward this teachers served with Louis Diaz at Alonso goal is by partnering with Dakota Robitaille, High School. K.R. Lombardia, Jerry Jackson, who is moving forward on his Eagle Scout Eva Philpot and Cammie Yick have served in badge,” Diaz said. “He is designing and resupport positions in volunteering and fund- modeling Webb’s teachers’ lounge from a raising. Our logo was designed by Caleigh regular area to our first Room of Joy. This Yick, a local middle school student who ex- area will provide a calm, uplighting area for pressed a desire to do so in support of our teachers to meet and break bread together. teachers.” Our very lofty goal is to eventually grow to a From there, through all these individuals, level that perhaps we can partner with local The Project Joy was born. contractors to provide Homes of Joy for our The Project Joy has extended into more educators.” than 20 other schools, all within just two If you would like to learn more about short years. The Project Joy, you can visit its website at “Beginning in January 2024, we will www.theprojectjoy.net.
Page 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
LOCAL 11-YEAR-OLD GAVIN SHREEVE WINS AWARD FOR IBD ADVOCACY By Taylor Wells Gavin Shreeve, with his first IBD an 11-year-old fundraising event Lithia resident, reat 6 years old. By cently received a age 7, he became special award. He a guest speakhas been battling er at multiple Crohn’s disease events for his losince age 5, and cal chapter of the from then on, as Crohn’s & Colitis he struggled with Foundation, init, he has strived to cluding Tampa’s fight against IBD Toast for a Cure (inflammatory and Orlando’s A Gavin Shreeve with his dad and mom, Mike and bowel disease) and Christina Shreeve, as they hold the letters for “cure” Night of Hope find a cure. Gavin’s Gala, and later at the Toast for a Cure 2022 event. inspiring story earned him over 600 votes on became featured on local news broadthroughout the Crohn’s & Colitis Founda- casts passionately advocating for a cure. tion’s It Takes Guts competition, resulting Gavin has raised over $70,000 for IBD so in him becoming the first-ever winner of far through his Take Steps team, Braver the It Takes Guts Award. Than Most. “Basically, it’s an advocacy award honHis resilience, dedication and selflessoring patients who are helping to make ness make him an exceptional advocate IBD visible. … It’s an ‘invisible’ disease for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. With in that it can be scary for people to talk all his passion and efforts in raising awareabout. Nobody wants to talk about it,” ness and funds for pediatric IBD patients, said Christina Shreeve, Gavin’s mom. “So, it’s little wonder that Gavin had received [the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s] catch- so many votes in the competition. phrase is like, ‘Let’s make IBD visible,’ and “He was excited. … It’s nice to know so the advocacy award is for patients your efforts are recognized,” said Chriswho are … helping to end the stigma of tina. embarrassment around the disease and “So many children get diagnosed, and just helping to bring awareness to the dis- they’re scared. They don’t know what to ease and working toward finding a cure.” expect,” she added. “It’s really importIBD — which includes Crohn’s dis- ant for other children to speak up about ease and ulcerative colitis — is a seri- it and to make this a safe thing to talk ous disease that impacts nearly one in about, especially when they get into their 100 Americans. During Crohn’s & Colitis college years and young adult years.” Awareness Week, the foundation invited For more information, visit www.crohnnominations for IBD warriors, caregiv- scolitisfoundation.org. ers and health care heroes to raise public To make a donation to Gavin’s team, understanding of IBD and honor those visit https://takesteps.crohnscolitisfounspreading awareness. dation.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorGavin’s journey of advocacy began drive.team&teamid=9150.
Volume 23, Issue 1
OUT OF THIS WORLD HEADLINE
ENTERTAINMENT COMING TO THE 2024 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Florida StrawSunday, March 3 at berry Festival an7:30 p.m. nounced its upcoming The legendary headline entertainBellamy Brothers ment artists, and there perform on Monday, is certainly something March 4 at 3:30 to please everyone. p.m., followed by the This spring marks the iconic Southern rock Strawberry Festival’s band ZZ Top at 7:30 89th year of bringing p.m. Christian perfun, food and enterformer Mark Lowry The 2024 Strawberry Festival is bringing tainment to the com- headline artists who will entertain audienc- takes the stage on munity with more than Tuesday, March 5 at es for 11 days from Thursday, February 29 600,000 visitors en3:30 p.m., followed through Sunday, March 10. joying the festival’s headline entertainment, by Grammy-winning Christian artist Zach rides, youth livestock shows, crafts and, of Williams at 7:30 p.m. course, strawberry shortcake. The 2024 fesIconic country music singer Craig Mortival takes place for 11 days from Thursday, gan performs on Wednesday, March 6 at February 29 through Sunday, March 10. 3:30 p.m., followed by Riley Green at 7:30 According to Florida Strawberry Festival p.m. Bill Haley Jr. and the Comets will rock President Kyle Robinson, this year’s artists around the clock on Thursday, March 7 at once again encompass a variety of enter- 10:30 a.m., followed by legendary country tainment from many genres. singer Gene Watson at 3:30 p.m. Christian “The directors on our entertainment com- R&B performer Kirk Franklin rounds out the mittee worked diligently in planning and evening at 7:30 p.m. preparing for this highly anticipated anThe Commodores bring their smooth nouncement,” said Robinson. sounds to the stage on Friday, March 8 at The 2024 entertainment lineup is as fol- 3:30 p.m., followed by the much-anticipatlows: On February 29, the festival kicks off ed ban Foreigner at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. with Jimmy Sturr & His Or- March 9 at 3:30 p.m., Jo Dee Messina perchestra, followed by the doo-wop sounds of forms her country hits, followed by rapper the Oak Ridge Boys at 3:30 p.m. and ending Flo Rida at 7:30 p.m. The festival ends with the day with the much-anticipated county a performance from beloved contempomusic artist Oliver Anthony at 7:30 p.m. rary country music artist Cody Johnson on The Beach Boys bring their iconic surf- March 10 at 7:30 p.m. sounds on Friday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m., folAdvance tickets for admission and for lowed by country-pop singer Jordan Davis headline entertainment shows can be purat 7:30 p.m. The award-winning Black Eyed chased online at www.flstrawberryfestival. Peas headline on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 com, at the Amscot Main Ticket Office at p.m. and country singer-songwriter Parker 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City and by phone McCollum brings his music to the stage on at 813-754-1996.
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January 2024
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 13
2023 YEAR IN REVIEW The Tony Baroni Team wishes YOU and your family a great 2024!!!
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Annual Pie Day! Giving away hundreds of pies to all our clients and getting to say THANK YOU in person!
Team Events like seeing the Tampa Bay Rowdies and our annual Team Advance Day learning and planning out the year followed by Race Cars and Top Golf.
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Page 14
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
CHILL CAWFEE SHOP OFFERS PERFECT SET FOR SHORT FILM GUARD MY HEART
By Makenzie Atkins Noel
A Tampa resCawfee. “Everyident who has one involved suploved living in the ported our coffee area for over six shop throughout years has poured the process and his passion back we are excited to into the commusee and share the nity. final movie with K a r e e m our customers Everison filmed and community.” his most recent From crew members playing roles to the writer, ed“It’s an incredshort film, Guard itor and owner of the local newspaper, the Osprey ible feeling makMy Heart, around ing a movie here,” Observer, everyone pitched in to make this film. the Tampa Bay Pictured here are Ashley Comstock, Marie Gilmore said Everison. and Haley Blair. area, most nota“I’ve been in some bly at Chill Cawmovies that were fee in Valrico. made here before The film follows but there is no security guard Devin better feeling than Williams as he puts making one of your a stop to burglars at own.” his close friend’s art Everison would gallery and leaps into like to thank all cast action to “guard her and crew, including heart.” Judith Ricquel HarEverison wrote ris, Amanda JenGuard My Heart sen, Joshua Dupree, with Mike Mcclaskey, Alexia Rivera, someone he conAmanda Manez, (Left to right) Ace mover/burglar actor, pro siders a mentor. He Alvin C. Eberhardt, wrestler and music composer of Guard My also played the role Prestin Caine, Axel Heart Prestin Caine; ace mover/burglar of guard Devin WilAponte, Walter leader, actor and dancer Joshua Dupree; liams. Everison said Ashaad, Henry L. security guard Devin Williams, played by this film is important Kareem Everison; and ace mover/burglar Hill, Jude Bartheactor Michael Baker. to him because as a lemy, Misty Elliott, security guard and martial artist him- Haley Blair, Jim McDowell, Gordon Adself, he relates to the film. By leaning on ams, Alexis Baca, Mal Delgado, Rayfriends, family and community members mond Sostre, Christine Najera, Oscar to be a part of the film, Everison knows Najera, Blake Drivas, Cheyne Miles, that his heart is shown in the movie. Marie Gilmore, Samantha Kasner, Jeff “In this movie, I got the opportunity Turner, Michael Baker, Jose A. Roldan to have the fight scenes choreographed Jr., Steven C. Wilson, Kylee Nicole Peck, by my brother, Alvin (Ace) Eberhardt, Joel Goldberg, Angelene Tzokas, Susan from The Nappy Ninjas stunt team,” said Chaves Anchia, Ashley Comstock, JoceEverison, “as well to showcase some of lyn Alfonso and Andrew McGarr. my own original artwork.” Once the film is ready, it can be seen at Because the film called for a few the premiere at the Cinema 6 theater in scenes that showed a coffee shop and Port Richey and will eventually be availmany that needed an art gallery envi- able on streaming platforms. For more ronment, Chill Cawfee was the perfect information, you can email Everison at local place. kareemeverison1@gmail.com. “Being part of this experience and Chill Cawfee is located in Valrico at helping local artists was truly an hon- 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and in Riveror,” said Tom Quigley, owner of Chill view at 10528 Lake St. Charles Blvd.
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Volume 23, Issue 1
SPECIAL FORECAST: LONGTIME METEOROLOGIST PREDICTS SMOOTH SAILING DURING RETIREMENT
By Kelly Wise Valdes If you have not heard worked closely with the news, the forecast Dan since that time,” is calling for a huge said LaMarre. “Dan is event at the end of Dean amazing meteorolocember: the retirement gist, trusted colleague of Daniel Noah from and friend, and the Nathe National Weather tional Weather Service Service (NWS) office has benefited greatly in Ruskin. Since 2002, from Dan’s experience Noah has been the at this office since his warning coordination arrival in 2002 as our meteorologist and his warning coordination NWS career has orimeteorologist.” gins back to 1989 at LaMarre and Noah the NWS office in Madhave shared many ison, Wisconsin. Noah memories over the has served as the liaiyears, such as working Riverview resident Daniel Noah is son between the local retiring after a long tenure of being the together on operationforecast office and the warning coordination meteorologist al forecast shifts, preat the National Weather Service in users of NWS products senting hurricane and Ruskin. and services. He led the severe weather safeeffort to insure their ty information across evaluation, adjustment and West Central and Southimprovement. west Florida, attending the Although a longtime RivFlorida Governor’s Hurrierview resident, Noah and cane Conference and shelhis wife Janet moved here tering in place at the NWS years ago after enduring Tampa office in Ruskin. some harsh winters up “Hurricane Irma in 2017 north. and Hurricane Ian, 2022, “The temperature at my last station are two memorable weather events in Bismarck, North Dakota was -46 de- when Dan and I worked together along grees one morning,” said Noah. “My wife with the amazing team here at the NWS and I looked at each other and said, ‘We office to ensure public safety was the are moving to Florida and never living number one priority and people had innorth of Interstate 4.’” formation to help make decisions,” addNoah has already become nostalgic, ed LaMarre. thinking back on his long history working Retirement won’t be just sitting with emergency managers, emergency around for the active Noah and his wife responders and public/elected officials. of 35 years, Janet. “They embody service above self, es“The first month will be the month of pecially during COVID and after hurri- volunteering,” said Noah. “My wife and canes,” said Noah. “They plan ahead to I have a relationship with Metropolitan take care of their family, then leave to Ministries in Tampa, and I will approach protect the community and help survi- ECHO of Brandon.” vors recover.” His tagline was “I am the only Noah in Chiming in on the impact Noah has NOAA.” And although there are several made in our local region, his supervisor, other people now at work with the first Brian LaMarre, is already feeling the name of Noah, there will always only be loss. one Daniel Noah. “I have been in this position at the For more information, visit www. NWS Tampa office since 2007 and have weather.gov/tampa.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
Page 15
TAMPA BAY RODEO ANNOUNCES
FIRST-EVER BULL BASH & COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL JANUARY 26-27 Staff Report Tampa Bay Rodeo announces the first-ever Bull Bash & Country Music Festival, taking place on Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Country music Award-winning, multilegend John platinum country artist Michael Mont- John Michael Montgomery gomery and ris- headlines on Friday night, ing star Priscilla January 26 at the first-ever Block headline Bull Bash & Country Music Festival. the festival, with Montgomery taking the stage during the Bull Bash intermission on Friday night and Block taking the stage during the same competition break on Saturday night. The best bull riders in the region compete for the title and cash prizes in this multiround competition. After the music festival at intermission, the Bull Bash resumes with the final rounds to crown the winner. The second half includes the fan-favorite Hard Cash Giveaway, where cowboys test their speed, agility and courage as they race on foot to capture cash that is tied between the bull’s horns. Tickets are on sale now for this electrifying event. Montgomery is an award-winning, multiplatinum country music artist with gold record hits like “I Swear,” “Leave a Mark”
and “Brand New Me” to his name. Block, the first country music act to break from the social media platform TikTok, was nominated for the Academy of Country Music Academy of Country Music Award for New Female Artist nominee for New Female Artist of the Year Priscilla of the Year and Block performs on Saturday CMT’s Breaknight, January 27 at the through Video Bull Bash & Country Music of the Year. Festival. Fans can arrive early to enjoy live music from Tampa-area artists, eat delicious food, have a cold beer and test their skills on the mechanical bull before the Bull Bash begins. Randy McNeeley performs on Friday, and Cross Fire Creek performs Saturday night; their performances begin at 5:45 p.m. each night. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., the Bull Bash begins at 7:30 p.m. and the headliners take the stage at approximately 8:15 p.m. each night. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is located at the intersection of State Road 60 and Sydney Washer Road, just east of Brandon. General parking is free, with premium parking available at $25 per car. This is a rain-or-shine event. For more information, visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/bull-bash/.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
NEWSOME GRAD & NOW HARVARD STUDENT SELECTED BY BRITISH GOVERNMENT AS MARSHALL SCHOLAR TO CAMBRIDGE
CROSSROADS PRODUCE OPENS NEW STAND AT RIVERHILLS SHELL
By Jane Owen
For 12 ities.” years, CrossThrough Roads Protheir busiduce has been nesses, both providing loKane and Kurt cal fresh proregularly give duce, honey to local charipantry items ties like Seeds and plants of Hope, Small to the comBut Mighty munity. Kurt Heroes, A and Penny CrossRoads Owner Kurt Pendegrass (right), with employ- Kid’s Place ees Rachel and Chris, says if they don’t have what you are Pendergrass and local opened Cross- looking for at the new location, they will offer to get it from churches. For the original location. Roads Protwo businessduce by the crossroads of South County es dedicated to the people they serve, Road 39 and Lithia Pinecrest Road in the pairing is perfect. 2011 with a mission to serve people in CrossRoads Produce customers at the the community. new location will have the same great “I tell all of my employees that we are service and will also be able to get gas a service company that sells produce. or stop by the convenience store. We are here to serve the community,” Kane is thrilled with expansion and Kurt said. the future for both businesses. One of the many ways CrossRoads “It’s going to be, for them and for the Produce serves the community is by pro- station, a really great 2024,” said Kane. viding the freshest produce and plants. Kurt shared a few CrossRoads highTo do so, Kurt purchases daily from local lights. For the first few months of the farms of all sizes, from a 5-acre farm in year, fresh local strawberries will be Dover to Spivey Farm in Plant City. plentiful. Customers can buy as little In November, CrossRoads Produce as one piece of fruit or buy in bulk. If opened its second location outside the it doesn’t have an item, CrossRoads will Riverhills Shell gas station. Station own- try to get it. It will also deliver locally on er Todd Kane said second location came request and offer wholesale pricing. about after Osprey Observer Editor MaCrossRoads Produce’s hours are 10 rie Gilmore suggested their partnership a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, would be a way to offer expanded op- and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday and Suntions to both businesses’ customers. day. Kurt shared that sometimes it will “I am thankful for it because not only be open outside of those hours: “If we is it one small business supporting an- are here, we are open.” CrossRoads other, it gives our customers another Produce’s new location is 4330 Lithia option in the area,” Kane said. “It also Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more ingives us both, with increased business, formation, visit www.crossroadsproopportunities to support our local char- duce.com.
Volume 23, Issue 1
Staff Report
The British governmember at Harvard, a John ment in London, U.K., Harvard Scholar, a recipiannounced via their ement of the Detur Book Prize bassy in Washington, at Harvard, and winner of D.C., that Alexander Dyer, Harvard’s Lowell House Wila Joe E. Newsome High liam & Mary Lee Bossert School graduate, was Prize. He will graduate in named a winner of the May, earning a bachelor’s George Marshall Scholand concurrent master’s in arship and will pursue electrical engineering. At graduate studies at CamCambridge, Dyer will conbridge University. tinue his graduate studies According to the Brit- Alexander Dyer, Newsome High in the fields of health, medSchool’s 2020 valedictorian, ish Embassy, the recipiicine and society, with an was recently named a winner of ents, considered among emphasis on investigating the George Marshall ScholarAmerica’s most accomhow disability interacts with ship and will study at Camplished undergraduate people who are experiencbridge University. university students and ing homelessness. Following recent graduates, were chosen following his studies at Cambridge, Dyer plans to an intense selection process and will begin attend medical school to pursue an M.D. graduate studies at top universities across degree and then embark upon a career as the United Kingdom next year. a surgeon and medical researcher. The Marshall Scholarship program was Dyer also recently won the Schwarzman created by an act of the British Parliament Scholarship to study at the Tsinghua Uniin 1953 and highly endorsed by Prime Min- versity in Beijing, China. The Schwarzman ister Sir Winston Churchill as a living me- fellowship aims to create the next genermorial to former U.S. Secretary of State ation of leaders that respond to the geoGeneral George C. Marshall and the USA political landscape of the 21st century. for assistance under the Marshall Plan. According to Stephen Schwarzman, the The scholarship allows for up to three scholarship’s founding trustee, chair and years of graduate study in any academic CEO of Blackstone Group, those leading topic at any university in the U.K., which the future must understand China today. is home to 17 of the top 100 universities Dyer declined this honor to accept the in the world. Marshall Scholarship to study at CamThe scholars will fly to London in the fall bridge. of 2024 and individually meet the prime Dyer and his family live in FishHawk minister of the United Kingdom and oth- Ranch. He is a United States Presidential er senior members of parliament during Scholar, and in 2020 he was the valedica formal reception in London to welcome torian of the Class of 2020 at Newsome them to the United Kingdom. High School. He is also an Eagle Scout (SilDyer is a senior at Harvard College in ver Palm) and member of the Order of the the Class of 2024. He is a Phi Beta Kappa Arrow in the BSA National Honor Society.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
Page 17
CELEBRATE LAUNCH INTO LITERACY By Superintendent Van Ayres Why is third grade so eracy Institute. UFLI foimportant when it comes cuses on two main areas: to literacy? That’s the teacher development and grade where students reader development. The transition from “learning programs and resourcto read” to “reading to es are designed to help learn”. Up until third grade teachers become more you are learning the tools confident and successful to improve your reading in their capacity to help including phonics, letters, kids learn to read. and sentence structure. Our district also utilizAfter that, reading is the es myON, which is a pertool to help further your sonalized digital library education. at students’ fingertips. Literacy, especially in MyON gives students ac early childhood is critical. cess to more than 7,000 We celebrate and probooks. Titles are matched mote literacy every day to each student’s inter6 !YRE in Hillsborough County ests, grade, and reading Public Schools. However, it gets increased level. attention and focus during one week in myON is also a great resource to use January for Celebrate Literacy Week. This during a family reading night. Make it part year Celebrate Literacy Week falls January of your routine. Every evening, put aside 22 – 26. It’s designed to raise awareness 20 or 30 minutes to read as a family. Use about the importance of reading and to myON, or take turns reading aloud, or sitinspire Florida’s students and families to ting together quietly with your own book. make reading part of their daily lives. For younger children, our district literacy Our schools do a phenomenal job of com- team put together a series of phonics viding up with ways to make literacy fun and eos called “Learning Letters”. These adorengaging. The district’s literacy team is able videos are hosted by two of our amazalways working on new initiatives to best ing Early Childhood educators, and they assist our teachers with this important job. take each letter of the alphabet and sound Our district has begun implementing UFLI, it out, find words that begin with that letwhich stands for University of Florida Lit- ter, and teach your child how to write that letter. I strongly urge you to check these videos out at HillsboroughSchools. org/LearningLetters. Remember Celebrating Literacy Week is January 22-26, and our schools are planning a lot of exciting activities to Celebrate Literacy!
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
CAMP DOROTHY THOMAS TURNS 75
By Libby Hopkins
Camp Dorowas acquired in thy Thomas in 1946 and the Riverview offers first overnight more than 220 guests were in acres of beauti1948 after the ful campgrounds, official opening,” and with the Rogowski said. longest zip line “The property is in West Central Camp Dorothy Thomas in Riverview celebrated its 75th 220 acres with Florida, this camp 55 buildings and anniversary. The one-day celebration welcomed the is a great place community and encouraged them to share their stories a sleeping caof Camp Dorothy Thomas serving to honor the past, to take your Girl pacity of 192.” Scout experience embrace the present and ignite the flames of inspiration Program amefor years to come. to new heights. nities include an In addition to archery area, a all the camp has pool, a volleyball to offer for a Girl court, a gaga ball Scout, the camp pit, two obsercelebrated its vation decks, a 75th anniversary basketball court, this month. tetherball, camp“Girl Scout fire areas and an families [celebrated] 75 years of building outdoor stage with seating. “There are more girls’ outdoor skills at Girl Scouts of West than two miles of maintained hiking trails on Central Florida’s (GSWCF) iconic Camp Dor- the property,” Rogowski said. “The lodge has othy Thomas at a free open camp event that a seating capacity of 208 and has a full-serwas held on December 3,” said GSWCF’s vice commercial kitchen. At the anniversachief marketing and communications of- ry event, we unveiled the newly renovated ficer, Kristine Rogowski. “The celebratory retail area located in the Ladybug building.” event was open to families to enjoy a tour of Camp Dorothy Thomas has also earned a the camp, the viewing of a time capsule, the reputation as an animal sanctuary. grand opening of GSWCF’s expanded Camp “Campers frequently view deer, gopher Dorothy Thomas Retail Shop, food trucks tortoises, coyotes, bobcats and a large vaand refreshments, hayrides, memorabilia riety of birds,” Rogowski said. “The camp and more.” Rogowski added that attendees annually serves more than 2,500 overnight also earned a free and exclusive Camp Doro- guests and nearly 3,000 day program parthy Thomas 75th Anniversary patch. ticipants.” The one-day celebration welcomed the If you’d like to learn more about Camp community and encouraged them to share Dorothy Thomas, you can visit the Girl their stories of Camp Dorothy Thomas serv- Scouts’ website at www.gswcf.org/en/foring to honor the past, embrace the present girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/camp-propand ignite the flames of inspiration for years erties/camp-dorothy-thomas.html. Camp to come. Dorothy Thomas is located at 16119 Boyette “The Camp Dorothy Thomas property Rd. in Riverview.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
Page 19
GET THE DIRT:
MORE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR GARDEN With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, it’s time to ponder your resolutions for 2024. Many involve gardening activities, which can include improving your fitness and outlook, helping you lose weight and save money. Gardening provides exercise, satisfaction, meeting neighbors and making new friends. Again this year, I asked our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ team to give me their garden-related resolutions for the new year. Mine are also included. Will would like to attempt to grow oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) in his home and learn how to preserve the vegetables he is growing through canning. Makes sense to me, considering his role with community gardens. Mollie wants to establish a mist propagation system to facilitate the successful cultivation of plant cuttings from her garden. She would also like to experiment with her success rate using different propagation techniques, particularly the art of grafting and air layering plants. I’m shaking my head, yes, as Mollie teaches water conservation, which includes misting. Heather has decided it’s time to remove her fruit trees from pots and plant them in the ground. She needs to relocate two garden beds because she inadvertently placed them on top of her in-ground sprinkler heads last season. She will be installing microirri-
gation in those beds. Michael plans to reestablish his seed bank with new varieties of crops, learn to propagate 10 new plants and design and install a memorial garden at his grandfather and father’s final resting sites. I know they will appreciate his gardening skills. My gardening resolutions include adding one or two more bird feeders because I thoroughly enjoy seeing our great variety of feathered friends in my yard. Having pretty much mastered weeding the perennial peanut easement bed, I can spread the 70 bags of pine bark mulch I moved around the front and backyard. I will be heading to Gainesville soon, so I must go to the UF/IFAS Bookstore in Gainesville. Check out their website at http://ifasbooks. ifas.ufl.edu/. I am also somewhat committed to putting my wooden raised garden bed together and planting it with collards, eggplant, peppers, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. Lastly, I am committed to cleaning out my rain barrel this month. Guess what I teach? Correct, rainwater harvesting. For information about our upcoming horticultural programs, please check out the website by visiting http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/. Wishing all of you safe and wonderful holidays. Hope you can get outside and garden! For more info, contact Lynn Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Concert, Pepin Academies Open House & More...
Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Eva Adams Concert In Sun City Center
Volume 23, Issue 1
Roamin’ Oldies tia. The group will take place the second Cruiser Of The Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m., with the next meeting being on January 9. The Month
to apply for financial support to continue their education, thanks to a $164,000 investment in scholarships by the Tampa-based credit union’s Foundation. Applications are open until Wednesday, January 31 and are available at https:// educationfoundation. c o m /s e n i o r s c h o l a rships.
In 1968, Ron Gaither bought a well-used, four-year-old Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 convertible. Fifty-five years later, it is the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club cruiser of the month. In 1979, the 442 was retired as a daily driver and tucked away in a garage; in 2000, Gaither and son, Geoff, embarked on a 10-year frame-off restoration. They did pretty much everything in the home garage; only the seats and interior panels were sent out for reupholstering. The Roamin’ Oldies host a cruise-in from 1-4 p.m. the first Sunday of every month, with a rain date the following Sunday, at the MiraBay Village Shopping Center at 206 Harbor Village Lane off U.S. Highway 401 in Apollo Beach. For more information, call Frank at 856 373-8497.
group will be led by CherylAnn Haley, she is a Positive Approach to Care-certified coach and will share Positive Approach to Care skills that will explain some behaviors and show care partners how to support their loved ones. Please call 813-657-8587 or email tburnett@superiorbrandon.com to reserve a space. Superior Residences of Brandon is located at 1819 Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon.
SouthShore Christian Women’s The United Methodist Church of Sun City Girl Scouts PerCenter (SCCUMC) welcomes internationConnection al singer and musician Eva Adams to its form Carols At The SouthShore Christian Women’s Consanctuary for a 7 p.m. concert on Friday, Retirement Home nection is holding a luncheon on WednesJanuary 12. Adams studied opera and piaday, January The Girl Scouts of Brownie Troop 33027 no in the Czech Republic and has been per- recently spread holiday cheer to the resi10 at 11:30 forming all over a.m. at the Life dents of Osprey Heights retirement the world for Enrichment community by performing carols and over 33 years. Center of the handing out candy canes. Decked out She is a multiUnited Methin red and green, the second graders lingual singer, odist Church sang a selection of classic Christmas performing in Sun City Cencarols, with the residents joining in. many languagter, located at The smiles on the faces of the reses and styles 1971 Haverford idents showed how much they apfrom the 50s to Ave. in Sun City preciated the performance, and they the 80s. TickCenter. Eileen McGuire, a lifelong health requested more visits in the future. ets are availand wellness professional, is the speaker. able online at She believes in empowering others with Dementia Care-partner Support Pepin Academies To Host www.sccumc. the tools and knowledge necessary to live Group com/events, from the Pages of Life Book- School Choice Open House healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives. Superior Residences of Brandon will be Pepin Academies is excited to announce store on campus or at the church office. Please call 317-414-9062 or email sscwcholding a monthly support group for famiThe SCCUMC is located at 1971 Haverford a School Choice Open House event for proflorida@gmail.com to make a reservation. spective students, parents and the com- ly and friends of people living with demenAve. in Sun City Center. munity. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for all attendees to tour the Garage Door Service, Repair & Installation Suncoast Credit Union Founda- school, learn more information about what tion Scholarship it does and learn more about its therapeu• Residential Garage Doors The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation tic environment for students with learning • Garage Door Openers is partnering with Hillsborough Education disabilities. The open house will be held • Broken Springs steve@mastergaragedoor.com Estimates Foundation to offer six $2,000 scholarship simultaneously on each campus on Thurs• Cables on New mastergaragedoor.com awards to high school graduates in the day, January 25 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Garage Door • Rollers Class of 2024. This year’s high school grad- Please RSVP at www.pepinacademies.com 25 years serving the Installs • Doors off Track uates in Suncoast Credit Union’s 25-coun- or email communications@theacademies. community with only the highest ty service territory have the opportunity us. quality parts and service.
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January 2024
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 21
SENIOR DOGS AND CATS FIND NEW LOCAL LIBRARIES HOST EVENTS BEGINNINGS AT HILLSBOROUGH TO ENCOURAGE LITERACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER Staff Report
By Lily Belcher
H i l l s b o ro u g h lovable ball of County Pet Refur will finally source Center stop growing. (PRC) is making Most senior a heartfelt plea dogs end up in for residents to shelters through consider the ofno fault of their ten-overlooked own. Reasons companionship can range from Mulan, a senior dog at the Pet Resource Center, of senior dogs the passing of smiles for the camera while standing in a kiddie and cats. While their owners to pool. the allure of families moving playful puppies and frisky kittens may be into spaces that don’t allow pets. These strong, the Pet Resource Center is shed- seasoned companions, often facing unding light on the unique benefits that foreseen life changes, deserve another come with adopting a mature canine or chance to experience the joy of a loving feline friend. home. These seasoned pets, often in the twiAdopting a senior dog isn’t just about light years of their lives, have so much giving them a home; it’s about offering a love to offer and are patiently waiting for second chance for a fulfilling life. These a chance to make a home complete. The dogs, having spent years in the comfort shelter is currently housing dozens of se- of a home, find themselves in unfamiliar nior dogs, each with a story and a longing shelter settings. The transition can be for a warm, loving family. challenging, but with a little love and unOne of the key advantages of adopt- derstanding, they can flourish in a new ing a senior dog is their temperament. environment. These mature companions generally need The Hillsborough County Pet Resource less exercise and exude a calm demeanor Center encourages potential adopters to throughout the day. This makes them an consider the rewards of bringing a senior ideal match for older owners or families dog or cat into their homes. No appointwith children. Forget the challenges of ments are necessary, and information the teething and chewing phase; most along with photos of dogs available for older dogs have already outgrown these adoption can be found on the PRC webbehaviors, and many have received some site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ level of obedience training. residents/animals-and-pets/pet-adopSenior dogs have settled into their per- tion/adopt-a-dog-or-cat. This holiday sonalities, allowing potential adopters season, consider making a difference in to more accurately gauge compatibility. the life of a deserving senior dog or cat Unlike the unpredictability of a growing by providing them with a new home and puppy, the size of a senior dog is fixed, a second chance to give back the love eliminating concerns about when that they’ve stored up over the years.
The new year brings gaging and rewarding in new events from the quests for players. Hillsborough County The Bloomingdale Public Library CooperRegional Library will ative (HCPLC) to kick host a public speaking off a year filled with workshop on Tuesday, reading, community January 30 to encourand creativity. age teens to improve The 44th annual Stotheir public speaking rytelling Festival Workskills through group shop Series is a fiveactivities. The 44th annual Storytelling Festival week series beginning Workshop Series helps students learn the A 10-week Life in January dedicated art of storytelling during a five-week work- Story Writing series to teaching children shop. It is just one of many Hillsborough will begin on Friday, how to tell stories. The County Public Library Cooperative events January 19 at the slated for the upcoming year. workshop will focus on Bloomingdale Library creative theater arts, for adults. During the literacy and public speaking skills at the series, writers will compose nine stories Bloomingdale Regional and Riverview Pub- and compile a portfolio of their life stories. lic libraries. The event is presented by the Bloomingdale Students will have the opportunity to Writers Connection and funded by Friends have a video of their storytelling posted of the Bloomingdale Regional Library. on the library’s website. The series is recThe SouthShore Regional Library hosts ommended for students in second through events to support individuals in their search seventh grades and is sponsored by Friends for a job as well as basic lessons on using of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough Coun- mobile devices, cybersecurity and comty Inc. puter applications. On Tuesday, February The Riverview Public Library is also host- 13, adults can explore the Burgert Brothing a recording studio orientation in Janu- ers Photographic Collection archive at the ary for adults to see what devices and tech- SouthShore location as well. nology are available for them to use. The The Bloomingdale Regional, Riverview Riverview Public, Bloomingdale Regional Public, Brandon Regional, SouthShore Reand Ruskin Branch libraries also host Tech gional and Ruskin Branch libraries host Help events throughout the month. weekly toddler and baby times and story Bilingual story times offer engaging ac- times. These events engage children of all tivities in both English and Spanish for chil- ages in activities and stories as well as prodren 2-7 years old and their families. mote social interaction and building readThe Ruskin Branch Library is hosting ing skills. the Teen Writing Program for Dungeon For more information or to register for and Dragons fans. At the tabletop writing events hosted by your local library, visit event, teens will learn how to write en- https://hcplc.org/.
Page 22
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1
SCORE TAMPA LOOKS TO THE COMMUNITY ZOOTAMPA PROVIDING EXPERT FOR SMALL BUSINESS MENTORS CARE TO NEW MANATEE ARRIVALS, By Libby Hopkins
SCORE is a Tampa nonin all areas.” profit organization that is The Tampa Chapter a resource partner of the presents workshops, U.S. Small Business Adseminars and webinars ministration. for the public throughout “Our chapter has about the year. 50 volunteers/mentors,” “Every month, we said Kevin Dorsey, leadhave two three-hour er of the Tampa/Hillsworkshops: Going Into borough County SCORE Business and How To Chapter. “Nationwide, Create a Great Business SCORE has more than Plan,” Dorsey said. “We 10,000 volunteers. also do the judging for We provide free small the Valrico/FishHawk business mentoring for Chamber of Commerce SCORE can help you start, grow startups and existing Businesses of the Year or successfully exit a business. small businesses. We can winners.” Small business owners who tap volunteers across the SCORE is currently receive three or more hours of U.S. who may have spelooking for mentors. mentoring report higher revenues cific backgrounds and “We need mentors with and increased growth. knowledge to best serve all different backgrounds,” our clients locally. Mr. DuPont of the Du- Dorsey said. “Current or retired small busiPont Corporation started the SCORE model ness owners are perfect. A great need we in 1953.” have currently is for digital and social media By 1964, SCORE had grown too large marketing people, government regulations to be manage, so oversight of SCORE was and compliance, bank SBA loan officers, turned over to the U.S. Small Business Ad- marketing experts, sales, CPAs and many ministration in 1964. others. The time commitment for training is “The Tampa/Hillsborough Chapter has about 15 hours over 30 days, and the ongobeen active since 1968,” Dorsey said. “Of ing mentoring requirement is around three our 50-ish volunteers, 40 percent of our to five hours per week minimum.” mentors are retired, and 60 percent are still Currently, SCORE has 1,036 requests for running businesses or working corporate mentoring and only 50 volunteers. executive positions.” “We need to increase our number of menLast year, SCORE had over 1,000 re- tors and volunteers to around 100 plus in quests for mentors in Tampa/Hillsborough the coming year,” Dorsey said. “We also County. need sponsors to gather financial support. “Approximately 65 percent of our clients We get around 35 percent of our basic anare women, 28 percent African American, nual budget from the U.S. Small Business 10 percent Hispanic and 9 percent veter- Administration.” ans,” Dorsey said. “Around 40 percent of Tto learn more about SCORE or become a our clients have not started a business yet mentor or volunteer with the program, you and need help walking through the process can visit its website at www.score.org.
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ROMEO AND JULIET
Staff Report
With round-theBoth Romeo and clock care and medJuliet have moved ical interventions in to the zoo’s rehabiliplace, elderly and tation pools and are overweight manatees socializing with othRomeo and Juliet, who er manatees — an arrived at ZooTampa important aspect for at Lowry Park last a manatee in human week, are gradually care to thrive. acclimating to their “As two of the oldnew environments. est living manatees, “It’s going to be a Romeo and Juliet, a pair of elderly man- Romeo and Juliet delong road, but there is atees relocated from the Miami Seaquar- serve the best care ium, have been successfully transported no facility better prepossible as they live and are receiving state-of-the-art care at pared to address the out their final years,” ZooTampa. urgent health needs Stringfield added. of these manatees while the Manatee For nearly three decades, ZooTampa Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership iden- has been entrusted in emergency situatifies the best option for their long-term tions to intervene, triage and save critiplacements,” said Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, cally injured, sick and orphaned manatees. manatee critical care veterinarian and se- The zoo’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critnior vice president of animal health, con- ical Care Center has three 16,500-gallon servation and education. medical care pools with controlled floors While initial blood tests do not reveal and two manatee recovery habitats conany major abnormalities for either Romeo taining 200,000 gallons of water comor Juliet, there are aspects of their overall bined. health that are unknown. The zoo invests nearly $1 million every “Both animals are over 65 years old,” year in manatee work. ZooTampa has Stringfield said, “At this age, we always cared for more than 500 manatees. Curhave concerns about cardiac health, rently, there are 18 manatees at ZooTawhich is difficult to evaluate in manatees mpa. due to their size.” More than 1.1 million visitors annualStringfield said it is uncommon for ly visit the zoo and are educated on the manatees, often called ‘sea cows,’ to be plight of the manatees, the importance of as heavy as Juliet who is 3,045 pounds. aquatic and marine habitat conservation Eating regularly is essential to her overall and the steps the public can take to prohealth, so the ZooTampa team provided mote manatee conservation. Visit https:// supportive care to Juliet, who had not zootampa.org/ for more information or been eating, which is common for mana- follow along on their social media @ tees after transport. ZooTampa for up-to-the-minute news.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
Page 23
Over $20 million in sales in 2023 RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay Certified Luxury Home Specialist Newsome High, Riverview High parent “I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”
Regular readers know I usually give free ad space here to groups or events that improve our community. Call me with your ideas! — Ann Marie
BUYERS My market knowledge is a key reason buyers ask me to help them navigate & negotiate such a significant step. I spent months working with clients overseas who bought this 3,900-SF new home in a neighborhood south of FishHawk. Sold in June for $860,000.
SELLERS Listing, advertising & selling homes is the largest portion of my business. I’ll give you every advantage to get the best price. This 5,000-SF custom home in FishHawk’s Kestrelglen enclave was my highest-price success of the year. Sold in July for $1,400,000. SERVICE I’m often willing to do much more than many agents! On an acre just west of Bloomingdale, I coordinated key service providers to help the elder couple selling this 3,250-SF custom home & guest cottage. I had sold it to this couple a decade before. Sold in April for $699,000.
NEW CONSTRUCTION In a new community north of Bloomingdale, the buyers of this big & beautiful townhome figured out what many others don’t: I can save or earn you money by representing your interests with a builder! At nearly 2,600 SF, this home sold in December for $493,000.
BOTH-SIDERS I offer client incentives in several scenarios, especially if you buy & sell with me! I connected clients selling this 4,100-SF former model in FishHawk West with an exclusive builder & of course discounted my role in the process. Sold in November for $1,200,000. INTEGRITY I’ve built my reputation on trust, which is vital when a new client only knows me from being referred by friends! In Hawkstone south of FishHawk, I helped an out-of-state couple purchase this 3,450-SF home before we even met in person. Sold in July for $609,000.
EXPERIENCE I became a Realtor in 1984, & clients rely on my long experience! In Harvest Field north of Bloomingdale, it made a difference for former buyers (with another agent) who years later remembered & hired me to list this 2,700-SF home for them. Sold in May for $600,000.
UNDERSTANDING Real estate is about people, not just business! Helping owners of this 1,720-SF home in FishHawk sell & buy a retirement villa elsewhere became a very challenging time of not letting the unexpected turn into the unpleasant. Sold in November for $465,000.
NETWORKING Relationships with other agents can make a difference for clients! I stayed in touch with other agents through Open Houses & other means more than a month until we found the right buyers for this 2,550-SF home in FishHawk West. Sold in May for $510,000.
MARKETING Agents who sell less have less money to spend marketing your property! I can afford to cast a wide net in advertising & pay for extras such as aerial photos, which helped this home in Riverglen sell at full list price in only 5 days. Sold in July for $475,000. INVESTMENT My extensive market research creates good advice for investors! This helps them turn a profit on residential or commercial portfolios for renovation or rental such as this FishHawk home. Sold in June for $523,500 & quickly rented for a monthly rate of $3,290.
Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor
MANAGEMENT Nobody beats the deal I give owners when I manage rental homes! Ask me for the details. I’ve taken care of this Channing Park home since the year after I helped the owner buy it new in 2015. I moved in the latest tenants in August for a monthly rate of $2,795.
Page 24
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Volume 23, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk
2024, Vol. 23, Iss. 1
COMING SOON
FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 10
Cuenelli’s Rotisserie Chicken & Grill Opens Second Location In Riverview
Cuenelli’s Rotisserie Chicken & Grill is a family-owned restaurant specializing in Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken that has recently opened a second location at 3834 U.S. 301 in Riverview. Along with the delicious chicken, it also offers a variety of other dishes, including the Cuenelli’s special, a palomilla steak served with rice, beans, a fried egg, fried yucca, plantains, salad and a quarter of dark meat chicken. Homemade desserts are also available and include flan, tres leches, milhojas and alfajores. Visit its website at www.cuenellis.com to view the menu. Take-out orders can be placed on its website, with free delivery for orders above $30 within a 5-mile radius.
Gun Craft Inc. Fulfills All Your Firearm Needs
Gun Craft Inc. has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. It has a beautiful, multibay outdoor range in a park-like setting and is the only professional outdoor gun range in Hillsborough County. It also offers a retail shop with firearms, ammunition
Clásico Chophouse And Taproom Celebrates One-year Anniversary With A Ribbon-cutting
and accessories. Classes and private lessons are also available, and it hosts several types of competitive shooting clubs each month. Gun Craft Inc. is located at 2102 24 St. SE in Ruskin. Additional information can be found on its website at https://guncraftinc.com/ or by calling 813-645-3828.
Drama Kids Open House Grand Opening Extravaganza
Drama Kids International, a leading provider of after-school drama programs for children, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new location in Brandon. This expansion marks an exciting chapter in Drama Kids’ commitment to bringing the magic of drama educa-
tion to more young minds in the local community. With a commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence in young minds, Drama Kids invites families to join the fun at the Open House Extravaganza on Friday, January 5 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. Drama Kids is located at 772 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For additional information, visit its website at www. dramakids.com/fl6 or call 813-716-1797.
Great food was the theme of the oneyear anniversary celebration and ribbon-cutting by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce for Clásico Chophouse and Taproom. Guests were treated to a variety of delicious dishes from Chef Davis Locke, including slow-smoked beef ribs, house-made meatballs and more. Clásico Chophouse and Taproom has a wide menu, which includes both Italian-inspired and barbecue dishes. It is located at 775 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon.
Strawberry Festival Concert Tickets On Sale Now
Concert and admission tickets for the 89th ‘Out of This World’ Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City are on sale now. The festival takes place from Thursday, February 29 to Sunday, March 10. Tickets can be purchased online at https://flstrawberryfestival.com/, at the Amscot Main Ticket Office at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City or by phone at 813754-1996. For more information, visit its website at www.clasicobrandon.com or call 813-444-5188..
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
BAY LIFE INVITES YOU TO
PLANT SEEDS, GROW PRODUCE AND CREATE COMMUNITY By Kelly Wise Valdes In recent years, comfrom 8-10 a.m., people munity gardens have of all ages come toincreased in popularity, gether help in the garas they provide opporden. The workdays for tunities to learn gar2024 begin on Janudening, grow your own ary 13 and run through healthy food and meet July 13. others in the commu“I did not know anynity. The Seeds of Faith thing about gardening Community Garden, and what it took to Bay Life Church invites the community sponsored by Bay Life to its Seeds of Faith Community Garden, maintain a garden,” Church, is an on-camsaid Armstrong. “With where growers can harvest their own pus garden created to produce as well as help give back to local volunteering, it is cool be a place for learning, to see how dedicated food banks. fellowship and providing food for local food some of them are and how much time they pantries. put into doing something they love.” The garden was started by Bay Life Volunteers are needed to do anything Church in 2010 with seven volunteers and from harvesting, mulching, weeding and an empty plot of land. Throughout the last more. There’s a job for everyone and no 14 years, the ministry has faithfully grown sign-up is needed — just bring a water thousands of pounds of fresh produce for bottle and wear comfortable gardening families at ECHO and Hope for Her. clothes. This community garden is unique beLast year, the garden yielded nearly cause it’s divided into two sections — with 3,800 pounds of produce, and this year’s individual grower beds and donation beds. harvest is similar. Some of the produce The individual grower beds can be rented grown are beans, carrots, cucumbers, radout to people who are interested growing ishes, Florida gold potatoes, collards, kale, their own produce, while the donation beds lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, beets, are run by volunteers to harvest produce eggplant and peppers. that is donated to local food banks. It costs $35 to rent a bed, which requires Jordan Armstrong, Bay Life missions a 10-hour volunteer commitment per year, assistant, explained that the best way to or the cost is $60 without volunteering. serve at Seeds of Faith is to help at the gar- Students who work in the garden can earn den work days. community service hours. “The community is involved with the garIf you are interested in renting a plot to den,” said Armstrong. “It is a great way for grow or volunteering, please email misthose who may not have the room to start sions@baylife.org or call 813-661-3696. their own garden but want to, so they now Check out the group’s Facebook page at have the option with the open beds that we www.facebook.com/seedsoffaithgarden. have in the garden.” Bay Life Church is located at 1017 KingOn the second Saturday of each month, sway Rd. in Brandon.
CASTAWAY FALLS, ADVENTURE ISLAND’S ALL-NEW 2024 ATTRACTION, WILL FEATURE MORE THAN 100 PLAY ELEMENTS
Staff Report
Adventure Ispark-wide modland®, Tampa’s ernized theme, premier water the recently park, will debut opened Shaka-LaCastaway Falls in ka Shores, wathe spring. The ter slides Rapids all-new multilevel, Racer and Wahoo interactive waRemix, the renoter-play attraction vation of Captain will feature more Pete’s, the popular Castaway Falls at Adventure Island is slated to than 100 play elfull-service Hang ements, including open in the spring and will feature more than 100 Ten Tiki Bar and play elements. two giant tipping new lounging arbuckets that dump more than 1,300 gal- eas and cabanas. lons of water combined. Adventure Island’s annual pass is the Castaway Falls will have four exciting best way to enjoy year-round family fun water slides, soakers, flow pipes, hose under the sun, such as the new Castaway jets, spray jets, water shooters, water cur- Falls and seasonal events included with tains, tipping troughs, spinning and sliding admission. Passholders enjoy monthly rebuckets and much more. The new attrac- wards on top of unlimited seasonal admistion replaces the former splash area and sion and benefits like free parking, in-park is double the size of the former Splash discounts and more. Attack, making the new addition to AdLocated right across the street from venture Island bigger and splashier than Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure ever before. Island features a combination of exhila“We are thrilled about Adventure Is- rating water slides and tropical, tranquil land’s 2024 season,” said Stewart Clark, surroundings. At Tampa’s Island Paradise president of Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay await thrilling slides, such as Rapids Racand Adventure Island. “With the unveiling er, Wahoo Remix, Solar Vortex®, Vanish of Castaway Falls, the largest expansion in Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® and Cothe water park’s history continues, adding lossal Curl™, waterfalls, a 17,000-squareattractions, dining options and events to foot wave pool, a children’s splash and enhance the guest experience.” play zone, Shaka-Laka Shores and other Harmonizing with the water park’s family attractions. Guests can dig their paradise-like ambiance, Castaway Falls toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs resembles a splash haven and a fun-filled or a private cabana. retreat for the young and young at heart. Guests can visit https://adventureisland. Castaway Falls will immerse park guests com/ to purchase tickets and learn more in a watery world of excitement perfect about the annual pass program benefits, for all, even the littlest splashers. new events, special deals and future anCastaway Falls is part of the water nouncements. Follow Adventure Island on park’s largest expansion in more than Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube for four decades. Said expansion includes a even more up-to-the-minute information.
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Volume 23, Issue 1
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED ABOUT FIRST BAPTIST GIBSONTON’S ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN 2023 MINISTRY IS GROWING THROUGH Staff Report CHRISTIAN WORLD TV (StatePoint) 2023 was a landmark year for Alzheimer’s disease research, including advancements in treatment, risk factors and diagnosis. Here are five significant discoveries made this year: • There are three new approved treatments for Alzheimer’s, with a fourth on the way. • In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval for Leqembi for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This treatment slows cognitive decline and can help people with early Alzheimer’s maintain their independence. • In June 2021, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Aduhelm for the same purpose. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July, Lilly reported positive results for a third similar treatment: donanemab. The company expects FDA action in early 2024. • In May, the FDA approved the first treatment for agitation in people with Alzheimer’s: brexpiprazole. Hearing aids could slow cognitive decline for at-risk older adults. In the largest clinical trial to investigate whether a hearing loss treatment can reduce risk of cognitive decline, researchers found that older adults with hearing loss cut their cognitive decline in half by using hearing aids for three years. The intervention included hearing aids, a hearing ‘toolkit’ and ongoing instruction and counseling. Though the positive results were in a subgroup of the total study population, they are encouraging and merit further investigation. Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are coming soon. Blood tests show promise for improving how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Advancements reported for the first time at AAIC 2023 demonstrate the simplicity and value to doctors of blood-based markers for Alzheimer’s. Blood tests are already being implemented in Alzheimer’s drug trials. And they are
incorporated into proposed new diagnostic criteria for the disease. Blood tests — once verified and approved by the FDA — would offer a noninvasive and cost-effective option for identifying the disease. First-ever U.S. county-level Alzheimer’s prevalence estimates. The first-ever county-level estimates of the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia — in all 3,142 U.S. counties — were reported at AAIC 2023. For counties with a population of more than 10,000 people ages 65 and older, the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are in: • Miami-Dade County (16.6 percent). • Baltimore City, Maryland (16.6 percent). • Bronx County, New York (16.6 percent). • Prince George’s County, Maryland (16.1 percent). • Hinds County, Mississippi (15.5 percent). Certain characteristics of these counties may explain the higher prevalence, including older age and a higher percentage of Black and Hispanic residents, which are communities disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these statistics can help officials determine the burden on the health care system and pinpoint areas for culturally sensitive caregiver training. Chronic constipation is associated with poor cognitive function. Approximately 16 percent of the world’s population struggles with constipation. This year, researchers reported that less frequent bowel movements were associated with significantly worse cognitive function. People in the study with bowel movements every three days or more had worse memory and thinking equal to three years of cognitive aging. These results stress the importance of clinicians discussing gut health with their older patients. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia research, plus available care and support — and to join the cause or make a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
By Jane Owen
The first services at “Services are livesFirst Baptist Church treamed on Sunday of Gibsonton were morning, Sunday held in 1930 under night and Wednesa tent on land that day night on Facewas donated for the book. Christan World church. The first TV shares Christian worship building was programming, inbuilt nine years later. cluding preachers From the very begin- Pastor Malcolm Clements in the studio of and teachers. We are ning, the church fo- First Baptist Church Gibsonton’s Christian going to launch kids World TV. cused on ministering programming, probato others while sharing the good news of bly in January,” Brady said. the Bible. Ninety-three years later, First Clements shared that Christian World Baptist Church of Gibsonton has ex- TV is a growing ministry. It has been panded its ministry beyond Hillsborough watched in 119 cities in America and County through the online programming other countries. There are 291 YouTube of its Christian station, Christian World subscribers, and streaming is watched TV. in around 300 homes. There are regular Pastor Malcolm Clements has been listeners, and local viewers have started pastor of First Baptist of Gibsonton for attending the church on-site. 48 years. He found that the COVID-19 “We are just starting. We are growpandemic challenged the church’s ability ing into this. But the potential of what to reach members and stay in contact we are doing is unlimited. For a midsize with them. church in South Hillsborough County to “I said, ‘What can we do?’ We had just be able to have a ministry that literally is finished a building program with remod- not only touching all of America but the eling here. I was by myself and the Lord world — it’s amazing,” Clements said. spoke to me and said, ‘What is your next The mission statement of Christian project?’ I hadn’t thought that far, but World TV is: “To fulfill the great commisGod was pushing me. Then, I had the vi- sion of reaching every person around the sion of the TV station,” Clements said. world with the gospel of Jesus Christ The church built a studio, hired and through social media and technology.” trained staff and invested in high-qualFor more information about Christian ity equipment, including Sony 4K cam- World TV, visit https://christianworldtv. eras, a PreSonus sound board, MacBook com/. Christian World TV videos can Pros and Mac minis. Christian World TV be found on YouTube at www.youtube. launched in May of 2022. com/@christianworldtvfbg. First BapSteve Brady is the internet director of tist Church of Gibsonton is located at Christian World TV. 9912 Indiana St. in Gibsonton.
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Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023 Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1
EXPERIENCE THE OLDEST THINGS CERTIFIED ROOFERS GIVE BACK TO TAMPA BAY HAS TO OFFER IN JOSHUA THE COMMUNITY IN THE NEW YEAR By Libby Hopkins GINSBERG’S BOOK By Taylor Wells
Since the release nally designed,” and of Oldest Tampa in he included subjects September 2022, that are significant author Joshua Ginsto Tampa Bay’s berg has been keephistory as ‘the olding busy. In addition est preserved.’ The to making dozens book is split into of local appearancthree sections coves, his latest book, ering different parts Secret Orlando: A of the bay: HillsGuide to the Weird, borough County, Wonderful and ObPinellas County and scure, which he Manatee and Saraco-authored with Joshua Ginsberg, author of Oldest Tampa Bay, sota counties. John Brown, was with a copy of his book inside a Barnes & Noble. In Hillsborough, published in Sepjust to name a few, tember 2023 and is available now at you can find the oldest map of the Tampa www.secrettampabay.com. He is cur- Bay area, created in 1757 thanks to Don rently finishing his fifth book, Haunted Franscisco Maria Celi of the Spanish RoyOrlando, for the History Press, which is al Fleet; the oldest restaurant, Columbia expected to be released in 2024. He has Restaurant, started in 1905 as a small also been writing short fiction, which corner cafe by Cuban immigrant Casimiro has been published in Trembling with Hernandez Sr.; and the oldest alligator Fear, The Chamber Magazine, 365 To- attraction, Croc Encounters, which was morrows and elsewhere. established in 2005 and started with the Original Story Printed January 2023. founders taking care of Amos the out-ofIn Tampa Bay, there’s much to enjoy state alligator, who’s still with them today. and many places to explore, much more “As I was writing this book, I had the than many might realize, and within the task of trying to write faster than change. area is a history dating back thousands It happened more than once that I would of years. From around the 10th century to show up to take pictures or write about the past decade, you’ll find plenty around a place and the place wasn’t there; there that could be called the oldest. Such is the were just construction crews,” said Ginssubject of Joshua Ginsberg’s latest book, berg. Oldest Tampa Bay, in which he offers exTo purchase Oldest Tampa Bay, visit citing research and knowledge in over 80 www.reedypress.com, www.amazon.com chapters’ worth of history. and other places where books are sold. Each chapter describes what Ginsberg ents. I hope we can continue that upconsiders ‘the oldest’ of its kind, meaning wards trajectory.” Visit http://newsome“the oldest currently or continually oper- band.com/ or follow newsomewolfpackating in the manner for which it was origi- band and nhs.color.guard on Instagram.
Th r o u g h o u t 2023, Certified Roofers & General Contractors Inc. donated a roof to a charity each month, including A Kid’s Place, High 5 Inc., the Angel Foundation Alex Sanchez, owner and FL , the Chrispresident of Certified tian Michael Roofers, and his staff are H e r n a n d e z giving away a roof every Fo u n d a t i o n , month in 2023 to local charities. Camp Florida, FishHawk TNR, the Brandon Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, the June Rogers Foundation, Outreach Free Clinic of Brandon, Seeds of Hope, ECHO and Hope for Her. In addition, for every new roof installed, Certified Roofers donated a percentage of its sales to its charity of choice each month. Original Story Printed January 2023. Certified Roofers has been a part of our community since 1981. Its quality of service is well known in the community. “Certified Roofers was founded by my father when he was just 18 years old,” said Certified Roofers’ owner and president, Alex Sanchez. “He spent his entire life building the business right here in our community. We unfortunately lost him in 2015, but we have carried on in his honor ever since.” Sanchez was born and raised here in Valrico. He attended Riverview High School where his mother was a teacher for many years. “I went on to work
in the family business while attending USF and have never left the business,” Sanchez said. “I married my wife, Sara, in 2008 and have three sons, Clark, 10; Patrick, 9; and Andrew, 7. Sara left her corporate job this last year to open a bookkeeping business meant to service other local small businesses. I am very active at my Rotary Club, the Brandon Rotary Club where I currently sit as the membership chair.” For 2023, Sanchez and his team want to give a roof away to a local charity each month. “What we are choosing to do this year is, in addition to those roofs, we want to honor a different local charity every month where we will donate a portion of revenue to each charity every month,” Sanchez said. “The charities were chosen due to my current charitable activities, and other local outfits that bring positive change to our community. All charities we donate to will have a local presence, no national exposure, because we strongly believe in focusing our attention here at home.” Visit its website at www.certifiedroofers.com or call Sanchez at 813-6438333. Certified Roofers’ office is located at 4331 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico.
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January 2024
Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023 Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 31
COUNTY GRANT FUNDS HIGH 5 INC. FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES USF’S PLAN FOR A POOL RENOVATIONS JUST IN TIME NEW ON-CAMPUS STADIUM FOR SUMMER PROGRAMSBy Lily Belcher Staff Report Recently, High our area and cre5 Inc. completed ate a much better two large-scale experience for all pool projects that community memenhanced swimbers that use these mers’ experiareas,” said High ence and offered 5 CEO Chuck Burthe community gess. a high-quality At High 5’s locaaquatic facility. tion off U.S. HighThe complete way 60 at 405 Resurfacing the pools will allow High 5 Inc. to rebuild of High Beverly Blvd. in better support its community and members. 5’s shallow, Brandon, all three warm-water pools will undergo teaching pool allows for the resurfacing financed by comfortable year-round the county’s grant. High 5 instruction of its littlest owns an Olympic-sized lap swimmers. In collaborapool with five diving boards tion with the Hillsborough and a diving well. Its 10County Children’s Board lane, 25-yard pool and and the generous grant teaching pool are also being that allows High 5 to offer renovated. free water safety swim lessons to the The pool resurfacing project is part of community, this pool provides the per- a three-phase improvement project to fect environment for teaching drown- update High 5’s facilities. BCI Pools is in ing prevention. The resurfacing of its charge of the renovation project. The Fort 50-meter pool provides not only better Myers-based swimming pool contractor long-term maintenance but also a qual- has 40 years of experience building pools ity competition venue. for the community. Original Story Printed February 2023. High 5 is a community recreation cenHigh 5 Inc. was awarded a grant to ter that supports education, athletics and fund the resurfacing of its three pools, community through its programs. High 5’s which are expected to be completed at value-added membership opportunities the end of April. give members special prices, early regisThe $550,000 grant was given to High tration and exclusive invitations to events, 5 by Hillsborough County at the beginning among other perks. Juniors can receive a of the 2023 annual budget cycle. membership for $40 per month, individu“It helps us to be able to teach children al memberships cost $55 per month and under the age of 3 to swim, increases the family memberships cost $75 per month. opportunity to run competitions, which Visit www.high5inc.org. Call 813-689would have a nice economic impact to 0908.
The initial renUSF football and derings are conwomen’s lacrosse, as ceptual and will well as concerts and evolve as the deother events. The sign process constadium will provide tinues and more an opportunity to detailed design enhance campus culelements are finalture, serve ized. Along with as a powerWith the approval of the Florida the images, USF reful recruiting leased several new Board of Governors, the University tool and raise of South Florida Bulls are getting details about the USF’s overall financing for a new stadium. stadium, including: profile. An east-west build to help maximize “Bulls Nation deserves to have a stadium shade for daytime events. on USF’s campus. Our time has come. Our A dedicated section for students in the 50,000 students, our alumni, faculty, staff west end of the stadium that includes a and our greater community all deserve the design unique to USF featuring Bull horns benefits that come with a stadium on our and amenities that will cater to the stu- campus,” Weatherford said. “The stadium dent experience. will be a rallying point that brings people An open concourse around a majority together and helps connect and inspire genof the stadium that provides views of the erations of Bulls fans far and wide.” field, even as fans are walking to concesThe proposal approved by the BOG is for sion or restroom areas. a stadium estimated to cost approximately A large tailgating space on the north $340 million. The USF Financing Corp. will side of the stadium. issue a debt of up to $200 million that the A variety of premium seating options, university will repay from several sources, including suites, loge boxes & club areas. including operating revenues from the staOriginal Story Printed October 2023. dium and other revenues generated by USF On September 8, the Florida Board of Gov- Athletics. USF has also identified the other ernors (BOG) voted in favor of the financing funding sources on the project, including plan for the University of South Florida’s capital gifts ($50 million, of which nearly (USF) new on-campus stadium, signaling $40 million is already raised); the Capital state-level support for the transformational Improvement Trust Fund ($31 million); confacility scheduled to open in fall 2026. tingent cash contribution from the sale of USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weather- educational broadband service licenses ($25 ford and USF President Rhea Law presented million); auxiliary expenditures ($15 million); the BOG with their vision for a 35,000-seat auxiliary funds ($11.5 million); and proceeds stadium by detailing how the project will from a 2017 Federal Communications Compositively impact the university community mission auction ($8 million). For more inforand broader Tampa Bay region as it hosts mation, visit www.usf.edu/stadium.
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Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023
Page 32
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWSOME HIGH TO GET NEEDED $9M AUDITORIUM REFRESH IS COMING TO TAMPA BAY
By Michelle Caceres
Staf Report
The new prouniting our Tamfessional wompa Bay commuen’s soccer nity. We’re ready team has choto build a team sen their name, that not only colors and logo. wins on the field The team has but also makes officially been a positive differbranded as the ence off the field. Tampa Bay Sun To us, success Football Club, comes when you selected blue become part and yellow as of the fabric of Photo Courtesy of SuperLeague Tampa Bay. its colors and your commuThe new Super League Tampa Bay ownership are represent- group, from left to right: David Laxer, Darryl Shaw nity,” said Dared by a stylized ryl Shaw, who and Jeff Fox. b l u e - a n d - ye l joined his childlow sun circled by the hood friends, David Laxteam’s name. er, co-owner of Bern’s What’s more, the Steak House, and Jeff team has a head coach, Fox, former chief inforUniversity of South mation officer of BlueFlorida women’s socPearl Pet Hospital, as cer coach Denise Schilte-Brown, who is the owners of the new team. building the player roster, and the first USL Super League will be the highest Tampa Bay Sun FC retail collection is level of professional women’s sports to available online. ever field a team with Tampa Bay on its To see Tampa Bay Sun FC’s logo, find jerseys. Once it is sanctioned by U.S. Socadditional information and more, visit cer as a Division I league, it will rank on www.tampabaysunfc.com. par with other top professional sports Original Story Printed June 2023. leagues and feature players who repreA new professional women’s soccer sent their countries in international comteam is set to kick off in Tampa Bay in petitions such as the FIFA Women’s World August 2024. As part of the USL Super Cup and the Olympic Games League, the new Tampa Bay franchise will The team will start playing in August compete at the highest level of women’s 2024 in a temporary home until a perprofessional soccer. The team will bring manent, soccer-specific stadium can be top-tier women’s pro sports to the region built. With that stadium, the team intends for the first time, joining 10 to 12 clubs in to create a year-round venue that will be the league’s initial market. used for a wide range of activities, includ“This is about inspiring, energizing and ing opportunities with youth.
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The scope of construction at Newsome High School is as follows: • New auditorium: 25,100 sq. ft., 964 seats (plus some standing room). • New fitness center: 8,100 sq. ft. • Remodeling of the existing Building 2 auditorium to include expanded music rooms. • Renovation of the wrestling room and gymnasium classroom. Completion of work at the new auditorium: The concrete slab-on-grade is 95 percent complete. The underground and in-wall mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in are 80 percent complete. The masonry and concrete walls are 75 percent complete. The stage concrete floor is 100 percent complete. Completion of work at the new Athletic facility: The underground and inwall mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in are 95 percent complete. The masonry walls are 80 percent complete. Original Story Printed Feb 2022, updated for 2023 as construction underway. The original Newsome High School auditorium has remained largely unchanged since it was constructed in 2003. Anyone attending a production at the 600-seat venue knows that the seating capacity is inadequate for the school’s burgeoning student population and isn’t optimal for theatrical or musical performances.
The space is about to get a refresh, and school district officials and architects have asked for input from students, staff, parents and members of the community. Peter Hepner of Hepner Architects, heading up the project, was on hand at a public meeting in January where he recorded attendees’ comments. Hepner is confident his team will produce spectacular results. “We have the right team assembled who have run shows and productions and know how to design a performing arts theater with the educational space to support it,” said Hepner. Newsome Chorus teacher Jeff Bogue shared his excitement about the project. He and other teachers have compiled a document detailing their ideas for the space. “The biggest thing we want to express is that the next facility should be built for future growth and should be a space that can be rented out and shared with the community,” he said. “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right.” Hepner was attentive to all the suggestions and hopes to work within the budget (roughly 9 million dollars) to create a space that exceeds expectations. “We’re proud to be a part of this project and will make sure it’s done right,” said Hepner. The auditorium is expected to be completed by August 2023. Email Lauren Otero at Lauren.Otero@hcps.net.
Happy New Year!
January 2024
Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023 Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 33
LOCAL ACTOR MAKES NATIONAL DEBUT IN TOURING PRODUCTION OF HAIRSPRAY
RANDALL PRINCIPAL MAWHINNEY CELEBRATES RETIREMENT AFTER 40 YEARS IN EDUCATION
By Makenzie Atkins Noel
By Makenzie Atkins Noel
Josiah RanThe traveling dolph has enproduction of joyed being a the Tony-award part of the travwinning Haireling Hairspray spray will be on production. the road from “It’s been fanTuesday, Novemtastic for me so ber 14 until June far,” said Ran30, 2024. While dolph. “My fathe tour will not vorite part is include a Florida Josiah Randolph has been performing in theater since being able to his freshman year of high school, once playing Richie stop, the crew share the stois performing at in A Chorus Line. ry of the show the Broadway with so many people around North Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers now America.” through Saturday, October 28. Tickets He has played in Cleveland, Ohio; to the show in Fort Myers range from East Lansing, Michigan; Green Bay, $30-$85 and can be purchased online Wisconsin; and Ottawa, Ontario in now. Canada. He took a break to enjoy the Randolph and his family have lived in holidays with his family at home, but FishHawk since 2003 and he attendhe’ll soon be back on tour until the ed Fishhawk Creek Elementary School, end of June, starting in Tulsa, Oklaho- Progress Village Middle Magnet School ma in early January. and Howard W. Blake High School. While Randolph’s not certain what “I always knew I wanted to be a perhe’ll do after the tour ends, he hopes former and I discovered acting when I to perform in more productions. was in middle school,” said Randolph, Original Story Printed October “but it wasn’t until my freshman year of 2023. high school that I decided it was what I Josiah Randolph, a longtime FishHawk wanted to pursue professionally.” resident, is performing in the brand-new Randolph hopes to one day perform at traveling production of Hairspray. the highest level of theater, the BroadThe show follows 16-year-old Tracy way stage. Until then, you can catch Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets Randolph in the newest traveling proout to dance her way onto TV’s most duction off Broadway. popular show. Randolph will be playing To learn more about the traveling Thad, a dancer in the male ensemble production of Hairspray, please visit from the Motormouth Maybelle crew https://hairspraytour.com/. To purchase in the R&B special of the popular dance tickets for the Fort Myers show, please show. visit https://broadwaypalm.com/.
As former Principal could offer support to Claire Mawhinney enstudents and teachers joys retirement, the outside of the classreins have been passed room.” to another. The newly Mawhinney chaired appointed principal of the School Advisory Randall Middle School Council, led numerous is Colin Gerding, age school projects, served 48, whose new position on district committees officially took effect on and played a key role November 27, 2023. in promoting culturGerding has worked al awareness. Cultural for the Hillsborough awareness has conCounty school district As we look back on Claire Mawhin- tinued to be a priority since 2012 and has for Mawhinney, and ney’s career, she hopes people feel been an educator for she thanks former colthat she supported and helped us 26 years. Before takleagues Carl Green and grow. She plans on finding more ing over as principal of ways to do that for others while she Adriane Sykes, who is in retirement. Randall, he had worked helped her push through there as an assistant principal for the some of the challenges that come with last 10 years. With his experience, Ran- championing diversity. dall will be in good hands. Because many parents choose our comOriginal Story Printed November munity for the reputation of the schools 2023. and teachers, a lot of pressure is put on After a decade of leadership at Ran- the staff at Randall Middle School. While dall Middle School, Claire Mawhinney Mawhinney is proud to see the parents in will complete her career in education this the area expect the best for their children, year. she has placed importance over the years Claire Mawhinney graduated from the on assisting the staff with going above University of Florida (UF) with a degree and beyond for the students and parents in social studies education and later went at Randall while maintaining their own back to UF to complete her master’s de- families and well-being. gree in educational leadership. ThroughMawhinney looks forward to having out her career, Mawhinney has worked more time to care for the people she at Fort King, Gaither, Tomlin, Plant City, loves, including herself. Durant and Randall. As she embarks on this new chapter in “If you had told me when I was 26 that her life, we thank her for all she has done I would choose to leave the classroom, I over the years and celebrate her influence would have said, ‘No way,’” said Mawhin- in shaping the future of countless young ney. “However, I began to realize that I minds in our community.
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Page 34
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1
By Libby Hopkins
HCC FOUNDATION CREATES HEALTH SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM WITH $50,000 HCA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION GRANT
Frameworks of Tampa enriching both the comBay is a nonprofit orgamunity and themselves.” nization whose vision is Participating teens to be the local expert in can earn up to 36 comemotional intelligence for munity service hours youth, which is achieved that can be used toward through services includa Bright Futures Scholing school and district arship. Teens select a consultation, educator partnering service site and mentor professional in their field of interdevelopment, teacher est to volunteer at on a Teens in Action (TIA) is one of the coaching, parent and weekly basis and apply programs offered by Frameworks of community engagement Tampa Bay for local teens in the com- the emotional intellisessions as well as data munity. Teens in Action is a 10-month gence skills they learned and evaluation services. at monthly workshops. civic engagement and leadership Its mission is to em“Ultimately, participrogram grounded in emotional power educators, youth intelligence skills. TIA will be hosting its pants develop a deeper services professionals, annual Connection Networking Event level of empathy for othparents and guardians at Brandon High School on January 31, ers and leadership skills 2024, from 10-11 a.m. with training, coachto carry forward to coling and research-based resources to equip lege and beyond,” Zuloaga said. “In addition youth with emotional intelligence skills. to weekly community service at their site, “We support adults in helping children teens have optional but encouraged opporbuild the skills to identify and manage emo- tunities to provide additional, ongoing sertions in constructive ways, preparing them vice to the community and to support oneto succeed personally, academically and time events needing volunteers.” one day professionally,” said Frameworks of TIA will be hosting its annual Connection Tampa Bay’s senior community programs Networking Event at Brandon High School specialist, Miracle Zuloaga. on Wednesday, January 31 from 10-11 a.m. Teens in Action (TIA) is one of the pro“We are looking for community leadgrams offered by Frameworks of Tampa Bay ers to volunteer an hour of their time to for local teens in the community. Teens in work with our Teens in Action students Action is a 10-month civic engagement and on their networking skills,” Zuloaga said. leadership program grounded in emotional “This workshop is dedicated to guide and intelligence skills. help students build upon their communi“Teens in Action’s ninth through 12th cation skills and confidence while also givgrade participants from schools across Hill- ing helpful feedback to the students at the sborough County engage in workshops with event.” insightful guest speakers to equip them with If you’d like to learn more about Teens the emotional intelligence skills necessary in Action or attend its annual Connection for personal, academic and professional suc- Networking Event, you can visit Framecess,” Zuloaga said. “The teens then apply works of Tampa Bay’s website at https:// these skills through weekly volunteerism, myframeworks.org/.
The Hillsborindustry expert ough Commupanel discussion nity College event that in(HCC) Foundacludes leaders tion received a from HCA Flori$50,000 grant da Healthcare. from the HCA Students who Healthcare complete all HSE F o u n d a t i o n ’ s HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow program days Healthier Towill be put into Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to the Hillsborough Community College Foundation. morrow Fund to a drawing for an create a health science exploration co- HCC Foundation scholarship. Five $1,000 hort. Composed of 30 local high school scholarships will be awarded during the juniors and seniors, this program will run Spring Learn and Lunch event to be held for two semesters, with students partic- in February. ipating in different courses and simula“The HCA Healthcare Foundation’s tions offered by the College and commu- Healthier Tomorrow Fund grant was nity partners. awarded to HCC in support of the HSE “We are delighted to be a partner with program to accelerate access to health HCA Florida Healthcare and the HCA care careers, a priority impact area Healthcare Foundation in helping bring of ours,” said Jyric Sims, president of the Health Science Explorers (HSE) pro- HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division. gram to the region,” Garrett Weddle, “HCA Healthcare is dedicated to creating HCC Foundation executive director, said. healthier tomorrows, and this grant sup“Thanks to the generous financial support ports making careers in health care more from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the accessible for our youth, which is importcollege is recruiting Hillsborough County ant to our collaborative work to help adhigh school students for the first cohort dress health care workforce shortages.” to learn more about a career in health “At HCA Healthcare, we believe partcare. This program will positively impact nerships are essential to advancing our our community.” mission to care for and improve human In addition to students participating life,” said Joanne Pulles, vice president of in round-robin activities that explore the community engagement at HCA Healthhealth science field through a simulation care and president of the HCA Healthexperience, students will also receive a care Foundation. set of HSE scrubs, CPR kit and training, The Healthier Tomorrow Fund provides Stop the Bleed kit and training and a val- grants to nonprofit organizations in comidated blood pressure monitor and train- munities where HCA Healthcare has a ing. Students will also have a shadowing presence. Since its launch in 2021, the experience in their area of interest at an Healthier Tomorrow Fund has commitHCA Florida Healthcare hospital, men- ted more than $18.4 million and granted toring opportunity and exposure to an awards to 61 nonprofit organizations.
FRAMEWORKS OF TAMPA BAY OFFERS TEENS IN ACTION
Staff Report
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
ABOUT 14 PERCENT OF TAMPA ELECTRIC’S ENERGY CAN COME FROM THE SUN
Staff Report
Four new Tampa Electric solar plants began producing electricity from the sun this month, completing the next phase of the company’s significant solar expansion. Tampa Electric’s solar projects can now produce 1,252 megawatts of electricity, also called 1.25 gigawatts, enough to power more than 200,000 homes. This wave of solar construction includes Dover Solar in Hillsborough County, Juniper Solar in Pasco County and Alafia Solar and Lake Mabel Solar, both in Polk County. “Thanks to our strategic investment in solar power, Tampa Electric customers have saved about $200 million in fuel costs in the past five years,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We know how important these savings are for customers, and in coming years, we expect to generate even more power from the sun.” Construction will begin this month for the next phase of solar power, with more planned by the end of 2026. At that time, Tampa Electric will have more than 1,600 MW of solar, which will be able to serve 260,000 homes. When those projects are complete, Tampa Electric will have about 17 percent of its energy generated from the sun — the highest percentage of solar generation of any utility in the state.
Tampa Electric’s investment in solar energy helps to: • Save fuel costs for customers and assist in reducing the impact of volatile natural gas prices. Since 2017, solar power has saved customers about $200 million in fuel costs. • Conserve water. By repurposing former agricultural land for solar investments, Tampa Electric has saved more than 4.3 billion gallons of water in an area of Florida with critical concerns about water use. • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Tampa Electric is committed to a cleaner-energy future, and when complete these projects will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2.35 million tons every year, which is roughly equal to removing 500,000 cars from the road. Customers wanting more information about solar energy can visit Tampa Electric’s new webpage at www.tampaelectric.com/solarsolutions. Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 830,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
NEW MOBILE BUS PROVIDES FREE HEALTH CARE FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS By Kathy L. Collins Hillsborough prong in helping County’s Office of to minimize fiCommunity Imnancial barriers pact celebrated for patients that its grand opencan be long term ing of Housing and sustainable. Is Healthcare, Cheryl Howell, which brings assistant county health care to administrator the doorstep of for the Office of those who need it Community Immost. The grand Hillsborough County officials, Office of Community Im- pact, said, “The opening was cel- pact staff, Affordable Housing Services staff and Tampa H i l l s b o r o u g h ebrated with a Family Health Centers staff attended the ribbon-cutting County Housing ceremony for Housing Is Healthcare. ribbon-cutting Is Healthcare on November 16, initiative, in col2023, at Kenslaboration with ington Gardens, the Tampa Familocated at 6008 ly Health Center, Farmington Oaks represents a pioPlace in Riverneering effort to view. Housing Is Healthcare is a new mo- intersect housing and health. By synergizing bile bus that will bring free basic health care efforts to navigate health care systems and services to low-income neighborhoods. enhance built environments, the initiative Hillsborough County, in partnership with improves the access and knowledge of Tampa Family Health Centers, is planning healthy living.” for the Housing Is Healthcare mobile bus Howell added, “Through our partnership to visit affordable housing sites to reach with the Tampa Family Health Center, we residents who may not have access to af- leverage their expertise to empower comfordable health care services. The program munities in understanding and accessing will offer a holistic approach to health and health care resources. This collaboration not wellness services by providing residents only offers solutions to access health care with not only basic medical services but resources but also fosters enduring commualso behavioral health, chiropractic care and nity resilience. Together, we are advancing a dental care. holistic approach that can potentially transThe link between housing and health form the intersection of housing and health care has been extensively studied. Many care.” low-income residents suffer from chronic The schedule and locations for the Housdisease or disability and find it difficult, if ing Is Healthcare mobile bus will be annot impossible, to get the health care they nounced soon. For more information, please need. People face insurmountable challeng- visit the Housing Is Healthcare events page es in accessing care. A mobile medical bus found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org or such as Housing Is Healthcare could be the call 813-272-5074.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
LIMONA VILLAGE CHAPEL CONCERT SUPPORTS FAMILIES THROUGH
PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILY PROMISE By Lily Belcher Limona Village to the audience to Chapel United Methshare the organizaodist Church brought tion’s story, mission joy to local families and impact on the with the first annual community. Sing in the Season Limona Village last December. Chapel offers its The community space to house concert featured 10 homeless families local musical groups three to four times to raise $1,677 for Local music groups performed at Limona Vil- a year through its Family Promise, a lage Chapel to raise money to support Family partnership with nonprofit organizaFamily Promise. Promise. tion dedicated to Around 13 othempowering homeer local churches less and low-inwork with the come families. nonprofit to open Pastor Bailey their doors to Schreiner said he these families to was excited to produce a concert featuring give them a roof over their heads. local artists to support the cause. The church’s involvement with Family “It was out of that partnership with Promise helps fulfill the congregation’s Family Promise that we really saw a vision mission to show the love of Jesus by showfor bringing our community together to ing love for others through the community. raise money for a really great cause,” Sch“It was incredible to see our community reiner said. come together to support such an amazing Performers from Shades of Blue from cause,” Schreiner said. “…We know that afNewsome High School, St. Andrew’s Unit- fordable housing is a big issue in Hillsbored Methodist Church, Music Showcase and ough County. We are proud to throw open other groups sang holiday tunes during the the doors of the church and say, ‘Welcome Sunday afternoon concert. home! You belong here. You are loved!’” “We’re really proud of all of our orgaFor more information on Family Promnizations that have said yes because it is ise’s mission to empower homeless famitheir yes that made this possible,” Schrein- lies with support from the community, visit er said. https://familypromise.org/. Halfway through Sing in the Season, the To learn more about Limona Village audience of over 200 people was asked to Chapel, visit www.limonavillagechapel. donate to Family Promise and support lo- com or call 813-689-8385. The chapel is cal homeless families. Family Promise exec- located off U.S. Highway 60 at 408 Limoutive director Edwina Reddick also spoke na Rd. in Brandon.
Volume 23, Issue 1
NUCYCLE ENERGY PRODUCTS KEEP WASTE OUT OF LANDFILLS By Brad Stager Achieving better livprocesses that burn a ing through code enlot of fuel to produce forcement in Hillsborrequired amounts of ough County includes energy. conducting campaigns The partnership like the recently conwith Hillsborough cluded Sign Off Day County’s Sign Off Day Tampa Bay, which focampaign began last cuses on removing illeyear, and according Collected signs will be recycled into fuel gal road signs that are to Kyle Pukylo, NuCyunsightly and create cubes such as these, reducing landfill waste cle Energy’s director and providing a green energy choice. driving hazards. A loof sales and procurecal company is helping ment, their work to take that effort a step beautify and energize further by using the will continue. collected ‘snipe’/‘ban“It’s something we dit’ signs to create a plan on doing every source of green eneryear,” he said. gy. Pukylo added that After any metal NuCycle has also made is removed from the an agreement with the signs, which advertise services such as city of Lakeland which will help turn more trash removal, they are then collected off waste into nonfossil energy. public rights-of-way for recycling, and the The cleanup was a cooperative effort by remaining material is turned into a non- local governments, with code officers repfossil energy source by NuCycle Energy. resenting Hillsborough County as well as The leftover scrapped signage is then the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and hauled to Plant City, home of NuCycle En- Plant City to remove illegal signs from loergy’s facility that will turn it into chunks cal streets. of alternative fuel which can generate enWhile some businesses posting the ergy for industrial uses like cement and signs may think of it as cheap advertising, lime manufacturing. they are prohibited by local ordinances The company produces what it calls if they are displayed on public property Enviro-Fuelcubes® out of waste materi- without a permit. al by using processes and technology it According to Pukylo, the reason to developed for the purpose of producing develop and use technology that keeps a nonfossil fuel source that can be used waste out of landfills, such as Enviro-Fuin any suspension burning combustion elcubes, is simple: “We stopped making boiler. According to the company web- land a long time ago.” site, the Enviro-Fuelcubes are designated You can learn more about NuCycle Enas capable of partially or completely re- ergy by visiting https://nucycleenergy. placing fossil fuels like coal for industrial com/ online.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
Page 37
Community Arts &Events START BUYING
By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director
A CALL TO ARTISTS HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 2024 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FINE ART SHOW A call to artists has iature art (2D). The been issued by the categories for youth East Hillsborough Art (ages 6-17) are oils, Guild (EHAG) for the acrylics, watercolors, 2024 Florida Strawgraphics/mixed media berry Festival Fine Art and sculptures. Show, which runs from The adult entry fee Thursday, February for professionals is 29 through Sunday, $15 and $12 for amMarch 10 at the fesateurs and miniature tival grounds in Plant art. The entry for City. Artists of all ages are encouraged to apply youth is $5. This year, the show to be a part of the 2024 Florida Strawberry There are multiple will be presented in the Festival Fine Art Show, which will be held prizes available for Neighborhood Village at the festival grounds in Plant City from adults. These include near Gate 4. There is Thursday, February 29 to Sunday, March Best of Show, which very limited space, so 10. This is a great opportunity for artists earns the winner artists are encouraged of all levels to gain experience and have $300. The Strawberry to apply early via mail. their art seen by hundreds of thousands of Theme award (which festivalgoers. Entries will be acceptincludes entries which ed on a first-come, first-serve basis. feature strawberries or reflect the 2024 Adult artists, both professional and theme of Out of the World) is $100. There amateur, as well as youth artists are en- is also prize money for first and second couraged to apply. Karen Crumley, chair of place, as well as Business Leaders Choice the Fine Art Show, said, “There are over and Special ‘In Honor Of,’ which net $50 400,000 who come through the gallery for the artist. every year. We will likely have even more There is a Best Youth Entry award, which this year due to the new location. This is is $30 and sponsored by Jarrett Scott Ford a great opportunity for all artists to learn of Plant City. Youth first and second also how to present their art to the public.” receive prize money. All youth participants Crumley added, “I really want to encour- will receive a participation ribbon. age our youngest artists, especially those Early entries are accepted via mail until in high school, to apply. This will get them Thursday, February 8. Artists should mail exposure and the experience of having their forms and fees to East Hillsborough their art seen by the public.” Art Guild, P.O. Box 3055, Plant City, FL The categories for adults, both profes- 33564. Complete rules and entry forms sional and amateur, are oils, acrylics, wa- can be found at https://flstrawberryfestitercolors, graphics/mixed media and min- val.com/.
TAMPA THEATRE PRESENTS ITS 21ST ANNUAL WINEFEST FUNDRAISER
Tampa Theatre will celebrate over two decades of its signature fundraiser, WineFest, this March. The theme for this year’s WineFest is Grapebusters. WineFest is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser. WineFest has raised more than $1.5 million over the past 21 years for the non-profit Tampa Theatre. WineFest, which is for those 21 years and older, will kick off on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. with a two-tiered wine tasting. Guests will taste dozens of boutique wines and sample fares from Tampa’s top independent restaurants. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items from area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions. Tickets for the Premium Tasting, which begins at 7 p.m. and features exclusive wines for a limited audience, are $125, or $115 for Tampa Theatre members. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, which begins at 8 p.m., are $80, or $70 for Tampa Theatre members. On Saturday, March 2, the Tampa Theatre’s historic stage is transformed so that 275 people can sit for a wine pairing from 6-10 p.m. The multicourse menu, created through a collaboration between Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries’ culinary and hospitality teams, will feature delectable small plates expertly paired with exquisite wines. There are a limited number of tickets left for this Saturday event.
There will be a fun live auction featuring once-in-alifetime trips, exclusive experiences and a high-stakes wine pull. Tickets for the wine pairing are $400 for individuals and $750 for a pair. While the theme may seem positively ectoplasmic, WineFest’s purpose is quite solid. It is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser. WineFest has raised more than $1.5 million over the past 21 years for the nonprofit Theatre. Event Chair Zac Foster said, “I do not believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full-trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster or the theory of Atlantis, but I do believe in the mission of Tampa Theatre, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man-sized amount of support this community brings to the table each year to support its artistic, educational and community programming, and the preservation of this landmark building as we look forward to celebrating its centennial in 2026.” WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Ghostbusters-inspired costume. You can get tickets at the box office, located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa, or go online at https://tampatheatre.org/winefest/.
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Page 38
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
HCA FLORIDA BRANDON HOSPITAL COLLECTS 535 POUNDS OF FOOD TO BENEFIT HOPE FOR HER
Staff Report
Fashion took the cengotten more connected ter stage in HCA Floriwith Hope for Her, our da Brandon Hospital’s Women’s Services and entry with a canned NICU team has learned food donation sculpmore ways we can give ture of a high heel, supback in our special way. porting Hope for Her, a Hope for Her reached nonprofit organization out to our team recentdedicated to helping ly because they were Five hundred and thirty-five pounds of women through diffiunable to find a speciffood were collected at the recent HCA Flor- ic formula for a mom cult times. Brandon Hospital ida Brandon canned food drive to benefit in need. Our NICU staff local organization Hope for Her. hosted the HCA Healthimmediately was able care Food and Nutrition to track down the forDrive from November mula to make sure the 10-November 26, 2023. baby had safe, healthy The 2023 slogan for the nutrition immediately. food drive was “Healthy It’s special when we can meals are always in fashestablish these partnerion.” The hospital team ships that we know are was inspired by Hope for meaningful and make a Hers’ process to restore difference.” women’s confidence A canned food sculpture in the shape To build the canned of a stiletto illustrated the theme of through a new wardrobe good sculpture, upcycled (high heels included) and “Healthy Meals Are Always in Fashion”. materials and donated a healthy meal for their family. Other as- canned goods of various sizes were used sistance programs offered at Hope for Her to create the high-heel design. HCA Healthinclude access to support groups as well care-branded elements were added to the as its employment program and financial high heel once constructed, including orange coaching. velvet bows with a gold fringe and the ‘dia“We are so grateful for HCA Florida Bran- mond plus,’ part of the HCA logo. The diadon Hospital’s support. There are so many mond in the middle of the logo symbolizes families locally in need of additional food this patients, who are at the center of everything year. This is a blessing. We appreciate our HCA Healthcare does. partnership with Brandon Hospital,” said Brandon Hospital is thankful for the Cheryl Hickman, executive director of Hope canned good donations from caregivers, pafor Her. tients and visitors. Through the HCA Health“It is such an honor to support this or- care Food and Nutrition Drive, 535 pounds ganization that truly provides hope for of food was donated to Hope for Her. women in need in our community,” said Dr. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is located Christine Van Cott, chief medical officer at at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more inHCA Florida Brandon Hospital. “As we have formation, visit https://hcahealthcare.com/.
Volume 23, Issue 1
RIVERVIEW RESIDENT CROWNED MS. GULF COAST, COMPETING FOR MISS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CROWN By Kelly Wise Valdes Riverview resident hooked,” said Franklin. Hayley Franklin recent“Truthfully, I have lost ly won the title of Ms. more pageants than I Gulf Coast 2024 and have won. But those is excited to represent losses are what keep me and compete in the Miss coming back, what keeps United States of America pushing me to become a pageant in San Antonio, better human.” Texas in July. “Empower, The Miss United States Inspire and Uplift” is the of America areas of commotto for United States petition include interview, of America Pageants. onstage question, eveThrough philanthropy, ning gown, state/region hobbies, careers and platcostume and swimsuit/ forms, each contestant fitness. Franklin will be Hayley Franklin was recently strives to lift each other crowned Ms. Gulf Coast and will be training five days a week up and make a difference. competing in the Miss United States for the physical fitness “My platform is Big potion. of America pageant in July. Brothers Big Sisters “I will also be attendand I’ve had a ‘little’ ing every event that since she was 9 years I can to help get my old. She is now a Sename/title out there nior in high school,” said and gain awareness for Franklin. “We’ve been causes important to through a little bit of everything together.” me,” said Franklin. Franklin isn’t just another pretty face. She “I am excited about the interview segwas born and raised in Carrollton, Kentucky ment to show the judges truly who I am and and was the youngest female elected-offi- the state/region costume portion, where I cial in the State. Franklin has also tried out actually need readers’ help,” said Franklin. for Survivor, American Ninja Warrior and “If anyone reading this has ideas for how The Voice. In addition, she’s an ambassador I can properly showcase the Gulf Coast or for Salvation Army and part of the Tampa Florida as a whole, please reach out to me Bay Chamber of Commerce. Her day job and give me your ideas. It needs to be somekeeps her busy working as an account man- thing unique and outlandish.” ager for Prolink Staffing, which helps comIf you’d like to message Franklin or follow panies decrease pain points by finding the along on her journey, you can find her on right candidates. Instagram @hayleyfranklin. In addition, if No stranger to pageants, Franklin has you would like for Franklin to be a guest at been competing since early childhood. a community event or do a meet and greet, “My mom put me in Little Miss Carroll reach out to her at https://linktr.ee/hayleyCounty Fair in Kentucky and I won; I was franklin7.
Stronger and Healthier Than Ever Last December, my husband approached me about us setting a goal of getting healthier in 2023. So, we made an appointment to talk to Rob at RobZFitness, who was recommended to him by our primary care physician Dr. Shawn Wallace. Upon meeting with Rob, we both decided it was time to commit to a healthier way of life. With the help of Rob and Taylor, and the support of each other, we have lost about 170 pounds total over the last 8-10 months. I have lost 70 pounds and lost 14% body fat in 10 month. My overall fitness level was at 15% when I started and now its at 88% for women at my age. Like a lot of women, I have struggled with my weight all my life, especially after kids. This time my weight loss feels different. I wasn’t sure what to expect in the beginning, but I am surprised at how much stronger I’ve become, and the weight seem to just come off, losing an average of 2 pounds a week. I am 5’10 and I haven’t weighed under 200lbs in years. Now I weigh 195. With Rob and Taylor’s encouragement, I am pushing myself to get stronger and doing exercises I never thought I could accomplish. I have a few limitations with my knees but both Rob and Taylor worked around it and still push me to get stronger. Rob focused more on strengthening during his sessions and I am lifting amounts I never imagined. Taylor designated Wednesdays as Carolyn’s Core night. With his help, I am doing core exercises that I never thought I was capable of. With the support of Rob, Taylor and my husband who encouraged me all the way, I am stronger and healthier than I’ve been in a long time. Thank you for helping me get stronger and healthier.
Before...
...After
Carolyn Stafford
813.571.3700 www.RobZFitness.com 16315 FishHawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
January 2024
39TH ANNUAL 2024 FLORIDA RV SUPERSHOW DRIVES INTO TOWN By Sharon Still For nearly 40 “You can bring years, the Florida your hunting gear, RV Trade Associafishing equipment, tion (FRVTA) has bikes and anything hosted one of the else you have room largest RV shows in for. And if you get the country. Every tired of your view January, RV enthuor your neighbors, siasts from near all you have to do and far flock to the is move on,” he said. Florida State Fair- Every major RV manufacturer will be showcased The SuperShow grounds to check when the 2024 Florida RV SuperShow comes to offers educational town in January. out the latest and opportunities and a greatest RV models from evway for newbies to get their ery major manufacturer, plus feet wet, while also offering hundreds of supplier booths seasoned RVers a place to showcasing camping accestrade in their RV or take adsories and more. vantage of some of the best Mark your calendars for camping opportunities found Wednesday through Sunanywhere. day, January 17-21, and, as Seminar topics include the event’s theme suggests, RVing to Alaska, guided RV “Rock on Down the Highvacations, generator mainteway!” to the 39th annual nance and fire safety, among 2024 Florida RV SuperShow. others. “We will have more suppliAdmission to the Suers’ booths and every type, perShow is $15 for adults, Strolling entertainers are a size and style of RV on the crowd favorite at the Florida which includes free secmarket,” said FRVTA execuond-day admission. Children RV SuperShow. tive director David Kelly. under 16 are admitted for free. He added that there will be more enter“We’re also renewing the two-day pass so tainment and additional seminars offered the public will have two full days to see evthis year, as record crowds are expected. erything at the SuperShow at no additional Guests can expect to see strolling entertain- cost,” said Kelly. Event hours are Wednesers, such as clowns, unicycle riders, barber day through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and shop quartets and bagpipe bands. Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Florida State According to Kelly, interest in RVing is at Fairgrounds. Seniors will receive $2 off adan all-time high and more younger people mission from Wednesday through Friday. are embracing the lifestyle. He noted that The Florida RV Trade Association is loRVing is no longer just for older generations, cated at 10510 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview. as others are discovering the opportunities For more information, contact the FRVTA at it affords. 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.
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WHAT IS ROTARY? A LOOK INSIDE THE GROWING INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION
By Ava Benedict
Rotary Internationlives, allowing them al has been a symbol a sense of comfort of service and givduring difficult times. ing back for over a Service projects play century. With over an integral role with1.4 million members in Rotary, as these and 47 million volunevents encourage givteer hours each year, ing back and creating the Rotary Club has change within helped to foster mathe communijor change within our Rotary Clubs across the nation ty. Some serworld. From helping to vice projects inspire millions to become eradicate polio to pro- active volunteers within their by local chapcommunities. viding clean drinking ters include water in underdeveloped countries, Rota- the landscaping of Burns Middle School ry has become a beacon of hope and pros- by the Interact Club of Tampa Bay and an perity throughout the globe. But what is upcoming trip to build homes in Honduras Rotary truly about? by the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club. The Rotary Club was originally founded Rotary is not religiously or politically afin 1905 by Paul Harris as a way to create filiated and welcomes people from every social bonds between community mem- background and walk of life, all with the bers. It soon evolved into a platform for purpose of providing service to those in change focused on creating healthy envi- need. The clubs meet both in-person and ronments for all people in every part of online. Some are cause-based clubs, while the world. Since its founding, Rotary has others are geographically based. However, expanded to new heights and implement- joining a Rotary Club is not necessary to ed new goals. Now, local Rotary Clubs become involved. Field experts are needmeet and discuss relevant issues within ed in Rotary Action Groups and anyone their communities that can be addressed can join a Rotary Fellowship in their interthrough volunteer work. Its motto, “Ser- est areas, as these are both online intervice Above Self,” represents the main goal national groups. The Rotary Foundation is of modern Rotary: to make a difference in always in need of contributions to create the world. In Florida alone, there are over even more impact within the world. 500 active Rotary Clubs that participate Rotary is an extremely rewarding expein a wide variety of events. rience that allows anyone and everyone to Recently, the Brandon Rotary Club make a difference. For those interested in hosted a Teddy Bear Drive for the Rough joining a Rotary Club in their area, visit Riders to give to children in the hospitals the Rotary International website at www. within the Tampa Bay area. These toys rotary.org/en or the Rotary International make a big difference within children’s Facebook page.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
NEW YEAR’S FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS Now that we’ve reached 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make — volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others — why not make some financial resolutions, too? Here are a few to consider: • Boost your retirement savings. If you can afford it, try to increase your contributions to your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. The more you put away in these accounts, the greater your chances of reaching your retirement goals. At a minimum, contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. And whenever your salary goes up, consider raising the amount you put in to your 401(k). • Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts — but it’s worth the effort. The lower your debt load, the greater your monthly cash flow. So, look for ways to consolidate debts or find other, possibly more productive, ways of using credit. And if you truly can’t afford something that’s nonessential, don’t go into debt for it. “Live within your means” is an old piece of advice, but it’s just as valid now as ever. • Build an emergency fund. If you suddenly needed a major home or car repair, or received a large medical bill not fully covered by insurance, would you have the funds available? If not, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts or other long-term investments. To avoid this possibility, try to build an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account that’s separate from the ones you use to meet your daily expenses. It can take a while
to build such a fund, but if you make it a priority and contribute regular amounts each month, you can make good progress. • Avoid emotional decisions. Too many people overreact to events in the financial markets because they let their emotions get the better of them. If the market is temporarily down, it doesn’t mean you need to sell investments to “cut your losses” — especially if these investments still have good fundamentals and are still appropriate for your portfolio. It can be hard to ignore market volatility, but you’ll be better off if you focus on the long term and continue following an investment strategy that’s designed to meet your needs. • Review your goals. Over time, your goals may have changed. For example, while you once might have wanted to retire early, and planned for it, you may now find that you’d like to work a few more years. If that’s the case, you may also need to adjust your financial and investment strategies. • Revisit your estate plans. If you’ve married, divorced, remarried or added children to your family within the past few years, you may need to review the account titling and beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and other retirement assets, along with your estate-planning documents, such as your will or living trust. You might also need to revise these documents in other ways. Of course, you may not be able to tackle all these resolutions at one time, but if you can work at them throughout the year, you can potentially brighten your financial outlook in 2024 — and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Article 16 – Jan. 1, 2024
Adam M benAbram Financial Advisor 10312 W Bloomingdale Ave Suite 105 Riverview, FL 33578
edwardjones.com
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813-626-3052
edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
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Page 40
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 23, Issue 1