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January 2021 Volume 20, Issue 1 Ph: 657-2418 1 9
Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
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Boyette Springs Rallies To Bring A New Dog Park To The Community
All Pro Dad Hosts Clay Shoot & Fundraiser To Support Operation Lotus
Mission: Dog Park is Commissioner Stacy White an initiative to ask are aware of the project Hillsborough County to and seem to be excited add an enclosed, off-leash about the prospect. dog park within the “Budget tightening due Boyette Springs County to the pandemic will be the Park. largest hurdle, which is “This would be for our where community ‘Add families, puppers, neighYour Name’ support, borhood and our surroundcorporate sponsorship ing communities,” said the and donations will be organizer, Lisa Monk. needed,” Monk said. “Giving my time, energy Currently, Monk has and expertise to somegotten support for the Lisa Monk and Woof Creek thing so positive is just a Nutritious Nature will be co- dog park project from hosting a Pupper Tag Sale at Boyette Animal Hospital, huge mood and heart the Boyette Springs County Dr. Bob Encinosa, Woof boost. It’s helping my Park on Saturday, January 9 community, neighborhood, from 8 a.m.-12 Noon to raise Creek Nutritious Nature, awareness about the Mission: Post & Pack, Next Level my family and my own Dog Park initiative. pup, as well as lifting my Printing, SBG own lowered morale. COVID closed my Administrative Services and Boyette downtown Tampa cafe, which has hit my Springs HOA. heart very hard. This dog park project is Monk and Woof Creek Nutritious an all around win.” Nature will be co-hosting a Pupper Tag Monk is a resident of Boyette Sale at the Boyette Springs County Park Springs, a dog mom to a very energetic on 10419 Deepbrook Dr. in Riverview on pup and a business administrator with Saturday, January 9 from 8 a.m.-12 the exact background to gather the Noon to raise awareness about the dog needed support, and she is excited to do park initiative. “Guests will be able to so. buy, sell or trade their dog supplies,” Within the existing Boyette Springs Monk said. “They can donate their noCounty Park, a large, rectangular, grassy longer-needed kennels, bowls, leashes, field and adjoining, unused football field harnesses, unused toys, etc. while on the park’s western side are being adding their name to the petition to supproposed for the installation of the inport Mission: Dog Park in Boyette demand dog park. “The proposed area Springs County Park. The goal is to get measures approximately 3 acres,” Monk 1,000 signatures.” said. “A water drinking fountain exists To learn more about the Mission: within 15 feet of the proposed dog park, Dog Park initiative, visit which services the already existent www.facebook.com/groups/SupportDog baseball diamond and basketball court. ParkBoyette. There are paved sidewalks for walkers, To attend the Pupper Tag Sale at runners and bicycles as well.” the park, learn more about the event at Hillsborough County Parks & www.facebook.com/events/4030505241 Recreation and District Four 77724.
All Pro Dad is an international group committed to bringing intentional focus to fathers around the world. Groups in communities all over provide guidance and practical tips for raising children in addition to positively impacting people around them. The Bevis group recently installed a buddy bench at the elementary school for children The second annual All Pro Dad Clay Shoot and to use if they feel lonely during Fundraiser for Operation Lotus will take place on Sunday, January 31 in Lithia. recess and has many other events planned for the spring. All Pro Dad is known for offering parTo learn more, visit AllProDad.com ents a chance to bond with their children, and locate the Lithia Chapter for Bevis but this month, the Lithia Chapter of the Elementary. group is also offering members the FishHawk Sporting Clays is located chance to have fun for a great cause. at 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia The Bevis Elementary All Pro Dad and can be reached at 689-0490. group, led by Jim Gaffney, is hosting the To learn more about Operation second annual Clay Shoot and Lotus, search for the group on Facebook Fundraiser benefitting Operation Lotus or visit OperationLotus.org. on Sunday, January 31. “We are looking forward to raising awareness and helping those in need during the most difficult times,” said Gaffney, who has three sons, two in fifth grade at Bevis Elementary. A ticket to the event costs $50, which includes 50 shells, 50 clays, firearm safety information and the donation to Operation Lotus. “We encourage dads to come out with their kids as there is no minimum age, as long as minors are each accompanied by an adult,” said Gaffney. “It will be great for the kids to also experience the gun safety information presented in the firearm safety class that starts the day.” Operation Lotus, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to restoring hope to those experiencing tragedy, was started by FishHawk resident and Bevis mom Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy in memory of her husband, Leon, who passed away in WILL PROCTOR MEMORIAL..............PG 4 September 2012. Since then, she and her organization have helped hundreds EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 25 of local residents going through hard times from loss to illness. All money BRENDA WADE/SEEDS OF HOPE....PG 27 raised by the charity goes directly to the YEAR IN REVIEW......................PGS 30‐40 people who need it.
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By Libby Hopkins
Congratulations to Brandon resident Denise Hernandez who was the Grand Prize winner of the Osprey Observer Our Favorite Things Shop Local Holiday Guide Sweepstakes with more than $2,000 in prizes. Early bird winners included FishHawk resident Megan Hurst for the Rolling Pin Big Green Egg Minimax and Gibsonton resident Tara Dibble for the McAuley Fine Jewelry diamond and gold necklace.
02/01/2021
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2021
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Middle School PTSA Fundraiser Discount Card Helps School And Local Businesses
By Kate Quesada
One local midcan.” dle school has found Businesses on the a way to raise funds card include Three while helping out Bulls Taven, Nothing local businesses. Bundt Cakes, White The Randall Middle Oak Cottage, Little School PTSA Greek, the FishHawk launched its first Dunkin’ Donuts, Beef FundSaver Card last ‘O’ Brady’s in year, offering purFishHawk, Southern chasers discounts to Sass Interiors & More, restaurants, stores Mainstream Boutique, and businesses for Uncle Louie G, AR a year for the low Workshop, Bullfrog cost of $12. Creek Brewing Co., Randall Middle School PTSA is “Fundraising Menchie’s in Riverview, selling FundSaver Cards with deals during COVID has Tide Cleaners in for businesses of all types in the definitely been a Bloomingdale, Brandon area. challenge,” said PTSA Vice President Wayback Burgers in FishHawk, of Ways and Means Debra Window Genie, KFC in Bloomingdale, VanDerVeer. “Not having the ability to Topper’s Creamery in Bloomingdale, be near others makes it near impossiSports Clips, BAM Air Conditioning ble. We’ve had to get creative, think Services, Lawn Greeters Tampa, outside the box. The FundSaver Card Marco’s Pizza in FishHawk, Dream fit the bill.” Vacations and YoYo Juice in VanDerVeer and other board Bloomingdale and Lumsden. members approached local business“It was nice to be able to create a es and were over the moon with the fundraiser for our school that at the positive response. same time supports local businesses “Our local sponsors have been too,” said Randall PTSA President generous, offering discounts during Jennifer Collis. “These businesses these challenging times,” said have been so generous to our school VanDerVeer. “One of the best things and community in the past. We feel about this card is that the discounts this card is a win-win for everyone.” are not just for one purchase. You can The card does not expire until the use your card repeatedly. This disend of 2021. count card helps us support our local To purchase a card, with no conbusinesses. If you want to go to tact and have it shipped, visit Dunkin’ Donuts every day and get a www.randallptsa.org/online-store/fundcup of coffee and a free donut, you saver-card/fundsavercard.
Legacy Will Continue With Donation As Community Comes Together For Lost Graduate
By Lily Belcher
When 2017 Newsome High every single room he entered School graduate and Florida and made this world a better State University student Will place. If you were lucky Proctor passed away suddenly enough to know Will, you early December 2020, residents know he was a special from all over the FishHawk area human. … Will was the type shared their sadness over the of person who just made you huge loss. Local charity feel at home. He was such a Operation Lotus positive role reached out to model for his family to help so many raise money to and will truly donate to a charbe missed.” ity in Proctor’s In addiname and organtion to raisized a vigil for ing money friends and famifor the famiWill Proctor will be remembered by his friends, family ly, ly members. and the Fishhawk community. “The Proctor Operation family has asked that we start a fund for Lotus organized a community vigil, led by anyone who would like to donate to a Proctor family friend Dawn Tragakis, at charity in Proctor’s name, which will be Art Monkey Emporium. Tragakis is “like determined by the family at a later date,” family” to the Proctor family since they are explained Operation Lotus’ Facebook both military families. Anohter dear friend page. John Robert Davenport and his mom Operation Lotus’ founder, Melanie Peggy, reserved the space at Art Monkey Brockmeier-Jordy, and her team have for the vigil, which hosted 200 people on asked the members of the FishHawk December 20. community and friends of the Proctor The vigil was led by Paster Greg family to donate to Operation Lotus, who Rusch from Grace Community United will give the money to the Proctor family. Methodist Church and two of Proctor’s In addition to Operation Lotus’ fundraiser, friends spoke, along with former Spanish Alpha Delta Pi has created a GoFundMe teacher Lori Haley from Newsome High page, which has raised nearly $50,000 in School. During the vigil, members of the its first two weeks with over 1,000 donors, community spoke about Proctor’s kind, including fraternities and sororities at FSU loving character and reputation as a stuand members of the FishHawk dent, athlete and friend. Community. Operation Lotus is accepting dona“William was a man like no other,” tions through Venmo (@operationlotus) says to the GoFundMe page. “He lit up or PayPal (operationlotusfl@gmail.com).
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Registration Open For In Person & Virtual Inaugural ‘Chase For Good’ 5K
GNC Smoothie Shop Opening In Bloomingdale Square Offers Popular Beet Boost Slushie
The Christian ‘Kindness for Michael Hernandez Christian Day,’ which Foundation (CMHF) is meant to invite is hosting its inaugupeople everywhere to ral ‘Chase for Good’ participate in pur5K race on Saturday, poseful acts of March 6 beginning at kindness however, 8 a.m. This is a famiwherever and for ly-friendly fun whomever they run/walk to benefit can,” said CMHF, which in-turn Lindsay and Mike Hernandez, founders Hernandez. “For will use the proceeds Christian’s fifth birthof the Christian Michael Hernandez to benefit other chari- Foundation, and their sons, Bowen (7), day, we prayed over Chance (3) and Louie the bulldog. The ties. Lindsay foundation is hosting a 5K in honor of doing something Hernandez, founder their son Christian and to raise money more and decided a for other charitable organizations. of CMHF, is excited 5K for his fifth birthabout the event and how it will benefit day would be the perfect way to celethe community. brate. It is our hope that members of our “Our intention is to be able to use community and anyone interested in a the funds to help meet the various family-friendly fun run/walk will register needs of our community and worldwide,” and enjoy a day of fellowship and said Hernandez. “Proceeds will also be togetherness knowing that their particiused to partner with local and global pation will help us to keep the good organizations to help provide resources going.” to those in need. We have chosen Registration is open now through Operation Lotus as one beneficiary of a Wednesday, March 4. The cost is $30 to portion of these proceeds.” participate in person or $35 to participate CMHF, named after Hernandez’s virtually. The race is taking place on son, was formed to be a light in this Saturday, March 6 at 8 a.m. at Gasden world through the provision of uncondiPark, located at 6901 S. MacDill Ave. in tional kindness, impacting the lives and Tampa. A free kids race will begin at circumstances of others one good deed 9:15 a.m. with an awards ceremony at a time. Hernandez continues to celeimmediately following the race. For regbrate the life and memory of her son, istration or more information or to learn Christian, whose time on Earth may how to be a volunteer, sponsor or have been cut short, but whose mighty donate to the Christian Michael impact is helping to make the world a Hernandez Foundation, visit www.chrisbetter place. tianmichaelhernandez.org. The Chase “Each year in February, in honor of for Good 5K link can be found on the Christian’s birthday, we host our annual home page.
GNC is known for afternoon pick-me-up. The vitamins and healthy Pre-Workout Pump Up is supplements, but now great to get you ready to the GNC in workout and the PostBloomingdale will be Workout Recovery is peroffering healthy, fresh fect for muscle repair and smoothies in addition to recovery. the regular products it The Davises are also carries. “We are a famiworking on coming up with Todd and Kimberly Davis are an immunity smoothie to ly, locally-owned busithe owners of GNC’s new GNC ness in the heart of help boost their customers’ Smoothie Bar, located in Brandon with more than immune systems to get Bloomingdale Square. 30 years’ service to our comthem ready for the upcoming cold munity,” said Co-owner and flu season. “It will definitely Kimberly Davis. “We are proud be packed with vitamin C and to be a longtime GNC franother fresh fruits,” Kim said. “All of chise committed to our cusour smoothies are made with tomers’ health and well-being. fresh fruits and we offer whey or With the addition of our GNCvegan protein, premium blend or branded Smoothie Bar, we are grass-fed.” excited to expand our expertCustomers can build their ise in providing your family with own smoothies as well. They pick the best health and wellness options.” a base and up to three fresh fruits, rangThe GNC Smoothie Shop features ing from strawberries to mangos, and top-quality ingredients, premium proteins then they can add a premium protein and first-to-market performance smoothpowder or supplements. “What makes us ies. “The GNC Smoothie Bar at the newly different from other smoothie shops is renovated Bloomingdale Square is truly that all of our smoothies and slushies are here to help you and your family live very healthy or low-calories,” Todd said. well,” said Co-owner Todd Davis. “We are The GNC Smoothie Bar will have its also the home of the ‘Beet Boost Slushie.’ grand opening in early 2021, but it’s curMany of our customers have been hesirently open for business. tant of trying it, but once they did, they are The GNC Smoothie Bar is located in hooked.” the Bloomingdale Square shopping cenThe Beet Boost Slushie is a perform- ter at 967 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in ance slushie that is great for a pre-workBrandon. The shop’s hours of operation out or an afternoon energy boost. Some are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; of the other performance slushies offered Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 at the smoothie shop are the FrozeAde, a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact which is a creamy treat perfect for an the Davises at 643-1500.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Libby Hopkins
January 2021
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Can You Find The “Spotless Town?” Coronet: A Tidy Phosphate Company Town
By Charles Nelson
Where would you go to find Florida’s ‘Spotless Town’? Here’s a hint: try as you might, you won’t find it. This once charming example of a complete industrial town about 3 miles southeast of Plant City no longer exists. Yet, from 1908 until mid-century, the little village of Coronet was a shining example of the phosphate industry’s company towns. Phosphate mining is an essential part of our county’s history. Millions of years ago, Florida “Coronet Mines, 1926.” Source: Courtesy, Tampa“Coronet Phosphate Company, Coronet, FL, Director’s Bungalow (1945). Source: Tampa was underwater, and phosphate Hillsborough County Public Library System. 1925.” Source: Florida Memory Project. Tribune, August 1974. mined in eastern Hillsborough The community did not last, however. cottages were built (in three different pers started finding more familiar nearby County comes from sediment deposited The town was purely a company town. sizes) with galvanized tin roofs. To maindenominations.) Company-based baseon that prehistoric sea floor. Beginning in When area phosphate mining began to tain segregated living quarters, 72 of ball teams, including the Prairie Pebbles 1908, the Coronet Phosphate Company those cottages were for white workers and the Miners, were cheered on by hun- slow, starting in the late 1920s, the compioneered pebble phosphate mining near pany found it more challenging to mainand situated south of the plant. To the dreds of fans as they played other Plant City. (Earlier river mining had been tain the village. By 1953, Coronet east, the company constructed another Hillsborough County and Polk County occurring in the Alafia River basin.) Phosphate sold the plant and all its 24 houses to house black workers. At teams. (In many regards, the community Almost immediately, the Coronet assets to the Smith-Douglas Companies first, workers lived in the houses rent-free. was idyllic and remembered as such by mine, along with its processing plant, was Later, tenants paid a small rent. The comof Virginia. The new company began residents reminiscing later.) very successful. Tampa’s newspapers offering residents the opportunity to buy pany maintained all of the community’s A commissary, or company store, credited the Coronet mine as a boon to their homes for the fair price of $200 to homes and grounds to ensure its pristine existed on the property until 1973. Here downtown Tampa’s new port. $500. The company also paid to move appearance. residents bought necessities, rather than It was also a new, major employer for many of the structures to other parts of A 1910 newspaper reports, being forced to face the long trek to Plant much of Eastern Hillsborough’s unskilled Hillsborough County. By 1964, all of “[Coronet] is a beautiful little town, wellCity. In true company town fashion, ‘chits’ labor force. Coronet’s homes were gone. Later ownequipped in every way. True, you may were sometimes provided in workers’ The company quickly realized that to ers dismantled the plant, and today, there say that it is a ‘private town,’ as the phospaychecks to cash in at the company stabilize that workforce, it would have to is scant evidence that this booming little phate company owns it. Still, it is there store for needed supplies. create a new town at the mine site. and is unmistakable evidence of prosperIn 1912, the company built a beautiful town of Coronet ever existed. Existing roads to and from the mine and ous conditions.” Only the hum of the bungalow-style home for the director of Charles Nelson Bio plant were poor to nonexistent and sure Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in nearby plant and mine gave proof of the the plant. This remarkable structure is the to hinder steady employment. For the History from George Mason University and industrial nature of the town. only building still standing in what was taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC plant to be successful, workers would The community also boasted a clubonce Coronet. The house is listed on (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with have needed to live on-site. Tampa Bay History Center as a house, a library, a swimming pool, tennis Hillsborough County’s Historic Homes The new small town of Coronet, with volunteer docent, researcher and courts, a movie theater, a nine-hole golf inventory. Today, it sits well back from community lecturer, with an emphasis on a little over 300 people, was an instant course and a church. (In 1930, the comCoronet Rd., but it is still visible through South Hillsborough County history. success. About 100 wooden company pany dismantled the church as worshipthe trees.
Recover From Holiday Stress & Anxiety The Holiday Season can bring us a lot of joy but the hustle, bustle, busyness and stress can also bring us a lot of anxiety, affecting our digestive systems and causing us to experience “unhappy guts”. A great way to get your body and your gut back into balance is to introduce probiotics into your daily routine.
70-80% of our immune tissue is found in the digestive tract, so keeping it healthy will help stave off lots of other issues. Our gut is also where our body makes most of our serotonin, the neurotransmitter that makes you happy. When we are happy, our anxiety, stress and worry decreases.
Kombucha tea is a fermented drink, advertised as a probiotic, made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. It has grown in popularity in many Western countries.
• • • • •
Probiotics, such as Kombucha, affect the microbial communities in our gut and even our emotions. Eating foods rich in probiotics is thought by some to increase one’s “good” bacteria and balance out the “bad.”
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January 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
The Undy Run Goes Virtual For Colon Cancer By Libby Hopkins
In January 2017 at the age of 46, Tara Polk of Brandon was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer that had spread to her liver. After two major surgeries and countless rounds of chemotherapy, she is now being closely monitored through blood work and scans. Tara Polk of Brandon is currently the event organizPolk became aware of the er for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Undy Colorectal Cancer Alliance Run/Walk to End Colon Cancer. through her colorectal surgeon, 27 in their own neighborhoods with family Dr. Jorge Marcet. Wanting to help in any or close friends before joining the driveway possible, Polk was honored to give through victory lap celebration, our safe the Survivor Speech at the 2019 Undy onsite activation.” Run To End Colorectal Cancer event and The victory lap will be from 10 a.m.in early 2020 she served as one of the 12 Noon on Saturday, February 27 and event’s coordinators. participants can trade their walking shoes “The Colorectal Cancer Alliance for a decorated car to drive through to exists to end this disease in our lifetime, celebrate and pick up their Tampa Walk and the pandemic has created a new swag bags. need and numerous challenges that are “Just a handful of volunteers will be critical to address for the colorectal canon-site wearing masks, social distancing, cer community,” Polk said. “The alliance regularly using hand sanitizer, while is addressing those challenges within our cheering for participants driving through in pillars to screen, care and cure.” their cars and placing the swag bags in To support the Colorectal Cancer the trunks of cars to stay safely disAlliance’s programs to screen, care and tanced,” Polk said. “Each swag bag will cure colorectal cancer, the Undy include a pair of boxers, goodies from Run/Walk to End Colon Cancer is continsponsors and educational material on coluing to raise funds and spread awareorectal cancer and the alliance. All colness, even if not in the traditional way. orectal cancer patients and survivors will “To keep the community safe, we receive their 2020 Survivor Medal and have pivoted the Tampa Walk to End anyone who hits fundraising levels of Colon Cancer to be virtual with a fun, $100 and above will receive their socially distanced, drive-through activafundraising items, such as the walktion,” Polk said. “We are encouraging branded pop socket, shoulder sling bag people to register online for free at ccaland thermal water bottle.” liance.org/TampaWalk, fundraise and To learn more, visit www.impact.ccalspread awareness leading up to the liance.org/event/2021-tampa-walk-to-endTampa Walk, but then walk on February colon-cancer.
Expiration 02/01 /2021
Page 7
Brandon Biz Pros Networking Group Donates Funds To Family Promise
By Libby Hopkins
A group of doors of a day local residents center in 2014 to helped their busiserve homeless nesses and a children and their local charity last families in the month. Greater Brandon Brandon Biz area. The goal Pros, a self-govwas to empower erned leads referhomeless famiral group, strives lies to obtain to provide a colaffordable houslective sales ing and a state Brandon Biz Pros is a self-governed leads referral group. It strives to provide a collective of lasting indeteam for their team for its members where they can learn pendence. To members where salesfrom, support and help each other grow. they can learn date, it has from, support and help each other grow. helped over 35 families attain their goal of “Brandon Biz Pros was born out of a sustainable housing. small group of Brandon Chamber memEarly in 2017, its board of directors bers that got together and started the made a decision to change its name to group in March of 2019,” said Brandon Family Promise of Hillsborough County Biz Pro Chairperson David Thornton. “We as it more accurately encompassed the collect dues to cover expenses but rarely area it serves. The organization has been spend what we collect. Our leftover able to assist homeless families from all money is donated to local causes or char- of Hillsborough County as well as partner ities.” with the county on services. The local charity that recently Every year, Brandon Biz Pros invites received $750 from the group was Family local charities to come pitch their groups Promise of Hillsborough County. for donations, and Family Promise of “Edwina Reddick of Family Promise Hillsborough County has been a regular and I both served as ambassadors of the attendee. “Family Promise has consisBrandon Chamber together,” Thornton tently answered the call,” Thornton said. said. “We donated $300 for her organiza“With many people losing their jobs and tion and we also gave her a paid memhaving their rent deferred, we felt that bership. Our group also donated another Family Promise needed all the help they $300, which went to Mark Oliver of could get.” Specially Fit.” Brandon Biz Pros meets weekly Family Promise of Greater Brandon every Friday morning online from 8:45-10 was incorporated in 2010 as an affiliate of a.m. Contact Thornton at dthornton@abcFamily Promise. The group opened the netfl.com.
Expiration 02/01 /2021
Expiration 02/01 /2021
Page 8
Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
ng i w e i V e e t a n a M ter, Laser Cen & More Show
Automotive Recyclers Association Honors Brandon Auto Services Owner
Bingo Returns To St. Stephen Catholic Church
Bingo returns to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, ennett B y January 19, 2021. n n e om ed by J Doors open at 5:30 Compil preyobserver.c @os p.m. and bingo will jbennett begin at 6:30 p.m. The cost to play is $15 and there are cash prizes. The event is sponsored by St. Stephen Catholic Church Community for Women, who provide support to the Manatee Viewing Center To Remain St. Stephen community at large with Closed donations. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing St. Stephen Catholic Church is Center, where people can watch manlocated at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in atees gather each year, will remain Riverview. closed until at least fall as a result of the ongoStrawberry Square Dance Center ing coronavirus Continues Social Dances pandemic. The Plant City Social Dance will be viewing center, hosting dances every Saturday night located at Tampa in January at the Strawberry Square Electric’s Big Bend Dance Center at 4401 Promenade Power Station in Blvd. from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The numApollo Beach, has ber of attendees will be limited to 50 been a staple for people and reservations are required. more than 30 years and allows visitors To listen to a sample playlist and find easy access to the herds of manatees out additional information, visit that are drawn to the plant’s warm www.djkenmiller.com. waters in its discharge canal. “As with To make a reservation, call 863so many of the changes we’ve seen 409-7714. this year, we know keeping the Manatee Viewing Center closed this Laser Show Coming To Strawberry season was a disappointment,” said Festival Fairgrounds Stan Kroh, manager of Land and Stewardship Programs for Tampa The Cabin Fever Drive-In Laser Electric. “Safety is our top priority, and Show is coming to the Strawberry with that in mind, we’re offering virtual Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City from ways to experience the center until we Tuesday to Friday, January 7 until 10. can welcome visitors back in person.” Being a drive-in show, you are able to It is expected to reopen on Sunday, avoid crowds and stay in your own November 1. vehicle and the dedicated ‘tailgate’ In the meantime, you can watch seating area for each vehicle, as well the manatees from the comfort of your as bring your own chairs, blankets and own home by visiting www.tampaelecrefreshments. The family-friendly laser tric.com/manatee. shows include the latest musical hits, mind-blowing lasers and fantastic Holiday Charity Ball Benefited Toys graphic effects. There are two shows For Tots per night, choose from 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. The cost is $25 per vehicle and Bob Savage and Tatyana Frost, tickets must be purchased in advance the Holiday Charity Ball producers, from www.freshtix.com/events/cabinheld a small gathering at The Way 2 fever-laser-show-plant-city. Dance studio in Brandon to celebrate the holidays and to collect donations for Toys For Tots. East Hillsborough Democratic Club The toy drive was a total success, The East Hillsborough Democratic considering the very complex year of Club will hold a Zoom meeting on 2020 and Holiday Charity Ball Inc. is Tuesday, January 12, at 6:30 p.m. The proud to have collected 38 bikes and guest speaker will be Sheila McNamara. 11 boxes of toys as well as to have All like-minded individuals are welcome to been able to donate $7,000 to attend. Metropolitan Ministries to help fill its For more information, visit www.eastHoliday Tent with essentials that will hillsboroughdems.org. help make Christmas special.
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By Amy Schechter
It is no wonder Holland went on to Brandon Auto give an example of a Services is going customer whose vehistrong after nearly cle needed collision 50 years in the repair, but did not business. Owners have the ability to go Steve Holland and past a certain budget. Ken Anderson are “We fixed the door, but passionate and we did not repaint at knowledgeable the customer’s about all things request. We have the automotive. Plus, ability to do that they believe in givbecause we have the ing customers Steve Holland, co-owner of Brandon salvage yard, and we Auto Services, was recently honored have a comparable choices so they by the Automotive Recyclers can get back on part in stock in most Association with a Lifetime the road without cases,” he said. Achievement Award. breaking the bank. Recently, the In addition to Automotive general repairs, Recyclers engines/transmisAssociation honored sions repairs, colHolland with a 813-689-8131 • 3159 E. State Road 60 - Valrico Lifetime Achievement lision repair and tire services, Award. Holland was Brandon Auto Services works hard to grateful and excited, saying, “It’s purchase damaged or used vehicles pretty awesome because it’s a so it can recycle parts. This is a critinational association. People from all cal portion of the automotive supply over the world are part of this. A lot chain. Customers get options and of people deserve it, and I feel lucky valuable metals like steel, aluminum to get it.” Born in Tampa and raised and plastic can be recycled and kept in Brandon, automotive work is in his out of landfills. bloodline. His father owned one of Holland explained what sets it the first body shops in the 60s. This apart: “I think growing up in the comaward is validation for a lifetime of munity and doing honest work is real- commitment to his craft and an ongoly the main thing. We give options to ing promise to the customer for qualithe consumer; we can do used parts, ty service and selection. Brandon new factory OEM parts or recycled Auto Services is located at 3161 E. OEM parts. Customers can choose S.R. 60 in Valrico. Visit www.brandohow their vehicles are repaired.” nautoservices.com or call 651-2288.
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January 2021
Page 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Kids ‘R’ Kids Angel Tree Produces Gifts For 150 Foster Kids Thanks To Students & Community
Happy
By Maria Myers
A group of local Kids ‘R’ Kids’ children had a happy goal is to serve every holiday season foster child in thanks to the genHillsborough County erosity of Valrico and by providing each Lithia families. Kids child with new, age‘R’ Kids, a local childappropriate gifts from care center, set up their wish lists. Angel Trees in its Over the years, facilities, and thanks Fernandes and other to parents and comemployees have visitmunity members, 150 ed the Foster Angel local foster children warehouse facility received new gifts. where tens of thouThe way it works: sands of toys are a tree is set up with housed for the chilangel ornaments dren. detailing children’s “This year, we wishes. Residents were very skeptical are invited to pick an given the COVID Kids ‘R’ Kids connected generous angel and buy sever- residents with kids in need last month, pandemic,” al presents for a child Fernandes admitted. resulting in 150 gifts for local foster children. in need; it’s that sim“We were honestly ple. The Foster Angel anxious at the type of Tree drive started for this response we would have. facility back in 2004 and We are enthused with the since then has helped results at both Kids ‘R’ thousands of children in the local comKids locations this year. Both our lobbies munity. are overflowing with generous toys, “We first got involved with this bikes and gifts.” organization when we realized there This is the largest turn out the were so many children that are separatorganization has had since it began ed from their family and placed in a foshosting the program over a decade ago. ter home due to abuse, neglect or abanIf you would like to contribute for donment during the Christmas Holiday,” next holiday season, Kids ‘R’ Kids has said Ben Fernandes, one of the owners two locations, one in Valrico near River at Kids ‘R’ Kids. “Our mission at Kids ‘R’ Hills and the other in Lithia near Kids was to reach out to our families FishHawk West. who come from an affluent background For more information, visit to and ask them to help our cause.” KidsRKids.com or call 654-7000.
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Page 10
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Galactic Playgrounds Science Center Opens In New Brandon Location Off Of S.R. 60
By Libby Hopkins
Galactic Playgrounds Interactive Science Center has become a part of our community. It is the brainchild of Greg Mendolia. “Galactic Playgrounds is a science center for kids of all ages,” Mendolia said. “We offer hands-on excitement with exhibits powered by children, so they get exercise, S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) learning and fun all at once. Our interactive science center is sure to excite and educate your kids. All exhibits run on kid power, so they can exercise while enjoying an immersive educational atmosphere.” Mendolia is originally from New England and he his family came to Florida to get out of the cold weather. His children liked the local children’s attractions like MOSI and Glazer Children’s Museum, but wanted something more to stretch their minds and imaginations. “We visited different areas of Florida, but we found that Tampa was more family-oriented,” Mendolia said. “We started to look for what area of Tampa would be a good fit for our concept and Brandon is the epicenter of families with children, so Brandon was our choice to open Galactic Playgrounds Interactive Science Center.” The center has quite a lot to offer families from our community. Visitors can relax and enjoy astronomy videos
on the center’s 14-foottall Planetariumlike screens. “We have a large variety of interactive science exhibits demonstrating magnetism, hydro forces, electric power, kinetic energy, high voltage static generators and gas plasma effects,” Mendolia said. “And you can let your little scientist chill out for a bit and paint using our new Buddha boards.” Before opening Galactic Playground Interactive Science Center, Mendolia made renovations to ensure the building was COVID-safe for families. “We installed a special new HVAC with five times more outside air, which blows COVID away,” Mendolia said. “Plus we have 8,500 square feet of space for easy social distancing. Families can rent our entire place.” Some of the attractions offered at the center are Water World features all things water, allowing kids’ energy to power cool water exhibits. Children will be able to create amazing water cyclones powered in two different ways by operating water pumps, or by powering electric motors. There is also a water elevator utilizing the principles of the famous scientist Archimedes. Visit www.galacticplaygrounds.com or call 315-9478. The center, located at 1041 West Brandon Blvd., is open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Volume 20, Issue 1
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January 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 11
Happiness Is Hot Chocolate! And Nicholas Fletcher Sure Knows It
A New Resident, Zippy Minimoto, Joins the FishHawk Community To Spread Joy
Sweet winElizabeth Thomas. tertime, the perThe cocoa sold fect period for for $.75 for a small blankets, cup, $1.25 for a Christmas cooklarge and $.25 extra ies and, most of for additional marshall, hot chocomallows. With comlate. Nicholas petitive prices, the Fletcher, an 11stand attracted year-old boy, dozens of passerssaw this as a by, from cars driving chance to earn past to college stusome money to dents on their daily prepare for run. Christmas After only a few Fletcher smiles next to his assembled stand, ready to make some sales. shopping by hours of operation, poured in within the next few jumping into hot Customers Fletcher ended his hours, excited to share a warm cup of cocoa entreprebusiness endeavor cheer. neurship. During the last week of with a whopping $97 in profits. “He November, he opened a stand where had such a great turnout that he he sold his homemade hot chocolate added a second day as requested by to the residents of Ternwood in the neighborhood,” said Thomas. FishHawk Ranch. The praise given to Fletcher was Fletcher is a homeschooled stusomething him nor his family predictdent on the autism spectrum with a ed, but he’s loving the positive attenbright mind and inquisitive nature for tion. Having the community come sales. He lives with his mother, together and enjoy as simple of a Laura; father, Brian; and older sister, thing as hot chocolate fostered the Mia. Christmas spirit that 2020 had been On a cloudless, cool day, missing. Fletcher hopes that he can Fletcher decided that he wanted to do it again, and is planning another sell hot chocolate to his neighbors day for selling hot cocoa soon. and fellow FishHawk residents. After It’s these small-town moments assembling wooden shelves and that keep neighbors grounded in adding some Christmas decorations chaotic times of pandemics and quarfor a holiday feel, the hot chocolate antines. With a second day of operastand was ready. “He came up with tion in the works, be sure to keep an the hot cocoa idea as a way to earn eye out for Fletcher’s stand in money to buy a Christmas gift for his Ternwood in Lithia, FL for a bundle of sister,” explained his private teacher, joy in a cup.
This past October, a and said, ‘Hi, Daddy.’ new resident raced into the The whole ride took FishHawk community. He about four minutes.” first appeared as a clown ridA few nights later, ing a classic 1971 mini Zippy was out walking motorcycle through various his dog when a neighbor neighborhoods. He was stopped him and asked sometimes greeted with him what he was smiles as he sped past residoing—riding Rosie with dents, while other times they a clown mask on— ran the other way because because he was the talk they were shocked by a of the neighborhood. clown riding a mini motorcy“My neighbor had told cle. me that I lit up some Photos courtesy of Sean Moore Now, the masked, miniZippy MiniMoto can be seen neighborhood motorcycle-riding character Facebook pages from riding his mini motorcycle, ‘Rosie,’ throughout the is back for the Christmas my four-minute ride,” Christmas season in various holidays as ‘The Grinch,’ Zippy said. “I wasn’t on FishHawk neighborhoods. but he’s really not a Grinch, Facebook, so I had no he’s Zippy MiniMoto, and he is back to idea what he was talking about, so he spread some much needed holiday sent me some screenshots of the cheer. “The recent pandemic found all of Facebook pages and they said they us with a lot of time on our hands,” Zippy, thought it was the coolest thing ever.” a FishHawk resident and Air Force He donned a full clown costume and Veteran said. “I used to ride motorcycles started riding nightly. “The funniest thing is when I was in college and then I got mar- Rosie has no gas gauge on her, so I’m ried and things changed, but since I constantly having to keep opening the needed something to do to keep me gas tank while I’m riding to make sure I occupied during the pandemic, I bought a have enough gas,” Zippy said. motorcycle and restored it.” Zippy decided to come back as The Zippy’s daughter liked his motorcycle Grinch from all the feedback he heard so much that he bought her a smaller about on the FishHawk community version of his, which she named ‘Rosie.’ Facebook pages. He has even created a “I was working on the motorcycle and it Zippy MiniMoto Facebook page. “The was around Halloween,” Zippy said. “I people in FishHawk have said that I had a clown mask, so I decided to put the made them smile and laugh by me riding mask on and take Rosie out for a test Rosie in costume,” Zippy said. run. I rode the motorcycle to the neighZippy asks that you please keep borhood park to scare my daughter and it safety in mind when and if you see him in didn’t work, because she ran up to me the future and don’t follow him too close.
By Laura Tamayo
By Libby Hopkins
Page 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Neighborhood Staple, Willie’s Seafood Closes After 45 Years In Business
By Libby Hopkins
businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on Willie’s. “We have always been a big part of the community,” Robinson said. “We’ve sponsored little league teams, supported many FFAs and many comWillie’s Seafood in Valrico has been a Brandon staple munity organizations held for more than 45 years. The Robinson family owns the their meetings at our community-loved restaurant and the family recently restaurant. My son and his made the very difficult decision to close Willie’s Seafood. The restaurant closed on December 23. wife have been running the restaurant for the last six Willie’s Seafood in Valrico has been years and then COVID hit. They had to a Brandon staple for more than 45 shut down. They missed the snowbird years. The Robinson family owns the season, but when they opened back up, community-loved restaurant and the they could only have 25 percent capacifamily recently made the very difficult ty. They still paid all their employees durdecision to close Willie’s Seafood. A message on the restaurant’s web- ing the shutdown, but with the restaurant being an old building needing repairs site said, “We would like to let all of you know that we have made the decision to and the cost to run it, it was just too much.” close down Willie’s, the place for Robinson said she’s not going to seafood. It was not an easy decision dwell on the sadness over having to and a variety of reasons contribute to close Willie’s, but she will focus on all this choice. Many have noticed that the the good memories and what could menu prices have increased 20 percent come in the future for the restaurant. in two years. This has not touched the “Our customers are like our extended deficit caused by building repair, family,” Robinson said. “We’ve seen their increased food costs and payroll children grow up, graduate high school increases.” and then college and then they get marThe Brandon community was sadried. I’m not sure what Willie’s will dened to find out this local landmark would be gone before the Christmas hol- become next, but hopefully, in some shape or form, it will still be a part of our idays. “This was a family-owned and community.” operated business,” Owner Maryellen If you would like to see what the Robinson said. “We had Bill’s mother, future holds for Willie’s Seafood, keep aunts, uncles, cousins and children an eye on its Facebook page at working in the restaurant in the beginwww.facebook.com/WilliesThePlaceFor ning. It was just all family.” Seafood. Like many other restaurants and
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Page 13
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Nine-Year-Old Valrico Girl Wins Nationwide Contest For Chicken Poo Bingo Board Game
Hillsborough County Library Hosts Virtual Events With Nasa Engineers & Lego Masters
Most 9-year-old basket that waddles girls are busy trying to around the board and figure out school and makes deposits on the socialization in the numbers. age of quarantine. While Cooper has Cooper Dean of come up with other Valrico isn’t most girls. games, her recent Cooper, a third camping trip and the grader at Lithia timing of the contest Springs Elementary brought this one to School, is waiting to fruition, which was a see if a game she three-week project with invented could soon her father’s help. Cooper Dean, a third grader at end up on store “I have other Lithia Springs Elementary School, shelves for others to recently won a nationwide contest ideas,” she said. “I with her game, Chicken Poo Bingo. thought this would be play too. She recently won a nationwide confun for the family too.” test with her submission of Chicken Poo Before the coronavirus cancelled a Bingo, a tabletop game she came up lot of in-person gatherings, Jennifer said with after seeing a real-life depiction Cooper would have gone to New York while camping. for a ceremony announcing her as the “The real version exists in many junior winner for the Best Game campgrounds,” said Jennifer Dean, Concept, a category sponsored by Cooper’s mother. “She thought it would Goliath Games. Instead, she got to be fun to create a kids version at home.” watch a virtual awards show with her After becoming aware of the People family, celebrating with excited dancing of Play’s annual Young Inventor and cheers alongside her 6-year-old Challenge (YIC) through her father, brother, Brooks Dean. Ryan Dean, she set out to make the While past winners of the contest, board and pieces for a functional game. which is open to kids 6-18 years of age, The premise is for the chicken to have seen their game concepts brought ‘poop’ out candy onto a master bingo to market, it isn’t a given. But the possiboard and players try to fill up the bility is there, with the process now squares on their card, just like in a bingo including some fine tuning. hall. The winner gets candy, which adds “They might make it,” Jennifer said. to the fun. “She has to come up with ways to make In the real-life version, chickens are it better, to refine it, to make a perfect enticed by players with feed to come to product.” a square and ‘mark it’ while Cooper uses See Cooper’s YIC submission video a windup chicken she got in an Easter at https://youtu.be/o-RM1oGntN4.
This January, from NASA’s Transiting Tampa-Hillsborough Exoplanet Survey Public Library is excitSatellite (TESS),” said ed to announce, and the online announcecontinue, several great ment. virtual opportunities for Another event the guests. These events library will be virtually will include technology hosting is “Bricks 4 help, live question and Kidz: Master LEGO answer sessions, story Building with Mr. times and much more. John.” At this event, On Friday and ‘Mr. John’ from Bricks Wednesday, January 4 Kidz will be showing 15 and 27, it will be participants how they hosting virtual events Children can join Mr. John virtually can become LEGO with Natalie Guerrero, Master Builders. He and learn on how to become a LEGO Master Builder. who is currently workwill be teaching and ing with the MIT Kavli Institute for demonstrating different building methods Astrophysics and Space Research on and techniques along with participating the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey in a Q&A. Satellite (TESS) mission. The first event “Whether you have a small amount she will be hosting is on January 15 or large amount of LEGOs, all skill levels beginning at 6:30 p.m., which is recomof builders are welcome to participate in mended for ages 7-12 years old. this super awesome, fun, and educationGuerrero will be explaining how technolal event!” said the online announcement. ogy and science are essential to space One thing that the libraries will be exploration along with participating in a introducing this month is its new ‘Tech live Q&A session with the children in Rescue’ appointments. According to attendance. On January 27, she will also Amanda Jones, a Learning Experiences be speaking at an event similar to this, consultant for Hillsborough County but for teens and adults. During this Public Library Cooperative, these will be event, beginning at 6:30 p.m., she will a virtual version of the library’s Walk-In be leading a more in-depth conversation Tech Help services, allowing guests to on the most recent happenings with the sign up for one-on-one appointments NASA TESS project as well as doing with library staff to get help with whatevanother Q&A with those attending. er technology issues they may have. “What can we see of worlds beyond To sign up for events or tech rescue our own? Celebrate the library’s New appointments, please visit Gear, New You month with MIT’s Natalia https://hcplc.evanced.info/signup/calenGuerrero as she brings you the latest dar.
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Page 14
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
New Executive Director Takes Over At Outreach Free Clinic And Resource Center In Brandon
New Locally-Owned Great Clips Opens In Publix Plaza At FishHawk West
Allison Alvarez 18 years as executive Hedrick became the new director. executive director of The Brandon High Outreach Free Clinic and School and University of Resource Center, located North Carolina at at 517 N. Parsons Ave. in Pembroke graduate brings Brandon, in October, but years of experience in she is not unfamiliar to that marketing, communication, area nor how important an public relations and nonoutreach free clinic is to profit affiliations with organmany hardworking famiizations like The Leukemia lies. and Lymphoma Society Hedrick said, “I grew (LLS), Largo Cultural up in Brandon, just a Center and Suncoast Girl Allison Alvarez Hedrick takes street over from where over as executive director of Scout Council. Prior to Outreach Free Clinic and the Outreach Free Clinic and becoming executive direcResource Center in Brandon. tor, she was vice president Resource Center is now. Even as a kid, I recall what a challenge it of communications with WEDU PBS. was when someone in the family needed Hedrick expressed her first goal to see a doctor. While my parents both would be raising awareness for worked—Mom worked in restaurants and Hillsborough County residents that Dad owned a small sports bar and grill— Outreach Free Clinic and Resource we didn’t have health insurance or much Center is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit, disposable income. Without a resource nongovernment medical facility providing like Outreach Free Clinic and Resource primary healthcare at no cost to those Center, doctor visits were paid for in who do not qualify for government assiscash—a significant hardship for a family tance and who cannot afford private medliving paycheck to paycheck and without ical care. sick time to also cover missing work. I Her second priority is to expand supwould always feel so guilty if I needed to port from volunteers, medical providers, go to the doctor, knowing it would cost donors and corporate partnerships. money not just for the visit, but also any Although patients receive care from prescriptions that might be needed. No licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and one should experience obstacles to getmedical residents who donate their time, ting medical care or feel guilty about takthe clinic relies on individual donations ing care of their health.” and community partnerships to maintain Hedrick’s empathy, education and services to the community. experience make her uniquely qualified to To learn more about the Outreach replace Deborah Meegan, who officially Clinic, visit www.theoutreachclinic.com or retired on December 17 after more than call 654-1388.
A brand-new, procedures. She gets much family-owned Great help from her general manager, Clips opened last Hanri Cochran, and her son, month in FishHawk Sam Orchard, as well. West. The salon is Great Clips at FishHawk located next to Publix West is having its grand openin the Alafia ing right now and through Commons shopping Sunday, center. January Lea Orchard is 31. During the salon owner/franthe grand Jeffery Miller gets the first chisee of this Great opening, haircut at the new Great Clips. She became a all haircuts Clips at FishHawk West. franchisee in 2001 in order to build a famwill be ily business to provide a strong future for $7.99. The regular haircut prices are very herself and her family. Her original career reasonable at $15 for adults and $13 for was as a CPA with children and seniors. PricewaterhouseCoopers. Orchard was The construction and buildout was one of the original franchisees in this mar- made possible by South Shore ket, (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Contracting. Project Manager Jeffrey Hernando, and Sarasota Counties). Miller, who worked with Orchard on the There were no Great Clips here at that project, was the first to receive a haircut time, now there are 87. at the new location. Miller and his team This Great Clips is number 13 for were able to build-out the salon despite Orchard. Her other stores are located in potential COVID-19 setbacks. Carrollwood, Lutz, Citrus Park, Land Great Clips salons have the convenO’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Riverview, ient Great Clips Online Check-In app that Apollo Beach, Clearwater, Dunedin and allows guests to check in on their cell Tarpon Springs. phones or laptops and add their names to Orchard said, “All stylists and cusa waiting list. “About 40 percent of our tomers are required to wear masks. After customers use our Online Check-In app every haircut, the entire area, including because it is so convenient and such a the chair and tools, are all deeply cleaned timesaver,” said Orchard. and sanitized. For each new haircut, Great Clips at FishHawk West is every person is given a new, freshly open seven days a week for the convenwashed cape.” ience of their customers. “ Orchard is hands-on with her busiGreat Clips at Alafia Commons ness and makes frequent visits to each of (FishHawk West) is located at 5631 Circa her Great Clips locations. She also hanFishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Call 502-5980 or dles her own accounting and back office check in online using the Great Clips app.
By Gwen Rollings
By Faith Miller
January 2021
Page 15
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Tampa General Hospital Starts To Administer First Shipment Of COVID-19 Vaccinations
By Libby Hopkins
Tampa General receive the vaccinaHospital (TGH) tion, TGH will supply received its first shippartner hospitals ment of the Pfizer twoAdventHealth, dose COVID-19 vacBayCare, Bayfront, cine on December 15 HCA and Moffitt with as part of the state’s the vaccine for their pilot program to fight first phase group of the pandemic. Tampa healthcare workers. Tampa General Hospital received its General has assemThe vaccine first shipment of the Pfizer two-dose bled an internal task COVID-19 vaccine on December 15 as requires ultra-cold part of the state’s pilot program to fight storage (-80 degrees force committee of the pandemic experts to develop the Celsius/-112 degrees process for vaccine distribution in accorFahrenheit) to maintain maximum effecdance with Centers for Disease Control tiveness. Tampa General’s pharmacy curand Prevention (CDC) recommendations. rently utilizes three freezers, allowing The initial shipment of vaccines for TGH to safely store a total of 510,000 this pilot program will be distributed to doses of the vaccine at once. “The freezhealthcare workers battling COVID-19 on ers at TGH also produce dry ice, which the front lines. Guidance by the CDC indi- will be essential for transporting the vaccates community access to the vaccine cine safely when needed,” Couris said. will be available around the spring of To support the needs of the local 2021, depending on vaccine production nursing homes and long-term care facililevels. “This vaccine provides hope to our ties, the state has contracted with both community and Tampa General is honCVS and Walgreens to administer vacciored to support this pilot program,” said nations to those patients as well as the John Couris, president and CEO of healthcare workers who provide their Tampa General Hospital. “We stand direct patient care. ready to support the governor and our The second phase of vaccinations is state officials in whatever capacity is expected to begin in early 2021 and, if asked of us in the distribution of the vacsupply is sufficient, will apply to additional cine.” Tampa General physicians or healthcare In this first phase and in accordance workers in direct patient care, persons with federal guidelines, the COVID-19 over 65 with underlying health conditions, vaccine stored at Tampa General will only first responders, law enforcement and be available to TGH physicians and staff essential workers, including teachers, at greatest risk of exposure to COVID-19 childcare providers as well as food distriin the workplace. If the vaccine supply bution employees. received allows for it and once the initial To learn more about Tampa General group of TGH workers has begun to Hospital, visit www.tgh.org.
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Page 16
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Bridges Dental Opens New State-Of-The-Art Office In Prime River Hills Location
By Michelle Caceres
Brad and Even though Laura Bridges, the location has owners of changed, the Bridges Dental, patient care has thought they continued to were crazy for remain top-notch. buying an office “My wife Dr. building Bridges’ care and during skill as a dentist the are unsurpassed,” height of he said. the A testament COVIDto that is her The staff at Bridges Dental is serving patients at its new location at 4316 New River Hills being selected as 19 pandemic. Pkwy. in Valrico. That deciTampa Bay sion turned out being the smartest Magazine’s Top Dentist for 2020, her thing they ever did. fourth year earning the distinction. Six weeks after they closed on the Dr. Bridges earned a degree in property, on June 30, 2020, a fire devbiomedical science from USF and astated their dental practice in received her DMD degree from the Erindale Plaza, where the practice had University of Florida’s College of been in business for 27 years. Dentistry. Her staff includes three full“The office alarm went off because time hygienists and three office assisit detected motion,” said Brad. All tants. looked quiet upon driving to the Bridges Dental offers a variety of office…until he opened the door. “The services, including crowns, root canal, smoke just rushed out,” he said. “Our bridges, fillings, cosmetic dentistry, office was a total loss.” veneers, teeth whitening and gum That’s when the decision to purtreatment using the latest technology chase the new building was seen in a to make the patient experience as different light. “Sometimes it’s better to comfortable as possible. be lucky than smart,” he joked. Bridges Dental’s new office, locatThe 5,000-square-foot office is ed at 4316 New River Hills Pkwy, is bright and airy, featuring 10 operatoopen Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 ries and a new state-of-the-art equipp.m. The office is currently accepting ment. Windows in every room bring new patients; most dental PPOs are plenty of natural light to every room. accepted. “I think the new location only For more information about improves the patient experience,” said Bridges Dental, visit www.bridgesdenBrad. tal.com or call 654-3399.
Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2021
Page 17
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
DAR Celebrates Hope For Her Founder With Annual Community Service Award
Local Angler Pens First Children’s Book, Clyde’s Corner
Earlier this lies have had month, the Alafia their lives River Chapter of the restored since National Society Hope for Her Daughters of the opened their American doors. Revolution (DAR), Alafia River presented the Chapter DAR group’s annual Community Community Service Service Award to Cheryl Chairman Hicks, founder and Glenda Thurow Community Service Award, pictured left to executive director awarded the right: Cathleen LaVigne, chapter regent; of Hope for Her. Cecilia Murray, treasurer; Cheryl Hicks founder DAR Hope for Her, a and executive director of Hope for Her; Glenda Community local nonprofit, sup- Thurow, Community Service Award chairman; Service Award and Jen Gerken, Women’s Issues chairman. ports women expe- (Masks were worn during the presentation and pin and a certifiriencing crisis and cate to Hicks for only removed briefly for the photo.) trauma by providing her service to essentials such as housing, the community. Each childcare, food, clothing and year, this committee more to address the needs searches for outstanding of these women and their community members to children. Hope for Her recognize and thank for works one-on-one with their service to our local women to restore their concommunity. fidence and self-worth by identifying DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, volneeds, creating plans to address them unteer women’s service organization with and staying with the families for as long over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters as needed. across the world. Any woman age 18 Cheryl Hicks opened this important years and older—regardless of race, relicenter for women in 2003. In its very first gion or ethnic background—who can year, Hope for Her and the dedicated prove her lineal descent from patriots of team of volunteers assisted 100 women the American Revolution is eligible to join and their families who had nowhere else the DAR. to turn. Last year, over 300 women found If you are interested in learning more employment through its program, 1,200 about the Alafia River Chapter of the women received one-on-one support and National Society Daughters of the the center received over 3,600 calls for American Revolution, help and support. More than 45,000 fami- email ARCRegistrar201921@gmail.com.
Brian Wilson’s agement, Brian decided passion for fishing is to explore publication. evident in his perIn Clyde’s Corner, sonal and profesreaders meet Clyde and sional life. He loves his best friend, Warner. teaching people to The two little fish go off fish and being out on an adventure away on the water. After from the safety of their moving to Apollo dock for the very first Beach in 2017 with time. When they get lost, his wife, Dr. Jennifer they have to rely on help Wilson, they made from Clyde’s dad to sure to buy a house return home. It is a story Apollo Beach resident Brian Wilson on a canal. Then, of friendrecently published when the opportuniship, of Clyde’s Corner. ty arose, he facing became co-owner of Bait and Tackle of your fears Apollo Beach. Now, Brian can add ‘puband of lished author’ to his repertoire, and you finding can bet the book is fishing-related. help from “We both grew up fishing,” Brian said family. as he reflected on his time fishing in Anna Brian is Maria with his grandparents; he and his even wife still enjoy casting a line together as working adults. “It’s special to us.” For that reason, on the when his cousin’s family moved to the second area, Brian and Jennifer take their godbook in son, Cam, out to their dock, especially at what will now become a series, Clyde night when the green dock’s light illumiCounts to Ten, where Clyde will learn to nates a special friend, a large, green count an assortment of undersea items snook. local to Apollo Beach habitats. “He’s in the same spot every single Clyde’s Corner is a great stocking night, and we all decided we needed to stuffer or bedtime story for any occasion. name him,” Brian explained. “We picked Copies are available for purchase on the name Clyde.” Cam’s love for Clyde Amazon. To connect with Brian, you can inspired Brian to write Clyde’s Corner for reach him via email at his godson’s first birthday. He and wilsonsaltlife@gmail.com. He also has Jennifer then had the book illustrated and copies of his book available at Bait and bound as a special present. When friends Tackle of Apollo Beach, open from 6 a.m.and family read the book, they knew it 7 p.m. daily and located at 6040 N. U.S. was something special. With their encour- Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach.
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Page 18
Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Dooley Groves Shipping & U-Pick In Ruskin Opens For Its 53rd Citrus Season
By Tatiana Ortiz
Individuals This month, seeking a famipeople can U-pick ly-friendly, Sugarbelles, which socially disis a cross between tanced activity a clementine, a should visit tangerine and a Dooley Groves Honeybell. in Ruskin, which Dooley Groves reopened on has more than November 19 6,500 Honeybell for its 53rd cittrees open for Urus season. pick from January Diane through April. For The grandsons of Dooley Groves Owners Houghtaling and the U-pick, Dooley Mike Houghtaling and his wife, Diane her husband, Groves supplies Houghtaling. Mike Houghtaling, own the 40-acre baskets and clippers. Once the proorange grove offering U-pick and fruit duce gets picked, guests are charged sales. by the pound. During the season, UMike is a fifth-generation Florida pick is open seven days a week from farmer who loves the business, which 10 a.m.-4 p.m. was first started 53 years ago by In addition to the U-pick citrus, Mike’s grandparents and parents and Dooley Groves offers a retail store has been handed down for three gen- with local items such as unfiltered erations. orange blossom honey, fruit jams and Dooley Groves grows fresh, premore. It also makes freshly squeezed mium citrus fruits and is the largest orange juice and other products. U-pick Honeybell grove in Florida, Furthermore, it can ship fruit all over and it offers several other citrus varithe United States and Canada. eties throughout the citrus season “There are not many old-time cittoo. rus groves and markets left in Florida, To help keep everyone comfortnone in Hillsborough County quite like able while at Dooley Groves, the fam- Dooley Groves,” Diane said. “For ily made some adjustments with the example, we offer fresh picked citrus U-pick procedures, how it takes shipvarieties that most places do not ping orders and much more. have, like the pink pomelos and “We feel that one of the best more,” she added. ideas people can do right now is to For more information, visit be outside in the wide-open spaces, www.dooleygroves.com. It is located getting vitamin D while getting vitamin at 1651 Stephens Rd. in Ruskin. Call C,” Diane said. 645-3256.
Local Resident Helps To Empower Women In The Community
By Libby Hopkins
Katie McGill of asked McGill to Valrico is a local take her place as powerhouse. She is executive director. the executive direc“I have been the tor of Dress for executive director Success Tampa for 12 years now, Bay and she is the but a volunteer recipient of the since day one,” 2017 the Tampa McGill said. Bay Lightning’s The mission of Community Hero Dress for Success Award. She is also is to empower known in the comwomen to achieve munity for her economic indeworkshops and volpendence by proKatie McGill of Valrico is the executive director of Dress for Success Tampa Bay unteerism. viding a network of and she is the recipient of the 2017 the McGill develsupport, profesTampa Bay Lightning’s Community Hero oped the Success Award. She is known in the community for sional attire and her workshops and volunteerism. Strategies program the development for the Centre for Women, which provides tools to help women thrive in work and in intensive employment services to women life. “We provide each client with profesages 18-35 who are unemployed and sional attire to secure employment, but underemployed. She implemented this we are about much more than simply a program from a grant concept, operanew outfit,” McGill said. “Besides physitionalized and expanded, all in a very cally equipping the client with apparel and short period of time. accessories, our programs furnish her After working for Centre for Women with a confidence that she carries forevfor 10 years, she resigned and started er.” her own organization called Let’s Talk The recent pandemic has had an Consulting Group. affect on Dress for Success. Donations When Dress for Success’ founder, are down and the needs have increased. Pat Ellington, decided to start the local “We are in need of under garments, plusnonprofit, McGill immediately stepped up size business attire and we can always to volunteer for Ellington. “When she use black dress pants in all sizes,” McGill came to the Centre for Women years ago said. To learn more about Dress for and started talking about Dress for Success or to make a donation to the Success, I knew I wanted to volunteer local nonprofit, visit www.tampabay.dresswith her and help her,” McGill said. “I love forsuccess.org or call 259-1876. Dress for volunteering and giving back to our comSuccess is located at 1705 N. Howard munity.” When Ellington retired, she Ave. in Tampa.
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Page 19
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Superintendent Davis Selects Educators For Teacher Advisory Council
By Michelle Caceres
School the problem or an Superintendent accomplice to the Addison Davis has solution,” she said. “I selected a talented choose the latter.” group of 50 highly She was thrilled qualified educators when she found out to serve on his she was selected as inaugural a board member and Superintendent’s looks forward to servTeacher Advisory ing with her fellow Council (STAC). Hillsborough County Superintendent Davis of Hillsborough The purpose educators. County Public Schools has selected of the council is to outstanding educators to be members of “In my mind, the the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory council lends itself to provide an imporCouncil (STAC). tant voice for collective decisionteachers in the district’s decision-makmaking where we can think aloud, ing process and to provide the superinbrainstorm options, consider alternatendent with insights, suggestions and tives, evaluate risks and share our perspectives on critical educational opinions freely,” she said. “The diversity issues. The STAC, which is comprised on the council will offer Mr. Davis a of teachers from all grade levels, will wealth of information for a fresh enable better educational and adminisapproach to solving, not just pondering, trative decisions that will ultimately lead problems and improving performance.” to creating a positive working environThe council will meet monthly with ment and a safe and nurturing learning Superintendent Davis to discuss issues environment for students. relating to diverse academic experiCommittee members, who serve a ences, student support services, school seven-month term, include local school- culture, fair and consistent discipline teachers Lori Beth Bradner, an AVID and other factors that impact schools. coordinator at Randall Middle School, “I am excited to begin this collaboand Jon Sever, a music teacher at rative process to identify our strengths Bloomingdale High School. Teachers and areas of opportunity,” said superinwere selected after an application tendent Davis. “On the council are pheprocess that included an online applica- nomenal educators who will provide tion and, for some, an in-person interfresh perspectives that will help shape view. the future of the district.” Bradner, who is in her fifth year at For more information about the Randall, was inspired to apply after Teacher Advisory Council or the School watching a video about the council and District of Hillsborough County, visit its purpose. “In life, we can be part of www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
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Page 20
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Lightning Asst. Equipment Manager Shares Stanley Cup Day With Family & Friends
Physical Therapist Cosi Belloso Is Educating, Informing And Empowering Amputees
Brandon resident eating at the food trucks Rob Kennedy’s name is outside. He then etched on the most brought the Cup next famous trophy in sports, door to the Heroes Only the Stanley Cup. The Barber Shop, where he assistant equipment gets his hair cut. After manager for the Tampa the festivities, they went Bay Lightning was a back to his house to part of the 2020 chamhave a party with his pionship team. friends and family to Kennedy has been end the night. with the club for 13 Kennedy’s job was years, after previously particularly difficult this Rob Kennedy lifts the Stanley season with the NHL working for several Cup over his head. minor league teams as playing its playoff well as the Florida Panthers. He got games in a bubble in Canada after a started with hockey when he was in four-month break during the regular college in Chicago, mainly because it season. The Lightning started in was the only job available near his Toronto and later traveled to school. Edmonton for the last two rounds. He It’s customary that each player spent about two months away from his and member of the staff of the winning family during the championship run. team gets to spend a day with the Kennedy and his staff had to do a lot Stanley Cup trophy in the off-season. of planning, making sure the players Kennedy wanted to share the experihad everything they needed. Jerseys, ence with his community and the peosticks, skates, gloves and helmets, ple closest to him. among other things, had to be packed The day started with Kennedy up on the plane to travel. Kennedy bringing the Cup to his parents’ house said that they still aren’t completely in Cape Coral. His father has been unpacked after the trip. sick and Kennedy didn’t want him Kennedy’s dream of winning the exposed to other people in the midst Stanley Cup came true when the of the pandemic. The Beer Shed in Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars in Riverview was the next stop, where six games. “All the hard work finally they stayed for about an hour, and paid off, not just the work we put in they later ended up at Bullfrog Creek this year, but the long work we put in Brewing Co. in Valrico from 3-6 p.m. throughout our careers,” said Kennedy. Kennedy and his family built a special “I don’t think people know how hard it bond with the Bullfrog Creek owner is to win a championship at any level, and staff after frequenting the bar and let alone the greatest trophy ever.”
Eighteen years ago, tions that should have physical therapist and been answered by their now Brandon resident clinicians.” Cosi Belloso was She posted live assigned the amputee videos to establish credirotation at Jackson bility and form connecMemorial Hospital in tions with the members of Miami because she “was online support groups, the low man on the totem which she transferred to pole and got stuck with her own website and the amputee rotation that Physical therapist Cosi Belloso Facebook page. is the founder and host of Cosi nobody wanted.” During “The mission of my Talks, a weekly show featuring her rotation, she met her amputees and doctors to help show is to educate, members of the limb loss mentor, Paul Kleponis, inform and empower,” community. the senior physical therasaid Belloso. “There’s so pist at Jackson Memorial Hospital. much out there that people need to learn “[He] was just an amazing mentor when they become an amputee and it’s and he just taught me everything I know,” very overwhelming.” Belloso said when explaining her introOn each weekly Cosi Talks episode, duction to amputee physical therapy. “It’s Belloso features different aspects of being kind of hard not to [become passionate an amputee, such as rehabilitation, medabout helping amputees] when you are ications or prosthetics. being mentored by someone who is so While many of her guests are from passionate about what they do.” her local community, Belloso has featured After working at Tampa General athletes, such as the first WWE amputee Hospital and Fusion HealthCare, Belloso wrestler, Zachary Gowen, and two-time opened her own practice, Palanca PT, world champion bilateral amputee drag and created Cosi Talks, a website dedimotorcycle racer Reggie Showers. cated to educating patients and careVeterans and bomb survivors have also givers on prosthetics and exercises for made appearances on Cosi Talks, includnew amputees. ing Sergeant First Class Daniel Metzdorf, Belloso first attracted an online audiwho was a member of the Golden ence to Cosi Talks three years ago, Knights and the first above-the-knee where she hosts live shows with doctors amputee to return to active duty with the and patients to discuss issues amputees 82nd Airborne Division. face. She recognized a need for a physiVisit cositalks.com or watch Belloso’s cal therapist specializing in amputee live show every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. patients after visiting online support on her Facebook page. To contact groups on Facebook where “many Belloso, call 907-0430 or email amputees were asking very basic quescosi@cositalks.com.
By Nick Nahas
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
New President Of Hillsborough Community College Brandon Campus Selected
Staff Report
Dr. Deborah Kish demic dean and graduate Johansen has been and undergraduate faculselected to join ty. She also has legal and Hillsborough Community government experience, College (HCC) as the having served in positions Brandon Campus presiof corporate and governdent. A committee comment legal counsel. prised of HCC faculty, Noted as a compasstaff, administrators and sionate and inspiring community representateam leader, Dr. Kish tives conducted a nationJohansen plans to bring a wide search for qualified tremendous passion for candidates, narrowing student success to both down the list through sevthe college and the eral rounds of interviews and open campus forums Dr. Deborah Kish Johansen for the final four candiis the next HCC Brandon Campus president. dates. HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater made the final selection, Brandon which was approved by the district board communiof trustees at its December 9 meeting. ty. “Along with the positive campus feed“It is a back and her impeccable references, Dr. profound honor to be selected to Kish Johansen impressed me with her serve as the next president of the desire to foster a collaborative environBrandon Campus and join Hillsborough ment of learning and growth sustained by Community College,” said Dr. Kish assessment, support and inquiry at the Johansen. “The Brandon Campus serves Brandon Campus,” Dr. Atwater said. “I am as a vital educational and economic conconfident that her energy and enthusiasm duit for individuals and the Greater Tampa for the students, faculty and staff at the Bay area. I am eager to immerse myself campus will bring forth a period of renew- in the Brandon area and continue to build al and put the campus on a positive traan outstanding educational opportunity to jectory forward.” the growing community.” With more than two decades in comHillsborough Community College bined higher education administration and serves more than 47,000 students annufaculty experience, Dr. Kish Johansen’s ally at its five campuses located throughextensive professional background out Tampa Bay. The college is accredited includes holding the positions of vice by the Southern Association of Colleges president of academic affairs, chief acaand Schools Commission on Colleges. demic officer, chief operating officer, acaFor more information, visit hccfl.edu.
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Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Family Legacy Of Service Spans 200 Years And Continues With Children Who Continue To Serve
By Michelle Caceres
FishHawk residents George and Connie Bradshaw have a rich family history of military service going back almost 200 years. In fact, their ancestors have fought in every major conflict, going back to the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. “My family arrived in America in 1710 and settled in what is now North Carolina,” said George. Thanks to a few good genealogists in FishHawk residents George and Connie Bradshaw have a rich family history of military service going back almost 200 years. In fact, their ancestors have fought in every major conflict, going back to the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. the family and easy access to online Taylor. “Daddy would always tell us assigned to the USS Frank Cable. corporal E-3, he is now a reservist records, his family tree is filled with about our ancestors being in the mil“I wanted to see a lot of the but hopes to attend Officer photos and stories of his ancestors. itary, and so growing up they were world and I liked the idea of being Candidate School (OCS) after gradThere is a grainy black-and-white an example to us.” on the ocean,” she said. uating from college. image of his great-great-grandfather, Her older brother, Jared, was She saw quite a bit of the world. The Bradshaws’ youngest son, Thomas Bradshaw, in his military first to enlist in the Marines after Deployments took her to the Luke, graduated from Newsome in uniform. He was a Confederate solgraduating from Newsome in 2014. Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, 2020. He also was in Newsome’s dier during the Civil War. His grandAn E-4 corporal, he was stationed at Hawaii and the Marshall Island. JROTC program and is following in father served in the Army in 1916 Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Her term of service was comhis siblings’ footsteps. during World War I. His father fought working logistics for Air Force One pleted in 2019 and she is now an “My dream is to be a Seal,” he in the Korean War. during the Trump administration. inactive reservist. Her husband is in said. Luke has enlisted in the Navy Connie’s ancestors also have “I joined to serve my country and the Air Force and training at a Texas and will be leaving for boot camp served in the military. Her uncle was to give back, but the military has air base. later this year. stationed at Pearl Harbor in taught me so many valuable lesHer brother McKay knew from The Bradshaws are grateful for Honolulu when it was attacked by sons, including leadership skills, an early age he wanted to make the the example of their ancestors who the Japanese on December 7, 1941. perseverance in the face of adversimilitary a career. sacrificed their time and lives in Luckily, his ship was at sea during ty and a commitment to something “When he was little, he would service of their country and inspired the attack. bigger than myself,” he said. make guns and hand grenades out their children to do the same. It was these stories and more Taylor, a 2015 Newsome graduof cardboard,” said her mom. “He “We are truly blessed,” they that their five children grew up hear- ate, enlisted in the Navy after gradualways knew he wanted to serve.” said. ing, so it’s no wonder it sparked a ation. An EN3(SW), she was staHe was a JROTC cadet while at Thank you to the Bradshaw famdesire serve in uniform. “We’re a tioned in Guam and served as a Newsome and joined the Marines ily and ancestors for your service to patriotic family,” said daughter diesel mechanic/small boat engineer after graduating in 2018. A lance our country. We appreciate you.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
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St. Joseph’s Named As One Of The Nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals
St. Joseph’s Hospital was recently named as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals by Fortune and IBM® Watson Health®. The annual Fortune/IBM 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study spotlights leading short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of cardiology patients. The study is designed to identify impartial, actionable and attainable benchmarks for hospital and clinical leaders as they work to raise their own organizations’ standards of performance in cardiac care. “The fact that we are the only hospital in Hillsborough County to receive this award, and that this is our third time on this list, underscores how we strive to provide extraordinary care for our community,” said hospital President Kimberly Guy. “St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Heart Institute is one of the most advanced and comprehensive centers for cardiovascular care in Florida. We combine our expertise
with compassionate Tony and Jennifer care and Friedrichsen, owners of T & J Painting. are at the forefront of the latest research and new techniques in heart care.”
Medicare Choice Now Offering Services
FishHawk Ranch resident Michael Wohltmann recently opened his business, Medicare Choice. Wohltmann is a financial services broker who works with many companies to help clients find their best solution. Wohltmann offers services in Medicare insurance, mortgage protection, life insurance, annuities and retirement planning. To find out more, visit www.medicarechoice.us or call 3608560 to make an appointment.
Local Eye Doctor Fulfills Community Need With 3D Printing
Dr. Branning Hollis, co-owner of Southern Eye Care Associates in Valrico, specializes in specialty contact lens fittings, one being the scleral lens, which is very helpful for people with keratoconus and dry eye syndrome. Dr. Hollis’ goal was to make something to aid in scleral lens insertion for his patients without the high cost. Dr. Hollis, father of two boys, works with his wife and co-owner, Dr. Mona Kardani, splitting their time in the office and homeschooling. Resident Natacha Thorte mentioned that the See-Green product she had purchased online to aid in scleral lens insertion was not working properly. Dr. Hollis went home and made (with his 3D printer) Thorte a scleral lens insertion kit he affectionately named the Hollis Scleral Stand. Thorte
came in the following Saturday for a new lens and was given the Hollis Scleral Stand. She is now able to use this product without having to worry about it not working properly. Dr. Hollis plans to share the production particulars for the scleral lens insertion stand online for others to duplicate. Southern Eye Care Associates is located at 3307 Lithia Pinecrest Rd and can be reached at 654-0220. For more information, visit https://visionsource-valrico.com/.
T & J Painting
When Tony Friedrichsen from T & J Painting finished school, he worked in the painting industry before going to college and earning both a BA in communications and an MBA from the University of Central Missouri. He then took a job in sales before taking side jobs in painting to help support his family. The side projects quickly evolved and he realized that there were more opportunities in running his own business with his wife versus the corporate position he had. T & J Painting was licensed in 2008 and has been in operation ever since. T & J Painting offers residential and commercial painting, specializing
Continued on Next Page
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Business Column Continued................... in any size exterior painting projects, large or small. They are fully licensed and insured and Friedrichsen takes an active role in all projects from start to finish and never subcontracts any work. Friedrichsen feels that T & J Painting has been able to rise above the competition because of its pride in professionalism, its work with clients to determine exactly what they want and need and by never assuming that it knows best. It will help with project design and layout to make sure that clients are completely satisfied to the best of their ability. Other services offered by T & J Painting include power washing, deck and dock staining/painting, barrel/Spanish tile roof painting and fluid-applied commercial roof coating systems. To find out more, visit www.tandjpaintingfl.com or call T & J Painting at 670-8565.
By Jenny Bennett
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Adam Bantner Is Designated AV Preeminent By Peers
Adam Bantner, a criminal defense and personal injury attorney with Valrico Law Group, has been designated as an AV Preeminent lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell. This adds to the growing list of recognitions for Bantner. He has been board certified by the Florida Bar in Criminal Trial Law since 2016, has been on the Super Lawyers Rising Star list over multiple years and was recognized by Florida Trend as one of Florida’s Legal Elite in 2020. AV Preeminent is the highest peer rating standard and is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of pro-
opened Kemp Design Services to help meet clients’ graphic design and internet needs. It is a small, family-owned business that prides itself on creating superior graphics and excellent customer service. “We seek to understand the needs of our clients and make it our mission to provide them with marketing that works. We are committed to serving our community and clients,” said Kevin. Services offered by Kemp Design Services include website design, logo design, print advertising design, search engine optimization and social media management and training. Kemp Design Services is located at 18921 Boyette Rd. in Lithia and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.KempDesignServices.com or www.facebook.com/KempDesign/. You can also follow it on Twitter @KempDesignServ or call 6559200.
A Party 2 Remember Celebrates 16-Year Anniversary
Valrico Business Owner Creates Products That Kill COVID-19
Don Bethel, owner of DnB Products, offers a line of products that have proven effective against COVID-19. As part of its Germ Shield product line, DnB Products recently introduced the Germ Shield Disinfectant Fogger. The Germ Shield Disinfectant Fogger is a single-use aerosol can that dispenses a light mist of disinfectant into the air which spreads through the space and onto surfaces, effectively disinfecting the entire area. The air and surfaces are left clean and deodorized. The Germ Shield line of products kill 99.9 percent of germs and were developed for use in industries such as healthcare, education and public transportation. They
Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
fessional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills and ethical standards. Valrico Law Group is situated at 3626 Erindale Dr. in Valrico. Bantner can be reached at 397-3965, or you can go to www.ValricoLawGroup.com to learn more about his and Valrico Law Group’s practices.
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January 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Brenda Wade Team Partners With Local Businesses To Benefit Seeds Of Hope
By Michelle Caceres
The Brenda had their hours Wade Real Estate reduced. Team and its busi“There have ness partners have been so many peoteamed up for the ple in our own comeighth annual munity that have Partners in Giving been impacted by event, which has the economic ramiraised almost fications of COVID$20,000 for Seeds 19,” she said. “The of Hope, a charity boxes of food we that provides food distribute weekly assistance to local The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and has gone from 120 its partners have donated almost $20,000 boxes before the families through to Seeds of Hope in conjunction with its once-a-week food pandemic to a annual Partners in Giving event. distributions, a recent record of 618 mobile food pantry and a ‘Backpack of boxes.” Food’ program coordinated with local Leda said the charity couldn’t do it schools. without the support of local businesses This is the third year in a row Wade, like the Brenda Wade Team. her team and business partners have “I am so appreciative of her and her donated to Seeds of Hope, totaling more team choosing Seeds of Hope as their than $40,000. “With everything that is charity of choice for the Partners in Giving going on this year, I thought Seeds of program,” she said. Hope would be the best choice,” said Wade is thankful to her business Wade. partners, who offered their support not It was an excellent choice. only to her clients but to the community Seeds of Hope Founder Leda Eaton as well. The businesses she worked with said that this year the food bank has seen this year included Hillsborough Title, Only an unprecedented need for food, serving Pro Painters, Buyer’s Choice Inspection, more neighbors during the COVID-19 Complete Choice Insurance, The Home pandemic than ever before. Loan Expert, All American Title, Meek According to Feeding America, the Insurance, Guaranteed Rate Insurance, nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief The Osprey Observer, Valley Bank Home and food rescue organization, more than Loan and United Mutual Funding Corp. 80 percent of food banks nationwide are “When we work together, we can serving more people now than they did a make a difference,” she said. year ago. Many of those served are getFor more information about Seeds of ting help for the first time as people who Hope or to find out how to help, visit had stable incomes have now lost jobs or www.sohopefl.org.
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The winter season is upon us and that means busier courses and slower rounds. As everyone is making their 2021 goals, maybe one should be to pick up that pace of play. Based on a previous survey by Golf Digest, ‘pace of play’ is a top complaint of golfers around the U.S. The average round on a busy golf course can be as much as five hours for 18 holes, and no one wants to be out there that long. We have always strived for a four-hour round. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has some great suggestions on how to improve the pace of play while not feeling like you are rushing your game. To start, make sure you play the correct tees. Playing a yardage that is way too long makes for a miserable day, lost golf balls and a score you’re embarrassed to admit. Why not ‘tee it forward’ and give yourself a chance to hit par 4s in two without having to hit driver 3-wood. Shooting a lower score and playing quicker is more fun than saying you played a course that was 7,300 yards. You should plan your shot as you
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
are approaching your ball by figuring out the yardage and what club you will be using before you get there. Keep your pre-shot routine down to a minimum by not taking more than one practice swing. When sharing a cart, don’t wait in the cart for your cartmate to hit, grab a few clubs and safely walk towards your ball or drop your cartmate off and head to your ball so they can walk over to you after they hit. Always try to keep up with the group in front of you. The rule of thumb is that your place on the course is behind the group in front of you, not in front of the group behind you. Lastly, pick up. The USGA handicap system allows for maximum shots on any given hole or use the double-par and pick up rule. Although everyone wants to enjoy the beautiful scenery that many of our local courses have to offer, we have to be mindful of the others behind us. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at golfguyosprey@gmail.com.
Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2021
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
G ET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT
Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension
How To Care For Your Holiday Plants
With the holidays a distant memory, you may have received or purchased a holiday plant. Below are a few tips about the care required for traditional holiday plants. The bright red poinsettia is more easily established for outdoor use than other colors, such as pink, white or burgundy. This is a ‘short day’ plant, meaning it blooms when days are short, and nights are long. Blooming requires an extended period of darkness. If planted near artificial light, such as a street light or exterior house lighting, after October 1, there will be a delay in flowering. This tropical plant likes temperatures in the area of 75-80 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. Indoors, don’t fertilize and only water when the soil is dry. You can plant poinsettias outside after the last chance of frost has passed. In Central Florida, that usually means after mid-February. Outdoors, it should be located in the sun and away from artificial light. This plant has received a bad reputation as being poisonous, but it’s not. There is white, milky sap in the stem. However, if you are allergic to latex, you are probably better off not handling this plant. Amaryllis is a bulb that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers which can
be planted in containers or in the ground. It can reach a height and spread of 1-3 feet and makes a big impact when planted in groups of 10 or more. Plant this bulb between September and January. Amaryllis performs best in partial shade and well in the sun. You can leave bulbs in the ground for years or dig them up and replant them during September and October. Gardenia produces fragrant white flowers and has glossy, dark green leaves. It can reach a height and spread of 4-8 feet. Full sun to partial shade provides the best flowering. After flowering has been completed, the plant can be pruned, which is generally mid-summer. Christmas cactus is also a ‘short day’ plant. For it to bloom during the holidays, move it to a dark area from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily for six weeks. After blooming has ended, place it in bright light. If indoors, place the plant within 6 feet of a window. Light exposure in a north window is not effective. Flowers vary in color from white to pink to red and more. This plant is great in containers on a front porch, lanai or as a houseplant. Please visit: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough. We hope to ‘see’ you via Zoom at an upcoming event.
Assisted Living Residents Prepare Hundreds Of Holiday Cards For The Troops
Staff Report
Earlier this month, with the holiday season in full swing, residents at The Bridges Assisted Living Community were eager to send Residents at The Bridges, located off Bloomingdale Ave., recently sent 438 cards to troops overseas. some collected and sent 1,124 cards,” reported cheer to troops serving in the military Haytasingh. overseas. When the pandemic struck, students, The Bridges Activities Director Coleen Mercilliott knew exactly how to get churches, women’s groups and individuthis done. With stacks of Christmas cards als in the community mailed hundreds of letters and cards to residents at The that had been donated over the years, Bridges. Mercilliott scheduled several “card writing “We were overwhelmed with the sessions” for residents to attend. Over the kindness of people in our community who course of several days, residents were thoughtfully sent notes of support to our busy writing and signing cards. residents,” stated Mercilliott. “When resiKnowing that Mission BBQ in Brandon collected and sent holiday cards dents were given the opportunity to show kindness and support to our troops, they to the military overseas, Mercilliott conwere thrilled to give back and send some tacted Crystal Haytasingh, community cheer to those serving our country.” ambassador at Mission BBQ. A partnerThe Bridges Retirement Community ship was soon formed as Haytasingh in Riverview is dedicated to providing received 438 Christmas cards prepared healthcare and housing for the elderly. by residents at The Bridges. The Bridges features assisted living and According to Haytasingh, Mission memory care residences with all ameniBBQ collects and sends hundreds of ties on a beautiful campus off of cards to Heartillery Group, a nonprofit Bloomingdale Ave. organization whose mission is to show To learn more about The Bridges, support, love and gratitude to U.S. troops located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr., call 413overseas in simple ways (cards and care 8900 or visit www.bridgesretirement.com. packages). “Thus far this year, we have
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Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Just Around The Corner, An Annual Update From Boker’s Corner In this year of unprecedented setbacks, many new restaurants, stores and entertainment options opened throughout Southeastern Hillsborough County, along with many others approved or currently under construction. We would like to highlight some of the most discussed developments in this year-end review. Sincere apologies given to any new business that opened in 2020 that were not mentioned in this article, as I am sure there were many that we unintentionally missed. In the Greater Brandon area, much of the new activity centered around Falkenburg Rd. with the opening of the 6,000 sq. ft. Cigars International, featuring over 1,300 cigar brands along with a full-service bar and spacious outdoor patio; Texas Roadhouse and soon Bubba’s 33 at the Causeway Blvd. intersection; and the relocation of Bootleggers Brewing Co. Mahana Fresh opened in Regency Square, Bravo Supermarket on Providence Rd. as well as Brandon Burgers, Panda Express, Bolay and The Dog Patch pet daycare along S.R. 60. Projects approved or under construction include Sprouts in Lake Brandon Village and a RaceTrac gas station at the Kings Ave. and Lumsden Rd. intersection. Coca-Cola Florida has been confirmed to be following through with plans to develop the 158-acre parcel at the U.S. 301 and Selmon Crosstown Expressway intersection by adding 1.3 million sq. ft. of development to house its new operations facility, which will include a warehouse, distribution and packaging facility along with office headquarters, retail shops and possibly a hotel. At Lithia
By Brian Bokor
Pinecrest Rd., the Bell Shoals Executive Plaza continues to grow and will be adding additional office space throughout 2021. The list of dining and shopping openings in 2020 on Bloomingdale Ave. alone was staggering with the Bin + Board in Kings Row and Datz in Winthrop sharing top bill, followed closely by Donovan’s Meatery, Brandon Burgers, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Katana Japanese Express, Gasparilla Pizzeria & Growlers and Heights Meat Market. On top if this, Bloomingdale Square went through a major overhaul in 2020 by adding the new Publix, Home Centric, Chicken Salad Chick, Jersey Mike’s, First Watch, Beef O’Brady’s, GNC and Flip Flop Shops with LA Fitness and The UPS Store coming after the new year. Additionally, Heroes Paradise opened just north of Bloomingdale Square on Knowles Rd.,
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offering families a variety of indoor and outdoor events and games, including laser and archery tag, rock wall climbing, RC (remote control) tracks and much more. In the Gibsonton/Riverview area near the Alafia River, the Tiki Docks Bar & Grill opening topped the long list of new restaurants and stores in this area, including Eggs Up Grill, Bubbakoo’s, Wendy’s, Waffle House, Arby’s, Cali Cafe and Pink Door Bakery. The Cracker Barrel and soon McAlister’s Deli at Gibsonton and the I-75 interchange also ended high on the list, with an honorable mention given to Culver’s on Boyette Rd., Fields and Table on Balm Riverview Rd., ALDI at the U.S. 301/Balm Riverview Rd. intersection and Alafia Brewing Company on U.S. 41, which are all in various stages of construction. Planning continues on the new 25acre Riverview Regional Park that will be
located on Riverview Dr. and the Alafia River between U.S. 301 and I75 with the new Riverview Library just about ready to open its doors on Balm Riverview Rd. The Riverview Marina has cleared land and finalized plans for its dry dock facilities along with a private restaurant on the premises. All indications point to AdventHealth breaking ground sometime next year on the 23-acre hospital set to be built on U.S. 301, just north of Boyette Rd. Further south in the Big Bend Rd. area of Riverview, aside from the much-needed Big Bend Rd./I-75 intersection makeover, the long-anticipated Chick-fil-A took the top spot along with Mandela’s Italian Kitchen and Cold Stone Creamery in the Summerfield area. Additionally, both ALDI and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opened on Big Bend Rd. with the proposed 500,000 sq. ft. Home Depot Distribution Facility near U.S. 41 still in the formative stages. Wrapping things up, in Apollo Beach, the Waterset area’s new Starbucks, approved for months yet still not having broken ground, garnered the most attention with a recently announced ABC store and CubeSmart Storage being added to the same plaza, west of U.S. 41. The Belmont area, which will be accessible from Apollo Beach via the new I-75 flyover, is also seeing its share of development with the new Publix and proposed 7-Eleven, Rita’s Italian Ice, Great Clips, Nail Dior Lounge, Domino’s and, as of the last update, Cajun Crab House all being added at the U.S. 301 and Paseo Al Mar Blvd. intersection.
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Page 31
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 A Welcome New Year, Time For Resolutions, Renewals & Returns
Who would have thought a year ago we could have anticipated that within two months, our world would be shaken by a global pandemic the likes of which we have never seen? As COVID-19 precautions and regulations were put into place, we, the Osprey Observer, an essential business as a media outlet, would need to pivot our business model and react to the new quarantine restrictions. Fortunately, as a locally owned business for more than 19 years with an incredible team, we made adjustments and sent our team home to work remotely, we continue to do our staff and sales meetings via our new best friend Zoom, we do digital newspaper proofs rather than printed versions and we’ve streamlined our processes to be more efficient. Luckily, due to the skill level and experience of our team, we haven’t missed a single
deadline or edition all year. As our small businesses recover from the effects of 12 weeks of closure and continued new precautionary measures, we are right beside them to support them. We also added a ‘Living In COVID’ section where we highlight stories of hope. And, again this holiday season, we did our annual ‘Our Favorite Things Holiday Sweepstakes’ with prizes from over 28 local businesses, and boy, did that put us in the holiday spirit! Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to the businesses who supported us in this campaign and throughout the year. The Osprey Observer is one hundred percent supported by local advertising and readers like you. Please reach out to me anytime, we appreciate you. Sincerely,
Marie Gilmore Managing Editor, Publisher
New County Skate Park Opens In FishHawk Ranch
By Kate Quesada
Residents FishHawk CDD, have been enjoythough the county ing the FishHawk will be responsible Skate Park for major repairs throughout 2020. and dealing with During the year, any graffiti reported Hillsborough by the CDD,” said County closed the McDonald. park for some McDonald time to add addialso explained that tional updates, the county decided Hillsborough County’s first skate park and pump track opened last month in FishHawk to move forward including a Ranch and is open to the public free of reroute of the with the skate park charge. bump track to and pump track create a better flow pattern within the combination after seeking feedback from park and concrete stairs, which were FishHawk area residents. added to a quarter pipe to improve “The decision to build the park came access and reduce wear to the synfrom input from the community and a thetic turf. desire for bikers to be able to use the Bleacher seats were also added same track frequented by skaters,” she and the final budget for the project added. was $621,000. The facility was designed for beginStory printed February 2020. ner and intermediate skaters and features After months of anticipation, the transitional elements, including a mini 7,000 sq. ft. skate park and pump track in ramp with an extension, a manny pad, FishHawk Ranch opened to all various rails and ledges, various quarterHillsborough County residents last month. pipes, stairs and a Euro gap. According to The park, which includes the first allMcDonald, new trash cans have been wheel pump track built by Hillsborough ordered and the park will soon feature County, can be used by riders on bikes, seating. Scooters and any motorized skateboards and skates. vehicles are not permitted on the track. According to Dana McDonald with Thirteen-year-old FishHawk resident Hillsborough County Parks and Kavan Roy was one of the first visitors to Recreation, the park was built on land the new park when it opened. “I love the deeded to the county by FishHawk devel- skate park,” said Roy. “If I could, I’d spend opers and county staff with work by all day every day there.” FishHawk Community Development The park, which is located at 5720 District (CDD) employees on the facility’s Osprey Ridge Dr., is open from sunrise to upkeep. sunset. To learn more, visit www.hillsbor“The park is maintained by the oughcounty.org.
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Page 32
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 100 Women Who Care Pick Living For Logan Charity To Raise Distracted Driving Awareness
Still Time To Get Your Walking Shoes On For Relay For Life
The 100 Women also to work toward Who Care eliminating the deadly Riverview/FishHawk epidemic of distracted group continued to drivers through eduraise money and cation, legislation and help others during changing hearts, the remaining minds and habits of months of 2020. In drivers everywhere. July, the group The foundation is a donated to the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) 100 Women Who Care present a check nonprofit organizaAndrew Joseph to the Living for Logan Foundation. Foundation and, in tion. September, it donated to Another good woman the AlexStrong stepped up to do someFoundation. Seeds of thing. Melanie Jordy of Hope benefited in December. FishHawk started Operation Lotus after New members are always welher husband died. The mission of her come. The next meeting will take place nonprofit is to help other families going on Tuesday, March 10 at the Venue in through a traumatic event. That is how Riverview. she met Jordan and Brooke Scherer. “I To learn more, find the group on now serve as the executive director for Facebook. Living for Logan,” said Jordy. Original story printed March 2020. Debbie Matice, a local KellerOn September 15, 2016, a driver Williams realtor, said she began this was distracted by his phone while driving chapter because, “I wanted to do somewhen he ran at more than 100 miles per thing for the community but didn’t have a hour into the back of an SUV stuck in a lot of time to volunteer. traffic jam on I-75 near Brooksville. That On January 28, a check in the distracted driver forever changed the life amount of $3,450 was presented to Jordy of a Riverview family. Their 9-year-old son as a representative for the Living for and brother, Logan, was killed instantly. Logan Foundation. An additional donation That tragedy turned into a cause as the of $1,725 was approved by the Richard Scherer family struggled to deal with the M. Schultz Family Foundation, bringing senseless loss of Logan: “If we let his the total to $5,175. death define us as humans and do nothTo date, the chapter has donated ing with our survival and our story, then more than $25,000 to local charities and his death is in vain.” meets in person and virtually each quarter. This good family did do something For more ways to get involved, visit and established the Living for Logan www.livingforlogan.org or www.faceFoundation not only to honor Logan but book.com/100WWCRiverviewFishhawk.
The of Puget Sound American track for 24 hours Cancer and raised Society $27,000 for his (ACS) saw local American its Relay Cancer Society. In For Life the following year, events go 220 people of 19 unfulfilled At Relay for Life, survivors and families rally around teams joined him, the hope that all cancers will be cured. this year, and a worldwide as COVID-19 forced the suspension of phenomenon was born. Relay For Life of FishHawk, Riverview, In 1994, Relay for Life became the SouthShore, Sun City Center and American Cancer Society’s signature Bloomingdale. While all teams and event. ACS were disappointed the events Fast forward over 30 years and now didn’t occur, the communities continthe Relay for Life movement raises more ued to amaze through their support to than $400 million each year, and more the mission. than 5,000 Relay for Life events take The Relay For Life of place in over 20 countries. This is a monSoutheastern Hillsborough County umental accomplishment, but it still area raised $191,151 for the 2020 seabegins with one person, one team, one son, which actually started in late community for one purpose: to attack and 2019. The 2020 fundraising totals defeat cancer. were: FishHawk - $84,219; According to Tammy Schoonover, Bloomingdale - $30,418; Riverview senior community development manager $36,112; SouthShore - $31,389 and in Tampa, “The American Cancer Society Sun City Center - $9,013. puts these donations to work, investing in Relay events for the 2021 event groundbreaking research in every type of season will transition from tradition cancer and providing free information and and rely more heavily on virtual platservices to cancer patients and their careforms, volunteer efforts and communi- givers.” ty connections. Relay events takes place in cities Reach out to Tammy Schoonover and small towns worldwide usually in this at tammy.schoonover@cancer.org. order: pre-fundraising, meeting with your Original story printed March 2020. team, opening ceremony, survivor and Do you ever wonder if only one percaregiver laps, time to celebrate, lighting son can make any difference in the fight the luminaries and then the closing cereagainst cancer? In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt, mony. a Tacoma, Washington surgeon, ran You can register and connect with a more than 83 miles around the University local team through www.relayforlife.org.
By Gwen Rollings
By Gwen Rollings
January 2021
Page 33
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Mary Rossano, 100-Years-Old, Spreads Joy With Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwiches
Seeds Of Hope Offers Drive-Through Food Bank Distribution To Meet Need
Mary Rossano, who church—Nativity Catholic.” inspired many residents During the conversawith her sandwich-maktion, Rossano and Caputo ing, passed away in realized that being part of September 2020. Nativity’s Peanut Butter According to her friend, and Jelly Ministry was a Debra Caputo, the need perfect fit. Now, Rossano for sandwiches grew makes sandwiches from once the COVID-19 panher home and a member demic hit, and thanks to of the church picks them Rossano’s lead, a up and takes them to one FishHawk family made of the ten outreach food 200 additional sandbanks in Hillsborough wiches. Rossano continCounty. Nativity Church ued to make sandwiches Members and volunteers of distributes more than Nativity Catholic’s Peanut up until a month before 7,000 sandwiches a Butter and Jelly Ministry: Pam she passed and stayed Fattore, Debra Caputo, Mary month and has donated connected with the 500,000 sandwiches over Rossano and Rita Lichtenwalter. church her whole life. the last 14 years. Original story printed March 2020. “I love helping my church and I love Brandon resident Mary Rossano helping people who are hungry,” said knows that age is only a number and Rossano, “and it gives me something difhelping others has no age limit. In March, ferent to do.” Rossano will mark a milestone, her 100th Rossano’s goal is to make 120 sandbirthday, and she remains active by volwiches each month. Caputo will be buyunteering and keeping busy focusing on ing three loaves of bread weekly to family and friends and the difference she ensure that nothing is wasted and that is making in the community. the bread will be fresh each week. In Her friend and caretaker through order to help Rossano reach her goal, Seniors Helping Seniors, Debra Caputo, Caputo reached out to the community via recently posted a short video on Facebook for donations of peanut butter, Facebook of Rossano making peanut squeeze bottles of grape jelly, ziplock butter and jelly sandwiches for Nativity baggies and white labels to adhere to the Catholic Church. Since then, the bags. The labels say things like, “You are response and outpouring of gratitude loved” and “God is love.” from others has been remarkable. “This is a win, win, win for everyone,” “A few weeks ago, we had been talk- said Caputo. “Mary is able to contribute to ing about what her goals are for 2020,” her church by volunteering, the church is said Caputo, “and Mary said that she reaching out to the community and the wanted to be more involved in her hungry are being fed.”
As the COVIDupdated as needed on 19 pandemic the Seeds of Hope affected the Facebook page. Greater Brandon “I think it’s nice; area, more resieverybody sits in their dents began relycar, drives by and voling to Seeds of unteers put the food in Hope for food and your trunk,” said Ellis support. ‘Lois’ Donaldson, a At the group’s Seeds of Hope benefiThanksgiving food ciary. distribution, 618 “It’s efficient and it Seeds of Hope Founder Leda Eaton boxes of food, 525 works really well,” (center) with food bank volunteers (from turkeys and 500 added Sebastian the left) Gabriel Rodriguez, Luke grocery bags filled Rodriguez, a LaFrance, Sebastian Rodriguez and Dylan Higham. with Thanksgiving Newsome High freshsides were handed out. man. “For me personally, and most of the The group also runs a mobile food kids here, we take this seriously because pantry for people unable to travel to people come here every week for food, the food bank and a backpack proand if we’re not here they can’t feed gram that sends food home with hunthemselves or their families.” dreds of area students each week. To After cutting its teeth on Hurricane learn more, visit www.sohopefl.org. Irma, the all-volunteer Seeds of Hope Original story printed April 2020. charity, established 10 years ago in Lithia, Driven to “nourish hope among peois faced again with another major crisis, ple in need through the actions and help with Founder Leda Eaton at the helm provided by our local students,” Seeds of working tirelessly alongside volunteers to Hope has adopted drive-through services meet the needs of neighbors. to ensure folks who need food can get it Seeds of Hope is a registered while volunteers keep their social dis501(c)(3), charitable, all-volunteer organitance. zation which also provides a mobile Drive-through distribution has been pantry “that silently takes care of local instituted at the food bank every needs” and a backpack program for stuThursday, 5 to 7 p.m., at 710 East dents to ensure food security for students Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, in the and their families. parking lot of the Presbyterian Church of The food bank does not require peoBloomingdale. Meanwhile, drive-through ple in need to show identification or verificollection drives took place at Bevis cation. Elementary School throughout March. For more information and to donate, Additional drives and distributions are visit www.sohopefl.org.
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Page 34
Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Community Comes Together To Support A Local Little Girl Through Photos
Schools Superintendent Addison Davis Facing New Job & County Crisis Head On
These unique “I could give portraits, which families an opporbecame quite a trend tunity to come in the spring and together and do summer of 2020, something silly, fun raised $350 for or just get a cute Operation Lotus to family photo for a help Alyza Finstein. very affordable In addition, price; from a miniBrandon photogramum of 6 feet pher Howie Mac away, of Local photographer Audra Nicole offered porch porcourse,” and local charity Operation Lotus traits to benefit local Nicole joined forces recently to help charity ECHO. Howie local resident Alyza Finstein after said. she recovered from surgery to Mac is still offering Shortly have a brain tumor removed. porch portraits. To after decidlearn more, visit www.howiemacphoing to offer the pictures, Nicole heard to.com/distancing-sessions. about the Finstein family, Starling resiOrigninal story printed May 2020. dents whose daughter, Alyza, had to have They say “Every picture tells a story,” surgery to have a brain tumor removed. and last month, when the world was in Operation Lotus, a nonprofit whose misturmoil dealing with the COVID-19 pansion is to restore hope for people who demic, one photographer used pictures to have experienced a loss or tragedy, was help a local family while telling many collecting money to help the family. other stories. “It’s surreal. First, to be living through FishHawk resident Audra Nicole what I call a nightmare is just crazy, but wears many hats. She’s a mom of three, having everyone from our community and a business coach, photographer and the Operation Lotus supporting us is just host of the ‘Mompreneur Marketing unbelievable,” Jayme Finstein said. Podcast.’ Josh Finstein is extremely thankful Nicole wanted to do something to for all the help his family is receiving durcreate happiness and give back to people ing this very challenging time. “I have during these stressful times. been blown away by how quickly an After messages from her friends organization like Operation Lotus is able about the growing trend of Safer-at-Home to mobilize,” Josh Finstein said, “I feel like porch portraits, Nicole decided it was the I could say ‘Thank you’ a million times perfect way to use her skills. She quickly and it would never be enough.” made the decision to give half of the proFor more information, visit ceeds she made to a local charity. www.audranicolephotography.com.
Superintendent Davis offered this message for readers after his first nine months in Hillsborough County. “My first month on the job at Hillsborough County Public Schools coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Within weeks as the new Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Superintendent, my staff and I Addison Davis sits with School Board Chair were creating plans from scratch Melissa Snively as he signs his contract to take on his new position. for virtual instruction along with that deserve their district’s support. daily meals to ensure all students’ “We need to mainstream our curricuneeds were met while we couldn’t be lum,” he explained. “We have a lot of with them physically. It was an unusuindependent contractors and we need a al time for our district, but I truly centralized curriculum and support for believe it was an opportunity to show teachers and a method to allow us to the community how our teachers, staff determine our overall return on investand district remain dedicated to our ment.” students even under the most chalIt’s this straight-to-the point and matlenging of circumstances.” ter-of-fact effort that made Davis a very Original story printed May 2020. popular administrator in Duval County, Just four weeks into his new position where he had been a teacher and princias superintendent of the country’s sevpal before becoming Chief of Schools. In enth largest school district, with 280 2016, he was elected to the Clay County schools, more than 220,000 students and superintendent position and was nominatmore than 24,000 staff members, and ed for national awards. Addison Davis is loving every minute. The Davis family will make He had two weeks before the Hillsborough County home starting this COVID-19 restrictions forced the closing summer and includes his wife, Natalie, of schools through at least Friday, May 1, who works in the Insurance business, and he didn’t waste a minute. and two daughters, including one who will “Before the virus hit, I had cleared my be a high school freshman in the fall and schedule from 7:30-12 Noon every day to plays travel volleyball and a daughter who get into the schools and meet teachers is a freshman softball player at the and students,” said Davis, who says that University of Central Florida. even in that short period of time, he For more information or to reach learned that the Hillsborough County staff Davis, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. is filled with high-quality, skilled teachers
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Page 35
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 School District Offers Once Weekly Meal & Snack Pickups For Students
Area Booster Group Organizes Meal Donations For Essential Worker Delivery
Throughout 2020, These meals will Hillsborough County include one pound of Public Schools and the lunch meat, one loaf of United bread, milk, juice and States Department nutritious snacks for the of Agriculture (USDA) week. The Grab-and-Go worked together to sites have had a tremenmake sure that students dous impact on our comwere receiving food. In munity, providing more addition to summer than 1 million meals so far Pictured is Hillsborough County Superintendent of pickups, the USDA for students during this School Addison Davis pledged to fund free extended closure. participating in the Grab-andmeals for all students “Our district’s goal is Go lunch program distribution earlier this month. throughout the 2020-21 to ensure every learner school year. has access to nutritious meals, even “We know that the students need when they are not physically at school,” fuel to be successful in the classroom said Arja. and ensuring students have the prop“This decision demonstrates care er nutrition will help the child as a from our organization. By reducing the whole,” said Department Manager of number of contact points within our comMedia Outreach Erin Maloney. munity, we will eliminate immediate conOriginal story printed May 2020. cerns and continue to develop strategies “As Hillsborough County Public that protect our students, employees and Schools (HCPS) continues to navigate parents. I am excited that we will be CDC recommendations for social distanc- extending nutritious meals to our students ing and the state’s stay-at-home order, in a manner that promotes and fosters our district is committed to keeping our safety. Our once-a-week stop will give students, families and our staff safe,” said students a weekly supply of food that will Tanya Arja, HCPS media spokesperson. assist them with remaining sharp during In April, the district changed its Grab- the e-Learning process. Our district’s and-Go meal distribution practices to min- effort will continue to evolve as we seek imize contact between families and staff. to identify proactive solutions to assist our Families will be able to pick up a community,” stated Hillsborough County week’s worth of food once a week Public Schools Superintendent Addison instead of traveling to a site every day. Davis. Families can pick up the meals every Meals are available to ALL children Wednesday between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The 18 years old and younger as well as studistrict will continue to offer the Grab-and- dents with special needs under the age of Go meals at 147 school sites. For loca21. For additional information, please visit tions, visit www.HillsboroughSchools.org. HillsboroughSchools.org.
you can do is help someone else,” said Trimborn. She quickly went to work motivating her family and soccer players to start writing thank-you cards and letters to emergency workers and seniors, but then decided that she could use her connections to do more. “I realized that there are The Newsome High School Athletic Boosters are many heroes in tough times, not one of many groups that recently came together to just the obvious ones,” she provide meals to local healthcare workers. explained. Trimborn’s first call Many residents came together in was to Jill Lansky, physician and 2020 to help those in need and thank providers relations director for women’s those working the front lines. Thanks services at Brandon Regional Hospital, to to donations from her customers, identify the hospital units in most need of Peggy Davenport of Davenport’s Daily support. Delights was able to donate at least “Jill was so paramount in us pulling 2,000 meals to essential workers at the meals off and has spent countless local hospitals, the elderly and people hours organizing, identifying units in need, in need. Although Davenport stopped delivering most meals, sending out follow collecting money through her website up pictures,” said Trimborn. in August, the business is still donatDavenport’s Daily Delight’s owner, ing meals when there is a need and Peggy Davenport, has been donating will continue to do so. meals since the crisis started in late Original story printed June 2020. March and has set up a donation form on FishHawk resident Tina Trimborn has her business website so that individuals made a big impact over the last few can easily give towards a meal for a frontweeks. Trimborn, physician and providers line worker or resident in need. relations director for Behavioral Health “We can’t imagine these healthcare Services at HCA -Brandon Regional and heroes going to work everyday and then Tampa Community Hospitals and quarantining away from their families to Newsome High School’s girls soccer protect others,” said Davenport. coach, is using her connections in the To learn more about Davenport’s community to feed local heroes while Daily Delights, visit www.davenportsdailysupporting area restaurants. delights.com. “When the crisis hit, I immediately To sign up to help, email her at thought of my dad’s philosophy, that christina.trimborn@hca.healthcare.com. when you are struggling, the best thing
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Page 36
Volume 20, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 ECHO In Brandon Establishes Its First Summer Youth Leadership Program
Facebook Restaurant Group Helps Restaurants And Attracts Thousands
A total of 48 nine-week program students participatwill begin on ed in the ECHO Monday, June 1 and Youth Leadership end on Friday, July Program, which 31, offering students was called a great the chance to earn success by leadcommunity service ers. The students hours and learn served a total of about poverty. 2,083 hours in During the quarJune and July of antine months, Student volunteers assisting with 2020 and helped to moving boxes of food from a food drive ECHO shifted to an at ECHO’s warehouse. distribute food, emergency food dissort donations and contribute to the tribution plan in order to cater to the general running of the center. needs of the community while following “We are hoping to run a form of social distancing recommendations. the Youth Leadership Program durThe Youth Leadership Program was ing the summer of 2021 but are not born in an effort to expose new volunsure yet what it will look like,” said teers to ECHO. Savanna Thompson, development According to ECHO’s executive coordinator. “Because our normal director, Eleanor Saunders, this sumvolunteers are back serving with us mer season will likely be very busy for once again, our need for the proECHO, which offers a wide variety of gram is not as high, but we honestly assistance and resources to people had so much fun with the students residing in Hillsborough County who and it was so good to introduce stusuffered from a recent emergency. dents to the great need in the comThe 75 students in this program will munity. So, we will likely have some commit to one day a week from 8:30 form of the program, but are not a.m.-3 p.m. Several trainings will be sure what it will look like quite yet.” provided to teach students about core Visit www.echofl.org for more inforissues and lessons on generational mation. poverty, what causes it, what ECHO Original story printed June 2020. does and more. Students will also work Students ages 15 to 21 who have on team projects, assist with running an interest in developing leadership the Back to School Community Bash skills through serving their community and participate in a team fundraising will get an opportunity to accomplish competition. that this summer with ECHO’s Visit https://echofl.org. ECHO is (Emergency Care Help Organization) located at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in new Youth Leadership Program. This Brandon. Call 685-0935 to learn more.
The Restaurants in Wade started the Greater Brandon spreading the word and Tampa Area about the group through Offering Delivery and her family and real Take Out group has estate contacts and it stayed active through quickly gained momen2020, even with restautum. rants now open at full “This community is capacity. close-knit and will rally The group now has for what they believe in,” more than 15,700 memshe said. “We all want bers, with participants our neighbors and sharing favorite restaufriends to survive this rant specials and deals black swan.” FishHawk resident Rebecca in addition to giveIn addition to posts Long was recognized by the aways. from residents and Restaurants in Greater Brandon Founder Brenda & Tampa Area Offering Delivery restaurant owners about & Take Out Facebook page on favorite dishes and recently stated, “I am Mother’s Day. thrilled at how much deals, members also this page has caught on in our area. I started posting giveaways and contests think we have supported our local and rallying donations to provide food to restaurants in their time of need.” essential workers and recognition of sinOriginal story printed June 2020. gle parents on Mother’s Day. Local realtor Brenda Wade had an But the best thing for Wade about the idea last month that brightened the lives group is how it has brought the communiof thousands of quarantined residents ty together. while helping restaurants through some “I have been so impressed by how hard times. positive everyone has been and how they Wade set up the private Facebook have rallied when they saw a need,” she group ‘Restaurants in Greater Brandon & said. “I feel we have added value to some Tampa Area Offering Delivery & Take Out’ folks that needed us.” and within days it had thousands of fol“I see us continuing to support them lowers and hundreds of posts a week and using it to promote the independent offering support to local restaurants. food providers,” she explained. “We have “I eat out frequently and was still lots of hidden gems in our community. grabbing takeout and noticed how terribly There are ones I didn’t know about and I slow the restaurants were,” said Wade. “I think it’s important to support local.” just wanted to help. I had a friend in Search for ‘Restaurants in Greater Canada that had started a group and I felt Brandon & Tampa Area Offering Delivery we should try it here.” & Take Out’ on Facebook to learn more.
By Tatiana Ortiz
By Kate Quesada
v
January 2021
Page 37
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Land Code Revision Hearings Will Discuss HOA Rules To Allow Hens On Properties
Randall Spinach On The Station Science Experiment Will Launch This Fall
feature of country living may be coming home to roost on a culde-sac near you. A revision to the county’s land use code allowing hens on residential property is under consideration by the Hillsborough County Commission. The proposed ordinance would allow in total up to five caged hens and pullets to be kept in a backyard. Backyard fowl may take their place alongside furry friends in homes in unincorporated Roosters would not be permitHillsborough County as commissioners consider ted. allowing hens on residential property. Besides the companionship The Board of County chickens can offer, supporters of the Commissioners in September ordinance tout the food value backyard approved changes that allow people fowl can provide, especially during an to have backyard chickens in resiemergency situation. However, slaughdential neighborhoods. According tering the birds or selling their eggs to Hillsborough County’s Todd on-site are among the recommended Pratt, the chickens must be kept in restrictions. enclosed coops at all times, a maxiThe proposal applies to unincorpomum of five hens are allowed and rated Hillsborough County, but for resiroosters are not permitted. There dents living in communities controlled are restrictions on the height and by deed restrictions, what the county size of the coop and on-site slaugh- ends up allowing still has to fly with tering and egg sales are not permit- local homeowner associations, accordted. ing to county officials, who cite the “The changes do not supersede authority that HOAs have under deed restrictions,” said Pratt. “So if Florida law. a neighborhood has deed restricThe proposed revision is being tions that don’t allow chickens, you guided by Commissioner Sandra still can’t have chickens in those Murman, who represents District 1. neighborhoods.” She said having a few chickens Original story printed July 2020. around a home has become a benefiUnincorporated Hillsborough cial lifestyle trend and that residents in County has changed dramatically in unincorporated areas should have a recent years, evolving from predomichance to enjoy it. nantly rural to notably suburban as For details, visit hillsboroughcounhousing tracts replace farms, but one ty.org.
Grace Kalnins team, made up of and Lucas seventh grade stuMcMillin’s dreams dent Grace Kalnins came true last and eighth grade month when they student Lucas traveled to McMillin, worked Playalinda Beach rigorously to proand watched their duce a entry to the project, years in highly competitive the making, SSEP. launch into space SSEP is a on December 9, demanding compe2020 at 11:17 a.m. Grace Kalnins and Lucas McMillin, the tition incorporating Mission 14 team, investigate how The spinach projscience, history, spinach can grow on a space station. ect was among written communicaother science projects sent to the tion skills and math that is held by the International Space Station in National Center for Earth and Space December on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Science Education (NCESSE), where rocket. The rocket is set to return to students must answer an essential earth on Saturday, January 11. question: “What physical, chemical or Students at Randall Middle biological system would [they] like to School are already working on their explore with gravity seemingly turned ideas for the next projects, includoff for a period of time, as a means of ing an exciting partnership with assessing the role of gravity in that NASA’s Growing Beyond Earth prosystem?” gram, which collects data for future Kalnins and McMillin researched space crops and works directly with microgravity and the bone mass loss the plant scientists at Kennedy that it causes. The team came up with Space Center. the idea that spinach would be a Original story printed July 2020. viable food source, as it is high in Up, up and away! A group of aspir- nutrients and especially calcium, and ing STEM students from Randall they researched ways that astronauts Middle School recently participated in going to the Moon or Mars could be the Student Spaceflight Experiments able to grow the spinach. After conProgram (SSEP), working together to cluding that spinach would be a viable create their ‘Spinach on the Station’ food source, Kalnins and McMillin project, which was chosen to fly up to started the experimental design and space. Guided by Mary Vaughn, proposal writing phase and concluded teacher of Gifted Earth and Space with a five-page proposal. Science at Randall, the Mission 14 Visit http://ssep.ncesse.org.
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Page 38
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 School District Uses Referendum Dollars For $121 Million In AC Improvement Projects
Mother Of Local Hero Queena Releases A Memoir To Share Inspirational Journey
As of dents and staff December physically off 2020, campuses since Hillsborough March, it has County Public allowed construcSchools had tion crews collected $219 access to million from get ahead of the referenschedule on dum. Workers planned major completed 188 A/C and roofing projects and projects in our Randall Middle and Bevis Elementary Schools schools. Despite 120 were in are benefitting from the money raised from progress. the slowdown of Hillsborough County’s half-penny tax with improvements this summer. There are some equipment 1,785 projects planned over the 10 delivery and lower-than-projected sales years of the referendum. So far, $23 tax revenue, our district is still on track to million has been spent on safety and planned projected for this year.” security and $25 million on technoloTwenty-six schools throughout the gy updates. Of all the money, 21 percounty received improvements this sumcent has been spent with small and mer, including Randall Middle and Bevis minority-owned businesses. There are Elementary schools. 14 major projects planned in the According to Randall Principal Claire county for the summer of 2021. Mawhinney, the work was extensive in Original story printed August some areas of the school with the 2020. replacement of air handlers and ductThe Hillsborough County School work in multiple areas. District (HCSD) used the student break “The company lead says that the to perform many much-needed upgrades A/C will be ready for students when they thanks to funds from the half-penny sales arrive,” she explained. tax approved by voters in late 2018. “Having a comfortable learning enviSchools throughout the county, including ronment is essential.” two in the FishHawk area, received air The referendum proceeds can be conditioning improvements since the stu- used only for permanent capital purchasdents left the buildings in March. es including buildings, maintenance, “Thanks to the taxpayers of technology and security. Hillsborough County, our district has To learn more, visit invested more than $121 million to www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. A list of projects can address essential needs in our schools,” be found at hillsboroughschools.org/citisaid HCSD’s Erin Maloney. “With stuzenoversight.
The Life She Once the unending grace of God, Knew: The Incredible True provide us with the power to Story of Queena, the do things we never thought Bloomingdale Library possible. Attack Survivor became The book is called The available for purchase in Life She Once Knew: The November 2020, published Incredible True Story of by Ambassador Queena, The Bloomingdale International. Library Attack Survivor. The The book is valued at book’s release date is $16.99 but is free when you 11/10/2020, but it is now donate a gift amount of $30 available through the publish(for one book), or more er’s website Ambassador Vanna Nguyen, mother International, Amazon and through PayPal from of Queena Phu, the Queena’s website. Bloomingdale Library Goodreads for preorder. Attack Victim, will Queena and her mothIt will soon be available release a memoir about for preorder to all local book er, Vanna, scheduled her life, faith and her speaking events throughretailers. “We have read the amazing daughter, Queena. out the area, spreading the whole book draft to Queena word about the book and Queena’s and she’s very focused and interested story. For more information, visit about all the details in the book especially https://thelifesheonceknew.com/. information about her brain damage and Original story printed August coma as she doesn’t really remember,” 2020. Nguyen said. Queena Phu may be known as the Nguyen hopes her memoir will Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim, but to inspire people from around the world, “I those of us in the Brandon community, am hoping to see the book can be pubQueena is a hero. She is a vibrant, young lished in different languages so it can prolady that was affected by traumatic brain vide hope to the downtrodden around the injury at the age of 18 in April of 2008. world,” Nguyen said. “My wish is 100 perThe injury left her with many disabilities cent of the book or any related proceeds and changed her life forever. can support ongoing expenses through Queena’s mom, Vanna Nguyen is Hope Heals The Brain, Inc. and Queena’s preparing to release a memoir about her Medical Trust Fund. We’re glad God life, faith and her amazing daughter, choose Ambassador for publishing our Queena. “I want to share my struggles in book and sharing our inspirational stories life, including this heartbreaking attack on to the world. We are also working on a Queena,” Nguyen said. “I want to share movie adaptation, but we have not yet my life’s story to create a living testament chosen a production company.” Find the to the notion that faith, community, and book on Amazon or Goodreads.
By Kate Quesada
By Libby Hopkins
January 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Offers Support To Local Families
By Libby Hopkins
One local support group is finding we had waited so long to have was not innovative ways to raise funds during the the son I was going to take home. I think I pandemic. cried for three months straight, it was like Families, Respect, Inspire, Educati I was grieving the loss of my baby, not on, Networking for Down Syndrome celebrating him. When we arrived home I and Special Needs had no idea what (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is a to do.” volunteer-based Foyt realized nonprofit that was she needed to founded in 2007 by become an advoparents of children cate for her son, with Down synand that is when drome. The group’s she joined motto is “I can and I F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will,” and President “It was run Ann Foyt is the drivby a small ing force behind this group of parFamilies, Respect, Inspire, motto. ents who got Education, Networking “I love helping together to lisfor Down Syndrome and Special Needs (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is a ten to a speaker and then new parents,” Foyt volunteer-based; nonprofit. said. “We have a go out to dinner afterF.R.I.E.N.D.S. Parent Packet that we wards,” Foyt said. “The woman running assemble with resource information, was ready to hand the responsibility over brochures from other agencies and the to someone else and when I told her I book, Babies with Down Syndrome: a would take it over she handed me a box Parents’ Guide. We sent out over 150 of papers and told the others I was now packets this year to new families, to president.” Brandon Hospital, St. Joseph’s Women’s, It wasn’t easy, but Foyt turned the litSt. Joseph’s Children’s, Tampa General tle nonprofit into a thriving organization and Mease Countryside. The hospitals that helps families who have children with distribute the packets to parents for us.” Down syndrome. Foyt has lived in the Brandon area “We have programs for our commufor more than 20 years and has been a nity with our monthly Baby Friends, adult nurse for 25 years. Her son, Zachary, dances, arts and crafts, family game night was born in 1998. and parent support group meetings in “We did not know he had Down synHillsborough and Pinellas,” Foyt said. drome until the doctor in the operating “With [the] pandemic, all of our programs room announced to the entire room, ‘Mr. stopped.” and Mrs. Foyt, your son has Down synTo learn more about F.R.I.E.N.D.S., drome.’ The room got extremely quiet; all visit www.fdswf.org or contact Foyt at you could hear was me crying. The son 245-2782.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
AdventHealth Introduces InQuickER For Quick & Easy Online ER Scheduling AdventHealth has introduced an online scheduling tool, InQuickER, to create a more convenient experience for ER patients. With it, you can book online and wait in the comfort and safety of your home. Patients with nonlife or limb-threatening emergencies can now reserve a treatment time online before arriving to the emergency room at AdventHealth Brandon ER, a hospital department of AdventHealth Tampa. For non-life-threatening emergencies, visit GetInQuickER.com on your desktop computer or mobile device to see available appointment times. Once you find an available time that fits with your schedule, click to reserve the treatment time and complete a brief secure form with your information. You will immediately receive a confirmation with directions and details regarding your visit. At your arrival, a team of ER experts will be ready and waiting for you. “I was very pleased with how smooth everything went. The staff were very pleasant and supportive of the online scheduling. I did not even know about this until I went to the website to
Staff Report
see how long the wait was,” said an AdventHealth InQuickER patient. At the new AdventHealth Brandon ER, patients can expect its dedicated staff and experienced physicians to leap into action as quickly, compassionately and skillfully as possible. It’ll be there to give its patients the best possible emergency medical care—24 hours a day, every day of the year. When you go to AdventHealth Brandon ER, you automatically have important benefits. It is part of AdventHealth’s connected network of care, which is the largest health system in Florida. This means you have access to all the services and specialty care offered at AdventHealth hospitals. With emergency care close to home, along with its greater system of skilled experts, you can be assured that you’ll have the care you need, when you need it. The new freestanding, 24-hour AdventHealth Brandon ER opened earlier this year in February and offers fullservice emergency care. To learn more about InQuickER, visit GetInQuickER.com.
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January 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 41
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
The Dali Museum Presents Van Gogh Alive The Dalí created by Van Museum in St. Gogh during his Petersburg has a most productive unique exhibit on and happiest time display called Van while he lived in Gogh Alive. I had the South of the opportunity to France. Van Gogh see the exhibit suffered from menfirsthand. It is one tal illness and was of the most beauticommitted to an ful that I have ever asylum. During this seen, and I highly time, he produced recommend a visit. Van Gogh Alive is an immersive, multisen- both tortured and sory art experience that harnesses techVan Gogh Alive is nology and music to open a new window peaceful landavailable now into the painter’s artistic genius. The spe- scapes. Van Gogh through Saturday, cial exhibit will be at the Dalí Museum now Alive ends with the through Saturday, April 11. April 11. wide-open spaces Van Gogh Alive is an immersive, of Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh’s multisensory art installation. The fasci- Wheatfield with Crows and a series of nating artwork of Vincent Van Gogh is self-portraits. projected on walls, floors and ceilings. The exhibit features more than Captivating music such as “Clair de 3,000 images. Cinema-quality surlune” by Claude Debussy transports round sound amplifies the emotion you to Van Gogh’s birthplace, the generated by the artwork of this Netherlands; to the streets of Paris; beloved master. and to the tranquility of the South of The Dalí is the first North France. You will see many of his American venue to host this mesmerfamous works, including Starry Night izing version of Van Gogh Alive. It is a and his radiant Sunflowers. fitting location. “Dalí seems to intersect The exhibit is inspired by the in his interests and life with nearly changing landscapes and people that every significant cultural movement, Van Gogh painted. Van Gogh’s artistic event or person of the era—Van Gogh journey lasted a mere 10 years. Van is no exception,” said Dr. Hank Hine, Gogh, a Dutch post-impressionist executive director of the Dalí Museum. painter, is among the most famous “Dalí and Van Gogh shared a passion and influential artists in the history of for landscape and the portal it proWestern art. vides to a hidden world,” added Dr. Van Gogh Alive begins with selfHine. portraits. You then see the stylistically The Dalí Museum is located at 1 dark Dutch period. Suddenly, images Dali Blvd. in St. Petersburg. change and you then begin to see the Reservations are required, as are tembright energy of Paris during a period perature checks and face masks. For when Van Gogh discovered a new more information, please visit sense of beauty. Next, you see works www.thedali.org.
Plant City Photo Archives And History Center Features Veterans Exhibit
Summit in Pennsylvania that has been called an “underground Pentagon.” His exhibit is based on those moments and the crucial story of the unfolding of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The exhibit contains 10 large panels. The exhibit also displays a photo of United States Army private first class Henry Van Demps, who died in Vietnam in 1966 and was recently honored at Garden of The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center’s Peace Cemetery in Plant Salute To Veterans exhibit, which runs through Tuesday, City. There are photoJanuary 5, 2021. graphs and the story of The Plant City Photo Archives and Craig Mills, the most highly decorated History Center’s annual Salute to Veterans exhibit is currently on display Plant City soldier in World War II. Additionally, the Purple Heart and the until Tuesday, January 5, 2021. The story of Elmer Jones Hiott, a member Plant City Photo Archives and History of the 85th Armored Division who was Center is an award-winning history killed in action in Luxembourg in organization located at 106 S. Evers October 1944, is also on display. This St. in historic downtown Plant City. extraordinary exhibit contains so much This year’s exhibit is a truly special history. It is something for everyone to one. Ed Verner, Plant City Photo see. Archives president, said, “The exhibit The Salute to Veterans exhibit is this year will contain over 700 photos on display in the Photo Archives of local veterans as well as a special exhibit prepared by Ivan Cardwell, who Gallery from Monday through Thursday, 10:15 a.m. until 6 p.m. experienced the Cuban Missile Crisis The mission of the Plant City in a personal way.” Cardwell was a Photo Archives and History Center is United States Air Force staff sergeant the preservation of the community’s assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff history and heritage through the coland working out of the Raven Rock lection and preservation of the comMountain Complex during one of the munity’s photographs and documents. most pivotal moments of the Cuban Visit Missile Crisis. The Raven Rock www.plantcityphotoarchives.org or call Mountain Complex is an underground 754-1578. nuclear bunker near Blue Ridge
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Sports Connection 657-2418
By Nick Nahas
www.ospreyobserver.com
2020 Bloomingdale Bulls/Newsome Wolves Athletics Year In Review, A Great Overall Year Clearly, 2020 may not have been a great year for most, but it was an unforgettable year for both the Bloomingdale and Newsome athletic programs. At the very beginning of the year when the pandemic hit, spring sports were canceled, wiping out many seniors’ seasons just as they were getting started. The Bloomingdale girls basketball Baseball, softball, track and The Newsome football team The Newsome girls basketball team The Bloomingdale football team team had two players, Erin Leigh advanced to the regional finals for went undefeated in district play this and Nya King, hit the 1,000 career field, cross country, tennis, advanced to its first state semifinals the first time in the school’s history. season. in the school’s history point mark. lacrosse and flag football in district play, winning their district. They won 16 games and made it to the region- Simmons; and Notre Dame signee, senwere the casualties. made it all the way to the regional finals al quarterfinals after making it to their dis- ior cornerback/wide receiver Philip Riley, The senior latent Bloomingdale and trict finals. The girls went undefeated in to name a few. Newsome baseball teams, along with the after beating Bartow 6-5 in the previous round. The Newsome girls team made it regular season district play. The Newsome football program Newsome softball team, had great shots to the regional finals after a 16-3-2 reguThis fall, the football season was made it to their first regional finals at making deep playoff runs before the lar season. delayed a couple of weeks, but was appearance in the school’s history after spring season came to a halt. The 2019-20 basketball season also eventually reinstated. It was a year of winning its first playoff game in eight Several sports teams completed came to a close just before the pandemic firsts for the Bloomingdale football proyears with an overall record of 7-3. The their 2019-20 seasons at the beginning hit. The Bloomingdale boys won 15 gram. The Bulls won their first district Wolves had their share of adversity in of the year before the shutdown. The games after winning only three games championship in the school’s 33-year his- 2020, having several games canceled Bloomingdale and Newsome boys socthe season before, while the girls won 19 tory, achieving a team-best 12-1 overall due to a positive COVID-19 test at the cer teams went deep into the playoffs. games and appeared in their second record, capped by the team’s first state beginning of the season and the program The Wolves had a tremendous turnsemifinals appearance in the school’s having to take a 10-day break from all around season, going 14-2-3 overall after straight district championship game. The girls also had two players, Erin Leigh and history. Bloomingdale had a perfect 8-0 football activities. They were led by thirda 5-11-4 campaign the previous season. regular season as well. They were led by year Head Coach Christian Yockey, They also won their second district title in Nya King, hit the 1,000 career point mark. Head Coach Jake Coulson in his second along with junior captain running back the last three years when they beat The always-consistent Newsome season, along with Alabama signee, sen- Jason Albritton, senior quarterback Riverview 2-1 in double overtime on boys basketball team won 15 games and ior wide receiver Agiye Hall; Jefferson Kamarii Austin and junior linebacker February 6 in the 7A-District 8 champitransfer, senior quarterback Tre Caden Huffman. onship game. The Bulls went 13-5-3, 4-0 made it to the district semifinals. The girls
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657-2418
www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
Newsome Wolves Football Reaches Regional Finals For First Time In School History The Newsome football team had its best season to date, making it to the regional finals for the first time in the school’s history. The Wolves (7-3) have made huge strides in Christian Yockey’s third season as head coach. His The Newsome offensive line has been a major Safety Kevin Osborn was a leader Matt Wingo makes the catch as Newsome quarterback Kamarii first season at the key to the Wolves’ success this season. on defense for the Wolves. he heads to the end zone. Austin stepped up this season. helm in 2018 was a he’s worked with since former Newsome lar season, the Wolves won their first Federal Division as well. learning experience as the Wolves finquarterback Will Worth, who went on to playoff game in eight years after they “The friendship of this team was ished with a 4-6 record. The team then start for the Naval Academy. Austin had a defeated Wharton 21-7. In the next round, something I’ve never seen before. We all improved to 8-3 last season, but lost to great season, throwing 11 touchdown they not only avenged their 2018 loss to loved each other and all had the same Steinbrenner 49-20 in their first playoff passes and being selected to Second Steinbrenner, they routed the Warriors 37- goal in mind,” said Albritton. appearance since 2012. Team All-Western Conference in the 20 and, in the process, made it to the The Wolves lost in the regional finals The 2020 season brought on many Federal Division. regional finals for the first time in the to state powerhouse Osceloa 17-7. The challenges for teams in Hillsborough Yockey and the Wolves came into school’s history. loss left a bad taste in the team’s mouth, County, and Newsome was no exception. this season wanting to make some major “The thing that made me the most and they will use it as motivation during On top of having several games canceled adjustments. They wanted to become proud is seeing our younger guys step up the off-season. due to a positive COVID-19 test at the tougher and to be “comfortable with the and play at a way higher level than “I know everyone is going into this offbeginning of the season and the program uncomfortable.” Yockey said that their expected, and that we all played a part in season with a fire inside of themselves to having to take a 10-day break from all motto this season was “productive dismaking history,” said Austin. work harder and get better than ever football activities, the Wolves also had to comfort promotes growth.” Since halfway Junior running back Jason Albritton before,” said junior linebacker and Second replace senior leader, quarterback through his first season, Yockey has has been a key offensive player for the Team All-Western Conference in the Nicholas Felice, who transferred to Plant made the practices more competitive and Wolves for the last three seasons. For the Federal Division selection Caden City. Newsome turned to senior quarterhas added more toughness drills, such as second season in a row, the team captain Huffman. “We are losing some valuable back Kamarii Austin, who had transione-on-one drills and goal line drills to led them in carries. He also led the team seniors, and the underclassman know tioned to wide receiver last season. instill toughness and physicality in his in all-purpose yards (698) and rushing they have some big roles to fill. Others are Yockey had high praise for Austin’s leadteam. The adjustments in mindset and touchdowns (11). Albritton made First right there with me, to put a whole new ership, saying that he’s the best leader physicality have paid off. After a 5-3 reguTeam All-Western Conference in the level of respect on Newsome’s name.”
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1