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Local Cub Scout Sells Popcorn In All 50 States To Become Amongst Top 10 In US
By Amy Schechter
William Benrud, a local Wolf Cub Scout, was able to sell popcorn to a person from every state and even Korea, Germany and England.
locally.” So, William took it upon himself to make a video, and his parents shared it. Everyone was surprised when the video was viewed more than 6,500 times and shared over 150 times. At one point, William even cracked the top 10 of all popcorn sales across all of Scouting. When asked what he wants others to know about his success, he said, “I want people to support my Cub Scout career. I’ve learned to never give up on a challenge that you started. I want to tell everyone in the community to buy at least one bag of popcorn; if not from me, from another Scout.” Pretty impressive for a second grader. Plus, he is going to make sure all the money goes back to his pack so they can have an amazing campout. As the top seller, he will earn himself a well-deserved hammock so he can take a break. To all of the other Cub Scouts who may want to tackle some big goals, William said, “Just try your hardest and have fun.” To order, visit www.trailsend.com/store/scout/R3N5JOO2. To view William’s video, visit www.facebook.com/victoria.benrud/videos/102 23263031980358. If you order from him, he will send you a personalized thank-you message.
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Chicks For Charities Makes Major Impact For Local Children’s Organizations
By Marie Gilmore
Classes, Cards for Troops, bunco and the Chicks Cruisin’ for a Cause. Chicks for Charities has helped more than a dozen local charities and has donated more than $160,000 over 11 years, and as its popularity grew, so has the impact it has been able to make on the comThe Campo Y and Water Smart Tots were the recipients of a munity. donation of more than $20,000 for water safety programs from The group is not Chicks for Charities. like most other clubs or For 11 years, the Chicks for Charities, organizations, as being a member does also known locally as Charity Chicks, has not require any dues payments and there supported the local area’s children’s chariare no meetings. ties. With annual fun events including “It is a gathering of like-minded local Ladies Movie Nights, bunco and even women who support our local charities annual cruises for a cause, the group of here in Brandon. We like to get together ladies from the community have been and have fun and help a charity, that is making a difference. what we are all about,” said Holmberg. For 2020, the charity of choice for the The group, sponsored by businesses 11th annual Chicks for Charities Cruise like Chick-fil-A, Green Boutique, Osprey was water safety programs for children, Observer Newspapers, Canine Cabana, and the cruise on Royal Caribbean was Cardinal Roofing and many more, is simscheduled just as the COVID-19 quaranply dedicated to hosting events and raistine hit, so all cruises were cancelled. ing money for local children’s causes. However, the pre-cruise events still hapFor more information about Chicks pened and Royal Caribbean continued for Charities, visit its Facebook page or with its commitment and donation. Water email chicksforcharities@gmail.com. Smart Tots and the Campo YMCA were both recipients of the more than $20,000 donation. YMCA Director Jarrod Williams was thrilled and honored to be a part of the campaign. “We just can’t tell you how much this donation means to the Y this year, it will help us make a big difference for water safety programs for children,” he said. Tammy Holmberg, owner of Chick-filA at Lake Brandon Village and Chick-fil-A Brandon South on Bloomingdale Ave., was inspired to start up the gathering of women doing good as a part of her Brandon Honorary Mayor campaign in 2008-09. The events Holmberg held during her campaign were so popular that she decided to continue hosting, such as Ladies Movie Nights, Sketch and Sip
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“I just wanted to have some fun with it,” 7-year-old William Benrud stated matter-of-factly. Its a casual answer for a 7-year-old who has accomplished a huge feat. William managed to sell popcorn to someone from every state in the United States and even Korea, Germany and England as part of his fundraiser for Boy Scout Pack 632. Every year, Scouts from all over the country sell popcorn as an annual fundraiser to help them raise money for activities. Many of them ask their family and friends in their local circles, but William found that the power of social media could take him so much further. His mom, Victoria Benrud, explained, “We encouraged him to do it on his own, but we used our social media platforms to help him. Since we’re not doing storefront sales in the community, this is our only fundraiser, and so much of the money does come back to the boys
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November 2020 Volume 19, Issue 11 Ph: 657-2418
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE: 21
Tickets for this year’s FishHawk Turkey Trot can be purchased online and for $25, participants will receive a Turkey Trot shirt. For $35, racers will receive the shirt and a medal is also an ornament. Visit www.sohopefl.org. If you or a student you know are interested in volunteering to help the charity, email info@sohopefl.org.See Page 53 for Full Story.
12/01/20
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2020
YMCA Offers Virtual Thanksgiving Run The Goody Goody Turkey Gobble
By Kathy L. Collins
Each Thanksgiving, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA (the Y), holds a Thanksgiving run called Goody Goody Turkey Gobble. This year, the Y will hold the race virtually from Sunday to Saturday, Residents are November 22-28. encouraged to lace Runners/walkers up and join the Y virtually this are encouraged to Thanksgiving and choose a route in participate in its annual Goody Goody their own neighborTurkey Gobble Race. hood, run at their local YMCA or discover a new trail while visiting relatives. “It will not be the same start and finish line in downtown Tampa, but families can still go outside and run together. The virtual event concept puts more emphasis on the cause and gives runners a greater sense of purpose,” said Matt Mitchell, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA president and CEO. “It is the perfect time to be thankful for good health and spend time with our loved ones,” added Mitchell. Dave Boyle, executive director of YMCA Camp Cristina, is an avid runner. Boyle said, “Like so many others, the lifting of the quarantine restrictions was like the start of a new year. All the time indoors during late spring and summer had not been kind to my waistline, so I made a resolution to get back in shape.” “I decided to run the Y’s Goody Goody Turkey Gobble on Thanksgiving
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
morning. At first, the idea of a virtual 5K seemed strange to me. Part of running events is the community feel of people doing the same thing. But then, I realized that community was not just there on race day,” he added. Registered participants have a full week to complete the challenge and receive some swag, like a special edition 2020 T-shirt and finisher medals. Registration is open until November 28. The donation to participate is $29 for individuals or $110 for a family of four. The annual event has been a source of fundraising for local cancer survivors and their families for the past five years. The event has raised more than $296,000. All proceeds support LIVESTRONG at the Y. LIVESTRONG is a 12-week program offered at no cost to cancer survivors. It provides a safe, supportive environment where they can participate in physical and social activities. To learn more and to register for the Goody Goody Turkey Gobble, please visit https://endurancecui.active.com/event -reg/select-race?e=72231954.
Neighborhood Favorite Offers More Than Just Ice Cream
By Laura Tamayo
Nine years ago, adding beer, wine, sanone of the gria, mimosas and frosé FishHawk area’s to the menu for any most loved locaadults. Similarly, it has tions opened its widened its crafting oppordoors. Art Monkey, tunities, now offering cannow titled Art dle-making, woodworks Monkey Emporium and painting on canvases. and run by Eric Soncrant also plans to sell Soncrant, has been homemade candles ina steadfast compostore and on the Art nent of the Monkey Emporium webFishHawk commusite at www.artandicenity where families cream.com. and friends come For children, birthday together to eat ice parties, summer camps cream, create art and art classes are offered, Art Monkey Emporium now welcomes everybody to come have as well as more than 20 and much more. a good time. Soncrant was flavors of ice cream. not the original owner, but his family purWith these past few unprecedented chased the business in October 2016. months of chaos, Art Monkey Emporium “We purchased it to keep its spirit alive as has faced a strenuous challenge in being a creative resource to the community,” able to stay open. Customers have been explained Soncrant. very scarce, but Soncrant expressed his Though many Fishhawk residents hope that normalcy is close by. This busiknow Art Monkey Emporium for its ice ness’ eclectic, colorful nature is not somecream and pottery, the organization has thing to miss, and now, with social disrecently added many more services. tancing and masks mandated, anyone “Since we’ve owned Art Monkey, we can visit. Art Monkey Emporium is the have relied more and more on local mak- perfect place to set aside the stress that ers. Our goal is to be a resource for them the world’s state is causing and simply and a place where they can showcase relax. their craft,” said Soncrant as he detailed Visit www.artandicecream.com to find Art Monkey Emporium’s new association out more or visit Art Monkey Emporium in with multiple local artists, holding events FishHawk’s Park Square Plaza at 16144 to present their pieces and sell them to Churchview Dr., Ste. 103 in Lithia to paint, customers. craft, drink some especially stress-relievAside from this, the company has ing beverages (21 and up) or just eat decided to expand its demographic by some ice cream.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
Local Girl Scout Cadette Grace Allen Continues Silver Award Project For Breast Cancer Patients
Randall PTSA Promotes Hat Not Hate With Speical AR Workshop Projects
The highest cannot visit the cancer award a Girl patients in person, Scout Cadette each bag contains a can earn is the pre-addressed enveSilver Award, a lope for patients to commendation for write them a letter. a community proj“We have received ect that has persome truly amazing letsonal meaning. ters over the years— For Grace Allen thanking us at a real and her family, time of need, donating breast cancer is to the event to ensure the personal issue it keeps going and for which she cre- Newsome junior Grace Allen with gift even letting us know of bags for Pretty in Pink recipients. ated Pretty in the recipients passing. Pink. In 2017, Newsome junior Grace It’s been an amazing experience,” said Allen created a project in which volunAlexander. teers assemble gift bags of bandanas, While the Pretty in Pink project fulbracelets and other gifts for patients filled Allen’s requirement for her Silver living with breast cancer or recovering Award, her mission holds a special from treatment. place in her heart as her grandmother “[Mothers and daughters] get to do and aunt were diagnosed with breast some fun games and crafts together cancer. Allen’s grandfather, who is while helping out an important cause: receiving chemotherapy treatment, breast cancer. They are given a bag to was beaming with pride when he could decorate and while going to different tell the other patients that his grandstations to do some games, they are daughter was responsible for the bags. given items to put into the bags,” said To receive her Gold Award as a Carrie Alexander, Allen’s mother. Senior Girl Scout, Allen is sewing 100 Despite restrictions on visits to the pillows for the seatbelts of chemotherFlorida Cancer Specialists due to the apy patients so the seatbelts do not coronovirus, Allen has continued her rub against the ports in their chest; the project by giving volunteers kits and project is called Pretty Port Pillows. supplies to make the bags and then She is asking the community to match delivering them to the center herself, her donation by following her video for under the supervision of Project learning how to make the pillows. Advisor Dr. Julia Cogburn from Florida For more on Pretty in Pink, visit Cancer Specialists. gsprettyinpink.com or contact Allen at Since Allen and the volunteers prettyinpink.gs@gmail.com.
The were able to Randall Middle hear the meanSchool PTSA ing behind the found a unique program: way to talk to empowerment students about against bullies. bullying last “Anti-bullymonth. ing awareness Members of the is such an PTSA board worked with AR Workshop and PTSA and staff members at Randall Middle Lion Brand to School empowered students against bullying by making and distributing hats as part of make hats that the Hat Not Hate program. were given to students as part of the national Hat important mesNot Hate campaign. sage to be “The Randall PTSA was thrilled to spread to every middle schooler,” join AR Workshop for the Hat Not said Collis. “This was a great way for Hate initiative,” said PTSA President our board members and school leadJennifer Collis. ers to join together to show some Board members gathered at AR support and positivity to our stuWorkshop in Brandon and made the dents.” hats, which were purchased by AR Staff members also wore the Workshop Owner Stephanie Paxton. hats, spreading the message of “For me, being a mother of three, strength to the students. this was such a good program to sign The event prompted a group of up to be involved with,” said Paxton. National Junior Honor Society stu“I was teased constantly while growdents to set up their own socially dising up because of my height and I tanced hat-making session. know now that it is so much harder “We hope to this becomes an for kids with social media, they really annual program at Randall,” said never get a break. I have never Collis. understood how kids or adults can be To learn more about Hat Not cruel to each other. I love this proHate, visit www.hatnothate.org. gram and the message it sends out. AR Workshop Brandon is located We all could use a little less hate in at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico this world.” and can be reached at 775-7109. To The hats were later taken to the learn more, visit school on Hat Spirit Day and students www.arworkshop.com.
By Lily Belcher
By Kate Quesada
November 2020
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Southeast Hillsborough County’s first wine-centric bar, Bin + Board, has been a long time coming for local restaurateurs Lacey and Ty Mathis, better known as the owners of Brandon’s renowned The Stein & Vine pub located in the Kings Row Shopping Center at the southwest corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Kings Dr. In April 2019, the couple leased two storefronts near the eastern end of the Kings Row plaza totaling just over 2,500 sq. ft. and, as could be expected from 2020, hit too many potholes to count along renovation road. Delays with contractors, permits, plans, approvals, and building materials, not to mention ongoing efforts to keep The Stein & Vine serving the community under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, made working on the new venture that much more special. As a frequent flyer, I have been fortunate enough to have spoken with both Lacey and Ty at various stages along the way and can tell you firsthand the project has definitely been a labor of love and not one for the faint of heart. I asked Lacey to share her thoughts about the concept, whose idea it was, why they chose a site five doors down from The Stein & Vine and what the food and wine menu will feature. “We wanted to bring something new
to the Brandon area. We have wonderful, independent restaurants and bars popping up in this area and we want to continue to embrace this trend and bring a concept to this area that we feel fills a void. When the space five doors down from The Stein & Vine became available, we felt like it was a good opportunity to explore a new concept for us. The Bin + Board was born out this desire and evolved because of our enjoyment of exploring wines from around the world and a craving for cheese,” Lacey said. “The interior’s warm and cozy darkwood theme is highlighted with stylish lighting—you will enjoy cozying up to the bar for a glass or bottle of wine,” she said. “We will be offering a variety of wines from around the world, from the classics you would expect to those looking to expand their palates with lesser known varietals and regions. Our craft beer selection will be exceptional as well. Our rotating selection of cheese plus charcuterie, and other yummies, will keep your taste buds tantalized. Can’t stay and enjoy? That’s OK—we will be offering a small retail selection of wine, cheese and beer to go.” The couple anticipates an opening date somewhere around the middle of November.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
South County’s First Village Remembered:The Ghosts Of Gulf City, First Town South Of Alafia
By Charles Nelson
In 1881, a newly published Ben Moody—no relation to the map of Florida identified Gulf City Alafia River Moody’s—contributed as the first organized town south of significantly to the growth of Gulf the Alafia River. The small village City. He established an oyster bed sat on the banks of the Little at the mouth of the Little Manatee Manatee River at Tampa Bay. If River and became well-known in you try to find remnants of Gulf City Tampa as a purveyor of the region’s today, your efforts will likely go finest fresh oysters and fish. He also unrewarded. Only the ghosts of opened a canning factory in Gulf SouthShore’s first community City that employed 30 to 40 people remain. for canning oysters and sardines Some ghosts are prehistoric before 1900. The plant didn’t last “1881 Colton map of Florida.” Source: Tampa Bay “Historical Marker near site of Leisey Shell Pit, History Center. Gulf City.” animals (think saber-tooth cats, llalong, primarily due to oysters being builders mound on the Little overharvested without any thought to mas, and giant sloths, among many othManatee’s south ers) that roamed Gulf City over 1.5 million destroyed most depleting the supply. of these bank. Other settlers years ago. Local paleontologist Frank Moody also attempted to establish mounds to build slowly followed, Garcia unearthed the remains of over Gulf City as a fishing and hunting mecca. roads in South and by 1878, Gulf 30,000 bones at the Leisey Shell Pit in He built a new, 2-story hotel on top of a Hillsborough City began to take 1983. Today, a historical marker identifies native mound at the end of Shell Point County. You root. A small school Rd. Neither the mound nor the hotel surthe spot, now underwater, of Florida’s can view some accepted six stumost important dig. Fortunately, you can vived to today, although Little Manatee dents at an 18’ x view part of his collection at Camp Bayou of these artiRiver is now a protected Florida waterway facts at muse20’ log cabin that Nature Preserve in Ruskin. where fish and birds thrive. Today, a mariums in ran on a very People inhabited the shores along na sits on the site of the mound. Gainesville and unusual threethe Little Manatee River long before Ruskin was created in 1908, thor“Shell Point Marina today. Native mound likely located in parking lot.” Source: www.shellpointma- month term. A those first white settlers created Gulf City. Washington oughly overshadowing the small village of rina.com. D.C. Reverend Remnants of small villages were discovGulf City. Later, the remnants of Gulf City Legendary pirates also haunt the Robinson first preached services in that ered at the Little Manatee’s mouth by were merged into Ruskin entirely and Gulf City waters. Rumors that the ‘Pious school and later opened a sawmill and archeologists in the early 20th century. mostly forgotten. Almost nothing remains Pirate,’ Ben Margoza, established his built a small church 6 miles south of Gulf There they uncovered human remains of the community except for the ghosts of City. and hundreds of artifacts telling of natives pirate stronghold at Gulf City persist prehistoric animals, American Indians, among modern-day treasure hunters. By 1886, a post office was estabwho called this area home for thousands legendary pirates and the settlers who Other pirates, like Henry Ross, a suplished. Mail was delivered once a week, of years. sought to make a town. posed crewmate of Tampa’s Gasparilla, by boat from Tampa, for settlers in The first historical account of these Charles Nelson Bio reportedly lurked in the area as well. Southern Hillsborough County, Oak Hill natives was left by a chronicler who Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in Keep in mind, though, that these enter(now Parrish), Bradenton, and Ellenton. History from George Mason University and accompanied Hernando de Soto on his taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC taining legends can’t be verified. The post office served the community 1539 invasion of the area just south of (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with Harry Sellner, a Dutch seaman, was until a railroad was established from Plant Gulf City. De Soto marched his men north Tampa Bay History Center as a the first verified white settler in Gulf City. City to Bradenton shortly after the centuvolunteer docent, researcher and to occupy an abandoned native village community lecturer, with an emphasis on He arrived in the 1860s and built his ry’s turn. The small post office was closed (remembered as Uzita) where the river South Hillsborough County history. home on top of an American Indian shell for good. meets the bay. Sadly, progressive
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Children's Gasparilla Will Continue With Reserved Distanced Seating & Protocols In Place
Federal $25 Million Grant To Help Pay For Big Bend Road/I-75 Interchange Improvements
Center and witness the krewe’s fully-rigged pirate ship—the José Gasparilla II—and its accompanying flotilla of boats invade the shore. Shortly after, the 2021 Gasparilla Parade of Pirates, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, steps off at 2 p.m. As the focal point of Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest activities, the parade boasts approximately 130 colorful floats, bands Tickets are now on sale for Children’s Gasparilla and José Gaspar’s swashbuckling events, taking place in January 2021. pirates. Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla EventFest, Inc. and Ye Mystic Krewe and EventFest are working closely with of Gasparilla have announced that the City of Tampa officials to prepare for a advanced-sale, reserved tickets are on ‘super’ Gasparilla in 2021. In light of pubsale now for the 2021 Children’s Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa lic health concerns, the event will feature socially-distanced reserved Invasion Bay and the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and parade seating with a minimum of one row and one seat between Brunch and Gasparilla Parade of Pirates. each party. The 2021 Children’s Gasparilla, While large gatherings remain a scheduled for Saturday, January 23, dynamic and evolving situation, 2021, is an alcohol-free, family event that Gasparilla continues to work with city offiannually launches the Gasparilla season cials and public health authorities on in Tampa. The event invites pirates of all event modifications and contingencies to ages to witness a series of expertlydesigned parade floats, krewes, marching ensure that Tampa’s signature community event safely occurs in 2021. bands, dance units and more in the TICKETS: Reserved bleacher seatChildren’s Gasparilla Parade. The excitement comes to a close with the Children’s ing for the Children’s Gasparilla Parade starts at $47 per person. Additional Gasparilla ‘Piratechnic’ Finale, which reserved seating options are available lights up the sky above Bayshore Blvd. starting at $62 per person. Visit beginning at 6:30 p.m. GasparillaTreasures.com to learn more The 2021 Gasparilla Invasion about single-row chair seating (First Mate Brunch, scheduled for Saturday, January Tickets) and hospitality experience tickets 30, 2021, has been a Gasparilla tradition (Scully’s Hospitality Experience), which since the late 1980s. Brunch ticket holdinclude pre-parade family entertainment, ers will enjoy a bountiful feast and live buffet lunch and more. entertainment at the Tampa Convention
section of Old Big Bend Rd. and Bullfrog Creek Rd. will be changed to a traffic roundabout with new traffic signals, lighting and stormwater drainage systems installed where needed within the project footprint, which extends from from Covington Gardens Dr. to Simmons Loop. The total cost of the project is about $91.9 million, with construction scheduled to begin A project to improve conditions at the I-75 interchange at Big Bend Rd. received a $25 million in late 2021 and completing federal grant to help pay for it. in 2024. Tucked away on Tampa Bay’s County Commissioner Sandra eastern edge in Southern Murman works with transportation Hillsborough County, residents of agencies and advocates to develop Apollo Beach and nearby communipolicy and solutions for residents, and ties rely on major roads like I-75 to she said in a press release that this access work and recreation beyond new funding will help pave the way to the SouthShore area. Growth in peoeasier commutes and improved safety ple and cars has made it difficult at for the growing number of people peak traffic times to get on, or even moving to the area. off, the interstate highway at Big “Our goal is to create a safe and Bend Rd., but a $25 million federal enhanced travel experience for resiBetter Utilizing Investment to dents and employees in the Leverage Development (BUILD) grant SouthShore region by addressing the will help pay for modifications to the congestion and safety deficiencies interchange that officials say will that currently exist on Big Bend Rd. improve the situation. and at the I-75 interchange, and the The grant will help pay for what is grant will help us achieve this vision.” called the I-75/Big Bend Road Hillsborough County officials have Mobility and Access Project. Changes identified the Big Bend Rd. corridor as include reconstructing the interone of the area’s most dangerous, citchange ramps as well as widening a ing the large increase in traffic volume 2-mile section of Big Bend Rd. from and drivers’ failure to properly yield to four lanes to six, with bicycle lanes right-of-way traffic as the major factors and multi-use paths as part of the in accidents and say that the changes design. The stop-sign controlled inter- will improve the situation.
Staff Report
Just like most things, there are high-quality products, low-quality products, and all thing in between. But without trying every product out there, how do you know how to choose the good products over the bad ones? Most people don’t. Most folks are buying CBD the way they buy wine – based on a pretty label and a sale price. And just like with wine, labels are an easy way to disguise low-quality products as high-quality. Many stores, even gas stations now offer CBD. As more products hit the market, it is getting much more important for consumers to understand what to look for when shopping. Here is a checklist of what to look for. The COA from a 3rd party lab is your window into the quality of the product. Companies are required to have their WHOLE end product lab tested. This test should be accessible by a QR code listed on the packaging. Does the product use organic, natural ingredients or is it a long list of additives you can’t pronounce? Many companies cover up lower quality CBD by adding other ingredients.
Many retail locations have only added a hemp CBD product line because it is a very desired product. However, many of those individuals when asked “Where was that plant cultivated? Who grew it? How was it bred? Harvested?” They have Also ask your salesperson why they sell CBD. I recently asked that question to a local store which has added it on, and their response was “I get it so cheap my margins are huge” Anyone who answers you that way stay away from. There are “less expensive products on the market which are taking short cuts on the process, testing or distribution just to under-cut others. In short there is a lot of BAD CBD out there and many uneducated salespeople. If you are unsure of any product you have tried or currently use, come in CHILL CAWFEE and we will offer you a free consultation on what to look for in your CBD products.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
lay C l l a b ase B t n w, a o r h S Du n a edi m o C , t 50 p Shoo o T e r nett BayCa ny Ben
the country. Each tool kit includes resources like brochures, magnets, posters and more. “The most important step you should take before making a meal is to ‘Serve up n e J Fire Safety in the om ed by Compil preyobserver.c Kitchen!’” said Melissa @os jbennett Snively. “A cooking fire can grow very quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.” For more general information about Durant Baseball’s 7th Annual Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire Cougar Clay Shoot prevention, visit www.fpw.org. Come out to the seventh annual Cougar Clay Shoot Fundraiser, supportAward-Winning Comedian ing Durant High School’s baseball team, Returning To United Methodist on Saturday, November 14 at FishHawk Church Sporting Clays. Registration begins at 9 The United Methodist Church of Sun a.m. and the shoot begins at 10 a.m. The City Center welcomes back Dove Awardprices are $65 per person or $240 per winning comedian Mike Williams for two foursome and include 50 clay targets for shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, each person and lunch. Guns and shells November 21. Williams is a nationally are available to rent on the day of the known comedian who knows how to event, no experience needed. There will make people laugh, and he does it with be a 50/50 raffle and lots of items to win outrageously funny and clean humor. He via the raffle or a silent auction. can be heard regularly on SiriusXM and For more information, email has appeared on many television netdhscougarsbaseball@gmail.com or call works. These Laurie Allen at 404shows will be 9134. FishHawk benefit fundraisSporting Clays is ers for the local located at 13505 chapter of Hobson Simmons Rd. Campaign in Lithia. Against Human Trafficking, a Melissa Snively cause that is a Helps Pinecrest passion for Elementary Williams. Reduce Kitchen Tickets can Fire Dangers Melissa Snively teams up with Pinecrest be purchased in State Farm Agent Elementary School to help prevent home advance for $10 Melissa Snively fires. at the church teamed up with office at 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. from Pinecrest Elementary School to promote 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through this year’s Fire Prevention Week camThursday. Tickets will cost $15 on the day paign, “Serve up Fire Safety in the of the shows, if they are not sold out. Kitchen!™” The campaign educates the public about simple yet important actions to keep themselves and others safe. Tampa Bay Network According to the National Fire Protection To End Hunger Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the Announces Virtual Conference United States. Almost half of reported In the United States, home fires started in the kitchen. State 54 million people may Farm agents know firsthand the trauma struggle to put food on the families face following a devastating table this year due to house fire. That is one reason why they COVID-19. On Thursday and Friday, are taking a proactive approach to workOctober 29-30, the 2020 Sunshine ing with local fire departments to help Summit to End Hunger, presented by the communities reduce home fires. State Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger, in Farm agents are delivering Fire partnership with Bread for the World and Prevention Week tool kits to more than Florida Impact to End Hunger, will be 2,500 fire departments or schools across
FL EC 13005767
Volume 19, Issue 11
hosted virtually for the first time ever. This year’s theme is ‘Global Effects of COVID19 on Food Systems and Local Effects on Emergency Feeding.’ The forum will provide organizers and the broader antihunger community a place to learn, share and network while exploring the best practices in solving hunger.
Orangetheory Fitness Donates To Feeding Tampa Bay
Local Sailor Brandin Kinslow takes the
Orangetheory Fitness was proud to E-5 Navy wide advancement exam while serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS stand with Feeding Tampa Bay during Harry S. Truman. September for Hunger Action Month. “We American Legion Organizing know a lot of individuals have been hit Hackney Cemetery Cleanup especially hard during this pandemic,” The American Legion Post 148 in said Owner Jim Potesta. “We are honRiverview is organizing a cleanup of ored to have a partner like Feeding Hackney Cemetery in time for Veterans Tampa Bay to help raise funds and Day. The cleanup will take place at the awareness.” Orangetheory believes in cemetary, located at 11020 Hackney Dr. addressing the important issues that in Riverview, on Saturday, November 7, affect the health of millions throughout the Tampa Bay area. “We know that more meals helps deliver better health for those in need,” he said. To date, Orangetheory has raised $12,500, which in turn provides 125,000 meals for those who struggle with food insecurity. Feeding Tampa Bay is one of the Volunteers after helping to clean up Hackney nation’s top hunger relief organiCemetery last year. zations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Feeding Tampa starting at 9 a.m. The cemetery’s grave Bay has evolved its services by almost sites date back to the Spanish-American tripling its reach to serve the nearly 1.7 War, and new flags will be placed on the million people facing increased need dursoldiers’ graves, as well as general maining the crisis and anticipates that it will tenance and tidying of fallen branches serve over 100 million meals this year. and debris being done. All volunteers are welcome. Please call Steve Arndt on 569BayCare Named One Of 50 9363 if you are able to help. Companies That Care BayCare Health Systems has been named one of the top companies in the United States by Great Place To Work and People for supporting team members and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am proud of how our team members have stepped up and served our community during COVID-19 and it’s wonderful to see others recognize their effort too,” said Tommy Inzina, president and CEO of BayCare. “We have strived from the start of this pandemic to protect the health and safety of our patients, team members, physicians and our community.” BayCare was one of the first health systems in West Central Florida to launch multiple drive-through testing sites across the region and worked with local health leaders and government officials to address the impact of the virus on long-term care facilities.
Plant City Social Dances Resume
Plant City Social dance will be hosting dances every Saturday night in the month of November from 6-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square on 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. Attendance is limited and reservations are required and can be made by calling 863-409-7714. The type of dance music being played will be country, with some rock ‘n’ roll and ballroom music being played for the first 30 minutes. For sample playlists, please visit djkenmiller.com.
Fall Grace Community Church Market
Grace Community United Methodist Church at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia will be holding their Fall market on November 7th from 9a.m. to 2p.m. This will be an outside event and vendors who are interested can still register by visiting GraceCommunityMarket.com.
November 2020
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
South Shore Watersports Re-Opens At Little Harbor, Ready For Recreation
Amy Schechter
Nestled in one capacity, so you, of the best-kept your family and secrets of your friends can Southern all come along for Hillsborough an adventure. County, South Looking to Shore Watersports spend a day out is poised to peron the water? fect your beach Capt. Lemelin day. On operates Optimus September 5, it Fishing Charters South Shore Watersports recently had its grand as well. He offers reopened under the management of reopening under private cruises and Captain Brian Lemelin of Optimus Fishing Charters. the management of fishing charters for Captain Brian up to six people. Lemelin of Optimus Take a romantic Fishing Charters, sunset tour around who can ensure you Tampa Bay or up will have everything the river and enjoy you need for fun in the salty breeze. the sun. Grab your friends “Little Harbor is and head out for a just a great spot,” faster-paced Capt. Lemelin said. adventure to Beer “We have a beautiCan Island. If ful beach which is open to the public you’re interested in fishing, Capt. and a very popular pier for fishing.” Lemelin offers both deep sea fishing At South Shore Watersports, you can and inshore fishing where you can rent everything, like beach umbrellas catch anything from sharks to snook and chairs to soak up the sun, makto snapper. If it’s in the bay, Capt. ing it super convenient for those who Lemelin can help you catch it. hate lugging everything to the beach. For more information on South What’s more, it has kayaks, paddleShore Watersports and Optimus boards, water bicycles and jet skis Fishing Charters, call 365-0230 or for you to head out on the water. visit Capt. Lemelin even offers jet ski www.facebook.com/SouthShoreWate tours where a guide will take you out rsports and www.optimusfishingcharinto the bay to see manatees and ters.com. Both are located in Little dolphins. The Yamaha V1 Harbor at 602 Bahia Del Sol Dr. in Waverunner has a three-person Ruskin.
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Page 10
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2020
Page 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Find A Pro At Naffco Floors & Interiors
By Michelle Caceres
When homeowners made of, where they come decide to replace their from, it’s mind blowing,” he flooring, it can be a dauntsaid. “He can tell you the ing task. The advice of an square footage of every expert is key to helping box of flooring and because find the right flooring at the he’s been in the business right price, and at Naffco so long, if I have a question Floors & Interiors, every about something, I ask him design consultant is because he always has the trained to help homeownanswer.” ers achieve their goals. Johnson hopes to one Longtime Brandon day be as knowledgeable resident and salesperson as his mentor. Rufus Ashby has been in Naffco Co-Owner the flooring business for Michael Baker said the Thanks to a mentorship more than 42 years, transfer of knowledge from program, Naffco employees many of them as the guys like Rufus to the next like Rufus Ashby and Seth owner of his own flooring Johnson are poised to help generation of consultants is homeowners achieve their company. In that time, he key to helping the business design goals. became an expert in all evolve. “Our mentorship flooring options, from tile to hardwood to programs have been created to create carpeting, from many manufacturers. He tradesmen that will fuel our continued said that, recently, homeowners are shop- growth,” he said. ping for updated, luxury, waterproof vinyl Naffco Floors & Interiors, located at flooring. 1920 W. Brandon Blvd., is open “Waterproof vinyl flooring can be an Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and excellent option for growing families, for Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than just active families and for families with pets,” a flooring store, it also offers a full range Ashby said. “Spills, pet incidents, moisof affordable home improvement and ture, heavy foot traffic and abrasions pose remodeling services, including cabinetry, a constant threat to a home’s flooring and window treatments, countertops, kitchen these products are waterproof, stain and bathroom remodeling and area resistant, versatile and provide good rugs. durability for the cost.” “We make it easy for a homeowner Ashby is sharing his knowledge with to come into our showroom and see Seth Johnson, a new design consultant. their dream home realized,” said Baker. The 21-year-old is learning how to help Naffco Floors & Interiors has been a customers find the perfect floor for them mainstay in the community since 1937. after stints of training in the warehouse For more information or to request a and with flooring installation crews. free flooring estimate, visit www.naf“Rufus’ level of knowledge about fcofloorsandinteriors.com/brandon-fl or types of flooring materials, what they’re call 734-7446.
Veteran Families Can Receive Free Ultrasounds On Special Day At New Leaf 4D By Tatiana Ortiz
Precious once-in-awill be able to see their lifetime moments such baby too. Imaging is as hearing a baby’s first available for mothers heartbeat or learning who are eight to 36 their gender can bring weeks pregnant. so much joy into the In addition, New lives of family members Leaf 4D also offers and friends. But, due to heartbeat animals that various circumstances, can be purchased. especially during the These animals feature a pandemic, some might recording of the baby’s not be able celebrate heartbeat inside and can these special days. To be shipped out as part of assist with not missing a care package to those out, on Monday, stationed abroad. November 9 at 9 a.m., Yadav encourages New Leaf 4D in Brandon others to help make this New Leaf 4D is offering free sesand Westchase will be sions to military clients this month. time easier for military providing veteran famifamilies. lies with a free 4D/5D ultra“If local businesses want sound if their significant other to donate or include items for is stationed abroad. the care packages, they are FishHawk resident Tia more than welcome to,” Yadav, the New Leaf 4D Yadav said. owner for both locations, Families interested in the explained how individuals will free ultrasounds need to book be able to view the ultrasound appointments by Friday, in realtime as they are away from home. November 6. An identification must be “A link will be sent to the partner stapresented to receive the complimentary tioned abroad and they can click on it to service. watch the ultrasound being conducted For more information, visit live,” Yadav said. www.newleaf4d.com. The Brandon office Yadav understands the importance of is located at 1107 Professional Park Dr. family being together; as a child growing with a second location at 11049 up, her father tended to travel since he Countryway Blvd. in Tampa. The office is worked in the military. The genesis behind open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 the offering of these free ultrasounds p.m., and Saturday until 5 p.m. Email would be that a better connection can be info@newleaf4d.com or call 315-8297 to established before birth and individuals book an appointment.
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Oldman Family Beats COVID Against Odds, ICU, Rehab & Finally Home
Families Are Getting Back Into Routines With New Normal Protocols
Mags Oldman of my chest, I was FishHawk and her dizzy and couldn’t family have been batsee straight,” tling COVID-19 for Oldman said. “My months. What she husband went into thought was just a litthe hospital on July tle summer cold 8 of this year he turned out to be a came home from severe case of rehab on October COVID-19 for her 13. His health startand her family memed to improve and bers. they moved him to “I was feeling a a rehab center, but Mags Oldman of FishHawk and her family then the virus little run down and have been battling COVID-19 for months. reared its ugly my daughter was What she thought was just a little summer feeling the same head again and his cold turned out to be a severe case of COVID-19 for her and her family. way, so we thought it health declined, so was a little summer cold,” Oldman said. they moved him back into the hospital at “But then my husband got sick and was the end of July.” throwing up blood, and I thought ‘Oh Her husband’s doctors told her that God, this is it, it’s COVID.’” he was not getting better and things Oldman immediately took her family looked grim. “He had cardiac arrest and to the doctor. “They tested my husband they were able to revive him, but even and I right then, but there was an issue when they revived him, they told us he with tests being available, so my children would only last about a month. He is still had to be tested through the county,” she here and made a miraculous comeback.” said. Oldman welcomed her husband Oldman and her husband got their home October 13, but she is concerned tests back in a few days and they were about COVID’s lasting effects even positive. Her children’s tests came back though she has been retested a few two weeks later and her daughter’s test times now and is negative for COVID. was positive and her son’s was negative. “I wonder at times if the things I’m “That was a total shock to all of us,” feeling now, like the tiredness or dizziOldman said. “We thought both of their ness, are from COVID, and I often wontests would be positive since ours were der if other people will feel safe to be positive.” around me and my family. I don’t know if Oldman and her husband were havwe are more susceptible to things now ing extreme symptoms from the virus. “I because we had COVID, and that is a felt like there was an elephant sitting on concern.”
Dianne Foster and her when children, especially 8-year-old son, Dakota, live infants and toddlers, have in FishHawk. Foster and grown attached to their careDakota stayed home to be givers and [are] used to safe during the COVID-19 staying at home with their pandemic. Her son adjusted families,” it said. to attending school online One of the disadvanbut missed his friends. “He tages listed is that schoolwas happy we were home age children may experience together, but he missed his some anxiety about returnfriends and playing baseball,” ing to school after the Foster said. extended period at home, When schools opened Dianne Foster and her 8- particularly if they are prone back up, Foster sent her son year-old son, Dakota, live to anxiety. in FishHawk. Foster and back to a brick and mortar Foster and her son Dakota stayed home to school. He was thrilled to have slowly gotten back into be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. have some of his old norhis baseball routine too. They have since gotten malcy back in his life. “We “Now that they are startback into their old routine, still social distance and we but they do it cautiously. ing to open up baseball are slowly introducing him to having visits again, even though it’s a little different with his friends, but they were friends we with maintaining social distancing in the knew who wore masks and practiced stands and wearing a mask, we still try to social distancing,” Foster said. enjoy it as much as we can,” Foster said. According to an article on the “It was very stressful for my son not being MassGeneral Hospital for Children webable to see his friends while we were site, www.massgeneral.org/children/corostaying home, but thank goodness for navirus/preparing-children-for-when-theirtechnology. He was able to stay in conparents-return-to-work, there have been tact with his friends.” advantages and disadvantages for famiFoster and her son are still following lies that spent more time together during all the rules in their new normal to stay the pandemic. safe, but her son is just thrilled to be play“During the COVID-19 pandemic, ing baseball again and able to see his families self-isolating at home together friends. has presented many opportunities for “The only thing Dakota has said that family time and bonding between children he is unhappy about is that he couldn’t and their parents or caregivers. However, hug his best friend when he was able to this can also present challenges for parsee him for the first time since staying ents, as more are able to return to work home,” Foster said.
By Libby Hopkins
By Libby Hopkins
Schools Staying Vigilant With Social Distancing Guidelines, Numbers Stable
Homeowners Make Home Renovations Focus During COVID-19
Despite a as long as they summer filled with social distance uncertainty over when possible the reopening of and wipe down Hillsborough equipment before County schools, and after each campuses use. Other afterreopened on school programs August 31 with are following simimeasures in lar procedures, place to protect using hand saniStudents and staff are following CDC students and staff guidelines for COVID-19 at school this year. tizer often and against the coronavirus, including procontinuing to wear masks while inside moting social distancing by spacing out practice rooms. desks and encouraging students to walk District Spokesperson Erin Maloney in one direction in hallways. explained the importance of extracurricuSince social distancing is not always lar activities for students, saying, “School possible in a small classrooms and is about much more than just going into crowded hallways, students and teachers classrooms and getting good grades. are required to wear face masks during There’s a social, emotional aspect as the eight-hour school days. well.” Nyla Flowers, a junior at With the safety measures being Bloomingdale High School, said, “The taken to prevent the spread of the coronhardest part about school this year is def- avirus in schools, there have been less initely being able to talk to people in than 500 students and employees that class because you aren’t near anyone have tested positive since school began anymore and students don’t really like in Hillsborough County. And, after each talking with masks on.” positive test, the school is responsible for Because the masks muffle conversa- tracing who the student had contact with tion, some teachers are using clear face for more than 15 minutes. shields so students can read their lips or While the reopening of schools has wearing Bluetooth microphones over not been completely infection free, the their masks while teaching. procedures being followed have allowed Extracurricular activities were forced students to return to campuses despite to be adapted to a set of new procedures the coronavirus and resume their educain order to prevent the spread of the tion in the safest way possible. coronavirus while promoting student For more information about involvement in school events. Sports Hillsborough County schools reopening, teams are allowed to conduct practices visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/.
It’s a telling sign. In the addressed. After a kitchen second quarter of fiscal renovation, they painted the year 2020, The Home interior, replaced the roof, Depot saw a 23.4 percent renovated both bathrooms, increase in comparable installed plantation shutters, sales from the same period updated interior lighting and in 2019. The pandemic has added custom millwork to created a boom in home the walls in the dining room remodeling, as homeownand breakfast bar. They are ers look to make their waiting on a permit to install spaces more functional and a whole home generator. aesthetically appealing. While Green’s updates The Greens are just one They are spending more were driven by her desire FishHawk family who have time there, after all. to retire in her current tackled extensive renovations during the In a Porch survey, home, homeowners are pandemic. more than 75 percent of also updating to make their consumers said they plan to take on a homes more attractive to prospective new project within the next 12 months. buyers. Record-high equity is giving homeowners “People are taking a close look at the financial flexibility and confidence to their homes and deciding that renovation reinvest in their homes. is the right move,” said top area realtor From creating relaxing outdoor Brenda Wade. “People always want to spaces to taking on pool projects, updatbuy a home that has been renovated as ing bathrooms and kitchens to just opposed to purchasing it and then having refreshing the paint job, local contractors to get to work with extensive remodeling.” are finding their schedules booked solid Wade said new homeowners somefor weeks or months. times have the vision, but not the money. FishHawk resident and realtor Iris Occasionally, simple updates like a Green tackled a huge remodeling project fresh coat of neutral interior paint and during the pandemic. some new landscaping can make a big “My husband and I had decided that impact. our current home was going to be our “You want your home to have a home in retirement, so we went ahead broad appeal and be attractive to a wide with projects to give it a refresh,” said range of homebuyers,” said Wade. Green. Regardless of motivation, whether to As they spent more time at home sell or for personal enjoyment, people are during the summer, they realized there taking notice of the projects around the were glaring issues, both in maintenance house and starting to consider and comand aesthetic, that needed to be pare options.
By Lily Belcher
By Michelle Caceres
Candle Workshops
Pottery
Birthday Parties
Private Events
Paper Crafts
16132 Churchview Dr Located in the Park Square @ FishHawk Ranch
813-315-9803
Visit our Website for a full listing of events.
Register online @ WWW.ARTANDICECREAM.COM
Page 14
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Florida Farmhouse Market Antiques Joins The Brandon Community
By Libby Hopkins
In November, McGinnis will be celebrating five years of recovery and she is thrilled to have her family back in my life. She now works in the field of substance abuse and mental health at Riverside Recovery of Tampa as a recovery supBrandon native Karen McGinnis and her boyfriend, Roy Vaughn, port specialist, guiding others to find are thrilled to have their lifelong dream of owning an antique business come true. recovery. Brandon native Karen McGinnis is “I let them know there is hope by thrilled to see her lifelong dream of ownsharing with them my own experience, ing an antique business come true. strength and hope,” she said. This month, she will open the Florida As a little girl, McGinnis always loved Farmhouse Market in Seffner. collecting old money, stamps and vintage “I have always desired to one day toys like jack-in-the-boxes. open my own antique/vintage store,” “As far back as I can remember, I McGinnis said. “You know, kind of just had an eye and passion for vintage, coldreaming. I never thought the day would lectibles and antiques,” McGinnis said. come that it would really come to fruition.” “My hopes for the Florida Farmhouse McGinnis’ life has been quite a jourMarket are to have fun being able to seek ney, and for her to get her dream to come and find treasures all over the place and true is a gift from God. bring them back to the store to share with “I have had quite the journey to be the community. I look forward to watching where I am at today, and there were cerit evolve as new ideas come throughout tain moments of my life I lost hope and time.” didn’t know if I would survive,” McGinnis The Florida Farmhouse Market will said. “I battled substance abuse for over be open weekly, Thursday to Saturday. two decades and finally, at 37 years old, The store is located at 1020 U.S. Hwy. 92 with not much left—I had burnt all my in Seffner, which is the former site of bridges with family—I had one of two Roosters’ Family Restaurant. choices to make: go on the way I was livTo learn more about the Florida ing and end up dying prematurely, or find Farmhouse Market, visit its Facebook sobriety. It was the hardest thing I ever page at www.facebook.com/thefloridahad to do for myself, but I did it.” farmhousemarket.
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2020
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Local Author & Virtual Teacher Debuts Children’s Story, Hello Curls
By Amy Schechter
Loving yourjust realized there self and being are so many young kind—Brandi girls who aren’t 100 German, a fourth percent confident in grade teacher themselves, and with Hillsborough they want to fit into Virtual K-12, the image of someexplores these one they see in life themes in her or on television. I first children’s wanted to inspire litstory, Hello Curls. tle girls all over that Brandi German recently published her In the book, Ashley it is okay to be you. book Hello Curls. has a difficult time You do big things in loving her curly, life when you feel kinky hair. She you’re worth it.” Girls wants desperately everywhere can feel to fit in with the inspired and learn to girls who have love themselves a litstraight hair. tle more when they However, her jourread Hello Curls. ney to achieve a German has a new style goes master’s degree in much differently creative writing, and than she planned. during the COVID-19 “We don’t see quarantine, she put what’s going on away any excuses inside others. We and she finished her never know how first book. Girls all people are feeling over will be lucky for inside. It’s all about it. She even built in a building each other up,” said page of affirmations young girls can German. She was inspired to write post in their rooms and bathrooms so ‘Ashley’s’ story because it really is they can train themselves to speak her story, and the story of so many positively to and about themselves. little girls in her classes, especially For more information, visit black and brown girls whose hair www.facebook.com/HelloCurlyConfid may not conform to the traditional or ent1. Copies are available for purpopular look. “There’s little girls who chase on Amazon by searching ‘Hello are changing who they are to fit in. I Curls’ book.
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Page 16
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Kids’ College Hosts Babysitting Classes For Ages 12-16 At HCC
By Faith Miller
As children enter “It will give students their teenage years, the confidence in their many begin to considability to supervise er babysitting as a young children and preway to earn extra pare them for the varicash. The Kids’ ous aspects of childCollege located at care, such as diaper Hillsborough changing and behavior Community College management,” said (HCC) is now hosting James. classes teaching He also said that The Kids’ College located at important lessons not the class is useful for Hillsborough Community College is just on babysitting, now hosting classes teaching babysit- everyday life; an examting and more. but also the business ple of this would be aspect that comes with it. teens who have siblings. These classes are teaching The classes for November are curteenagers important information that can rently full, but the course is looking at help them learn valuable business skills possibly hosting the next set of classes and necessary, and sometimes lifesaving, on Saturday, December 5 and 12. The skills. Each set of classes runs for two course has a fee of $199 and includes consecutive Saturdays and typically lasts the Safe Sitter® Student Handbook, a from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or seven and a CPR/first aid booklet and certification half hours. cards. It is required that students be presThe classes cover topics such as ent at both classes because there are no behavior management, feeding, care, makeups. entertainment, how they can launch a Due to COVID-19, HCC is requiring successful babysitting business and marat all attendants to wear masks and have keting services. Attendees will be taught their temperatures checked at the door first aid along with CPR and will receive upon entry. To adhere to social distancing certifications for both by the end of the guidelines, it is restricting classes to a classes. maximum of nine students. According to the program coordinaThe age range for the classes is 12tor, Oshin James, the classes are struc16. To add a child to the wait list, visit tured through games, visual aids, rolewww.amilia.com/store/en/kids-collegeplaying and guided discussions. He HCC/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=y7GEW believes that the program and skills jy. Those on the list will be notified once learned are a good “stepping stone” and the registration is open for the next give children the experience needed “for babysitter certification class. Parents what could be a successful afterwith questions can email school/weekend job.” kidscollege@hccfl.edu.
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2020
Page 17
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com
2020 NISSAN FRONTIER GAINS MOMENTUM
It’s a new terzones, front seat ritory for the active head Frontier, i.e. the restraints, tire pres2020 Nissan sure monitoring Frontier. And a system and daywelcome one too, time running lights. we should point The PRO 4-X verout. The midsize sion was equipped pickup has been with a shift-on-theFRONTIER (PRO-4X) overhauled with a fresh Wheelbase: 125.9 inches fly four-wheel drive with powertrain and transmis2WD/4H/4LO modes, Length: 205.5 inches sion. And come 2021, the electronic rear differential Width: 72.8 inches truck will acquire a muchlocker four-wheel limited Height: 73.9 inches needed redesign inside slip, Bilstein off-road shock Weight: 4,696 pounds out. For now, the previFuel capacity: 21.1 gallons absorbers and steel skid City: 17 mpg ous four and six-cylinder plates to tackle the vigor of Highway: 23 mpg engines have been off-road driving. Base price: $37,490 replaced with an all-new The sporty look of the Website: www.nissan.com fully boxed ladder frame 3.8-liter V6 direct-injection engine that puts out Frontier can be attributed 310 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 281 to an angled but body-colored, satinpounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. chrome grille flanked by halogen headGone is the former five-speed transmislights, fogs and daytime running lights. sion to be replaced with an impressive Other distinct exterior characteristics nine-speed auto gearbox. The tow include large bumpers, short front and capacity is a respectable 6,720 pounds. rear overhangs, tailgate spoiler and a An all-steel double wishbone front roof rack with crossbars. It sits on stanand solid axle in the rear make up the dard 16-inch, all-terrain alloy wheels with suspension system, resulting in a secure a 59.5-inch-long bed. Stepping into the ride. The power rack-and-pinion steering roomy and pleasing cabin is trouble-free, system shifts seamlessly. That brings us thanks to full-size, forward-hinging to some of the abundant standard safety doors. Push-button start is now stanfeatures in the pickup: dual front and dard. Dual auto AC, leather shifter, manside airbags, side airbag curtain, fourual tilt steering wheel, power door locks, wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic cruise control, heated eight-way power brake distribution and vehicle dynamic driver and four-way passenger seats, & control, hill-start assist and control, more. The 60/40 rear seat flips up to rearview monitor, front/rear crumple reveal a hidden stowage bin.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Magnolia House Becomes New Facility For Mary & Martha House In Southern Hillsborough
By Gwen Rollings
It was a commumany local businity celebration on nesses, including October 9 as the real estate, construcMary & Martha House tion, a Florida chapin Southern ter of a ladies’ Hillsborough County motorcycle club, welcomed community Wellspring Church partners to tour its and numerous indinew emergency shelviduals throughout ter, The Magnolia the Tampa Bay area, Some of the staff and volunteers of Mary expressed their comHouse. & Martha House celebrate the opening of Founded in 1982, mitment to Mary & their new emergency housing in the nonprofit, taxMartha House by Southern Hillsborough County. exempt Mary & Martha House has been presenting Herring with financial donahelping women and dependent children tions. Herring expressed her gratitude to find a way out of domestic violence, everyone who contributed, noting that homelessness and hopelessness. their generosity would assist with the Women throughout the decades have approximately $100,000 still needed to describe the Mary & Martha House as a furnish remaining rooms. beacon of light leading them to safety, The tour guides were obviously counseling, employment skill training and, proud as they led attendees through the most importantly, renewed hope for them- brand-new building which will house 54 selves and their children to obtain women and children for a few months at employment and move to permanent a time. The bedrooms are various sizes housing, which 92 percent achieve. and able to accommodate a single Laurie Herring, executive director of woman or woman with a baby, up to largMary & Martha House, said, “It just er rooms having enough beds for a breaks my heart that we have to have woman with several children. this facility. It is just so needed. There are Herring said, “We have a large just not enough rooms. All the shelters in kitchen with many refrigerators so each Hillsborough County are on overflow family can have their own set of cabinets already.” and their own set of refrigerators.” Many of the board members present The celebration brought together a reiterated the need for this new facility. community of volunteers, church leaders Sandra Murman, Hillsborough County and friends from LeAnne’s Old Fashioned commissioner, said, “This is the only Cookies and many who have been place people, women and children can go blessed throughout the years by the work that have issues in South Hillsborough and dedication of Mary & Martha House. County.” Visit marymarthahouse.org. To After the comments from speakers, donate, please call 645-7874.
Expiration 11/30/2020
Volume 19, Issue 11
Tampa Bay History Center Offers Exhibit Of Some Of The Earliest Maps Of Florida By Kathy L. Collins The Tampa Bay Florida’s geograHistory Center has phy. an exciting new Also featured exhibit called ‘The in the exhibit is a Shape We’re In: 1513 map, which Early Maps of might depict Florida.’ This unique Florida, or it might exhibit, which runs depict Japan. through Sunday, There is a 1594 July 4, 2021, feamap which is tures a map from unusual in that it 1511. It is one of features a sea the rarest Florida The Tampa Bay History Center has an excit- monster along with maps in the world. ing new exhibit called ‘The Shape We’re In: the Florida peninEarly Maps of Florida.’ School children sula. And then are taught that Spaniard there is a 1601 map of Ponce de León was the first Florida that includes the European explorer to discovplace name ‘Tampa’ on a er Florida. The map in the printed map for the first collection suggests othertime. wise. Printed in 1511, the Peter Martyr While some maps distort the shape map is the first to show the Florida and coastline of Florida, others show peninsula, two years before Ponce de features or omit features within the Leon arrived on Florida’s east coast in peninsula. Some geological inaccuracies 1513. survived well into the late 18th and early “It really is a map of firsts,” said 19th centuries, such as a mountain Rodney Kite-Powell, the Touchton Map range shown on a 1768 map of East Library director at the Tampa Bay History Florida. Center. “It is the first printed map of the “Early map makers struggled with Caribbean, the first map to use the Florida,” said Kite-Powell. “Many of the name ‘Cuba’ and the first map to hint at maps featured in this exhibition show a large land mass north of the mountain ranges, islands in the interior Caribbean,” said Kite-Powell. of the state, sea monsters and other The 16th-century Martyr map is the inaccuracies,” explained Kite-Powell. centerpiece of an exhibit that includes The Tampa Bay History Center is locatsome of the oldest—and often inaccued at 801 Water St. in downtown Tampa. rate—printed maps of Florida, one of For more information on this exhibit and many in the exhibit to show European to get information on visits, please visit settlers’ evolving understanding of www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Expiration 11/30/2020
Expiration 11/30/2020
November 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 19
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Finds Innovative Way To Open Two New Fire Stations
Fourth Grade Math And Science Teacher Wins Extra Yard For Teachers Award
Hillsborough County an ambulance rescue Fire Rescue (HCFR) crew. It also has three dispatched 66 new fire new apparatus, including rescue personnel into a battalion chief vehicle, the Brandon and an engine and a rescue SouthShore areas last vehicle. This new station month, along with seven will be operating out of a additional apparatus and temporary building a new fire inspector. around the corner at 307 What’s different Pauls Dr. later this year. about this deployment is The new Station 46 that the fire stations that is under construction in will house the personnel Riverview at 10751 and apparatus are still Rhodine Rd. That station under construction, so has 42 personnel, includthe crews will serve ing a truck company, an from nearby stations engine company, a resuntil construction is comcue crew and a tanker Sixty-six new fire rescue person- crew. It also has four plete. nel have been dispatched to local The physical buildfire stations in preparation for the new apparatus, including ings for Stations 45 and a ladder truck, an opening of new stations in Brandon & Riverview next year. engine, a rescue truck 46 are scheduled to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2021, and a tanker. The personnel will serve and the crews will have temporary facilifrom nearby fire stations until a tempoties on the sites in the next several rary building can be set up on-site early months. next year. “The additional personnel in the “Because the area is still growing, Brandon and Riverview areas will help fire rescue also is adding an additional lower response times in these fast-growinspector to the staff,” said Wilkerson. ing communities,” said Hillsborough This unique approach to adding County’s Chris Wilkerson. “The county’s service for residents is happening master plan calls for 24 more fire stabecause the Hillsborough County tions, and the two that went into operaAdministration saw the need for covertion today are the first two of the group.” age in fast-growing areas of the county, The crews work 24-hour shifts and and the Board of County Commissioners are on rotation every third day. approved the forward-thinking plan to The new Station 45 is under conget fire rescue staff in the areas of need struction in Brandon at 1209 Oakfield Dr. as soon as possible. That station has 24 personnel, including To learn more, visit www.hillsbora battalion chief, an engine company and oughcounty.org.
The University of The $1,000 from South Florida Athletics the award granted department made a Harwood funds to purspecial appearance chase items for her inside Miranda classroom as well as Harwood’s classroom other teachers on her on September 11. team. She purchased While the Brooker multiplication game Elementary School sets, a moving light-up teacher was instructmodel of the solar sysMiranda Harwood, a Brooker ing her eLearning tem and much more. Elementary School teacher, recently Zoom class, she was Hillsborough received a custom University of South Florida Bulls football jersey County School Board presented with the and $1,000 through the Extra Yard Chairwoman Melissa Extra Yard for for Teachers Award. Teachers Award and Snively shared how $1,000 from the University of South Harwood’s efforts tied into her winning Florida. She was also given a custom this award. University of South Florida Bulls football “Harwood’s dedicated work and jersey. On Friday, October 23, Harwood well-deserved recognition made her an will be recognized at the University of outstanding candidate for her to be South Florida vs. Tulsa football game at selected the Extra Yard for Teachers Raymond James Stadium. Award,” Snively said. Harwood, who was also named In 2014, the College Football Playoff Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year (CFP) Foundation, which presents the recently, was thrilled to receive this Extra Yard for Teachers Award, was award. established. The main purpose of the “I also am a huge football fan, so foundation is to support PK-12 education getting the award from the athletics across the country with the award as a department and having it delivered by way to show commitment to elevating the University of South Florida’s cheerthe teaching profession through empowleaders was the cherry on top,” Harwood erment and inspiration within the four said. core values of professional developHarwood, who teaches fourth grade ment, resources, recruitment and retenmath and science, graduated from the tion and recognition. University of South Florida. She earned For more information about the CFP two degrees, a bachelor’s degree in ele- Foundation, visit https://cfpmentary education and a master’s foundation.org. Brooker Elementary degree in reading education. School is located at 812 Dewolf Rd. in “I am a University of South Florida Brandon and can be reached at 744Bull at heart,” she said. 8184.
By Kate Quesada
•
Community Partner SCUBA Training and SCUBA Club for BSAC Members
www.trilogyscuba.com
By Tatiana Ortiz
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
Hillsborough County Aging Services Honors Iva Bell’s 109th Birthday
Bikes For Christ Launches New Retail Program In Collaboration With Lighthouse Ministries
A parade of nearly County Aging Services, 20 vehicles filled the Anika Coney, shared her street of Brandon resithoughts about National dent Iva Bell’s home to Adult Day Services Week. celebrate her 109th birth“This would be an day on September 21. opportunity to highlight our Staff from the programs and services Hillsborough County that we provide to our Adult Day Service clients and caregivers,” Center drove by with Coney said. well-wishes and signs as In order to continue Bell waved outside her serving its clients and home with her daughter, caregivers during the panGloria Bell Osgood. The demic, the group impleGloria Bell Osgood and her celebration also kicked mented adjustments, mother, Iva Bell, attend Bell’s including staff-offered prooff National Adult Day 109th birthday celebration with Services Week. the Hillsborough County Aging grams three times a week Services. Bell, who was born by phone with healthcare in 1911, has seen a lot of changes in tips, trivia, support and more. Brandon. She moved to the area in the Senior Case Manager for 1920s and worked at the Hav-A-Tampa Hillsborough County George Paulose cigar factory located in Ybor City. has worked with Bell for several years. Later, Bell and her husband owned He believes that Bell is a very strongand operated Bell’s Grocery during the minded person who always thinks posi1940s and 1950s. The store was located tively. at the corner of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Paulose also feels that Osgood is a U.S. Hwy. 60 until the highway expanded wonderful caregiver to her mother. Bell into four lanes. Her husband passed receives a variety of supplies such as away in 1984 at the age of 84. Ensure, meals and much more from the In 2011, Bell joined the Hillsborough county. County Adult Day Service Center. She is “Overall, all of the staff members at currently the oldest member of the center. the Hillsborough County Bloomingdale Due to the current pandemic, all four of Adult Day Service Center are very caring the county’s locations are closed, but the for your loved ones,” Osgood said. group came together to celebrate Bell For more information, visit and others in National Adult Day Services www.hcflgov.net/aging. Staff are availWeek. able Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 The manager of the Adult Day p.m. and the Aging Services Customer Services Program for Hillsborough Care Team can be reached at 272-5250.
Bikes For Christ because of everyone has just launched a “being safe at home,” new retail program in people rediscovered partnership with their love of cycling, Lighthouse Ministries causing a huge shortat its Brandon store age of bicycles location. This initiative nationwide. Bikes For will act as its ‘social Christ was able to enterprise’ program, overcome the adverwhich is a term nonsity of not being able profits use when they to fundraise the tradiadd a way of genertional way by creatKyle Bridges, Lighthouse Ministries Brandon manager, and Pat Simmons, ing its own way to ating income to help Bikes For Christ founder, standing in support their overfront of the bicycles and banner display. generate capital. head. Bikes For Simmons knew Christ will be selling some of its nicest that Bikes For Christ had to have a retail and higher-end bicycles so it can contin- storefront to be able to accomplish this, ue to serve the low-income population in so he reached out to Lighthouse our community. Ministries Brandon Manager Kyle Bikes For Christ currently partners Bridges, and within a day an agreement with over 50 organizations in the Tampa was in place. Bridges, also an avid Bay area by supplying bicycles as trans- cyclist, stated, “From our side of this, we portation to the clients that these agenare just happy to be partnering with cies work with. Its main focuses are vetanother ministry committed to helping erans trying to overcome hardships, those at risk in our community while underprivileged children and anyone communicating the gospel. It takes the who is in need and is trying to climb out entire body of Christ to accomplish the of the grips of poverty or the situation mission He has set us on. We at they are in. Along with every bike it gives Lighthouse appreciate the opportunity to out, it also provides a Gospel of John, as do our part alongside Bikes For Christ it wants that individual to know that as co-laborers for the love of people and Christ cares for and loves them. for God’s glory.” Simmons added, “We Bikes For Christ Founder Pat look forward to a long-term partnership Simmons said that it “had been trying to with Lighthouse Ministries that will help come up with a way to raise more funds us accomplish so much more with our for a long time.” With the impact of life-changing bicycles.” COVID-19, two things occurred that Lighthouse Ministries’ Brandon retail meant the time had arrived. First, all store is located at 535 E. Brandon Blvd. public events were shut down, meaning Visit Bikes For Christ’s website at fundraisers were cancelled. Secondly, www.Bikes4Christ.com.
By Tatiana Ortiz
Staff Report
November 2020
Page 21
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Assisted Living
Bloomingdale High Teens, Friends Since Middle School, Become National Merit Semifinalists
By Libby Hopkins
Mathematics can majority of these be a difficult subject for students who meet some students, but it academic and other seems to come to Jude requirements Delikat (17), Joseph become finalists and Neidig (17) and Trey may receive scholHydock (18) with ease. arships as well All three teens are stubased on their abilidents at Bloomingdale ties, skills and High School, and all accomplishments. three are National Merit “He is the presiScholar Semifinalists. dent of a nonprofit “Bloomingdale called JD Global From left to right: Joseph Neidig, Jude Foundation, Inc., High has three Delikat and Trey Hydock have National Merit which serves the competed on the same math team together since sixth grade at Burns Semifinalists for the underprivileged Middle School. class of 2021,” said locally and globally,” Jude’s mother, Jemy Jemy said. “He hopes to Delikat. “Bloomingdale attend the honors proHigh School is the only gram at either the UF or school in the at the University of South Brandon/Valrico/Lithia Florida while studying area to have students as pre-medicine and busiNational Merit ness.” Semifinalists this year. Neidig intends to An interesting coincidence is that these study computer science at the University three students were competing on the of Central Florida. He is excited about same math team together since sixth receiving this honor and hopes to make it grade at Burns Middle School. It is amaz- to finalist standing with an opportunity to ing to think that they will continue to grow be awarded the State of Florida in academic strength and receive this Benacquisto Scholarship. honor together.” Hydock is very excited about this The National Merit Scholarship honor as it opens numerous opportunities Program is an academic scholarship for college and scholarships and will cercompetition in the United States recogniz- tainly be helpful in the application ing top students. National Merit Scholar process. Hydock would like to attend Semifinalists are picked from each state Vanderbilt University in Nashville, based on PSAT scores earned in their Tennessee and double major in music junior year of high school. Less than one and English with a minor in philosophy. percent of entrants become semifinalists Congratulations to these stellar sennationally. In February 2021, the vast iors at Bloomingdale High School.
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Offer valid only when coupon is presented at drop-off. Coupon can only be redeemed for dry cleaning services sold at participating Tide Cleaners locations. They cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. Not valid on wash and fold, laundry, leather, alterations, household items or wedding dresses. Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. One discount per household. Offer valid for one-time use through 11/30/2020.
Offer valid only when coupon is presented at drop-off. Coupon can only be redeemed for dry cleaning services sold at participating Tide Cleaners locations. They cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. Not valid on wash and fold, leather, alterations, household items or wedding dresses. Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. One discount per household. Offer valid for one-time use through 11/30/2020.
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Page 22
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Local Gamer Reaches 100K Followers On His Arcade Assassin YouTube Channel
By Libby Hopkins
it absolutely blew up. “One million views in three days and I think it’s resting at about three million two months later,” he said. “That video alone helped me solidify the content I do today.” When he’s not doing schoolwork, he is making memes and playing games on YouTube as a full-time job. Gaming has become very popular in recent years due to its ease of Clay Patterson of FishHawk is an extremely popular 17-year-old in the meme/gaming access. All that is needed is a gamworld, where he’s known as ‘Arcade ing counsel or smartphone. Assassin,’ and his YouTube channel recently According to the website Techno reached 100,000 subscribers. Sports www.technosports.co.in, the Clay Patterson of FishHawk is an modern and improved gaming platforms extremely popular 17-year-old in the have led to the growth of online entermeme/gaming world, where he’s tainment. The demand for online gamknown as ‘Arcade Assassin,’ and his ing has become so popular that its YouTube channel recently reached worth currently stands at $2.9 billion in 100,000 subscribers. the United States only. “Having 100K subscribers is crazy Patterson started his channel about to think about,” Patterson said. “I've five years ago and only did gaming been recognized on games a few times videos. and have even gotten verified on “Up until around a month ago, I only YouTube. Such a large number, and it’s had 4,000 subscribers and played some getting bigger every day.” games like Fortnite and Rainbow Six Patterson began honing gaming Siege professionally on stream,” talents by playing with claw machines Patterson said. and arcade games. “I started out my “Along with making memes, I channel playing arcade games, claw stream me playing games occasionally. machines, etc.,” Patterson said. It’s possible for anyone to do this and “I would film me playing and winbe successful on YouTube. All it took for ning from the various machines and me was a single video doing well to post it on YouTube. From there, I transpark what I have today. My goal is to sitioned into gaming because the be picked up by a gaming organization arcade videos cost quite a lot to film to play professionally at some point.” and produce.” To see some of Patterson’s gaming However, about two months ago, and memes, visit his YouTube channel he posted a meme on his channel at www.youtube.com/c/arcadeassassin. about a trending topic at the time, and
Volume 19, Issue 11
Tutoring Demand Increases During COVID By Michelle Caceres
Whether other parents for embracing at-home names of qualified learning, traditional tutors. Meet the tutor in-school education or visit the learning or homeschooling center with your child this year, parents to determine compatiare turning to tutors bility. The tutor should to help solve logistibe knowledgeable in cal conflicts and the subjects your child ease fears about needs help with and their children falling Do your homework before selecting a have experience behind academically. working with children tutor for your child. The demand for tutors in the era of your child’s age. COVID-19 has exploded in recent After hiring a tutor, stay informed months as parents make up for lost time about your student’s progress. Talk to in the classroom and ineffective and your child and the tutor after sessions. confusing online learning programs. Observe his/her grades to see if the With a wide range of tutoring services relationship is working. Don’t be afraid available, parents should carefully conto discuss your concerns with the tutor. sider their best options for their situaWhen staring down the bill for tutortion. ing services, parents can get creative to KnowledgePoints Owner Rod find ways to save money. Burkhardt said he has seen business Jill Arterburn with Bright Minds increase since the pandemic. “Parents Tutoring said there are ways to make are finding their children have started tutoring more affordable. Arterburn, who this school year already behind acahas a degree in elementary education demically because school ended so and was a classroom teacher for seven early last year,” he said. “We create indi- years, said she has parents of students vidualized programs for each student to who are on the same level academically help them excel.” that get tutored together and then split After you’ve decided to find a tutor, the cost of the session. determine the best setting for your child. “It can help make tutoring more cost Some children feel more comfortable efficient,” she said. working privately with a tutor in their With the growing interest in tutoring own home; others are more motivated as a solution to combat learning loss to learn in a group setting or away from caused by COVID-19, doing your homedistractions at home. Does your child do work before hiring a tutor can help you better with men or women? A gentle find the right tutor at the right price. touch or firm hand? For more information about Before deciding on an individual KnowledgePoints in Riverview, call 671tutor or learning center, reach out to 1919. To learn more about Bright Minds your child’s teacher, school office or Tutoring call 434-258-9339.
November 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 23
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage?
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Volume 19, Issue 3
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk
November 2020 Essentials Of Brandon Celebrates 10Year Anniversary
Volume 19, Issue 11
Ph: 657-2418
Essentials of Brandon has certainly grown over the last 10 years, not only by expanding its staff a native of Tampa but also by who graduated from Essentials of Brandon Celebrates 10 Years in Business. expanding the Bloomingdale High services offered in an attempt to stay rele- Mainstay Senior Living School in its second Announces The vant and up to date on the latest trends graduation class and Kerrie Hoening, new buyer’s agent with Establishment Of Grace Manor for both health and beauty. Essentials graduated from the Signature Realty. started out with two stylist chairs when it Mainstay Senior Living is proud University of South moved to this location, and after two to announce the establishment of Grace Florida. She and her husband, Jeff, have years it out grew that space and added Manor. The community joined the spent the past 17 years raising their three five additional stylist chairs, and in 2018 it already-established Hunters Creek retirechildren in the FishHawk community. introduced the newest addition to its 6000 ment villas in the Grant St. area of Plant Hoening’s parents were both real estate sq. ft. spa, a beautiful hair suite that City. Grace Manor is a 65-unit community brokers who invested in many properties allows its hair stylist to assist clients by in a multi-level building that has features in the area and Hoening has been offering a wide variety of hair services. and design options with security, comfort, involved in sales most of her adult life. Essentials of Brandon is incredibly style and support in mind. Amenities From her first job, leasing apartments thankful to its clients and their continued include salon services, flexible menu near USF, to her current job, working with support over the last 10 years. A lot of its options and a full social program. local businesses advertising in The success stems from being available to its Headquartered in Lakeland, Mainstay Osprey Observer Community clients at all hours of the day each week. Senior Living has been serving seniors Newspaper, Hoening has shown a pasGiving its clients flexibility to schedule and their loved ones in Florida for a sion for meeting the needs of individuals appointments at their leisure, it is open decade and are proud providers of excelon both a personal and professional level. seven days a week, with scheduling lent care and services. Additional informaHoening can be contacted by calling appointments available, from Monday tion on Grace Manor can be found at 625-1527, visiting through Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and on GraceManorHuntersCreek.com. https://www.facebook.com/khoeningrealSundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. tor/ or emailing Essentials of Brandon is located at The George Shea Team Welcomes Kerrie@GeorgeSheaRealty.com. 3405 Brook Crossing Dr. in Brandon. Visit Hoening As Newest Buyer’s Agent www.brandonessentials.com to find out Chill Cawfee Expands To Riverview The George Shea Team at Signature more or call 681-1110 to schedule an Realty is excited to welcome their new Chill Cawfee launched its first locaappointment. buyer’s agent, Kerrie Hoening. Hoening is tion in Valrico only seven months ago and
53 is now partnering with Gracie Brandon to open a second location in the Lake St. Charles community. Gracie Brandon specializes in mixed martial arts, kickboxing and student programs, and now coffee lovers can work remotely in Chill Cawfee while their kids or friends are training. Continuing the tradition of the first location, it will be serving its specialty coffees, which have proven to be very popular, and as a certified hemp retailer, it will bring the highest quality, lab-tested hemp products as well, including medicalgrade CBD oils, topical solutions, edibles and, most importantly, education. Chill Cawfee can be found at 10528 Lake St. Charles Blvd. in Riverview and is open Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
LeAnne’s Cookies Celebrates 34 Years In Business
As a finance major at the University of Central Florida, one of LeAnne Crabtree’s required marketing projects was to plan and set up a business, keep accurate records and report any profits or losses her business generated. LeAnne decided to bake and sell cookies, which were an instant hit with the college students, professors, neighbors and friends, who all bought all the cookies she could
Continued on Next Page
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Popular Chick-N-Bones Cafe & Catering Co. Under New Ownership
Business Column Continued................... produce. LeAnne immediately made a profit, but her professor gave her a ‘C,’ emphatically stating, “People are becoming too health conscious and will no longer eat cookies; therefore, this business will not be a success.” That class was 34 years ago; LeAnne decided to ignore her professor’s criticism.
Master Garage Door Co. Celebrates 23 Years
By Jenny Bennett BayCare Medical Group Welcomes New Doctor Dr. Richa K. Patel, MD recently joined BayCare Medical Group at the BayCare HealthHub, located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Dr. Patel is board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine with a specialty in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. Dr. Patel is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital - South in Riverview and is accepting new patients age 18 and older. To learn more about Dr. Patel, visit DrRichaPatel.org. To make an appointment, call 586-8530.
Steve and Tawnie Manning have been in the garage door industry for 42 years and are celebrating the opening of their own Canine Cabana Is Now business, Steve (pictured) and Tawnie Offering Spa Services Master Garage Door Co., Manning are celebrating 23 Canine Cabana has 23 years ago this month. years since opening Master recently expanded their servGarage Door Co. Family-owned and operices to include spa baths and ated since 1997, Master Garage Door treatments for your dog, just in time for Co. has been serving the community and the upcoming holiday season. Regularly offering the highest quality service and scheduled, high-quality baths promote an parts. It features C.H.I. garage doors and overall healthier dog by proactively LiftMaster garage door openers and is an addressing skin, coat and shedding conaccredited member of the International cerns. Not only does it offer exceptional Door Association. groom baths, Canine Cabana has options Its hours of operation are Monday to for healthy skin, coat and shedding conFriday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit its website, trol treatments. Appointments are schedmastergaragedoor.com, or www.faceuled with one of its certified groom technibook.com/mastergaragedoor/ for more cians; appointments can be booked indeinformation. pendently or with any of its daycare, lodging or training services seven Greater Riverview days a week. A few Canine Chamber Of Commerce Cabana customers who Hosts Rediscover, received spa services raved Innovate, Celebrate, about the quality and exceptionEvent al service. “I just love the spa The Greater Riverview days at Canine Cabana Chamber of Commerce because he looks so fresh and (GRCC) hosted its first fluffy. They are great with him Rediscover, Innovate, and he loves them so much,” Celebrate Munch & Mingle stated Hillary about her dog, event at The Barn at Teddy. Winthrop Town Centre. The goal of this Canine Cabana is a premium pet event was for the GRCC to dip its toes lodging facility offering overnight accominto hosting in-person events with smaller modations, fun doggy daycare, enrichgatherings. Masks were required and ment activities, spa services and training. hand sanitizer was available to all guests. It is located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Tables were spread 6 ft. apart with four Riverview. If you would like additional people seated at each table. The event information, please contact Angie Pickren was sponsored and catered by Datz at 672-9663 or email angie@caninecaRestaurant Group and GRCC welcomed bana.biz. 50 of its members to the event. If you want to know more about the Custom-Fit Earbuds Available From Greater Riverview Chamber of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy Commerce, visit Part of creating an essential at-home www.riverviewchamber.com/, call 234tool kit during this time is to find a reliable 5944 or email and secure pair of earbuds that combine info@riverviewchamber.com.
Volume 19, Issue 11
Peter and Tina Madsen, founders of Fresh Original Food, a local catering and meal prep service, are excited to announce the purchase of Chick-N-Bones Cafe & Catering Co. from its ownerChick-N-Bones Cafe & Catering Co. is under new founders, Don and Danita ship. Boyer. The cafe has been comfort and convenience. Generic factory serving the Brandon community fresh earbuds can cause pain in the ear and and delicious flame-broiled chicken, tend to fall out easily. Florida E.N.T. & ribs, Latin-style pork, salads and sandAllergy is offering one-of-a-kind earbuds wiches for the last 23 years. “Tina and that are customized for every patient. The I became fans of Chick-N-Bones back earbud moldings are shaped precisely to in ‘99 and were thrilled when Don the unique contours of your ear, providing offered to transition this great business comfort and great sound quality. The earfrom his family to ours,” said Peter. buds are created and returned approxiDanita is remaining as a key part of mately 7-10 days later and the correct fitthe cafe throughout the business tranting is then ensured by an audiologist. sition, as will long-term employee Jose They come in a wide range of colors and Rodriguez. “We look forward to many can be made to fit many headphone more years of serving the community brands and models. To learn about other through all three food-related busiproducts and services offered by Florida nesses.” E.N.T. & Allergy, visit www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com or call 879-8045.
Register Now For Firearm And Family Safety Classes
Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training is offering Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals classes on Saturday, November 28 and December 12. “It’s our mission to keep people safe and make communities safer,” said Cora Simon, co-owner of Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training. It also offers Damsel in Defense personal protective items designed specially for women. Visit /www.facebook.com/SimonFirearm-Family-Safety-Training386575622207598/, email James Simon at BeSafe@SimonSafetyTraining.com or call 363-7576.
Creative Junk Therapy Grand Reopening
Creative Junk Therapy is a start-up nonprofit creative reuse center that promotes creative expression, environmental awareness and community engagement through education, reuse and the arts. Its new location is at 772 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon and a grand reopening celebration will be held on Saturday, November 28. For more information, email creativejunktherapy@outlook.com.
Florida Orthopaedic Announces New Riverview Office
Florida Orthopaedic Institute opened its new facility in Riverview on October 7, located at 11286 Boyette Rd. “As we continue to implement methods to provide enhanced access for our patients, we are proud to expand our reach to better serve our Riverview community,” said Lee Levanduski, chief operating officer. “The new office will provide clinical appointments, physical therapy and ancillary services such as diagnostic imaging, casting, bracing and durable medical equipment.” The orthopaedic practice also brings the number of physicians to 43 as it added Dr. Michael Doarn to its division of Hand/Upper Extremity. Dr. Doarn is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and he is a member of numerous organizations, including the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. For additional information, visit www.floridaortho.com, or call 393-1523 to schedule an appointment.
November 2020
Page 27
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Robbins Family Founds FishHawk Beyblades Club For Weekly Meetups
You Choose! In-Person or Virtual!
Five Bags Will be Given Away!
By Lily Belcher
boosted,” said Marnie. She posted an invite on Facebook to the free club, in which members would meet on Tuesdays and The Beyblades club members meet up in Park Square on Friday Fridays at Park Square in afternoons. Last year, sixth grader FishHawk. Marnie Kevin Robbins and his little and her boys took brother Ethan and sister their Beyblades Taylor discovered and stadiums to the Beyblades, a spinning top park to meet with a game developed in Japan few other families in 1999 where participants after school. try to keep their tops spin“The wonderful ning longer inside a miniathing is that every ture stadium than their week they meet competitors. Their mom, and the kids have Marnie Robbins, watched (From left to right) Kevin, Ethan something to look her sons develop a love for and Taylor Robbins, founders of forward to after a the Beyblades Club. Beyblades and the resultlong day [of] eing bond between the boys motivated learning or brick-and-mortar schooling,” her to create the Beyblades Club. said Marnie’s friend, Melissa Rogers. “I created the club because my Marnie supplies the Beyblades and boys had started to bond…I loved stadiums for the kids to borrow and watching how Kevin would teach Ethan, offers hand sanitizer and wipes for the and Ethan was beginning to spend a lot families participating. The club currentmore time with him,” said Marnie. ly has 24 families that join weekly, Marnie mentioned starting a including Taylor and some of her Beyblades club to her boys, but, friends. despite liking the idea, Kevin did not “For me and my kids, it’s been a think anyone would join the club. very good experience,” said Robbins, “I wanted to show him that anything “It shows that during rough times we can happen if you believe that it can. I can still have fun, and we love watchwanted him to see that he’s capable of ing this group grow.” doing anything he puts his heart to, so I For more information about joining made it even more important to get this the Beyblades Club, text message club started. I wanted his confidence Marnie Robbins at 516-425-1257.
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Page 28
Brandon Ford Poised To Repeat #1 Volume Ford Dealership In America Title
Locally Owned & Operated
By Amy Schechter
Out of more ice. than 3,000 Ford The company’s dealerships, pledge to the community Hillsborough and accomplishments County’s very own also earned them Ford’s Brandon Ford is in a Triple Crown Award, tight race to repeat which requires the its title as the #1 volPresident’s Award, memume Ford dealership bership in the Ford 100 in America for the Club and Premier Club second year in a distinction in the same row. Commitment to year. Brandon Ford is in a tight race to quality and service Customers can feel repeat its title as the #1 volume is a driving factor in Ford dealership in America for the confident in the size and why this location is variety of Brandon second year in a row. the world’s largest Ford’s inventory, which volume Ford dealerallows it to offer the best ship. prices in the area on all “We are thrilled new and used Ford cars, to be the largest voltrucks or SUVs. ume Ford dealership Murray also menin the world,” said tioned that the dealerGeneral Manager ship has a growing sales Wayne Hammond. team of “world-class “This level of growth and volume is individuals from diverse backgrounds.” very exciting as I couldn’t be more He noted that all of Brandon’s impressed with our team’s performsales staff are knowledgeable, motivatance and more grateful for the loyalty ed to earn business, are willing to lisof our customers.” ten to customer needs and provide It’s no wonder that for 18 years guidance and education to help select running, Brandon Ford has boasted the best vehicle and the best deal. Ford’s President’s Award, a prestigious In addition to its new and prehonor given only to dealers that owned retail sales showrooms, demonstrate their ability to exceed cus- Brandon Ford offers full-service, parts tomer expectations in every departand collision repair services, all conment. venient to its Adamo Dr. location. Brandon Ford’s marketing director, For more information, call 246Tom Murray, attributed the dealership’s 3673 or visit www.brandonford.com. 2019 success to a huge inventory, Brandon Ford is located at 9090 E. aggressive pricing and customer servAdamo Dr. in Tampa.
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November 2020
Page 29
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
ACS Encourages Health And Fundraising During Pandemic
Staff Report
The American and mammograms, which Cancer Society (ACS) have seen an alarming continues to infuse enerdecline because of the gy into its annual Relay pandemic. A National For Life campaigns, even Cancer Institute study though the pandemic revealed that there may forced the suspension of be 20,000 more colorectal its 2020 relays last spring. and breast cancer-related “We certainly are deaths beginning in 2021 back in the swing of because the medical comthings as we follow the munity is losing the school calendar and build advantage of early detecexcitement for Relay,” tion. said ACS Senior “We’re seeing now Local American Cancer Society Community Development volunteers are working hard to that some of those numManager Tammy bers are rebounding, and raise funds and awareness during the pandemic despite people are able to return Schoonover. “Cancer not being able to hold their hasn’t stopped and neitraditional fundraisers, such as to screening in some ther have our Relay For places,” said ACS Senior Relay for Life. Life supporters.” Vice President for Prevention ACS is squarely focused on raising Laura Makaroff. “We don’t want people to funds for life-saving research that leads to forget about the importance of their cannew breakthrough treatments and cer screenings. How to do that in this time improved cures. Because of the pandem- is something you really need to talk to ic, 2020 funding may be reduced by 50 your healthcare provider about.” percent, which would represent the lowAdvocacy and awareness are just est level this century for ACS, the nation’s two more reasons ACS needs to continue leading private nonprofit funder of cancer garnering community support. While research. details for upcoming Relays For Life, “We’re depending on our supporters such as the 2021 FishHawk Relay For to help us change that,” Schoonover said. Life, remain in development, volunteers “So, during this time, we are still moving still can get involved by starting a team or the mission forward by recruiting/securing hosting a ‘Share the Light’ night in their teams and volunteers to continue funding own community. the mission.” To register and start fundraising, ACS also continues its advocacy please go to www.relayforlife.org/fishwork, lending support to patients who are hawkfl. Contact Schoonover at 815-590enduring a cancer journey while dealing 2961 or tammy.schoonover@cancer.org, with COVID-19. It’s also raising awareor Event Lead Leslie Adams at 404-0212 ness about the importance of screening or ladams6@ymail.com.
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Volume 19, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
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From The Tee Box With Jason Blanchard Most people can salvage a round with their performance around the green. Either with a wedge or putter, those short shots can drastically change a score. Most golf courses have four par-3 holes, meaning that you should not hit your driver more than 14 times during a round. If you average 100, that means you will only hit your driver 14 percent of your round. However, most people hit their driver 80 percent of the time when they practice, not using this time efficiently. Even if you hit a wayward second shot, you may still be OK if you have spent time practicing and perfecting your chip shots. Chipping, like putting, is very much a feel shot. The only way you can achieve feel is with muscle memory and constant practice. I personally spend so much time in the short game area at the club that when I have a 30-yard shot, I use the experiences and techniques I have learned from the range to gauge exactly how hard to swing. The average full sand wedge goes between 60 and 100 yards, depending on
the club’s loft, making it challenging to know what to do when you only have 40 yards to the flag. This is where short game practice and developing your feel and distance are key. In the article on putting, I discussed practicing from 5, 10 then 15 feet so you can establish a different feel. Using the same procedure, make sure you mark off distances from 60 yards and shorter and practice different lengths so you have the experience at that distance. Practicing this over and over again will allow the development of muscle memory and you will not just be guessing when you have those short distance shots. All aspects of your short game can save the round, so remember, when hitting the range, spend more time on your short game, and you will definitely see your scores begin to improve. Please feel free to reach out to me with any golf-related questions at golfguyosprey@gmail.com. Jason Blanchard, PGA manages the 18-hole Summerfield Crossings Golf Club as the COO/General Manager. The course opened in 1987 and was designed by Ron Garl. Visit https://summerfieldgc.com/
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November 2020
Page 31
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Multifamily Projects Target SE. Hillsborough County With 17 Sites & More Than 4,400 Units It has been widely reported that on average, 950 people move to Florida every day. With demand for housing continuing at this rapid pace, it is inevitable we would see a corresponding increase in the supply of residential units in our area. Unfortunately, the amount of land available that has access to county water and sewer systems is beginning to dwindle, causing developers to look outside of this area—called the Urban Service Area—for alternate project sites. County leaders, wanting to help curb the urban sprawl that accompanies building outside of the area, have been encouraging urban infill projects. ‘Urban infill’ implies that existing land is mostly built-out and what is being built is in effect ‘filling in’ the gaps. Most of these sites are 20 acres or less, thus creating smaller neighborhoods with typically higher densities (more homes per acre). A perfect example of this was the Ace Golf Range on Kings Ave. near the intersection of Lumsden Rd. and Kings Ave. The project now under construction is called Ironwood Flats and is approved for 333 units on the former driving range property. Depending on the underlying or future zoning of the land, multifamily projects (apartments and townhomes) have become a means of providing more affordable housing options at usually, but not always, a lower price point than your standard single-family home. Additionally, with an increase in residents, an increase in multifamily elderly care facilities should also be expected to meet demand. “As Florida’s population continues to grow and attract more residents, the real estate market has – in my estimation – expanded to meet the needs of all families relocating to our great county. In the past, much of the development in southeastern Hillsborough has been solely single-family homes, but the over the last few years it’s become evident the demand for multifamily units is getting higher,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White. “Historically, the expectation is that multi-family goes in the dense urban core, but with growth – including jobs – reaching into our more traditional suburban and rural regions, the need for that type of housing has emerged and I’m glad to see the needs of all our new residents being
By Brian Bokor
Many multifamily home projects are scheduled for construction in the Brandon area.
met by the development community.” The depicted graphic was created to give readers a visual representation of the areas where new multifamily projects have been proposed, approved or allowed under current zoning. Readers who would like to see the physical addresses for each of these projects can visit www.ospreyobserver.com to find this information. Three of these projects—Brandon Main Street, Sentosa Riverview and Southbend (part of Southshore Commons)—are planned to be developed as ‘mixed-use,’ where several different uses are utilized within the same neighborhood. Winthrop on Bloomingdale Ave. is a prime example of this concept where residential, retail and commercial spaces all coexist within the same development. The Brandon Main Street project has been in various stages of planning since 2001 and even has its own community plan available online at www.planhillsborough.org. Most recent plans call for 421 multifamily units to be accompanied by 18,640 sq. ft. of commercial space in phase one, including a 6,000 sq. ft. office/retail building along with a 2,000 sq. ft. food
hall and large, 1-acre park. Two mixed-use buildings will also be available for nonresidential uses. Phase two will add another 239 units and 56,360 sq. ft. of commercial space for total of 660 apartments and 75,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Sentosa Riverview will offer 368 luxury-style apartments, including up to 150,000 sq. ft. office, retail and commercial space. Currently, there are five 1-acre out-parcels available for sale as well as ongoing negotiations with major national restaurants and retailers. The self-storage facility that was included in the original plans will not be part of the final project.
The Valrico retirement residence currently under construction that most of us pass at the intersection of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Valrico Rd. will not be an assisted living facility as originally reported but will be considered an ‘independent’ living facility without access to on-site medical or nursing care and will offer 136 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom residential units while employing a staff of four. On the other hand, the Meridian at Brandon will be a traditional assisted living facility offering 111 beds of assisted living with 38 beds dedicated to memory care. This project will employ up to 25 people. The proposed Mathog Rd. project has submitted dual uses, one being a senior housing option and the other a standard apartment proposal. Sixty-six townhomes were proposed at the location west of the Bloomingdale Walmart adjacent to the library, and although that request has been withdrawn, the parcel is approved for up to 261 units. Fifty49 Bell Shoals, the 166bed assisted living facility planned for Bell Shoals at the old St. Stephen Church location has been put on hold until the Bell Shoals widening project has been completed. Mathog Rd. (20-0808) and Knowles Rd. (20-1264) have yet to have their rezoning requests approved. All other projects listed on the map have been approved and are in the final stages of construction plan review or have cleared all necessary steps and are ready to be built, with the exception of Tapestry Town Center in Brandon, which is now actively leasing. Last December, commissioners put a 270-day moratorium on rezoning in South County, however, this does not stop permitting for previously rezoned property.
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Page 32
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
Local Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Will Air Fall High School Sporting Events Live
The IMPACT Program Hosts Coach Purse Bingo In Person & Virtually
high schools and booster clubs to air games at the restaurants. Volleyball, cross county, track and other fall sporting events are being aired as well. Some of the restaurants will set up a viewing party outside with big TVs to have a tailgating vibe for game nights. “Community connection Beefs wants to bring local communities together by airhas always been in our ing fall sporting events live. DNA,” said Boggs. “Once we Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is bringing local saw this become a problem in our comcommunities together by airing high munities, we said, ‘How do we step up, school football games at over 10 restauhow do we fix these problems and allow rants this season due to COVID-19 these people to unite as a family and be restrictions/capacity regulations at the able to watch it and tend to these sportgames. Fans now have a hangout to ing events live?’” watch their favorite teams play while Food and drink specials are offered having great food and drinks. on game days, and events are shown Locations include: Plant City (airing on several TVs in the restaurants. Party Plant City games), Northdale (Gaither rooms can be reserved as well for games), Riverview (Riverview games), groups of six or less. Social distancing Bloomingdale (Bloomingdale games), rules are followed, allowing for a safe FishHawk (Newsome games), Valrico environment. Restaurants were allowed (Brandon and Durant games), Lutz to open at full capacity last Friday. (Steinbrenner games), Citrus Park Lithia Beefs General Manager T.J. (Sickles games), Summer Field (East Oliveres thinks the promotion has potenBay games), Wilderness (Land O’Lakes tial and that his store will get even more games) and Sunlake (Sunlake games). business on game nights now that If your area is not listed, call your local restaurants are able to open to full Beefs to find out if it will be airing capacity. games. “Our goal is to bring our communiAccording to Heather Boggs, chief ties together,” said Boggs. “What mom, marketing officer at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, when it was announced that there would grandma, sibling doesn’t want to watch their kid live when they are playing in be limited attendance at high school their sports events? We want to make it football games in Hillsborough County, known that we are a part of your family the Beefs home office and local franand community.” chisees teamed up with their respective
The IMPACT tion prizes at the Program is not letting event. Additional COVID-19 slow down Friendship sponsorits fundraising. Impact, ship opportunities are which promotes available for $100, healthy lifestyles and which will include a relationship for teens, ticket to the event. is hosting its annual Players wishing to Coach Purse Bingo in attend the event online person and online this can purchase a bingo year, making it a great card for $10. A Zoom event for anyone interlink and game cards ested in having fun will be emailed to all while raising funds for online participants IMPACT is hosting a fundraising a great cause. before the event. bingo event next month with both The Coach Purse In person, doors online and in-person options. Bingo, with title sponwill open at 6:30 p.m. sors The George Shea and bingo will begin Team with Signature Realty promptly at 7:15 p.m. for and Hi Tech Automotive, all participants. will take place at The “We will have five Regent in Riverview on bags to give away,” said Tuesday, December 1 from Kagey. “We are hoping 6:30-9 p.m. everyone can enjoy this event in the “We recognize that this has been way they feel is most comfortable for a challenging year for many people them.” and our local charities have been hit Tickets can be purchased online very hard,” said Angie Kagey, through Eventbrite at IMPACT’s executive director. “In an www.impactcoachbingo.eventbrite.co effort to bring some holiday cheer and m. The deadline to purchase tickets a little fun to our community, while at will be Friday, November 27. the same time meeting our organizaThe Regent is located at 6437 tion’s budget needs, we felt this event Watson Rd., just off Boyette Rd. in should proceed.” Riverview. To learn more about the Tickets to the in-person event are event and sponsorship opportunities, $20 and include coffee and dessert. please email Kagey at Additional sets of three bingo cards akagey@whatisimpact.com. will be available to purchase for $20. For more information on IMPACT, There will be opportunities to purvisit it on Facebook or at chase tickets for raffles and silent auc- www.whatisimpact.com.
By Nick Nahas
By Kate Quesada
November 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Watts Dental Offers 3rd Annual Free Dental Day For Veterans, Appts. Available
By Kate Quesada
cleanings, to veterans. Last year, donations of services topped $79,000 during the one-day event. Dr. Casey Lynn of SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry is one of the volunteers that helps with the event, and according to Edwards, the majority of the cleanings given to veterans take place in his office, which is in the same Watts Dental is hosting its third annual Free Dental plaza as Watts Dental Apollo Beach. Day for Veterans on Saturday, November 7. “We hear horror stories so The team at Watts Dental in often from our patients who are veterFishHawk and Apollo Beach knows ans and have put their lives on the line how to give back to the community, and for us, and that motivates us even more next month it plans to do it in style. to give back to them,” said Edwards, Watts Dental’s third annual Free Dental who added that local elementary school Day for Veterans will take place on students also make thank-you cards for Saturday, November 7 from 8 a.m.-4 the patients to take with them. p.m. in Apollo Beach, offering free denVeterans are asked to make tal services to local veterans. appointments in advance by calling any According to Pamela Edwards, of the Watts Dental offices, and anyone Watts’ patient advocate, the team of interested in volunteering time or prodvolunteers gave more than 120 patients ucts can ask to speak to Pamela complimentary services last year. Edwards. Depending on availability, “Part of our mission statement is to patients may be able to receive more be part of our community, and with so than one service, but at least one treatmany of our typical events needing to ment is guaranteed. be cancelled due to COVID, we got Appointment times will be more together and said, one way or another, spaced out this year to limit exposure we have to make this happen,” said due to COVID-19. Edwards. “It is a whole heartfelt day To learn more or to make an and something many of us look forward appointment, call 737-7370 or visit to all year.” www.WattsDentalFL.com. Watts Dental During the event, Watts staff memApollo Beach is located at 137 Harbor bers team up with other local doctors Village Ln. and the FishHawk office is and professionals to offer dental serviclocated at 5605 Skytop Dr. in Lithia. es, including fillings, extractions and
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Page 33
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
Former Bloomingdale Football And College Teammates Have Success At The DI Level Left tackle Ethan Carde at Texas Tech and long snapper Justin Keijers at the University of Central Arkansas are having great success at the Division I college level. The former Bloomingdale Bulls came from humble beginnings, starting their college careers as teammates at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas. The former college roommates still root for each other. “Justin was my boy, he was always wanting to get better and have a good time,” said Carde. “He is a special player because his mind is on the right path for the goals he’s trying to reach.” “He was a great teammates,” said Keijers. “He’s a great kid, he brings you up, and you can have a full conversation with him and talk to him about anything and he won’t judge you. He’s a hard worker. When he gets on that field, he’s focused and you can’t joke around with him.” Carde has always wanted to play football at the DI level, and at 6 ft. 8 in. and 315 pounds, he always had the potential. He earned an offer from
Ethan Carde lifts his teammate up after the offense scores a touchdown.
Texas Tech and has taken advantage of his opportunity, starting as the left tackle for the Red Raiders in the offensive-happy Big 12. “It was amazing,” said Carde. “I’ve always wanted to play on the big screen and I finally got to. It means a lot to me because all the hard work is starting to pay off, and my parents don’t have to pay for
Justin Keijers has been perfect on his snaps so far this season.
my college.” Keijers started off playing multiple positions at Bloomingdale as a tight end, center and long snapper. Former Bloomingdale Head Coach Max Warner encouraged Keijers to pursue a college scholarship as a long snapper because he saw great potential in him. His only scholarship offer came
from Coffeyville, where he played for one season and got noticed by the University of Central Arkansas. On his first snap at the junior college level, Keijers snapped the ball over the punter’s head. He did not let that deter him, however, as he had perfect snaps for the rest of the season. He felt that he needed that one bad snap to move on and get it over with. He later received a scholarship to play at Central Arkansas, where he hasn’t had a bad snap yet. “My first time on the field I was nervous and I had butterflies in my stomach,” said Keijers. “A long snapper can’t mess up. You have one job and you cannot mess it up. That’s all that goes through my head when I go on the field.” Both Carde and Keijers have dreams and aspirations of playing in the NFL one day. Their former high school coach, current Bloomingdale Head Coach Jake Coulson, believes that both players have a chance of doing that. “I think they both have the potential to play on Sunday,” said Coulson.
November 2020
Page 35
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Bloomingdale Ice Bulls 2020 Hockey Has Longest Tenured Coach In State
Newsome Wolves 2020 Hockey Looking To Compete After State Finals Season
The take the lead. Bloomingdale Ice According to Bulls Hockey Falbo, the front Club is entering runners for capthe season as tain are Jayden one of the Hardy, Luke longest-running Scarborough, hockey programs Myles Diana and in the state of Ryan Maxwell. Florida. Their “These young inaugural cammen have shown paign started in real leadership 1997 and, 23 qualities in both years later, they games and pracstill pride themtices,” Falbo said. selves on their “We expect all of family concept, our juniors and The Bloomingdale Ice Bulls are led by “Once a Bull, seniors to lead Coach Make Falbo, who is in his 21st season as head coach. always a Bull.” the way, regardWhile looking to less of the letter on their improve on last year’s seajersey.” son, Head Coach Mike The Ice Bulls’ first Falbo reminded his players game of the season ended every time they put their in a 5-5 tie against Land O’ skates on “to get better Lakes, and every shift, and improve their next game was on from game to game.” This October 16 against Palm is Falbo’s 21st season, Harbor at Tampa Bay making him one of the Skating Academy longest-tenured high (Oldsmar) at 7:15 p.m. school hockey coaches in Player spotlight: Senior the state. Players on the Myles Diana is an intimiIce Bulls’ roster said Coach dating and physical force, Falbo is a knowledgeable, and he is generally the honest and dedicated biggest and most skilled coach. player on the ice. Diana is This year is a rebuilding season a big player with soft hands and for the Bloomingdale Ice Bulls. They quick feet, and is extremely hard to are waiting to select their captain defend. Look for a big season from until they see someone step up and him.
The Weaver. The major Newsome High thing they have School Ice going for themWolves have a selves is their major advantage youth. The Ice starting every Wolves have season with incredibly talented Head Coach sophomores and Mark Rosengard freshmen starting at the helm of on their varsity the hockey club. squad, including Rosengard and Jack Daher, Nick his style have Spersrud and Cole garnered much Parkhurst securing respect from the the defense and Tampa Bay Colin Jackson, hockey commuChristian Aguiar The Newsome Ice Wolves have big nity. The Ice and Gannon expectations for the 2020 season. Wolves made a Gourley pushing the trip to the state finals last puck and playing up as forseason, adding to his legawards. Their JV squad is cy. loaded with talent. The future Fans said that the best is very bright and exciting for part about going to this club. Newsome games is the The Ice Wolves started environment the program the season with a 5-1 win over brings. In the past two seaJenkins, and they took on sons, the Newsome Ice Land O’ Lakes at the Lakeland Wolves have led the way in Ice Arena on October 16 at garnering the biggest and 6:15 p.m. loudest crowds. The famiPlayer Spotlight: Goalie lies and students wildly supJacob Weaver led Newsome port their club. With the to the state finals as a junior. rapid growth of hockey in Weaver has both speed and the area, the Ice Wolves hockey IQ. He can adapt to are way ahead of the curve the ebb and flow of the game with their dedication. with ease. He makes big saves in big The Ice Wolves are led by seniors moments, which gives the guys in front Jacob Borukhin, Jacob Lynch, Ian the confidence and momentum to finish Daffern, Julius Spengler and Jacob the job.
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Page 36
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2020
Page 37
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Datz Group Brings New Donovan’s Modern American Meatery To Winthrop Town Centre
By Kathy L. Collins
with potatoes cooked every way imaginable from mashed to fried to au gratin. Not to be outdone, vegetables will also have a starring role with wood fired asparagus, artichokes, brussels sprouts. Onion rings will be a must have. Seafood such as oysters, crab and more will be prevalent as will the lobster or truffle mac and The Datz Restaurant Group is bringing its newest concept cheese.” Executive Chef restaurant, Donovan’s Modern American Meatery, to Winthrop Town Centre. Donovan’s will be the perfect spot Lee Jasper is at the helm for a great meal set in a comfortable and convivial setting. of the grill. He has The newest addition to the line up of decades of experience cooking with great food and retail establishments in the smoke and fire. Winthrop Town Centre is Donovan’s Looking for a well-crafted cocktail? Modern American Meatery (Donovan’s). You are in luck. The renowned mixologist, Donovan’s is located just off of Dean Hurst, has been brought on to Bloomingdale in the heart of the Winthrop curate a simple, elegant cocktail and wine Town Centre at 11206 Sullivan St. in list with classics like Side Cars and Aperol Riverview. Spritzers. Boutique wines and a well Donovan’s is run by the Datz thought out beer list, along with a concise Restaurant Group owned by co-owners, spirit list, round out the options. Hurst Suzanne and Roger Perry. According to has worked with Bern's and many other Suzanne, Donovan’s is “Comfortable, top beverage programs prior to joining the cosmopolitan and understated without a team at Donovan’s. flashy, over the top feeling. We used The inspiration for Donovan’s is simrepurposed items. There is polished conple. Suzanne explained, “Many years crete, repurposed wood, upcycled furniprior to opening our first restaurant, we ture, antique sliding doors and gas had kicked around the idea of a steaklanterns which give it a warm, homey and house named after Roger's father, Russel convivial ambiance.” Suzanne added, ‘Donovan’ Perry. Roger grew up on a “The interior had been so beautifully finmodest family farm having fresh beef and ished in the past, we really did not make vegetables with almost every meal. a lot of changes. We changed some Donovan's reflects the family farm ethos.” warm red colors to mirror the flames from Donovan’s will open in mid to late the grills, and we have some different furOctober for Happy Hour beginning at 4 niture, but the general feeling is still p.m. with dinner until 9 p.m. They will be sophisticated rustic.” open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Suzanne said, “We specifically Saturday. Lunch and then brunch will be designed Donovan's to be the go-to dinadded later. ner spot and not a place to be saved for The Datz Restaurant Group opened only once a year.” Datz earlier this year in Winthrop Town The menu at Donovan’s is true Centre. Suzanne said, “We have always steakhouse. You can find several varialiked the area. We love the people we tions of Certified Angus Beef, American have met and we love the Winthrop Town Wagyu, Brasstown grass-fed steaks, Center.” duck, house cured bacon steaks and wild For more information, please visit game. Perry said, “Entrees will be paired www.donovansmeatery.com.
Cleaning Services
by Bay Area Clean Team
The wild boars, feral pigs, Florida hogs; whatever you choose to call them, they are all the same: a non-native, invasive species of a flourishing wild pig. Introduced in the 1500s, these animals can be found in every county in Florida and abundantly in and around Tampa Bay. An invasive species is one that was not found in an original ecosystem and in turn competes for resources with the native species; however, species like the boar are now naturalized and here to stay. Wild pigs average around 110-130 pounds and can reach lengths of about 46 feet long. They range in color and pattern but are generally black, gray, brown and spotted and striped as babies. Their lifespan in the wild averages between four to 10 years. Boars are omnivores and will eat almost any plant or small animal. This includes rooted plants, nuts, acorns, reptiles, amphibians, birds and their eggs, insects, worms and any smaller mammal. They are nocturnal and can be found actively foraging at dusk or dawn. As with all pigs, wild boars are quick learners and highly intelligent mammals that live in families and have a complex social structure. They are very adaptable to live in any environment, making them the most widely distributed land mammal, second only to humans. Mothers are very
attentive to their young and families can consist of groups of up to 100 pigs. They are typically shy animals and have a natural fear of humans, causing them to generally flee from nearby people or encounters. In the United States, documented cases of pig attacks are exceedingly rare and often occur during hunts in an attempt to defend themselves or have occurred when a mother feels her piglets are threatened. If you observe pigs from a safe distance and respect all wildlife, there is little to no risk of injury or disease. Remember to never approach or feed any wild animal. Wild boars are actively trapped and hunted in most of the state with permits and permission because of their fastreproductive rate and environmental impact concerns. They are the secondmost-hunted animal in Florida. However, those who have known a pig know the ease to love the species. To paraphrase Winston Churchill: “Cats look down on you, dogs look up to you, but pigs look you in the eye as equals.” Ali Dunstan is currently Director of FishHawk TNR, Inc. She has been working with animals for over 20 years and is a biologist specializing in animal behavior, marine and wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, education and conservation.
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Page 38
Volume 19, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
G ET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT
Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension
My Favorite Funky Flowers
At our UF/IFAS Extension through winter. This plant is the Hillsborough County office— larval food plant for several and in my home landscape— swallowtail butterflies. This plant we have several unusual flowgrows well in Central and South ering plants. They are so Florida. amazingly strange-looking that Wax plant, Wax flower, you would want to stop and Hoya carnosa: This is a slowlook again. We thought you growing vine whose height and might appreciate the beauty spread depend on the structure and uniqueness of a few of my utilized. It prefers partial favorite funky flowering plants. shade/partial sun. This plant These plants include spiral ginproduces large, round, hanging ger, Dutchman’s pipe and clusters of cream-colored or Hoya carnosa. pink flowers in the spring and Spiral ginger, Costus barsummer and performs very well batus: This is a fast-growing in containers or hanging basperennial that can reach a kets. Propagation is by cuttings. height of 6 to 10 feet and a For more information, please spread of 4 to 8 feet. It prefers see the University of Florida partial shade/partial sun and publication “Hoya carnosa Wax can perform well in full shade Plant, Wax Flower” by Edward or full sun. The undersides of F. Gilman at Three unusual Florida flowering the leaves are very soft, and http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp257. plants. the flowers remind me of a red Next month, I will share wax sculpture with yellow bird bills prothree more of ‘My Favorite Funky truding. Flowering occurs from summer Flowers.’ For more information about the through fall. This plant grows well in Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program North, Central and South Florida. and to register for upcoming workshops, Dutchman’s pipe, pipevine, please view our calendar of events at Aristolochia: This is a fast-growing vine https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcomi that can reach a height and spread of 10 ng-events/. You can contact me at the to 15 feet. It prefers partial shade/partial UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County sun and performs well in full shade. The at 744-5519, ext. 54105. Hope you can flowers are white/purple from summer get outside and garden. Be well.
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Page 39
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Tampa Bay Theatre Offers Iconic Photo Shoots
By Kye Saunders
Downtown Tampa’s with Tampa Theatre phogem, the Tampa tographer Jeff Fey behind Theatre, is one of many the camera. institutions having to The Marquee think on its feet in the Package includes flexible wake of COVID-19. scheduling, a custom mesThe sage on the historic movie historic palaces marquee, theater has sharable proofs sponsored changed by CROOW Stock and the from a choice of a 16”x20” or space 20”x24” heirloom portrait once cenprinted on fiber-based tered archival paper costs a around $1,000 donation. large gathThere is also the The Tampa Theatre open its erings to something dif- doors recently to residents who Peacock Package, in ferent in its You Ought wish to be photographed in the which your session can iconic location. To Be In Pictures protake place on Thursday, gram. October 8 and Sunday, October 18. New portrait packages are available The Peacock Package includes a to the public, as now the beautiful thesharable gallery of your watermarked ater serves as an iconic and safe backproofs, full-resolution digital files of your drop for patrons’ next photo shoots. five favorite photos from the shoot and With senior pictures and Christmas your choice of one 11”x14” or two 5”x7” cards about to knock on all of our doors, heirloom portraits printed on fiber-based the Tampa Theatre is offering the opporarchival paper for a $500 donation. tunity to guarantee that your portrait will Make sure to schedule your session be a standout. quickly as spots are filling up fast. The Tampa Theatre, which Through donations and participation remained closed due to COVID-19, in this new You Ought To Be In Pictures opened its doors last month for this pho- portrait program, residents are directly tographing opportunity. helping keeping the theater alive and The theater is letting patrons have help its mission to Protect, preserve and the chance to capture the movie program the theater as a creative film palace’s ornate archways, twisting stairand cultural center for community. cases, grand stage, and the iconic starTo schedule a You Ought To Be In lit sky as the perfect background for por- Pictures portrait session, patrons can trait needs. contact Tampa Theatre Box Office Tampa Theatre has two different Manager Dawn Kidle at dawn@tamportrait packages to choose from. patheatre.org to make their donation and Both packages include 90 minutes schedule the date and time.
Ideas for Thanking Your Family by Joanna Springstead It’s almost Thanksgiving. And although 2020 has been a tough things for which you can be thankful – such as your family. How can you show your appreciation for your loved ones?
for support. You can help yourself by consistently investing in your IRA and 401(k). And don’t forget to maintain adequate life insurance.
Finally, don’t put off your estate planning. You’ll want to be able to leave Here are a few ideas: a lasting legacy to your First, consider investing in family. A legal professionyour children’s future by al can help you create a contributing to a college savings plan. If you have strategy that’s suitable for older children, you can your needs. By making these moves, JOANNA help them pay off loans or SPRINGSTEAD you can show your loved make a down payment on ones, in a tangible way, Financial Advisor a home. how much you value them – and that can help you keep the spirit of Thanksgiving independence, so you’ll never have alive all year long. to depend on your grown children
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Page 40
Virtual Luncheon Raises $122,000 To Support Programs To Help Local Students
KITA’S REAL ESTATE TIPS
Staff Report
WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH?
Over the last Johnson and few months, disadHillsborough County vantaged students Public Schools have been faced Superintendent Addison with more chalDavis; its panelists, forlenges than ever mer Florida State and despite the diffiRepresentative Sean culties of fundraising Shaw, HCPS Chief of during the coronEquity and Diversity Dr. avirus pandemic, Monica Verra-Tirado the Hillsborough and 2019 Ida S. Baker Education Diversity Educator of the Foundation (HEF) is Hillsborough Education Foundation Year Sandra Misciasci; doing what it can to held a livestream luncheon last month Take Stock in Children to bring awareness to the issue of help. Following mentee and Plant City equity in education. social distancing High School senior Ankit guidelines, HEF hosted a livestream Patel; its moderator, Florida State event last month called EmpowerED Representative Fentrice Driskell; and which brought together community partemcee Mix 100.7 Morning Show Host ners and education advocates for an Lady Laura Diaz to open the residents’ important conversation centered eyes to the problems faced by many local on Building Equity in Education. students. “Thousands of students in “Through personal stories and panel Hillsborough County’s highest needs discussion, we engaged in a courageous schools don’t have the same levels of conversation about the obstacles that resources and support as some of their stand in the way of many students reachfellow students,” said Kendra Oestreich, ing their academic potential and what we HEF director of communications. “The can do to help remove those barriers,” pandemic has only magnified the deep said Oestreich. inequities and obstacles that many stuThe luncheon quickly raised more dents face. Imagine families, who are than $122,000, which will be used for already struggling to make ends meet, HEF’s wide variety of programs helping forced to make the tough decision of students. whether to pay the bills and put food on “Equity in education is critical for us the table or provide their kids with school to have a thriving community. Education supplies, internet access and technology is the number one factor that will detertheir children need for academic sucmine the strength of our next generation cess.” of workforce and leaders,” said HEF CEO HEF brought together its speakers, Kim Jowell. Learn more at educationfounSuncoast Credit Union President Kevin dation.com.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
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Page 41
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Suncoast Credit Union Presents The 2020 Winthrop Arts Annual Children’s Art Show Children ages accepted. This is a 5 to 18 are encourfantastic opportunity aged to enter artfor young artists to work in Winthrop enter artwork in a Arts’ Annual show that is judged. Children’s Art Show Winthrop Arts typpresented by ically holds an artists’ Suncoast Credit reception to celebrate Union. The show, the great artwork subwhich is judged, mitted and to features and celeannounce the winbrates the creativity ners. However, this of the area’s young year, Winthrop Arts artists. Children will host a Facebook may enter original Live event on artwork in any Thursday, November medium. No experi19 at 7 p.m. This will ence is necessary, allow artists and their just use your crefamilies and friends ativity. Artwork as well as the commust have been munity an opportunity created since to attend the recepBest of show 2019 winner Rhythm November 2019. tion in a safe and Kumar with Suncoast Credit Union Representative, Kendra Wilson. The art show socially distanced is open to all students living in the manner. Greater Tampa area. Children can Bryant Martinez, lead art instructor enter up to three pieces. There is a $5 for Winthrop Arts, said, “I just love this fee per piece. There are three age cat- show and look forward to seeing the egories for entries and prizes: ages 5 great works of art that area children to 8, ages 9 to 13 and ages 14 to 18. create each year. We are always All entries must be submitted by grateful for the partnership we have Monday, November 16 between 3 and formed with Suncoast Credit Union. 7:30 p.m. at Winthrop Arts’ education This partnership not only allows us to studio, the Art Factory, located at present this show, but they are a sig11267 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. nificant funder of our outreach proThe show is sponsored by gram, the Mobile Art Factory.” Suncoast Credit Union. Significant All artwork entered must be awards are available for best of show accompanied by an artist’s statement. (one overall) and first, second and Information and the registration form third place in each age category. can be found at www.winthroparts.org. Last year, there were over 50 For questions and more information, entries. Artwork must not be larger please call Kathy at 758-5161 or email than 8”x10”; however, 3D art is also kathy@winthroparts.org.
The Florida Orchestra Reimagines The Fall Season To Bring Back Live Concerts The Florida play an important Orchestra is reimagrole in helping our ining a fall season community heal. that brings the comWe must take fort and joy of live these steps for classical music back safety and finanto Tampa Bay while cial stability now maintaining health to ensure a and safety as the top brighter future,” priority. The Florida added Cantrell. Orchestra is conIn phase one, ducting the season the orchestra will with a three-phased be divided into approach for maxismaller ensemmum safety. bles of 20 to 40 The 53rd seaplayers. There will The Florida Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Michael Francis, will son will open on be more concerts return to live concerts in a limited fashion and a greater Saturday, October on Saturday, October 31. 31 and Sunday, variety of music. November 1 with The result is an expansion of Beethoven’s Symphony No. the premier Tampa Bay 7, conducted by Music Times Masterworks series to Director Michael Francis. include exciting new In phase one, all conSoundwaves concerts which certs will be held exclusively explore a wide range of at the Duke Energy Center music and composers. for the Arts - Mahaffey Overall, concerts will be Theater, located at 400 1st shorter with no intermission. St. S. in St. Petersburg. In addition to Some weekends will offer five performin-person concerts, The Florida ances over two days, but all will be Orchestra will offer livestream video with limited audiences. for free. “By expanding our Masterworks “It is a crazy, complicated puzzle series to include our wonderful new to make the season work, but we are Soundwaves concerts, I am thrilled to tackling it with a strong team thanks to share an amazing kaleidoscope of the unwavering support of our commu- sounds and colors,” said Francis. nity. We are grateful to everyone who Phase one will have limited, has continued to make contributions,” spaced seating for the safety of said The Florida Orchestra President patrons. The Florida Orchestra will and CEO Mark Cantrell. “The Florida accommodate season ticketholders Orchestra’s board of directors have first, and any remaining tickets will go stood by our musicians and staff on sale on Monday, October 12. Visit because they know this orchestra will www.floridaorchestra.org.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2020
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Rojo The Artist Creates Murals To Welcome Students Back To School
By Libby Hopkins
Jorge Roldan is a Rojo eventually decidPuerto Rican artist who ed to quit his sales job goes by the name of when he was 22 and pur‘Rojo the Artist.’ Originally sued a career of being an from Cleveland, Ohio, artist. He has painted mulRojo moved to Tampa tiple business and residenwhen he was 4 years old. tial murals around Tampa. He currently lives in He recently painted a butValrico, but his colorful terfly mural at Seminole murals can be found all Elementary in Seminole over Tampa Bay. He disHeights to welcome the covered his passion to students back to school for create when he was 15 the fall semester. years old and taught him“It’s something that I self how to paint. love to do and would be “I’ve always been interested in partnering Jorge Roldan is a Puerto Rican artist who goes by the with other schools in the creative for as long as I name of ‘Rojo the Artist.’ can remember,” Rojo area to paint more Originally from Cleveland, said. “I started making Ohio, Rojo moved to Tampa murals,” Rojo said. “I things when I was a little when he was 4 years old. He enjoy doing public art and currently lives in Valrico, but having my art seen in difkid. My mom would mop his colorful murals can be the floor and I realized ferent areas of the comfound all over Tampa Bay. we didn’t have a wet munity.” Rojo also floor sign, so I got a teaches mural art piece of cardboard classes at TRIBE and went to my room Seminole Heights in to make one for the Tampa. kitchen floor. When I Rojo hopes to lost my first tooth, I achieve a lifestyle put it under my pillow, that will allow him to expecting the Tooth travel and make the Fairy to bring me world a more scenic something. When I journey for everyone awoke the next mornto enjoy. ing and found my tooth still under the pilTo learn more about Rojo the Artist low, I immediately started making signs or if you would like to have him create a and leaving them all the way from the mural for your home or business, you front door of our house to my bedroom can visit his website at www.rojotso the Tooth Fairy knew where to find heartist.com or email him at Rojo@rojotmy tooth.” heartist.com.
A Door Of Hope Offers Loving Christian Homes To Tampa Bay Foster Children There is a door in the United States that most Americans don’t open. If they did, they would discover some startling statistics about foster care: According to iFoster in 2019, there are 440,000 foster youth nationwide; the need for foster parents is at an all time high; the median age in foster care is 6 ½ years old; only 5 percent of rural youth and 21 percent of urban foster youth report access to a computer at home; 30,000 youth between 18-21 years old age out of the foster system annually and exit without having found a forever home, necessitating fending for themselves; and the price of underinvesting in foster youth results in $1 million in societal costs. Closer to home in the area surrounding Tampa Bay, an average of nine children are in crises every day and are removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. However, there is a special door in the Tampa Bay area that has opened to reveal an opportunity for those seeking to change the present dismal foster care statistics. A Door of Hope (ADOH) offers an opportunity for kids in crisis to find loving homes. ADOH recruits, trains, licenses and supports Christian foster homes in
By Gwen Rollings
the Florida Suncoast region. According to Sarah Weaver, development coordinator for ADOH, people decide to become foster parents for a variety of reasons. “My husband and I had a desire to be parents, but, due to a medical condition, couldn’t make that happen on our own. The idea of foster care was presented. We began classes in February 2016 and were licensed by May 2016. We took our very first placement of two little boys ages 2 and 3 and later adopted them and their little sister in 2018.” Weaver explained that the foster process involves filling out an inquiry form at adoorofhope.com, receiving an intake phone call and attending an orientation followed by professional parenting training. A home study will then be completed. Once approved, you’ll be licensed. ADOH will provide support and walk families through the process from start to finish. Currently, there are 190 licensed foster care homes in this area. ADOH has set a goal of 300-plus homes by 2023. To achieve that goal, only one family per church would foster one child in crises, then every child would have a home. For more information, visit adoorofhope.com.
BEAUTIFUL HOMES START WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOORS
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Volume 19, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
This has been a year like no other. We are incredibly grateful that the housing market has stayed strong but we are aware that there are industries hard hit by this year. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all look for ways to help our friends and neighbors that have never had such a hard year before. We celebrate the harvest and share with our friends in the spirit of Thanksgiving!
Brenda
Forever grateful,
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Favorite Things Sweepstakes Offers Special Rolling Pin Early Bird Prize-Big Green Egg & More!!
By Marie Gilmore
to contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out the entry form in this section and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 1,500 local residents entered the campaign and ONE lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,000. nefitted ations beis year, iz n a rg o d th and families Guide an six local cal Holiday Gift s are offered. r, a e y t s La ird prize Shop Lo Nothing from the ven more early b e Bundt
For six years, Osprey Observer Newspapers has been partnering with local retailers to publish the Shop Local Holiday Favorite Things Sweepstakes and gift guide, and this year promises to be one of the best yet! This year, we’ve partnered with our friends at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium to offer an early bird prize of a Big Green Egg Grill, and our friends at McAuley Fine Jewelry are offering an exquisite diamond and gold necklace valued at more than $1,000. In addition, we have Essentials of Brandon,
$50
Gift Card
Cakes and even more wonderful holiday gifts from our local businesses. Our campaign, the Osprey Observer, A Few of Our Favorite Things, is even more important this year when families are struggling during a global pandemic and need some joy. So, from now until midDecember, we will be collecting Our Favorite Things all throughout the community and we will put them together in one giant gift basket that will be given out in a sweepstakes for our readers. To enter, email ‘Sweepstakes’
Early bird prizes will include a Big Green Egg from Rolling Pin, tickets to Busch Gardens Christmas Town, a diamond necklace and more. Good luck and thank you for shopping local and reading your Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Managing Editor Marie Gilmore
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Essentials Of Brandon Celebrates 10 Years Of Top Salon & Spa Services
By Kate Quesada
As 2020 draws to a close, what better gift could you think of for a special person in your life than the gift of relaxation? Essentials of Brandon, a full-service spa located off Bloomingdale Ave., offers a wide variety of services sure to please any one on your list. Offering hair, nail and skin services as well as massages, Essentials of Brandon is one of the area’s most popular spas. “We are your one-stop shop for luxury services at an affordable price,” said Manager Candace Pacinello, who explained that the spa offers a variety of services in each department. Hair services range from all over color to balayage and corrective color, and nail services include powder dip, acrylics, gel, basic and signature manicure and pedicure services. “We offer Deep Tissue, Bamboo Fusion, Hot Stone and Relaxation massages, to name a few,” said Pacinello. “Our estheticians offer facials that aid in acne-prone skin, geared towards age reversals, microdermabrasion, derma-
planing, and we offer lash services as well, including tinting and extensions.” But what really sets Essentials of Brandon apart is the customer service offered. “We are the place where everyone knows your name, our clients are always greeted by their first name when they come in,” said Pacinello. The spa is also taking the department of health’s COVID-19 requirements very seriously; all clients are asked to fill out a COVID-19 addendum form. Face coverings are also required and workers sanitize after each client. Essentials of Brandon is offering seasonal facials and pedicures, including an Illuminating Facial for $59.95 and a Peppermint Pedicure for $30 in December, and gift certificates of any value can be purchased at the store and online. “We recently expanded our hair suite to accommodate five stylist chairs and have talented stylist to get everyone looking their best for the holiday season,” said Pacinello. Essentials of Brandon is located at 3405 Brook Crossing Dr. and can be reached at 681-1110. To learn more, visit www.brandonessentials.com.
The Holidays Are A Time For The Gift Of Music At Music Showcase We’ve all got our own styles and can be quite different yet similar, and nowhere else is that emphasized more than in arts like music, with which we can express ourselves and entertain each other in continuously new ways. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving, one Music Showcase is happy to offer. Music Showcase, a family-owned business open since 1995, has all kinds of name-brand instruments for purchase, including brass instruments, drums, guitars, keyboards, orchestral instruments and woodwind instruments, plus various accessories. It is also a place of learning for all ages and experience levels, offering fun, dynamic lessons on playing instruments and singing in the style you want to achieve. Music Showcase provides instrument rental as well, including a month-to-month rent-to-own program with rental payments going towards the purchase, and it has a repair service. Rented instruments can be delivered to your school or picked up. With the Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA), it also has programs where kids can participate in musical theater, classes, workshops, and events, with many virtual and in-person options. One of its in-person fall productions
By Taylor Wells
for ages first through sixth grade, Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens JR. is a holidaythemed story based on book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series, with registration spots still available and performances on Friday-Sunday, November 20-22 at Music Showcase. Other performances at FAOPA to register your kids and get tickets for include Oh, What a Tangled Web, All Shook Up, Sound of Music and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Online Edition. To help give parents more time to shop, on Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Music Showcase and FAOPA are holding their Santa’s Workshop, in which kids ages 5-12 will have dinner, snacks, play games, do crafts, watch a movie and more. The price is $25 and each additional child is $10. With all it has to offer, Music Showcase is the perfect place to get the gift of music for the holiday season. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. To learn more about Music Showcase and its gear, lessons and more, visit www.musicshowcaseonline.com. To learn more about FAOPA’s programs, events, tickets and prices, visit faopa.org.
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FBC Plant City Hosts Family Friendly Nothing Bundt Cakes Offers Perfect Holiday Lights Drive-In Event Holiday Treats For Every Season By Kate Quesada
The First Baptist Church of Plant City (FBC) is hosting a family Christmas event perfect for 2020. The Light of Christmas is a drive-in Christmas event featuring Christmas songs, programmed lights and a message of hope. According to FBC Director of Communications Jay Strike, the event will take place nightly from 6-10 p.m. beginning on Friday, December 4 and running through Saturday, January 2, 2021. “This is something brand-new for us,” said Strike. “In the past, First Baptist Church has held large-scale Christmas productions with choir, orchestra, drama and multimedia elements. The need to socially distance limits our ability to prepare for that type of event and limits the number who would attend. That makes this type of event perfect for this ‘unique’ Christmas season.”
The free event is open to all members of the public. “Our desire is to reach families looking for something to do this holiday season,” said Strike. “Many things are different due to the pandemic and this will give the opportunity to get out of the house and take part in a Christmas event.” The church is working hard to make the event special and organizers are taking into consideration how hard this year has been for many people. “We are being very intentionally to not just do ‘lights and music,’” said Strike. “While there are familiar Christmas songs in this presentation, we are also offering a message of hope and encouragement. In the craziness that 2020 has brought all of us, that is going to be something different and appealing to those who attend. Great songs, great lights, great message, what’s not to love?” First Baptist Church of Plant City is located at 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. and can be reached at 752-4104. For more information, visit www.FBCPC.com/events.
The holidays are a great time to treat yourself and your friends, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, located in Winthrop Town Centre, has the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With 10 delicious flavors and options ranging from single serving Bundtinis to 10-inch cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes has something for everyone, even those whose diet is restricted to glutenfree. Owner Rob Shuffield, a Brandon High School graduate, grew up in the area and was thrilled to open the Winthrop location three years ago. “I love the Brandon community and am proud to offer the quality and flavors of Nothing Bundt Cakes through our store here,” said Shuffield. “Winthrop has been such a great location for us and we are so thankful to John Sullivan for his vision for such a great community center.” According to Shuffield, the most popular flavors at the location are chocolate chocolate chip and red velvet, but he encourages shoppers to look for seasonal choices pumpkin spice in November
Dixie Belle Starter Gift Bag
By Kate Quesada
and peppermint chocolate chip in December. Cakes and toppers are available for holiday parties in addition to birthdays, graduations and weddings. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers online ordering and thirdparty delivery, making it easy for residents to enjoy while keeping safe. As Nothing Bundt Cakes is very popular for gifts and holiday gatherings, Shuffield recommends residents to order online in advance. The website also offers information on fundraising with Nothing Bundt Cakes and the opportunity to sign up for the store’s eClub, which offers a free birthday treat. “Stop by and try our products,” said Shuffield. “Our general manager, Noelle, and the team would love to meet you.” Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached at 409-2394. To learn more or order online, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com. Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Offers One-Stop Shop For Holiday Gifts & Meals If you have food lovers on your holiday list, look no further than Brandon’s own Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium for answers to all your needs. Locally owned and operated by Chef Dave West, Rolling Pin has something to offer everyone with gifts, camps, classes and room to hold unique, private holiday get-togethers. “We are stocked with 10,000-plus gifts for foodies and grillers with a huge range of kitchen and grilling tools,” said West. Rolling Pin is also Brandon’s Platinum Dealer for Big Green Eggs and stocks Ooni pizza ovens, Green Mountain grills and Nora Fleming collectables. For aspiring chefs or those who just love to eat, Rolling Pin also offers gift certificates for camps and classes throughout the year, not just during the busy holiday season. “We have hands-on and demonstration-style cooking classes that are holiday-driven but also feature steakhouse themes and couples’ cooking, just to name a few,” said West. Camps over winter break include a
By Kate Quesada
variety of specials for kids and tweens, and Santa is even stopping in for special breakfast and lunch events. If you are looking for a place to host a private holiday event, act fast, because Rolling Pin’s calendar is filling up. The location can cater to small to medium-sized groups (10-36 people) with many party options. “What makes us special is that we are locally owned and operated and have been serving Brandon for more than 25 years,” said West. “We have a knowledgeable staff and products that guests can touch before buying. Our classes and events also allow customers to use products themselves as well as see them in action.” Rolling Pin is open seven days a week with extended hours in the 12 days prior to Christmas. It is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon and can be reached at 653-2418. Email West at dwest@rollingpinoline.com. To learn more or see the calendar of classes and events, visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
County Fairgrounds Hosts Drive-Thru Wonderland Of Lights Experience If your family is looking for a unique way to get into the holiday spirit, look no further than the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, December 27. The Dover location is hosting The Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village for the fifth year in a row. According to Marketing Spokesperson Jillian Kaplan, the event is the Tampa area’s premier holiday-themed experience, offering an entirely no-contact option for those who choose to stay in their cars. “Every week, Monday through Wednesday, guests are routed through over a mile of spectacular lights and holiday displays all from the safety of their vehicles,” said Kaplan. “Each Thursday through Sunday, along with the light show, enjoy the fun and entertainment of Santa’s Village, including an appearance by Santa himself and a variety of enjoyable, family-friendly events.” Throughout the month, additional experiences will be added, including Rulito’s Musical Comedy Extravaganza on opening night, November 26, and Nerdy Noah’s Comedy Show from Thursday-Sunday, December 10-13.
By Kate Quesada
There will also be special nights dedicated to nonprofits, like a food drive for United Food Bank of Plant City on Thursday, December 3—wherein, with a minimum contribution of 10 nonperishable food items, donors will receive $5 off a one-time drive-through experience—and on Thursday, December 10— in which donors will receive $5 off for a minimum contribution of a 10-pound unopened bag of dog or cat food. Kaplan wants attendees to feel safe and healthy during the experience. “We are following all the mandates set by the state/county and the CDC,” she explained. “Guests that go through the drive-through tour only, who buy their tickets online, have a completely no-contact experience. We will have hand sanitizing stations, social distancing reminders/signage and recommend masks at all times during their visit at Santa’s Village.” Visit www.thewonderlandoflights.com for event details, attractions, pricing, discount opportunities, and COVID-19 safety information. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located just east of Brandon at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.
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Local Tree Lighting, Movies & More To Raise The Holiday Spirit
By Kate Quesada
Tree Lighting And Movie In Downtown Tampa
Welcome to the holidays! Get into the holiday spirit as residents kick off the season with the lighting of Tampa's official tree in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The evening begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 4, with the Tampa’s own Christmas band, Late Night Brass, who are sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Tampa’s mayor will lead the countdown to the Tree Lighting at approximately 7:20 p.m. Immediately following the Tree Lighting will be a holiday movie in the park. Admission is free. Blankets, low back chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are welcome. Concessions available on-site. Visit Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc. on Facebook for more information. Want to be a sponsor? Contact Kitty Lyons, executive director of Friends of Tampa Recreation, by calling 966-5505 or emailing info@friendsoftamparec.org.
December 19 through the Riverwalk area. Vessels must register online in advance. To register and for more information, visit www.thetampariverwalk.com.
Proceeds from the event will support Give Kids The World Village’s mission to provide wish vacations for critically ill children and their families. The Village is located at 210 S. Bass Rd. in Kissimmee. To learn more, visit www.gktw.org.
Henry B. Plant Museum Hosts Victorian Christmas Stroll
Tampa’s Henry B. Plant Museum is hosting a Victorian Christmas Stroll daily from Saturday, November 21 to Gaylord Palms is adding events to its well-loved holiday line-up. Wednesday, December 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The event will allow visitors to expeGaylord Palms Adds More To rience the extravagance and grandeur of Annual Christmas Celebration the former 1891 hotel. Walk Through Wintrop Scheduled During the Victorian Christmas Stroll, For December 4 Gaylord Palms is well-known for its visitors will explore the museum transannual Christmas celebration and this Mark your calendars! Winthrop Town formed by Christmas trees ranging in year the line up includes a new marquee Centre in Riverview will host its annual height from a few inches to more than 14 pop-up experience, ‘I Love Christmas holiday kickoff event, ‘Walk Through feet, 40,000 lights and hundreds of feet of Movies™.’ The Christmas event at Winthrop,’ on Friday, December 4, startgarland. Decorations include vintage Gaylord Palms runs from Friday, ing around 7 p.m. The event will be in fashions, antique toys, locally sourced November 13 through Sunday, January multiple destinations with entertainment, items and fanciful ornaments. 3, 2021. tree lighting and a family-friendGuests can enjoy live music on Another brand-new experience this ly movie. weekends from 1-3 p.m. year is the Snow Factory, which will transWinthrop Town Centre is The Museum Store offers a treasure port guests to a winter wonderland filled located at Winthrop Town trove of unique gifts, including elegant with icy snow fun. In this mechanized Centre Ave. in Riverview. To jewelry, artsnowy play space, learn more about Winthrop, visit work and families will enjoy multiwww.winthrobeautiful holiple attractions, includpusa.com. Give Kids The World day accesing Snow Flow Village Launches sories so you Mountain, where they Local Sparkling New can enjoy can slide through factoChristmas Holiday Tradition shopping in a ry conveyor belts that Toy Train With Night Of A unique have been frozen solid Show And Million Lights Victorian and ride tubes down a Sale For the first time atmosphere. thrilling plummet slide The ever, Give Kids The The Museum or hilly ice coaster. Hillsborough World Village in Store is open All events are County Kissimmee will host a from 10 a.m -5 p.m. daily. To learn more, designed with social distancing measures Fairgrounds holiday celebration visit www.plantmuseum.com. at the forefront. under the stars—offering Give Kids The World is hosting a festive will host a With 4.5 acres of airy indoor atriums fundraiser starting this month. Christmas Toy the public a rare glimpse decorated with millions of Train Show and Sale next month to get into the whimsical nonprofit resort that twinkling holiday lights, a towresidents into the holiday spirit. fulfills the wishes of critically ill children ering Christmas tree in the St. The event will take place on from around the world. From Friday, Augustine atrium and thouSaturday, December 12 and vendors will November 13, through Sunday, January sands of shimmering ornabe on hand selling model trains, various 3, 2021, visitors can experience the ments, visitors can look forhobbies, collectibles and die-cast cars. childlike wonder of the Village during ward to even more festive There will be a running train layout for Night of a Million Lights, a walk-through, experiences, including live children to enjoy. fully immersive, holiday light spectacular. performances on the St. The show is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Augustine Stage like the dazAdmission is $5 adults and kids 12 and www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to zling Cirque Dreams under are free. Credit cards are acceptstroll among the brilliant lights and take Unwrapped, featuring stuned. part in a variety of fun and festive family ning feats of showmanship If you’re activities in a safe, performed onstage and in the Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas Town at Busch interested in socially distant Gardens starting November 21. air. becoming a manner. Admission Due to limited capacity in accordance Busch Gardens Plans Christmas vendor, includes compliwith Marriott’s ‘Commitment to Clean’ pro- Town please conmentary ice cream gram, advance online reservations are Plans are underway for one of tact Joe at and hot cocoa, as required for all ticketed events. Tickets Tampa’s favorite holiday events, 727-244-1341 well as unlimited can be purchased at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. The or visit access to the ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com and event, which includes fun, festive activiwww.regalrailVillage’s wheelILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com. ties for the whole family, will be part of ways.com. chair-accessible park admission from Saturday, November The rides and attracRiverWalk Lighted Boat Parade Is 21 to Sunday, January 3, 2021. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are tions. The event will run from 5-10 p.m. Tampa Tradition Additional details will be made availlocated at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in daily, with staggered entry times to preable online at BuschGardens.com so The Downtown Tampa Lighted Boat vent crowding. Mask-wearing will also be Dover. guests can start planning visits soon. Parade will take place on Saturday, required for all guests.
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Toys For Tots Continues To Make Holiday Dreams Come True Christmas morning should be a magical time for children, but there are some in our area who may need a helping-hand to make this come true. Thousands of children in need will get gifts from Santa this Christmas thanks to efforts of Toys For Tots. Since 1947, Marine Corps Reserve Units nationwide have encouraged businesses to gather new, unwrapped toys for needy children. The local Toys For Tots places toy collection boxes in businesses and churches through the efforts of local coordinators Donald Pearson and Ann Hathaway of Pearson Capital, a Financial Investment Company in Apollo Beach. This year will mark Pearson’s 16th year with the Toys for Tots, which has grown every year to become one of the largest toy collection efforts in Tampa Bay. This effort continues to grow each year. “Last year, through the generosity of more than 100 local businesses, the local Toys For Tots collected more than $9,000 in cash, 6,000 toys and over 100 bikes, which made up 60 percent of the Hillsborough County collection,” said Hathaway. “And this year the need is going to be overwhelming.” Toy collection begins at the various businesses and locations from Monday, October 26- Saturday, December 12. This year, the program is looking for 3-4 more
By Kelly Valdes
volunteers to be “Box Captains” for the program. Toys are to be new, unwrapped and in their original packaging. Hathaway explained that all new toys are welcome, but there is often a shortage of toys for children ages 0-2 yrs old as well as gifts for pre-teen boys ages 11-14. She also said that new bicycles are also in high demand each year. Due to Covid, the collection party that is held at The Alley, located at 10221 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview is going to be different this year. The Marines from the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion will be greeting the businesses that will be dropping of the toys at The Alley in a drive-thru format between 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Registration is now open for family toy requests until Sunday, November 15 at www.tampa-fl.toysfortots.org. To be a collection site, email Ann Hathaway at pearsoncapital7@gmail.com or call 645 6392. Some of the normal drop-off sites each year are Rachel’s Family Salon in Apollo Beach, The Alley and NV Salon in Riverview. Visit Toys for Tots on social media for a complete list of locations. Email Hathaway at pearsoncapital7@gmail.com. For more information on the Toys for Tots program, visit www.toysfortots.org.
The Stano Foundation Sends Christmas In A Box To Our Troops
By Libby Hopkins
Each year, The Stano Foundation sends care packages to our troops all over the world. These care packages offer them some love and comfort from home. This year, the foundation wants to send our troops Christmas in a box. “We send care packages out every quarter, but for the holiday care packages we wanted to be able to send our heroes overseas Christmas in a box,” said the foundation’s president, Paula Stano. “These military members are not able to celebrate with their families or friends, so we wanted to let them know they were not forgotten and give them a reason to celebrate. For our holiday packages we are wrapping the inside with Christmas wrapping paper and adding in items like Santa hats, ornaments, hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas lights. Each box will still have the normal 40 to 45 items we send and lots of snacks.” The Stano Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in June 2015 with the mission to support our Armed Forces, veterans and their families through program-based initiatives focused on enhancing their comfort and quality of life by providing them with a piece of home.
The COVID-19 pandemic hindered the foundation’s ability to fundraise in 2020. “Since the pandemic, we have not been able to hold many of our fundraisers as most of them were in partnership with event companies held outside and with large crowds,” Stano said. “We have had to find other ways to raise funds, which has not been easy as everyone’s finances have been affected by COVID.” The Stano Foundation is looking for sponsors from the Brandon community to help it send Christmas in a box to our troops for the upcoming holidays. “We need items like Santa hats, USB lights, small acrylic paint sets and normal snacks we send, like protein bars, beef jerky, microwaveable mac and cheese cups and cup-o-noodles,” Paula said. “The community can assist by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List, which can be found at https://stano.org/getinvolved/#supplylist. There is a ‘Supplies Needed’ section and a link to see our supply list on Amazon. We can also always use thank-you letters or cards, as these are an item our military members love to receive in their care packages.” To learn more or to make a monetary donation, visit www.stano.org.
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For King & Country Comes To Lakeland For Drive-In Tour One of the biggest names in Christian music, for KING & COUNTRY, announced a Christmas drive-in tour and included Silvermoon Drive-In, located in Lakeland, as a stop. The band consists of two Australian brothers named Joel and Luke David Smallbone. The tour is titled A Drummer Boy Drive-In Live and will feature both Christmas and hit songs preformed by the band live. The concert at the Silvermoon Drive-in will take place on Friday, December 11, and tickets are available for purchase now, ranging from $75-350 before fees. Tickets are being sold by the car, not by the person, and up to six people are allowed in a vehicle. Instead of assigning and purchasing a specific parking spot, attendees will select a zone in which their spot will be located in. The gates for the concert will open at 5 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. It is recommended that attendees arrive early; this will allow time for them to be directed to their parking spot in the zone they purchased tickets. Spots will be assigned depending on arrival time and cannot be requested. Merchandise should be available to order for contactless delivery on the night of the show.
By Faith Miller
Bryan Scott, director of concerts and events for The JOY FM, described the event as, “An amazing night under the stars with the biggest name in Christian music celebrating the birth of our Savior.” According to Scott, COVID-19 was one of the biggest inspirations for this drive-in tour. A national concert promotion company had pioneered the drive-in model so that concerts could still be performed while also following restrictions put in place by local governments. Another factor that Scott believed was a big part of it was people’s longing to get out of their homes and the longing for live concerts to return. The show will feature a live performance from for KING & COUNTRY while attendants stay in and around their vehicles. Attendants are allowed to bring lawn chairs and sit outside their vehicles but are asked to keep social distancing in mind. “Take the biggest name in Christian music and mix it with Christmas and you have a huge success,” said Scott. For more information regarding the event along with ticket prices and purchases, visit https://florida.thejoyfm.com/events/boxoffice/for-king-and-country-drive-in-live/.
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Dancing For Donations Offers Affordable Lessons For All Ages And Skill Levels So many things in life happen as a result of some fortuitous event which changes everything. Sara Battaglia began dancing at 8 years old, learning jazz, tap, lyrical and point, but her passion was ballet. She trained with Sarasota Ballet and School of Russian Ballet and furthered her dance education at the University of South Florida. Then, a hip injury brought Battaglia to a crossroads…a fortuitous event which led her to become the founder and director of Dancing for Donations (D4D). Battaglia envisioned D4D as an allinclusive, nonprofit dance program with a mission to offer dance lessons sustained from community donations. Battaglia said, “Three years ago, we started very, super small. I never imagined it would grow to the extent that it has since then.” There are several reasons which might explain the growth. Battaglia did her due diligence as director of D4D. She completed Exceptional Student Education courses, earned her Youth Protection Advocate in Dance® certification, took autism training and created a dance environment which is child-safe with all music, movement and costumes being ageappropriate. D4D is also a Wingman for Dance Studio. Wingman is described as a one-
By Gwen Rollings
of-a-kind youth development program designed to help dance studio owners and teachers boost dancers’ confidence, encourage teamwork and leadership and promote an inclusive and supportive environment. Battaglia reinforced that ‘all inclusive’ means all ages, skill levels and social skills are welcome. Michelle Ebner said, “My 5-year-old daughter has been attending since August 2017. I wanted to put her in a dance class to help her focus. She loves it… We are so grateful that we learned about this wonderful program.” All teachers are CPR-certified and backgroundchecked. Another reason for D4D popularity, according to Battaglia, was that “Dance programs are usually so expensive that many families cannot afford lessons. D4D’s mission to be available and affordable extends to Tampa Bay HEAT at the Homeschool Resource Center, homeschool classes and in-person and virtual lessons as well. It’s Kidz Time in Riverview recently donated a bus that will be used for summer camps, after-school pickups, special events and fundraisers—another fortuitous event. Email dance4donations@gmail.com or visit dancing4donations.org.
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Celebrate The Best Of The Season
Creating the Ultimate Charcuterie Board
Family Features
Family Features
If it seems like your grocery store’s apple section is more abundant than it has been in the past, you’d be correct. With new apple varieties coming onto the scene every few years, gone are the days of choosing between simply red or green. Instead, choosing the right apple is similar to selecting the perfect wine. Apples can range from tart to sugary sweet, so finding the right balance for your palate is key. Scent can also influence taste, especially when you have a balanced sweetness with an uplifting, fresh aroma. When it comes to apples, a satisfying texture is as important as taste. Consider an option like the Envy apple, which has been referred to as
“the ultimate apple experience” for its consistently balanced, delightful sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. They are an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand and are perfect for pairing with cheese, charcuterie boards, chocolate and nut butters. Easy to spot with their crimson red skin over a golden background that practically glows, Envy apples are naturally descended from Braeburn and Royal Gala apple varieties, bred by farmers who use time-honored plant-breeding methods. Plus, the apples’ bright white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced, so they stay fresher longer. For more information, including recipes and entertaining tips, visit EnvyApple.com.
Stick to the basics this holiday season to create a perfect charcuterie board: • The board: Select a board big enough for your gathering but not too big as you want there to be overlap and crowding. • The cheeses: Select three different cheeses that complement the other items. Brie is a solid soft cheese choice while blue fills the need for a stronger, more pungent cheese. Try an aged cheddar or smoky gouda to round out the trio. • The meats: Something salty with a little fat, like prosciutto or speck, provides a flavorful addition to the board.
• The produce: Choose fruits that not only taste great, but are also beautiful to display such as Envy apple slices, which stay whiter longer, making them ideal for any entertaining occasion. Plus their balanced sweetness pairs well with any item on the board. • The crackers: Variety is key with crackers, and like the cheeses, three types is typically the magic formula. Think water crackers, multi-grain wafers and breadsticks. • The snacks: Sweet and salty are king when it comes to snacks, so a mix of chocolate and nuts works for many charcuterie boards.
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A Kid’s Place Children Put Their Best Foot Forward in New Shoes For Back to School
By Libby Hopkins
This year, the first Foundation and day of school didn’t go Reed/TMS for thinking of as planned for many our children, bring them students. However, some joy and normalcy thanks to one local for the new school year.” celebrity philanthropist, Alstott values his relationa group of Brandonship with the organization area students had one which provides residential thing all kids look forservices to children from ward to, a new pair of birth to age 18, who have shoes. been removed from their Mike Alstott, President of the Mike homes due to abuse, Ever since The Alstott Family Foundation, purMike Alstott Family neglect or abandonment. chased shoes for 60 residents at Valrico’s A Kid’s Place for back to “I had a long relationship Foundation and A school this year. Kid’s Place formed a with founder Dottie partnership, Alstott had been taking A Berger-McKinnon so when she started A Kid’s Place’s children on a back to school Kids Place, it was natural for my foundashopping spree. tion and I to support them,” Alstott said. “Unfortunately due to the pandemic, Alstott and Lopez look forward to we weren’t able to do our regular back to doing more in the upcoming months for school shopping so, we had to get crethe kids at A Kid’s Place. “I believe there ative,” said Mike Alstott, President of the has been some talks about getting out Mike Alstott Family Foundation and forthere with some folks from Reed / TMS to mer Tampa Bay Buccaneer. “Thanks to help strengthen our bonds,” Alstott said. the staff at A Kid’s Place and the magic of “Nothing too crazy but maybe an ice the internet, we were still able to provide cream social and a fun filled afternoon. shoes to the children.” The students, a Just so we can put some faces to the group of 60, were able to pick out their names and vice versa. own shoes which were shipped directly to ” To learn more about A Kid’s Place, A Kid’s Place. visit www.akidsplacetb.org or call 381“The kids absolutely loved the oppor- 3839. To learn more about the Mike tunity to be able to pick out new sneakers Alstott Family Foundation, visit of their choice for school,” Tamika Lopez www.mikealstottfamilyfoundation.org. A of A Kid’s Place said. “We are so incrediKid’s Place is located at 1715 Lithia bly grateful to the Mike Allston Family Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon.
Seeds Of Hope Turkey Trot Goes Virtual One of the area’s most beloved traditions is now making adaptations this month due to the pandemic. The 2020 FishHawk Turkey Trot, put on every year since 2009 to benefit Seeds of Hope, is going virtual so it can offer families a way to support neighbors in need while keeping safe. Pre-registration for the event, which traditionally takes place on Thanksgiving morning, is now underway, and residents are asked to sign up by Wednesday, November 4 in order to be guaranteed one of the traditional T-shirts. This year, participants are asked to run the race wherever they would like to during Thanksgiving week and tag social media photos with #FHTT2020. Tickets can be purchased online and for $25, participants will receive a Turkey Trot shirt. For $35, racers will receive the shirt and a medal is also an ornament. According to the race founder, Leda Eaton, race packets with sponsorship information will be distributed via drivethrough later this month and participants will have the opportunity to take a fun, socially distanced photo with the turkey. Seeds of Hope uses the money raised at the Turkey Trot to buy food throughout the year for residents who visit its food pantry and students who take home food in backpacks from school over
By Kate Quesada
the weekends. This year, due to the pandemic, the number of people turning to Seeds of Hope for food has risen exponentially. “The success of this year’s race is needed now more than ever,” said Eaton. “With record numbers of people lining up for food weekly, Seeds of Hope is on the front lines of hunger relief in the community.” The Turkey Trot would not be possible without support from local businesses, small and large. “We would especially like to thank our Diamond Sponsor, Hess Orthodontics; Gold Sponsor, George Shea Realty; and Silver Sponsors, Alafia River Animal Hospital, Tide Cleaners, Chick-fil-A, the Osprey Observer, Tessera and IT Solutions,” said Sponsorship Coordinator Millie Shikes. Eaton, for one, is looking on the bright side of the virtual race. “As much as I love the race, my family and I are looking forward to doing it virtually this year,” she said. “We can run when and where we want, and for me personally, I can’t wait until the most stressful thing I do on Thanksgiving is make dinner.” Visit www.sohopefl.org. If you or a student you know are interested in volunteering to help the charity, email info@sohopefl.org.
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Brandon Lions Club Sells Luminaria Kits To Support Local Charities
Staff Report
Brandon area resiwill be delivered (orders dents have the opporof 15 kits or more) on tunity to help others Saturday, December and spread light next 19. month thanks to the According to Brandon Lions Club. Kuebler, the fundraiser Until Monday, has been taking place November 9, residents annually since 2002. throughout the Brandon For 5 years, the area can purchase a HOA in Parkside Luminaria Kit to raise Village in Lithia has funds for local charities purchased enough supported by the Lions. Luminaria kits to light a “Our Luminaria Kits path through the comare constructed with munity on Christmas white paper bags Eve. “This has become weighted down with a favorite community sand and illuminated tradition,” said HOA from within by a canboard member Marie dle,” said Brandon Gilmore. Lions Club Treasurer Proceeds benefit The Brandon Lions Club is selling Joe Kuebler. “They are Brandon Lions Luminaria Kits to benefit local charities this month. traditionally displayed Charities, a not-foron Christmas Eve.” profit 501(c)(3) organization that has According to Kuebler, each kit conbeen supporting the club’s eyesight and tains 15 long-burning votive candles, 15 hearing programs, Southeastern Guide candle holders, 15 white bags and a plas- Dogs, Greater Tampa Lions Sight Fund, tic bag of sand (to use in the base of ECHO, Family Promise, The Outreach each bag). Clinic, Brandon High School Don Kits are $6.50 and orders of over 15 Bishop Track Meet, Brandon Area Youth kits will be delivered locally. No payment Soccer and other local area needs since is required with your order. All orders are 1954. COD (cash on delivery) and can be Contact Kuebler at 263-2522 to picked up at the Brandon Lions Club place an order or by emailing at branlocated at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon or donlionsclub@gmail.com.
Fall Craft – Be Thankful For Your Blessings Faith Like A Rock By Kelly Valdes Now, let’s make a Thankfulness Turkey!
The month of November brings us to the time of year where we should think about all our blessings and everything we should be thankful for. Even though many of us have had difficulties throughout the year, we know we have a God that loves us no matter what. Telling God how thankful we are for our family, our friends, our pets and our home is important. For the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we should also take the time to thank the other people that we are grateful for this year. For example, take a few minutes to tell your teacher how much they mean to you. Tell your parents how thankful you are that they love you unconditionally. When we are thankful, we let other people know that we appreciate them. During this month, count your blessings—big and small. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever,” Psalm 107:1.
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Give the Gift Of Practicality
Holiday Presents Loved Ones Can Put To Work Family Features
Giving the perbattery-powered blower fect holiday gift to a to keep the yard, driveloved one can add way and other spaces unnecessary stress neat and tidy. and pressure, but Find more gift-giving you don’t have to inspiration at aceharddrive far and wide to ware.com. find presents your Cook Up a Crave-Worthy friends and family Gift members will love. If you’re looking for a Some of the best unique gift for the grill Photo Courtesy of Getty Images master in your life, look gifts are practical, everyday options that you know will be no further than the Traeger Pro 575 put to good use. Wood Pellet Grill, a pellet grill that helps Look no further than your local hardmake achieving wood-fired flavor easier. ware store. With 72% of United States The enhanced WiFIRE technology allows households within 15 minutes of an Ace you to monitor and adjust your grill anyHardware, you can find a wide variety of time, anywhere directly from an app. gifts to put smiles on loved ones’ faces Getting that perfect flavor is easier with whether you shop conveniently online or this grill that starts quicker, heats up faster in person. As a one-stop shop for grills, and puts out better smoke quality with its power tools, home decor and more, D2 drivetrain. knowledgeable associates are ready to Make Gift-Giving a Breeze help you find the perfect gifts for those on For the person in your life who loves your list whether you’re looking for big taking care of the yard and other outdoor ticket items or one-of-a-kind stocking spaces, give the gift that keeps on giving stuffers. by making cleanup a breeze with the For example, a new pellet grill may EGO Power+ 530 CFM Blower, a step up be the solution for the home chef who in power and convenience for the line of seems to have everything already, provid- cordless blowers. Inspired by advanced ing a simple way to prepare delicious aeronautics technology and equipped meals any day of the week. Or, if you’re with turbine fan engineering, this compact looking to help make outdoor cleanup a and lightweight blower can run for 75 cinch, consider an option like a cordless, minutes on a single charge.
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Help Others During The Holidays
Family Features
Giving during the holiday the mobile app or on your season can mean more than web browser to get the same gifts. It’s the time of year online shopping experience when giving back to your you’re accustomed to with the community can make an added benefit of donating a even bigger impact – espeportion of eligible purchases cially this year when so many to a charity of your choice. need a helping hand. Spread information. This holiday season, do People are more willing to your part to help deliver contribute to a cause when smiles to loved ones and they understand how they people in need. Reap the can help. Align with an organifeel-good rewards of helpzation or cause you care Photo Courtesy of Getty ing others with these ideas about and share details on how to make a difference. about how the community can help. Let Give time. One of the greatest donathe organization know you’re eager to tions an organization can receive is your generate awareness, and it can typically time. Volunteer roles can vary significantly find a way to put your skills to use. depending on the organization you Shop for a cause. One thing nonprofchoose but can leave you feeling like its often hear is people want to give, but you’ve contributed in a real and meaning- they don’t know what items will be most ful way. From sorting donated items, useful. You can remove the guesswork preparing and distributing warm meals or with a resource like AmazonSmile Charity wrapping gifts, organizations can almost Lists, which offer a convenient way to always use an extra set of hands during donate to your favorite causes. Donate the holidays. gently used items. This holiday season, Make your shopping count. To help you’ll probably add new clothes to your make the season even brighter, Amazon closet and new toys to the playroom, but is donating millions of items to more than others may not have presents to unwrap. 1,000 charities worldwide through product As you receive gifts this holiday, see what and monetary donations and is making it gently used toys, clothes and household easy for you to give back as well. When items could be donated to help others. shopping for holiday supplies or gifts for Find more information and resources family and friends, you can give back and at smile.amazon.com, and share how donate to your favorite charitable organiyou’re giving back by using zations. Simply activate AmazonSmile in #DeliveringSmiles on social media.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11