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September 2020 Volume 19, Issue 9 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
Venom/BH3 AAU Basketball Team Honors Late Teammate; Finishes Third At World Championships By Nick Nahas
The Venom/BH3 was Venom/BH3 15U able to go to the (ninth grade) AAU world champibasketball team, onships because made up of players they were sponfrom Durant, sored by Brad’s Riverview and nonprofit foundaNewsome High tion, started by a Schools, played group of his inspired basketball friends in honor of at the AAU World his son. Championships at “To honor Disney in mid-July, Bradley and his earning third place family, the kids overall. The club played with pasplayed to honor sion and like their teammate, something was on James Bradley the line,” said Hulett II, who was Horn. According Bradley was a student at Newsome High School. tragically shot last to Horn, his team December. won every game by Throughout the 30 points or more tournament, in which leading into the they went 5-1, semifinals, where Hulett’s number 3 they lost 76-70 to a jersey was draped team from North over an empty chair Carolina. at the end of the “Everything we bench. have done this seaCo-owner of the son has been a dedclub Patrick Horn ication to Bradley. changed the name The kids play for a of his Venom bigger purpose than Basketball Club to just themselves.” Venom/BH3 in honor Horn and Bradley tragically passed away last of Hulett, who went Bradley had a speDecember at the age of 15. by Bradley and cial coach/player joined the team in 2018 as their star relationship. He remembers joking with player. Bradley’s father, James Bradley Bradley on the bench and always being Hulett, who goes by Brad, is the other able to talk basketball with him. Horn co-owner of the team and coaches two recalls struggling as a program in 2017 of the five teams (10th grade and 10th when the club first started until Bradley grade varsity) in the program called BH3 and his father joined in 2018. Horn credFoundation, a nonprofit organization.
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Dennis Bolender and Jack Eiermann, Newsome High School sophomores, are refinishing mailboxes in FishHawk to raise money to purchase a gift for Major Robert Schwabb. Schwabb has dedicated his time throughout the last several months helping these Boy Scouts earn their Personal Fitness Merit Badges. See article on page 13.
P O S I T I V E
Free Admission For Veterans. See Page 30
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
9/11 Heroes Run Goes Virtual To Continue To Honor Travis Manion Foundation
By Jadon Khor
ing, Higgins said he is confident this year will be able to deliver on a safe Heroes Run. This also wouldn’t be the first year FishHawk has had to accommodate unforeseen circumstances to host the run. In the five years FishHawk has held the run, the organizers have seen their number of attendees double exponentially and have had to combat weather conditions because of a hurricane. Presenting of the Colors by Newsome JROTC Though it wouldn’t be 2020 students with attendees looking onward without such unexpected and A fifth-year anniversary is one most unforeseen circumstances. Higgins said conventional: with hardy expectations for that even though the plan is to hold the celebration and an opportunity for comevent, he asks residents to remain forting times to reflect upon the last years patient with the organizers and to stay of growth and progress. Alas, this is not a flexible. He also asks the community to conventional year; COVID-19 has still be active in honoring 9/11 heroes caused the closures of many summer and stay engaged in the event, whether pastimes and suspensions of special or not it’s in person or online. events. Given the longer time it takes to Nevertheless, Higgins called the run organize social distancing in activities “an opportunity within the FishHawk now, many organizations have decided community,” one that brings people to move their outreach online; however, it together while memorializing those who comes as a warm welcome that the have left. Travis Manion Foundation has full intenTo register, visit FishHawk 9/11 tions—if conditions allow—to hold the Heroes Run on Facebook. 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race, ruck and 1M fun run/walk on Saturday, September 12 in person. The run, inspired by Marine 1st Lt. In This Travis Manion, who died protecting his Issue battalion, is meant as an annual reminder of the lives lost in the 9/11 OPERATION LOTUS.............................PG 3 attacks and to continue the legacy of ALAFIA DRIVING ACADEMY.................... 4 character and development. “To me it’s to remember what the MOTORING TAMPA BAY ....................PG 5 country felt on 9/12,” said Marine Corps HEATHLY LUNCH IDEAS ......................PG 6 veteran and local volunteer race director Beau Higgins. GIRLS WITH CONFIDENCE................PG 12 Of course, tackling concerns over limiting exposure amongst participants EYE ON BUSINESS....................PGS 25‐26 remains a top priority for the FishHawk CAMEL DRIVE THROUGH................PG 28 9/11 Heroes Run. Higgins said the event organizers are actively figuring out effecRIVERVIEW LIBRARY UPDATE .........PG 40 tive ways they can ensure social distancREAD MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE ing, with some proposals involving solo running. Despite complications that might www.ospreyobserver.com arise from COVID-19 and social distanc-
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
September 2020
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Operation Lotus Shining A Light To Help Return Students To The Classroom
Residents Adopt Teachers For Back To School Purchases Through Facebook Page
Melanie Jordy, MD, a researcher founder of Operation from the U.S. Food Lotus, has partnered and Drug with UVILIZER to Administration, supply six teachers showed the effect UV with UV lamps to light has on COVIDhelp disinfect schools 19. for students’ return in “UVC (ultraviolet August. C) efficiently inactivatEight years ago, ed SARS-CoV in 40 A UV lamp donated by UVILIZER to Jordy started her minutes,” Darnell Operation Lotus for schools. nonprofit, Operation concluded. Lotus, to improve the lives of people in The Center of Disease Control and her community through donations and Prevention confirmed Darnell’s results, charity events. explaining that UV light can kill “In September of 2012, my huspathogens in the air and on surfaces. band, Leon, died suddenly in my arms. Operation Lotus’ newest project is At 31 years old, I was a widow. Leon left helping students and teachers return to behind two small sons, Brodie (then age schools safely. After her research, Jordy 5) and Carson (then age 3). On the reached out to UVILIZER, a company morning of his funeral, I discovered I that sells UV lamps. UVILIZER said it was pregnant with our third child,” she would partner with Operation Lotus and explains on the Operation Lotus website. donated two handheld ultraviolet light She chose the name Operation wands and two ultraviolet lamps. It also Lotus because “a lotus is a beautiful provided a 10 percent discount to cusflower that grows from the muck in the tomers that use the code LOTUS. water. In the worst conditions, it develMaggie and Nate Goldberg from ops into something beautiful.” FishHawk donated two additional UVIWhile Hillsborough County families LIZER lamps. The Goldbergs donated have been struggling with the decision the lamps because they wanted to do whether or not to send their students their part in helping students return to back to school in the middle of the coroschools. navirus pandemic, the mother and “We both believe strongly that one retired educational therapist came up of the best ways to protect the kids is with an idea to help sanitize classrooms. keeping the classrooms continuously In her research, Jordy uncovered clean,” Goldberg said. the ability of UV lights to eliminate bacteTo purchase a UVILIZER lamp, visit ria and viruses that incubate in classhttps://www.uvilizer.com. To learn more rooms. about Operation Lotus, visit https://operOne study by Miriam E. R. Darnell, ationlotus.wixsite.com/website.
As teachers precation.” pared to go back to the Many teachers postclassroom last month, ed links to Amazon Wish Valrico resident Brooke Lists and within hours Elkins wanted to give residents had purchased them a helping hand. the much-needed supWhat started as a small plies. kindness quickly grew “It’s been a little overand within in a week whelming trying to think of more than 6,500 people all the things we need to were involved. make our classroom run Elkins, who has successfully during these Middle School teacher taught at both Mintz and Randall unprecedented times,” Chris Wikfors received items Stowers elementary said Renee LaBarbera, from his wishlist as part of the Adopt a Hillsborough Teacher who teaches at Bevis schools, started the group on Facebook. Facebook group Adopt a Elementary School. “Even Hillsborough Teacher, which gives teachjust making the list made me feel better ers the opportunity to post items they and helped me to realize that I can make need for their classrooms and residents these tiny adjustments to help the school the chance to easily buy them. day be just a little bit safer for my stu“Our teachers are going through an dents and myself.” unprecedented time,” said Elkins. Teachers assigned to eLearning “Teachers are feeling frustrated and classes also requested items to help stuunsupported and I felt like this was a dents transition to the new style of learnsmall way the community could show ing. support.” “Teachers are working extremely Educators from all over Hillsborough hard to be better prepared for this unique County learned about the group and school year whether that be in the classstarted posting items from cleaning suproom or via Zoom,” said Randall Middle plies to voice magnifiers. School math teacher Chris Wikfors. “With “The start of this year is not like any so many unknowns, this is such a huge most of us have experienced before and help not only financially, but also for our we know there are very difficult decisions mindsets. Knowing we have the support being made by parents, teachers, admin of so many in our communities is a great and our leaders downtown,” said feeling as we head into uncharted Buckhorn Elementary School’s fifth grade waters.” ELA teacher, Tiffany Schreffler. “This proAnyone interested in sponsoring a gram helps serve as a reminder that givteacher can find the group on Facebook ing each child their best chance at learnby searching ‘Adopt a Hillsborough ing is still a top priority to all those in eduTeacher.’
By Lily Belcher
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
Alafia Driving Academy Helps Get Future Drivers Road Ready In 5-8 Lessons
FSHD Society Race Across America Replaced With National Virtual Walk & Roll To Cure
Alafia Driving straight roads Academy is a that typically lasts local business an hour, while the opened by Cole rest are 90 minDolmseth in utes and October 2013. increase in diffiThe driving culty as each one school which passes. teaches safe As of now, driving skills and the academy has habits including three instructors, Alafia Driving Academy has had countless merging, hard including successful graduates. braking recoverDolmseth, and ing, interstate access, offer numerous options turns, parking and more, for classes to satisfy the has served multitudes of needs of the student. teenagers and adults This can range from a 10 who need extra help in their journey to or 20-hour package to just a single lesgetting their licenses. son before the DMV’s driving test. “I started it when I realized that there The instructors bring a company car weren’t any driving schools in the area, equipped with a passenger side brake to and my son needed to learn how to use as the driving vehicle and even have drive,” explained Dolmseth. video cameras set in place to document The company serves Eastern good and bad habits and sometimes Hillsborough County and has had stuhilarous mistakes. These moments can dents from Iraq, England, Jamaica, be found on their YouTube channel, France, Cameroon, Vietnam, Uganda ‘Alafia Driving Academy,’ where they and several other countries learn from have been posted with consent. them over the past seven years. Declared an essential business, the “We are based out of Bloomingdale school will continue to run throughout and service from Wimauma and Sun City COVID-19, combatting the pandemic by Center all the way up to Thonotosassa,” thoroughly cleaning the vehicles after said Dolmseth. each lesson and having teachers wear Students are found to typically need two masks when with the students. around six to eight hours of lessons The hour-long lesson costs $80, the before they are fully prepared to take on 90-minute costs $120 and the two-hour driving alone; and to pass the driver’s costs $160. Packages are available. test, however, each person is different. To book a lesson (or multiple), visit The 10-hour and 20-hour package the academy’s booking page at lessons begin with an easy ride along http://alafiadrivingacademy.setmore.com.
This year, due the race together. to COVID-19, In 2017, George instead of the founded the eightRace Across person Team America (RAAM), FSHD alongside the FSHD society his wife, Jane is hosting a Pollock, Tampa National Virtual Chapter co-director Walk & Roll to of the FSHD Cure FSHD event Society, and recruiton Saturday, George Pollock Jr. participated in the 2019 ed cyclists to particSeptember 12, Race Across America to raise funds for the ipate. The team FSHD Society. encouraging the was backed by a 24 chapters spread across the nation and 13-member crew stationed along the members of the community to walk or race. ‘roll’ in support of a cure for facioscapuloGeorge said, “Every decade, FSHD humeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). gets worse and worse, with over 20 perFishHawk resident George Pollock cent affected ending up in a wheelchair.” Jr., Tampa Chapter co-director of the For the National Virtual Walk & Roll FSHD Society, was diagnosed with to Cure FSHD, each FSHD chapter aims FSHD 12 years ago, affecting his lower to raise around $25,000 in order to fund legs. FSHD is a genetic muscular dystroresearch and clinical trials for drugs and phy, often affecting the muscles of the potential cures as well as to find cheaper face, shoulders or arms. Though comways to diagnose or test for FSHD so mon, FSHD can be extremely difficult to that they can become widely available. diagnose as it presents itself in different The Pollocks and other chapter ways in each case and can take several members are also taking to social media years to diagnose. Over 500,000 people to spread the word about FSHD, using worldwide are affected by FSHD, with no #TampaWalkRoll and #CureFSHD to get cure available. the disease trending and raise awareness Biking more than 3,000 miles on a in the community. eight-man relay team, George participatJane said, “Through advocacy, we ed in RAAM in 2017 and 2019, aiming to hope to build a community to help others raise awareness for FSHD and funds around us with FSHD.” towards a possible cure. On September 12 at 10 a.m., a RAAM is a cross country bike race livestream of the National Virtual Walk & spanning from the California Coast all the Roll to Cure FSHD event will be happenway to Annapolis, Maryland with solo ing on Facebook @FSHDSociety. To cyclists or two, four or eight-person teams learn more or to keep up with the Walk & along with crews relaying and completing Roll event, go to www.fshdsociety.org.
By Laura Tamayo
By Dominique Asher
September 2020
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Get Your Money’s Worth In All-New Hyundai Venue The Hyundai lineup of SUVs (starting with Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade) just got another addition, and a welcomed one at that. The all-new subcompact 2020 Hyundai Venue may appear small, but it’s a fun and sweet ride to take on the road. It is equipped with ver’s seat, center console, a 1.6-liter inline-four 60/40 second-row seat, VENUE (SEL) cylinder engine putting power door locks and winTires: P205/55R17 out 121 horsepower at dows, body-color exterior Wheelbase: 99.2 inches 6,300 rpm and 113 mirrors and door handles Length: 159.1 inches pounds-feet of torque at and more. Weight: 2,738 pounds 4,500 rpm. Mated to an Standard safety feaFuel capacity: 11.9 gallons intelligent variable transCity: 30 mpg tures include dual front mission (manual is Highway: 34 mpg and side airbags, side curavailable), it comes in Website: www.hyundai.com tain airbag, four-wheel normal, sport and even anti-lock brakes with elecsnow modes. An indetronic brake distribution and brake assist, pendent MacPherson strut front and torfront/rear crumple zones, electronic stasion beam rear suspension does a parbility and traction control, hill-start and ticularly good job of soaking bumps and lane-keep assist, front seatbelt pretenpotholes with skill and in the front-wheel sioners, remote keyless entry and tire drive SUV. Also worth noting is the pressure monitoring system. Opt for the motor-driven power rack-and-pinion $1,150 convenience package and you steering, effortless at higher speeds or will get blindspot and rear cross traffic while pulling into a parking lot. collision warning as well as power sunThe sharp-looking Venue portrays a roof, leather-wrapped steering wheel prominent hexagonal grille and sculpand shifter and sliding armrest bin. tured hood, aggressively raked wheel Base-priced at $19,150, the Venue arches, upright windshield, LED headtopped at just $23,280, which is a heck lights and tail lamps and chrome dual of a deal. The powertrain, though not tips. With a total passenger volume of impressive on paper, results in a respon110.6 cubic feet, the cabin is spacious sive ride, sharp handling and decent for five to sit in comfort and style. overall cornering balance. And Hyundai’s Amenities include auto AC, 3.5-inch impressive five-year, 60,000-mile basic multi-information display, tilt/telescopic and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain steering column, 8-inch touchscreen diswarranties should convince you to sign play with rearview camera (premium on the dotted line. package), six-way height-adjustable dri-
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Mathnasium of Riverview located at 1048 Bloomingdale Avenue, in Hillsborough County, in the City of Valrico, Florida 33596 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Valrico, Florida, this 1st day of September 2020
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Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
eSmart Recycling Recycles And Donates Electronics To Community Groups
By Dominique Asher
In recent times, many of us have found ourselves more reliant than ever on technology. One local company is going out of its way to take donated computer parts and recycle them so they can be used by those in need. Founded in 2014, eSmart Recycling collects donated old technology and computer parts, which later are refurbished and revamped and go out into the community to nonprofits, schools and more that are in need of computers. The organization was kick-started when Tony Selvaggio, founder and CEO of eSmart Recycling, was approached by a nonprofit in need of ‘affordable computers.’ At that moment, Selvaggio only offered recycling services to IT companies and sold the refurbished computers. However, instead of selling computers to the nonprofit, Selvaggio and his team restored 10 computers picked up through the recycling services and donated them. “Since that moment, almost 2,000 computers have gone to over 50 organizations all around the world,” said Selvaggio. Residents can stop by and drop of their old technology at recycling drives in different parts of the Tampa Bay area; upcoming drives and information are always posted on the eSmart Recycling website. “Each drive is partnered with an local organization that has ties to the communi-
ty, in order to support the local residents and help with proper recycling,” said Selvaggio. Every type of electronic, with the exception of CRT TVs and monitors, is welcome to be dropped off as they can be sold, with the revenue going to funding the refurbish and deployment process. Although, old PC computers and laptops are especially helpful as they make up the most of the equipment getting refurbished and given to those who need it the most. When refurbishing the computers, workers either restore the recycled ones or source equipment from vendors or wholesalers in order to standardize it. In addition, only computers aging from three to five years old are refurbished. A new hard drive is installed in the computer, the latest version of Windows operating system is installed, then tests are ran and viola, it’s ready to be deployed to a new home. On July 25, a drive was held locally at FishHawk Storage. All sorts of technology was donated, which will go to kids and families unable to access electronics. The drive also had curbside and non-contact drop-off so that resident could stay in their vehicles. All hard drives are shredded in the warehouse, and certifications of data destruction are offered. For upcoming drives, go to https://esmartrecycling.com.
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Healthy Lunch Ideas As School Starts From Dept. Of Ag MyPlate Program
By Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout
during the day and put a negative learning curve on their education. So, making a healthy lunch choice will benefit your child now and in the future. If you include your kids in the process, they will tend to eat more and healthier. Children who know to eat healthy meals and snacks will do so at Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, NDTR, health and nutrition agent of UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, offers school and at home. tips for healthy back-to-school lunches. Such eating habits will help prevent weight With school starting soon, prepare your child—or yourself—with a healthy issues. It has been determined that one lunch. Make it easy and nutritious by out of three American children are following guidelines from the U.S. either overweight or obese. Providing Department of Agriculture MyPlate them with healthy lunch options can program. Guidelines from MyPlate include vegetables, fruits, lean protein, help prevent this from happening to your child. If they are getting the nutriwhole grains and fat-free or low-fat tion that they need during the day, dairy. By using the MyPlate program then they will not be as hungry when as a guide, you will provide your chilthey get home and grabbing the first dren with a lot of healthy options, and thing that they see, which is often you’ll teach them about portion conunhealthy. They will be able to choose trol. a healthy snack and wait for dinner. Why is lunch so important? Lunch So, mix and match and be creis served during the middle of the day ative with school lunches. Here, I’ve while kids are at school or adults are presented just a few ideas of a wellat work. This meal is going to give balanced lunch that you can pack for your children the nutrition and energy your kids or yourself so that you can to get them through the day, help finish out the day energized. them learn and provide them with For more information, contact good habits for a healthy future. Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, NDTR, If their lunch is nutritious, they will health and nutrition agent of UF/IFAS be able to focus on learning. If their Extension Hillsborough County, at lunch is full of fat and high sugar conbraggk@hcflgov.net or 744-5519. tent, it is going to make them crash
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September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Nate Walcker Takes Lead At Florida Cancer Specialists
Staff Report
Making a differopment and driving ence and driving operational excelchange is important lence every day. to Nate Walcker, “Patients and as the new deserve a highchief executive offitouch, personalized cer for Florida approach to their Cancer Specialists cancer battle, and (FCS), he’s poised that starts with to do just that. access to innovative His philosophy treatment options,” Nate Walcker is the new chief executive of being both “dataWalcker said. officer for Florida Cancer Specialists. driven and purRecognized by pose-driven” aligns perthe American Society of fectly with the company’s Clinical Oncology (ASCO) mission of providing with a national Clinical world-class medicine close to home in its Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer nearly 100 locations across Florida. Specialists offers patients access to more Following the retirement of long-term clinical trials than any private oncology CEO Brad Prechtl in July, Walcker now practice in Florida. In the past four years, leads a team of nearly 4,000 that includes the majority of new cancer drugs more than 230 renowned oncologists and approved for use in the U.S. were studied specialty physicians. in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Walcker already has a head start on Specialists’ participation (prior to delivering the next generation of strategic approval). Florida Cancer Specialists has priorities for FCS. Walcker joined the built a national reputation for excellence company in the summer of 2019 as the that is reflected in exceptional and comchief financial officer, bringing more than passionate patient care, driven by innovaa decade of healthcare, physician servictive clinical research and cutting-edge es and corporate finance expertise. He technologies that help advance targeted has been instrumental in guiding cost treatments and genetically-based containment efforts that have enabled the immunotherapies and embodied by its ongoing delivery of patient care with mini- team of highly trained and dedicated mal disruption throughout the COVID-19 physicians, clinicians and staff. pandemic. Walcker looks forward to driving FCS High on his list of opportunities are toward its next chapter as a national efforts to further FCS’ mission of providleader of community-based medical ing the highest quality cancer care by oncology. focusing on the advancement of clinical For more information, please visit trials, investing in early phase drug devel- FLCancer.com.
Expiration: 9/30/2020
Page 7
Metropolitan Ministries Open For New Referrals And Donations
By Laura Tamayo
As school and be at COVID-19’s risk of becoming drastic impact homeless (which on includes not havHillsborough ing a stable/perCounty permanent home). sists, Once the Metropolitan family applies, Metropolitan Ministries has a wide variety of staff Ministries has or is referred, members that help make the First Hug program happen. adapted to by going to ensure it can meet the rising needs of metromin.org/firsthug and filling out the the community. With its extremely effireferral form, case management services cient programs, the organization has typically last from three to six months. In been able to alleviate a significant order to attend to the maximum possible amount of stress around the county. number of in-need families, the family The ministry’s services target homereceiving the services cannot do so less and at-risk children and families; again for another year after their case offering food and board at its shelter, closing date. helping people get jobs in the area, Because of the effect of the coronsecuring education for any children and avirus, Metropolitan Ministries is now adolescents and more through multiple handling an astronomical amount of programs such as First Hug. For families cases and any help is extremely appreciwho are referred to or apply for First ated. Hug, case management services are “The response [to COVID-19] has applied, free of charge and it connects been incredible and the overwhelming with Family Advocates to develop plans need of the community is jaw-dropping that will best achieve success for them. because we’ve never seen anything like “We also provide referrals to servicthis,” said Billy Somerville, associate es beyond our case management, director of brand communications. according to family needs, to include To donate, you can either contribute school readiness referrals. The Family funds directly through the website or Advocates meet with the families weekly pass by its donation locations (which are to provide support and assistance in also listed on the Metropolitan Ministries reaching their goals,” explained website) Monday through Saturday from Supervisor of Family Advocates Sandra 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Gonzalez-Coronado. Gonzalez-Coronado would also like To qualify for this, families must meet to specify that the Brandon Team, coverthree requirements: they must reside in ing all of Eastern and Southern Hillsborough county, have (at least) one Hillsborough County, will have the availchild between the ages of 0 to middle ability to cover 30 new cases in August.
Expiration: 9/30/2020
Expiration: 9/30/2020
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Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
, w o h S Car leanup lC . a t s a o C e.. r o M &
County in crisis with emergency food and clothing, offering life stabilizing programs and resources. It was created tt e nn nny Be m e J y b so churches and others d o e Compil preyobserver.c could send people in s o @ jbennett need to one central location. ECHO has been extremely successful in fulfilling its mission, but during this time of increased need due to COVID-19, it has found itself expeNew Market Coming To Park riencing a reduction in volunteers as Square many of its older volunteers choose to Art Monkey Emporium, located at 16132 isolate for their own protection. If you Churchview Dr. in the Park Square neigh- would like to assist ECHO by volunteerborhood of FishHawk Ranch, in collaboing, please visit www.echofl.org or call ration with Pish Posh, is pleased to 685-0935 to register. announce that they will be hosting a market on the second SouthShore Chamber Of Saturday of every Commerce Opens New Office month commencing The SouthShore Chamber of on Saturday, Commerce is excited to have recently September 12, from moved into its new office at 201 W. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin. The chamApproximately 20 ber was formed in 2011 when the vendors featuring Apollo Beach and Ruskin Chambers of local artists and makers are expected. Commerce were merged. The mission of
Cracker Barrel In Riverview Opens
Exciting news for those that have been eagerly anticipating the opening of the Riverview Cracker Barrel: the wait is finally over. The grand opening will be held on Monday, August 31 when the doors open at 7 a.m. to welcome guests into the restaurant. This is the 60th location to open in Florida and Cracker Barrel is very pleased to have hired 120 full and part-time employees from the local community. The Cracker Barrel is located at 9370 Theater Dr. in Gibsonton. Additional information can be found by visiting its website at www.crackerbarrel.com.
ECHO Brandon Looking For Volunteers
ECHO was founded in 1987 with the mission to assist residents of Hillsborough
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the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is to commit to growth through proper planning, new membership acquisition and serving existing members through value-added projects. Visit its website at www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org to find out more.
Second Book In Local Author Fantasy Series Published
Just in time for your end of summer reading pleasure or back-to-school lists, Riverview resident T. L. Stride has published Spirit Path. It is the second installment of his young adult fantasy series, Shaman Tales – The Chronicles of Little Hawk. The new book picks up the tale where the first book, Shaman Tales – The Chronicles of Little Hawk: So Much At Stake, left off. In celebration of the release of Spirit Path, you can read book one, So Much At Stake, for free through the end of October at https://tlstride.wixsite.com/tlstride-stories.
The books are also available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Car Show to Benefit Leukemia And Lymphoma Society
The first annual Belmont Car Show and Market will take place on Saturday, October 3 at 10050 Paseo Al Mar Blvd. in Wimauma from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Do you want to show your car off? Categories include fan favorite, classic and best in show; preregistration is only $10. Along with the car show, there will be a market with local vendors and entertainment for the family. If you are interested in having a booth or entering your vehicle into the show, call 954-300-8657 or email belmontmarketandcarshow@gmail.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Registration Is Open For The Annual Hillsborough River And Coastal Cleanup
At this time of year, Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful would traditionally be looking forward to having huge numbers of volunteers gather for the annual Hillsborough River and Coastal Cleanup. Like a lot of other organized events, it will be doing things a little differently this year. Instead of designating one day for the cleanup, it is devoting the entire month of September to encouraging you to do self-led cleanups either individually or in small groups. Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful will be providing supplies to all, which will include supplies needed to perform cleanups, masks or buffs as well as Chick-fil-A gift cards as a thank you to its volunteers. To register for the event, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ LSeAfvEdY1ejWSm9YEZ_ZZQG3pahag RYp2u4--5q9LQ-zpWZwQ/viewform.
Local Author’s Biography On The Best Seller List
Jacky Costello’s story is not unlike many immigrant success stories of hard work and determination to take advantage of
opportunities in America she did not have before. It is also the story of a cancer survivor and how her faith, her husband, her friends and a stray dog from Greece all gave her the support she needed to persevere. How Far I Have Risen - Coming Clean About God, Cancer And My American Dream was published in March and rose to number two in new releases in Christian biographies in the U.S. Today, seven years after arriving, Costello is the owner of Custom Cleanups, a house cleaning service in Lithia. To make good on her promise to “pay it forward,” she partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit organization that provides free house cleaning for cancer patients. “My greatest hope is that by sharing my story, I will inspire others to know that no matter what you face in life, you can overcome it and achieve all your dreams, even if you don’t quite know what those dreams are yet,” Costello explained. How Far I Have Risen – Coming Clean About God, Cancer And My American Dream by Jacky Costello is available on Amazon and at bookstores nationwide. A portion of the proceeds from every book sold will be donated to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where Costello received her follow up care.
Brandon Junior Woman’s Club Fall Bingo
The Brandon Junior Woman’s Club is celebrating fall and raising money with a virtual bingo game on Sunday, September 13 from 4-5:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for three games of bingo and winners can choose between a selection of handbags and tote bags, including items from Kate Spade New York, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors and Brahmin. Anyone ages 18 or older in the continental U.S. can participate and rewards will be shipped to the winners. Tickets are available from the BJWC clubhouse at 129 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon on Saturday, September 5 and 12 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bjwc-fall-festival-virtual-bingo-tickets-117867445703.
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September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Dove Interiors Celebrates 30 Years In Business Offering Showroom & In Home Design Dove Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, owned by mother/daughter duo Joan Miller and Kimberly Scott, is celebrating its 30th year in business in September, a milestone most businesses don’t reach. Its office and showroom, located at 2305 E. College Ave. in Ruskin, is a onestop shop for helping homeowners make their dream homes a reality, offering custom flooring options for every home, from tile to hardwood, carpet to vinyl. In addition to flooring options, Dove Interiors’ experts can measure and install a variety of window treatment options and custom drapery. It’s also a one-stop shop when renovating kitchen and baths, from custom cabinetry to countertops. The family-owned operation sprouted from Miller’s leap of faith in 1991, when she walked away from a successful career in finance to open Dove Interiors with her two children, Kimberly and Rick. “We just made the decision to start a family business and moved into a small space in the Sun Pointe Shopping Center where we were warmly welcomed by the community,” said Scott, who credits their success to their trust that God would help them through both the good times and the bad. “He’s allowed us to make it through some really tough times, during recessions times as well as through personal trials,” said Scott. Those personal trials include the passing of her brother, Rick,
By Michelle Caceres
four years ago. “He was such an important part of our family, our business, but we had faith that the Lord would provide us with the strength to march on,” she said. And march on they have. The company’s 13 employees in addition to installation crews have all been able to continue working and get paid during the pandemic. “We are dedicated to our staff because they are dedicated to us and our customers,” said Scott. The Preserve at FishHawk Ranch resident Claudia Figgins is one customer of Dove Interiors who has seen firsthand that dedication. A friend referred her to Dove Interiors when she was looking for a company to install blinds in her new home. “My friend did all the legwork, searching for someone who had excellent reviews at a competitive price,” she said. “When I met Kimberly, I knew immediately I would become a customer.” Scott and her team installed Silhouette automatic window shadings in her home and she couldn’t be more pleased with the result. “They were so meticulous and I love the finished product,” she said. Dove Interiors’ showroom is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Don’t feel like driving to the showroom? Call and Dove bring samples to you.Call 642-4369 or visit www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com.
Page 9
Busciglio Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Will Provide Gift Cards To Local Teachers
By Tatiana Ortiz
This year, maybe prosperous educationally,” Dr. more than ever before, Derek said. teachers have dedicated Those interested in entertheir time and money to ing the contest should fill out an preparing for the return online form at http://bit.ly/busof students. All of these cigliotag2020. The entry page efforts will go a long way. consists of basic questions that To demonstrate its thankevery contestant must comfulness towards teachplete. The contest ends on ers, Busciglio Smiles Thursday, October 1 and the Orthodontics & Pediatric winners will be announced Dentistry created a shortly thereafter with updates teacher appreciation gift posted to Facebook at card giveaway contest https://www.facebook.com/busas part of its philanthropy cigliosmiles/. by supporting education Dr. Derek’s father, Dr. John through its involvement Busciglio, started the practice with a nonprofit organizain 1972. For nearly 50 years, tion called Partners in Busciglio Smiles has beautified Education. smiles in the community while Busciglio Smiles will continuing to grow and deliver award three $350 Visa pediatric and orthodontic denBusciglio Smiles gift cards to local teachtistry. Dr. Derek is a board-cerOrthodontics & Pediatric ers that work within the Dentistry will award three tified orthodontist with more geographic bounds of $350 Visa gift cards to local than 15 years of experience. teachers in its giveaway those education districts Busciglio Smiles Orthodontics until Thursday, October 1. in which the practice & Pediatric Dentistry takes serves in Hillsborough County. Both pubpride in providing the boost in confidence lic and private school teachers are invited its patients deserve. Locations can be to enter. found in Brandon, Lithia and Plant City. The hope is that the gift cards will “Overall, by making great smiles it assist teachers by offering additional also helps me smile,” Dr. Derek said. funds to purchase items needed for their For more information, visit classrooms. www.BusciglioSmiles.com The Brandon Dr. Derek Busciglio, who owns office is located at 515 Corner Dr. and in Busciglio Smiles, expressed what he Lithia it is at 16141 FishHawk Blvd. The would like the community to know about offices are open Monday through his involvement with the giveaway. “I want Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and on to make sure we are creating an environFriday by appointment. Call 681-9473 to ment where our kids succeed and are learn more.
Page 10
Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Young Neighbors Coordinate Seeds Of Hope Drive With An Old West Theme
Miss Playing Your Instrument? Join Grace Community United’s Virtual Choir!
As COVIDtheir drive was 19 sweeps the wagons across the nation, they hooked to local communities their bikes. have been doing “We had a their best to help fort, and to get and support othsupplies there, ers in need; from we used boxes businesses to attached to our residents, local A group of FishHawk students recently organized bike,” said a drive for Seeds of Hope. drives are softenGrayson. ing the impact of the pandemic on famiTaking from this, the boys—along with lies. Yet it comes as a pleasant surprise their neighbors—built and outfitted that the latest local drive doesn’t just enough space to ferry their donations to come from a few helpful residents; it also and from the neighborhood. comes from young ones. Finally, after a one-week response Asher Leslie and Grayson Zurlage, period, the group went from house to elementary school students, recruited and house collecting the much-needed supassembled their friends to start a food plies with a 50 percent response rate. drive for Seeds of Hope in order to ease When approached by her son about difficulties for families. Asher, who instigat- the drive, Molly Zurlage said it came as a ed the effort, first was inspired by a previgreat surprise. “I thought it was so creous drive mission by Seeds of Hope, ative and unique,” she said. “When they where he and his mother, Sabrina Leslie, started offering deliveries, that was really volunteered before. “I just wanted to smart.” help,” said Asher. Molly explained that all the parents Freshly motivated, Asher got to work were, of course, fully supportive of the on making a business plan. After recruitproject, and that she was thrilled so many ing Grayson and his other friends, the residents came out in support of their group began counting potential donating community. houses, crafting flyers, building wagons to Moving forward, Asher hopes to carry the canned goods and networking reengage his friends with additional food the drive online. drives, this time changing up the theme With eight boys, the group counted for a diversity of food product donations. 110 houses in Kestral Ridge, and “We looked at each other and said designed advertising flyers themed after ‘we have to do another one,’” noted the Old West. Together, they distributed Sabrina. the flyers around the neighborhood and To learn more about Seeds of Hope got help posting the forms to Facebook. and how to help or organize a drive, visit But perhaps the most unique thing about www.sohopefl.org.
With all the chaos Lithia area, simply to that seems to never avoid stretching GCU stop in the world right too thin. now, community projAccording to ects that boost morale Ashley, the songs that are more welcomed are going to be played than ever before. are to be determined Tracie Ashley, a but she stresses that Lithia resident and they will have an pastor at Grace uplifting tone in order Community United to maximize rise in Methodist Church, community spirit. has taken on an event “Music has a that is a perfect beautiful way of example. She recently reminding us all that came up with the we need each other The event-runner, Tracie Ashley, and that we belong to idea for a virtual invites all musicians to join this choir, held by her one another. Songs virtual ensemble; the more the church, that will take will be chosen to lift merrier! place in late August or early up that message of hope and unity.” September. Explains Ashley. This bright notion was inspired by Currently, the chorus is in the similar proceedings being undergone planning session and in August, GCU by other churches and organizations will send out links for people to sign around the country due to quaranup to participate. From there, they will tine. be given instructions on how to “During COVID many kinds of virrecord themselves and return that tual choirs have popped up. Once I record to be put together into the saw them, I couldn’t help but think it choir format. would be good for our community, Although this may sound complitoo,” says Ashley. cated, Ashley details that it is much The online ensemble is open to all easier than it sounds and any particimusicians of all ages that miss playing pant can even complete their recordtheir instrument or miss utilizing their ing from their phone, if necessary. singing voice and want to join in. If you’re interested in this simple Ashley hopes that this will help bring a way to alleviate stress, whether it be wider demographic together for a little COVID related or not, you can find escape from the outside reality. more information on Ashley’s faceThe only criteria to be a part of book (Tracie Ashley) or email her at the choir is residing in the general @tracie@mygraceumc.com.
By Jadon Khor
By Laura Tamayo
Bruce Anderson - Colts
Warren Sapp - Bucs
Ryan Griffen - Bucs
Chris Godwin - Bucs
Bryant Mitchell - Bucs
September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Girls With Confidence Offers New Location With Programs For Girls, Teens & More
By Faith Miller
Starting in lar setup for after2011, Girls With school programs but Confidence has offers more agebeen an opportuappropriate topics and nity for girls of all typically meets once a ages to learn month unless otherabout self-confiwise requested by the dence, leadership school, typically lastand empowering eight to 10 weeks. ment. Founded Girls With and inspired by Confidence also offers CEO Nancy a ‘Young Women’s Girls participating in a Girls With Lemon, it has Leadership Council.’ Confidence camp pose for a selfie. been able to offer This is a yearlong programs and events for all age groups to program focused on helping girls decide help local girls in the area and all over the their plans after high school, possible colworld. lege majors to look into, learning responThe company offers programs for sibility, how to do job interviews and three different age groups, ‘Confident more. The program also provides each Girls,’ which is for grades kindergarten girl with her own mentor who is a local through fifth grade; ‘Girls with Leadership,’ businesswoman in the area. for girls sixth through 12th grade; and Confident Moms offers support for finally ‘Confident Moms,’ a program that mothers along with several events like offers support for mothers through differ‘Moms’ Night Out’ and ‘Coffee with ent events and programs. It is also begin- Confidence.’ ning to offer empowerment-themed birth“The parents or the girls might not day parties and help with virtual schoolsee it now, but as a girls have gone ing, along with select virtual camps and through the program, I’ve really seen events. huge change with many of them,” stated Confident Girls includes a variety of Lemon. different programs, such as after-school, For more information on camps, girls’ nights out and several other events events and programs, visit www.girlswiththroughout the year. The after-school pro- confidence.com or one of its many social grams are typically available once a week media platforms. Information is also availeither through the center or held at the able on the website about Girls With school and average at about 10-20 girls. Confidence’s nonprofit organization, The organization also offers weeklong ‘Confidence & Leadership Foundation.’ summer camps that range from half to full The nonprofit has a new location at day. 10540 Browning Road, Lithia. Visit Girls with Leadership has a very simi- www.girlswithconfidence.com.
Page 11
Hulett BH3 Legacy...Continued From Page 1
By Nick Nahas
its the Huletts up to pracwith helping tices and change the takes his culture of the teams to club. tourna“When ments and the accident coaches happened, it them, and was really Meagan hard on everygoes to a one, including lot of the our players games to and coaches, support the and that’s one team. The Venom/BH3 15U team holds up the number 3 in of the major “It’s honor of their late teammate, James Bradley Hulett II, reasons I really a tesafter finishing third in the AAU World Championships. decided that tament to everything we do from now how strong the Hulett on will be for Bradley, in his family is,” said Horn. “It’s honor, because he really inspirational.” deserves that. He was a The James Bradley special kid. Not only was Hulett II Youth he really, really good at Basketball Discretionary basketball, but he really, Fund is a nonprofit really was a good soul. He organization that was was a kind kid. He never started in February of said anything bad about this year to help provide anybody, he was the kid financial support to that would sit and eat lunch youth basketball players, with a bullied kid.” The teams and organizations team wears bracelets that in the Tampa area. The have “kindness matters” Bradley tragically passed away organization wants to written on them to remem- last December at the age of 15. provide scholarships to ber Bradley’s legacy of being a kind and students in the future. Brad hopes to caring person. have a 3v3 basketball tournament next Horn appreciates Brad and his wife, February to help raise funds. If you Meagan, and views them as special would like to give a donation to the people because ever since he has cause, visit BH3Fund.org. known them, they have cared for and “It’s a good way to carry on his son’s loved everybody’s kids, not just their legacy and to make sure that Bradley is own. He says that Brad is still showing never forgotten,” said Horn.
Page 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
Sixth Grade Student Entrepreneur Starts Local Bath Bomb Business
Local Catering Business Strikes Gold And Becomes Vendor For Super Bowl 2021
When the Her smallworld went into est size beginquarantine, ning at $1 and people began ranging up to to pick up hobher largest size bies to pass all at $3, the idle time. Friendshuh Local middle has developed school student a wide variety Teagan of scents and Friendshuh sizes. With decided to start scents such as making bath Teagan Friendshuh, owner of wild[flower], a bath ‘Citrus’ and bomb business. bombs for fun, ‘Loyalty,’ her but she certainly didn’t anticipate her all-natural and organic bath bombs hobby would turn into a small busihave caught lots of attention. ness. With the help of her mom, As the orders rolled in, Sara, and social media, Teagan has Friendshuh’s business, which took on made a name for herself in the the name wild[flower], has developed FishHawk area selling her homeand overtaken the kitchen space. made bath bombs. “I outgrew my mom and dad’s Friendshuh fell in love with arokitchen counter space and have a matic bath bombs and enjoyed frehallway where I keep all of my bath quently buying them at the mall. bombs. And now I may even have to However, when these bath time senmove out to the garage. It has just sations began to break her budget, gotten bigger than I would have ever she faced a dilemma. Luckily, her thought,” said Friendshuh. parents gifted her with her own bath With her growing demand, bomb kit and all its accessories to Friendshuh has had to experiment easily make her own bath bombs. and create new scents to add to her “I used to like going to the mall variety of products. and shop there at a store for amaz“I already have started to plan my ing bath bombs because I have scents for ‘Back to School,’ and then super sensitive skin, but that got ‘Fall,’ and then ‘Holiday,’” said expensive. So for Christmas last Friendshuh. year, my parents got me a bath bomb To discover more about making kit and all the supplies I Friendshuh and her bath bomb prodneeded for making them. I just didn’t uct line, visit Facebook @Sara know I would use them,” said Friendshuh, Instagram @just.a.handFriendshuh. ful and @wild[flower].
Lennise Germany, founder and CEO of Livy O’s Catering, is a self-proclaimed ‘goal digger.’ She has gotten so good as a goal digger that she holds seminars on how to help others become successful at it, too. About six years ago, Germany made a decision to The Germany family, who worked together to leave her career at a hospital create Livy O’s Catering. behind and head out in search of rently approved to serve breakfast and the goal rush she dreamed she would lunch for grades K through 12 under the find in the Tampa area goal fields of culiNational School Lunch Program. nary arts. Germany envisions becoming a presence Like many other goal miners, her inion college campuses as well. tial efforts were humble and uncertain as Livy O’s struck gold after being she began by making individual meals named one of 200 vendors for the 2021 and selling them from the trunk of her car. Super Bowl. Ashwood said it was a long Her persistence finally paid off after a process. “We were interviewed by a meal delivery to TECO when she was panel in order to get approved. We also asked to cater an event. That’s when Livy had to be a small business and minority O’s Catering Company began. business certified by both the City of The business name originated from the four younger children of Germany and Tampa and the County of Hillsborough.” COVID-19 has curtailed many her husband, Omar: Omar Jr., Olivia, catered events, but it has not halted Livy Obree and Olena. Livy O’s became a O’s operations completely as it safely family affair. According to Staci-Leigh ensures food service for micro weddings, Ashwood, operations manager, “When home celebrations and preparing stuthe company first began, it was completedents’ breakfasts and lunches. ly operated by family members in different Although many goal seekers become capacities, from those preparing the food discouraged and abandon their dreams to serving at the staffed events.” Ashwood when things don’t quickly pan out as they stated that without the help of family hoped, Germany and her family press on, members, Livy O’s would not have providing delicious, healthy meals and achieved its present success as one of continuing to mine unexplored opportunithe Bay area’s leading catering compaties in order to keep their claim of an nies. experience for guests that is unparalleled. Persistence, quality menu choices Call 494-0820 or check out the Livy and a respected reputation landed multiO’s website at http://livyos.com. ple government contracts. Livy O’s is cur-
By Anjali Caligiuri
By Gwen Rollings
September 2020
Page 13
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
FishHawk Marine Creates Workout Program For Neighborhood Kids
South Florida Baptist Hospital Plans To Relocate To New Location In Plant City
FishHawk resident ing sporting clays. Robert Schwabb recognized “I took them to cut a that parents and children lawn in FishHawk West over needed a healthy outlet durthe weekend, and they’ve ing the last few months, and been painting mailboxes in with schools closed and FishHawk (my son has had events cancelled, he came a business refinishing up with an alternate plan. FishHawk mailboxes for Once COVID-19 hit and about five years now; starteverything was locked ed when he was 10, he’s 15 down, Schwabb started a now), so he taught the other workout program for his kids boys how to do mailboxes and other kids in the neighas well,” said Bolender. “It’s borhood. Neighbor Dennis a lot of work.” FishHawk resident and Bolender’s son took part in Bolender’s son and Marine Major Robert Schwabb has dedicated Schwabb’s son are using the daily exercise schedule. his time structuring “These kids have all been this workout program to workout routines in his working out with him five to garage for students during complete the requirements COVID-19. six times per week, usually for the Boy Scout Personal at 6:30 a.m., for a couple of months now,” Fitness Merit Badge, one of the tougher said Bolender. “They are all young teens. Eagle Scout-required badges. Schwabb One young man has since moved out of is also an assistant Scoutmaster and a the neighborhood but comes back to counselor for this merit badge. work-out every day.” “The amount of time and effort he’s Schwabb is an active duty major in put into helping these kids out, for the Marine Corps. “He had cancer last months, really speaks to his character year, went through chemo and finished and desire to serve kids,” said Bolender. not long before all the COVID stuff hit,” “That these teenagers recognize it and said Bolender. “He has always worked are willing to work, save and buy him a out (he’s a Marine, of course), but the gift is really impressive to me. It’s these cancer really took a toll.” kinds of actions by our neighbors here in The kids appreciated Schwabb’s pos- FishHawk that make this such a great itive workouts and continued encouragecommunity and an awesome place to ment for them to stay active, get fit and live.” relieve stress during a difficult time for The students will be ordering the everyone. To thank him for his dedication shooting glasses soon once they earn to them, they collectively decided to purenough money to make the purchase. If chase Schwabb a gift, so they’re working you’re interested in refreshing and updatodd jobs to save up the money to buy ing your mailbox, visit the FishHawk Curb him a pair of shooting glasses for shootAppeal Facebook page.
hospital. “We are committed to providing extraordinary care to our patients and are excited about the opportunity to build a new hospital to extend this mission as we continue to serve our patients in Plant City and the surrounding communities,” said South Florida Baptist Hospital President South Florida Baptist Hospital recently announced plans Karen Kerr. to build a new hospital and relocate in Plant City. South Florida Baptist To improve access to healthcare Hospital opened in 1953 and has underservices for the community it serves, gone 12 major additions, renovations South Florida Baptist Hospital recently and expansions since then. The first announced plans to build a new hospital addition was in 1969 with a three-story and relocate in Plant City. The proposed new location is off Exit hospital wing and the most recent was in 2017 with the expansion of the heart 22 of I-4, east of the intersection of E. and vascular center. Sam Allen Rd. and N. Park Rd. This is a “After 67 years, we have run out of highly visible location in a high-growth room to expand the hospital on its presarea, less than four miles from South ent site,” Kerr said. “Also, retrofitting the Florida Baptist Hospital’s current N. hospital’s infrastructure to meet the Alexander St. location. growing technological advances in The plan calls for building up to 150 healthcare solutions is often an expenprivate patient rooms with the ability to sive and challenging option. Because of add another 30 when needed for future that, we feel that to better meet the expansion. An 85,000-square-foot medgrowing needs of our community, we ical office building also is proposed at the need to relocate and build a new hospinew location, which will be convenient for tal.” both patients and physicians who prefer South Florida Baptist Hospital to work near the hospital. The cost of the employs nearly 800 team members and project is approximately $326 million. more than 250 physicians also work in Construction is expected to begin in the facility. Those numbers will remain Summer 2021 and take about 30 months about the same at the new hospital. to complete. Since a whole new hospital To learn more, please visit us at will be built, there will be no disruption to www.baycare.org. patients, physicians or staff at the current
By Kelly Valdes
Staff Report
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Offer valid only when coupon is presented at drop-off. Coupon can only be redeemed for dry cleaning services sold at participating Tide Cleaners locations. They cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. Not valid on wash and fold, laundry, leather, alterations, household items or wedding dresses. Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. One discount per household. Offer valid for one-time use through 9/30/2020.
Offer valid only when coupon is presented at drop-off. Coupon can only be redeemed for dry cleaning services sold at participating Tide Cleaners locations. They cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. Not valid on wash and fold, leather, alterations, household items or wedding dresses. Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. One discount per household. Offer valid for one-time use through 9/30/2020.
1928 E Bloomingdale Ave (813) 662-4243 1529 S. Dale Mabry Hwy (813) 251-2234 Mon-Fri 7-7 • Sat 8-5
Pandemic Learning Pods Pop Up While Parents Send Students Back To School
Pivoting Business & Making Upgrades To Help Fight COVID
As parents scramble school,” Kall said. “We to come up with the best know them and the safety solution for their children measures they have going back to school durtaken during the pandeming the current pandemic, ic to stay safe. We are all a group of FishHawk parcomfortable with each ents have decided to creother and our children ate a pandemic learning learning together.” pod for their children’s This FishHawk paneLearning classes this demic learning pod will fall. consist of three families Learning pods, with a total of six children. groups of three to 10 stuThe children will rotate on dents learning together in As parents scramble to come different days of the week up with a safe solution for their to different homes that homes, are popping up children going back to school have set up pandemic all over the country to during the current pandemic, a help children learn in a learning rooms. group of FishHawk parents have decided to create a safer, social environment. There will be a facilipandemic learning pod for their tator assisting the parents “A few months ago, children’s eLearning classes my wife and I realized with teaching the children. this fall. the whole school situa“The facilitator will be tion wasn’t going to be smoothed out in there to help with questions the children time for the new school year to start,” said may have, as well as offer a deeper dive James Conn, a FishHawk parent who ini- into the eLearning course work,” Kall said. tiated the idea of the pandemic learning “The facilitator will also have different pod. “The other reason we decided to go activities each week like science experithe way we did was the feeling that there ments and cooking lessons.” would be so much disruption from going The parents held an interview to find to brick and mortar and then having to a facilitator who will be helping the chilclose down school and then reopen again dren with eLearning along with the paron and on.” ents. “We had an interviewing process to Kristi Kall is another FishHawk parent find a facilitator and we went with a forwho is part of the pandemic learning pod mer school teacher,” Conn said. “We are group and she feels the pod will be a safe very optimistic about the whole program.” and effective way for her children to The families will regroup after the first attend eLearning for the school year. month of school to assess their pandemic “The families involved with our pod learning pods to see if they will continue are families we’ve known because our with the pods for the rest of the school children are friends and went to the same year.
Each day in the pricing with clients who news or on social want his cleaning servmedia, we hear ices. “This cleaning about more and process gives peace of more businesses mind to their customers closing or filing bankto know that the busiruptcy. The pandemness has taken steps to ic has hit our nation’s clean and economy unbelievsanitize,” ably hard and it may Smith said. Tampa Bay’s Finest take years to recov“We give Painting’s owner, Mark W. er. each busiSmith, offers Shockwave cleaning and disinfecting Mark W. Smith ness a services at a reasonable price. was born and raised plaque to put in the in Brandon. He currently lives in Valrico window of their business to say it has and is the owner of Tampa Bay’s Finest been cleaned by us and the date we Painting. “We are a family-owned and cleaned the business.” operated painting business that specialTampa Bay’s Finest Painting uses izes in commercial, residential and indusShockwave, which is an FDA-approved trial painting,” Smith said. “We offer a cleaning product to clean and disinfect wide variety of quality paints and finishes businesses once they have had an for homeowners, including interior and issue with COVID-19. “We spray everyexterior makeovers. We are licensed, thing and it dries without leaving any bonded and insured as well.” residue,” Smith said. “It can be sprayed When Smith started to see a lot of on any surface, including keyboards, businesses closing because an employee computer peripherals, high-touch tested positive for COVID-19, he saw this areas, carpets and furniture. It cannot as an opportunity to help these businessbe sprayed on any food products. es and create another revenue stream for Shockwave only needs about 10 to 15 his painting business. “We saw an oppor- minutes to dry. Once it dries, the busitunity to offer a full disinfectant service,” ness can open immediately.” Smith said. “We can go in and spray If you would like to learn more every surface in their facility, which will do about the various services offered at away with any and all viruses or bacteria, Tampa Bay’s Finest Painting or if you including COVID.” are interested in having Smith and his Smith’s services are reasonably team disinfect your business or home, priced and start at 10 cents per square you can visit his website at www.tbffoot. Prices will vary based on building painting.com or contact Smith at 381size, but Smith is willing to work on the 7654.
BEAUTIFUL HOMES START WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOORS
Local Artists Have Great Solutions For Keeping Active During Quarantine
Diane Morales-Carter, Sarai Davila, Kathy Carrier, Jill Gamboa and Marie Guicciardini all have turned to art to keep their minds at ease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has forced many residents to find creative ways to keep their minds occupied while quarantined at home. Diane Morales-Carter, Sarai Davila, Kathy Carrier, Jill Gamboa and Marie Guicciardini all have turned to art to keep their minds at ease. Morales-Carter has been an artist for years and is the owner of The Drawing Point (www.thedrawingpoint.com), a private art lesson business in FishHawk. When the pandemic hit, she made videos for her art students to watch at home with their parents. Making these videos kept her in contact with her students and made her feel like she was helping them and their families during the pandemic. “The parents are so thankful for the opportunities for their children,” Morales-Carter said. “This gives us the opportunity to give back to our community and it brings me great joy as well.” Sarai Davila of Brandon was laid off from her job as a
bartender at Brandon Bootleggers’ Brewing Company when the pandemic hit. Davila is a local chalk artist. “I was depressed for a few weeks,” she said. “Kristen Brown, the director of TRIBE Seminole Heights, reached out to me and asked me if I would come down to her place and create a giant chalk game board on the sidewalks in front of TRIBE. She got me out of my house and doing art again. It made me happy and I became very focused on my art.” Carrier is a former journalist and artist who lives in Valrico. The pandemic gave her the opportunity to start sculpting with recycled material and papier-mâché.
“I’ve been doing art all my life, but before COVID, I wanted to make papiermâché insects,” Carrier said. “For the past six months I’ve been creating my papier-mâché insects and they will be featured in my own art exhibition called ‘Ms. Mantis and Garden of Whimsy’ at the Carrollwood Cultural Center from September 28 to January 4 of 2021. I hope my colorful art brings as much happiness to the people who see it as it does to me.” When the pandemic hit and Gamboa of Riverview had to resign from her job as a preschool teacher to stay home with her children, she turned to art to ease
her mind. Now, her art has become a full-time business (www.facebook.com/customartworkbyjillandmike). “I’ve always painted, but recently I got into acrylic painting and pouring resin,” Gamboa said. “My art has now become my main source of income while keeping me balanced while taking care of my family.” Guicciardini of FishHawk works with developmentally disabled adults. She is an essential worker who started painting rocks as a hobby four years ago. When the pandemic hit, she created a Facebook group page called FishHawk Painted Rocks and started posting pictures of her painted rocks and where she hid them in the community for people to find. “All of this has made me feel great that I can bring happiness to families during the pandemic,” Guicciardini said. “With the pandemic, kids need to know the world is still a fun place and they need to have fun in it.”
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Page 16
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
The Rotary Club Of FishHawk-Riverview Presents New Leadership
RollerBlade Tampa Group Promotes Exercise, Meeting Friends & Having Fun
The Rotary Club working to plan of FishHawkmany events Riverview began a engaging the new club year on community, with July 1 with new leadfestivities such as ership and a new a World Polio Rotary International Day event in theme of ‘Rotary October, Opens Veterans Day Opportunities.’ event in The new leaderNovember, the ship consists of a 37th annual The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview president, board Alafia Lighted began a new club year on July 1. and foundation, with Boat Parade on support and guidance from the Rotary Saturday, December 5 and the 11th District leadership. The club aims to plan annual Crawfish Festival planned for April events, determine budgets and vote 17, 2021. members into the club, as well as hold The club encourages community weekly meetings concerned with general involvement with the upcoming projects membership. and events. The new leadership, composed of Ans expressed, “The community is many who aim to better the local commu- welcome to contribute to any of the servnity, is led by President Shirley Bhat, ice projects that we have, speak at our President-Elect Gabriel Mbulo and Vice club meetings, join our meetings or attend President Mara Shaughnessy, along with any of our events locally.” other esteemed members such as Not only that, but the club is always Marilyn Everett, treasurer; Jackie Fields, welcoming businesses, corporate and secretary; Mario L. Galvez, membership nonprofit partnerships and involvement. It chair; Jerry Harburg, administration chair; is even seeking to get local high schoolChristopher Jones, club service chair; ers active in the Rotary Club by partnerChristine Ans, public relations ing with the club and establishing a chair; Stanley T. Rzad III, foundation Rotary Club at the high school level, or an chair; Daniel Cyral, sergeant-at-arms; and ‘Interact Club.’ James M. Everett, past president. Ans said, “There are so many opporAdditionally, the club has two district lead- tunities, such as speech contests, scholers, Deborah Williams, district governor arships [and] Seminar for Tomorrow’s elect for 2021-2022, and Michael Leaders Camp.” Broussard, assistant district governor To contact the Rotary Club of (Area 9). FishHawk-Riverview, email Ans at This new club year, the members are christineans@kw.com.
For other forms nearly 20 of cardio years since cause too she arrived much leg in Tampa, and back Janeth pain. She Rector started the dreamed of Facebook rollerbladgroup ing down RollerBlade the steep, Tampa Bay spiral so everyTampa Bay one at Airport every skill parking Michelle Rector, Janeth Rector and Christen Garcia invite level can the community to join RollerBlade Tampa Bay. structure plan events exit ramp. For her, the silver lining of and make friends. It’s a great way to social distancing resulted in her lifesocialize while exercising and having long dream being achieved. Nearly accountability. empty at the peak of the pandemic, “Some cities have huge groups she along with a few close friends with thousands of members, and I and family jumped at the opportunity saw the need here,” Rector to race down the twisting structure explained. She added that FishHawk and filmed the entire adventure. itself has over 28 miles of trails and Rector realized she wanted a sidewalks she frequents, but she and way for other rollerbladers to connect others in her group love adventure across Tampa Bay. and would welcome ideas for new “I’ve always loved rollerblading. I parks and neighborhoods. tried running, but running is not my The group is in its infancy, so thing,” she said. “It really wreaked please visit havoc on my knees. Rollerblading is www.facebook.com/groups/54360850 low-impact, and you can go longer 9687663 for more information, to join distances.” and to create events. You can even The American Heart Association watch the video of Rector and the agrees that it is one of the most inaugural members as they speed effective forms of aerobic exercise. down Tampa Bay Airport’s ramp. She and her crew live in the They know there are tons more peoFishHawk area, but she wants to ple who rollerblade regularly and encourage people all over Tampa to even more who will be hooked once give rollerblading a try, especially if they start. All are welcome.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 17
Local Musician Wes Dearth Shares His Talents With Local Gigs
New Original Song “Glass Box” By Local Teen Karinna Laneé
Brandon’s own Dearth dwells Wes Dearth (better on. Quite the known internationally opposite, he’s as John Wesley) has looking forward seen his share of sucto enjoying life cess in the music as father, husindustry enjoying thouband and consands of fans around tinuing his work the globe, hundreds of with The Heroes shows worldwide and Journey, a localdozens of studio album ly-run nonprofit appearances, many dedicated to Wes Dearth, Tampa’s most successful his own solo projects. veterans and hidden talent, plays regularly at local spots The list of artists first responders AJ’s on the River and The Talking Pint. Dearth has played alongside include transitioning from service to civilian life, some of rock’s biggest stars, being most which Dearth provided sound for the play associated with former local bands “Last Out – Elegy of a Green Beret.” Autodrive and Sister Hazel as well as “The one aspect of the past I never being affectionately known as the fifth mind revisiting is catching up with old member of the band Porcupine Tree. friends,” said Dearth. Dearth’s musical background is well docThe locally raised couple (Dearth umented with numerous interviews availwas born in St Anthony’s, attended able online. Nativity Catholic, wrestled for and graduBut “the times, they are a-changin’,” ated from Brandon High in 1980, with and life in the music business is tough. Becka being a 1993 East Bay grad) Recently, COVID-19—but before that, recently celebrated their 20th anniversary management, record labels, publishers, and look forward to seeing new and old venues, streaming and download servicfaces at Dearth’s shows. es and piracy—have cut into artists’ “We invite anyone that grew up in the income, and it’s estimated they only area in the 70s, 80s and 90s to come out, receive 12 percent of revenues generatsay hello and possibly run into some old ed by their work. Live performances, mer- friends along the way,” they said. chandise and direct online sales now proDearth’s catalog, including free vide the lion’s share of their earnings, and download samples, is available at this is where we can help. www.John-Wesley.com, with concert I caught up with Dearth, his wife, updates available on his Wes Dearth Becka, and 8-year-old son, John, after his Facebook page. He plays at AJ’s on the Wednesday night acoustic performance River on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 at AJ’s on the River in Riverview, and p.m. with a monthly show at Riverview’s found that looking back is not something The Talking Pint.
Karinna Laneé, her, so she worked a local teen going with Nathan into 11th grade at Mitchell, a videograBlake High School, pher, to film the dropped her original music video in the song, “Glass Box,” forests and wooded which came out areas around her worldwide on July house. 17. At first, Laneé After feeling was nervous to trapped by the release the song, social norms of high worried about the school and overfeedback and judgewhelmed trying to fit ments made by into the crowd, those at her school. Laneé took to However, the origipaper, writing nal song had posi“Glass Box” in just tive responses and A photo of Karinna Laneé from a a couple of hours. Laneé’s friends recent photoshoot. Laneé wanted to liked and reposted convey the feeling of not being able her song, even singing along to it to express oneself and being conand reaching out for merchandise. fined by the opinions of others. Laneé said, “It’s crazy, I never Yadira Talamantez, Laneé’s thought I'd be able to put out my mother, expressed, “When Karinna own music. It’s really awesome to is feeling emotional, she writes see something you worked so hard songs in her journal to help. She’s for out for the public to listen to.” probably written lots of songs in This is actually Laneé’s second there so far.” original song out. When she was By working together with ME only 13, she came out with her first Talent Consulting and putting on a original song, “Blurry”; however, performance called Music Matters, “Glass Box” is her first professionalLaneé was able to perform the song ly recorded and produced song. for her community, which gained her To learn more, keep updated recognition. Thanks to donations with new music and merch or follow made by the community through the along with Laneé’s music career, folMusic Matters performance, Laneé low her Instagram and Twitter pages could not only record her song, but @karinnalanee and her Facebook film a music video too. page at Laneé knew she wanted a simhttps://www.facebook.com/Karinnaple music video in nature, with just Lanee-1901273606813381/.
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Page 18
Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Hillsborough County Enforcing Water Restrictions While Offering Tips And Grants
Service League Continues Dedication To Community By Awarding Scholarships
Just as it’s wise to save conserving. Low-volume money for a ‘rainy day,’ it can irrigation grants up to also be a good idea to con$2,500 for installing effiserve water when the aquifer cient watering systems or and local reservoirs are replenupdating existing ones in ished with help from the sumcommon areas of neighmer’s frequent afternoon borhoods are available storms. through Hillsborough That’s the approach County’s Office of Hillsborough County is taking, Neighborhood Relations. by encouraging conservation Applications are accepted By following watering through year-round enforceon a continual basis and ment of lawn-watering restric- restrictions and conserving the deadline is other uses, Hillsborough tions and offering a financial Wednesday, September County residents can incentive for neighborhoods to ensure their potable water 30. taps are always flowing. upgrade common-area irrigaRebates are availtion systems. able to residential and non-residential Watering lawns in unincorporated water users through the Tampa Bay Hillsborough County is restricted to two Water Wise program, an initiative offered specified days weekly, once per day through Tampa Bay Water, its member either before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Days governments and the Southwest Florida are determined by the property’s address. Water Management District. These According to Hillsborough County, include incentives for efficient high-water the following schedule is in effect: use items like toilets, dishwashers and Addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3 can irrigation devices. water their lawns on Mondays and David Glicksberg manages the Thursdays, addresses ending in 4, 5 or 6 Sustainable Water Resources section of can water their lawns on Tuesdays and Hillsborough County’s Environmental Fridays while addresses ending in 7, 8 or Management Division. He said, “The 9 can water their lawns on Wednesdays main goal of all these water conservation and Saturdays. Wednesdays and programs is to communicate to people Saturdays are also the days that locations that we all need to use water as efficiently with no addresses, including common as possible so that we can have a safe areas, as well as locations with mixed and sustainable water supply for all of us addresses such as office complexes, can for generations to come.” Glicksberg water their lawns on Wednesdays and added that drought-resistant, FloridaSaturdays. Violators of the restrictions friendly landscaping also helps save could receive citations with financial water and that people should check for penalties starting at $100 from indoor and outdoor water leaks. Hillsborough County Code Enforcement. Visit hillsboroughcounty.org or call There are also financial rewards for 663-3295.
Like every Elementary other organization, School and had a the GFWC part-time job at Brandon Service the YMCA. League has had to Atkins will adjust to the new attend normal of operatHillsborough ing in a pandemic. Community This year, the College this fall, GFWC Brandon where he anticiService League pates becoming The GFWC Brandon Service League awarded awarded two two Education Scholarships this year to two more involved scholarships in an deserving graduates from Durant High School, with the agriculCarley Oliver and Benjamin Atkins. informal but still ture community. celebratory manner. After earning his Associate in Science Each year, it offers two $1,000 scholdegree, he plans to transfer to either the arships to two deserving high school stuUniversity of Florida or Georgia Southern dents who want to pursue a degree in University and obtain an education education or the arts. degree in agriculture. Atkins will be the This year’s recipients both graduated fifth generation of cattle ranchers in his from Durant High School. “We were family. He also comes from a family of unable to hold the spring luncheon which teachers. This includes his great, greatwould allow the students and their pargrandmother, grandmother and both parents to celebrate their accomplishments ents. Atkins has been in the FFA since with the entire organization, so we went middle school. He also works on his famiwith plan B. Both students live close to ly’s cattle ranch. each other, so they decided to come and Bradlee Swanson, co-president of celebrate at my home,” explained Judy the GFWC Brandon Service League, Darsey, scholarship chair. said, “We are a strong organization that is The recipients are Carley Oliver and committed to serving the greater Brandon Benjamin Atkins. community. While we have had to make Oliver will attend the University of hard changes due to the COVID-19 panSouth Florida’s St. Petersburg campus demic, we plan to hold events as soon as this fall and work on her degree in eleit is deemed safe to do so.” mentary education. She worked with The GFWC Brandon Service League Durant’s ‘Little Cougars’ Preschool proplans to hold its first meeting for the fall gram for three years. According to on Thursday, September 10 at New Hope Darsey, “This really helped her know for United Methodist Church. Social time certain that this was the career she wantbegins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeted.” She also volunteered at Valrico ing at 7 p.m.
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Page 19
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
ECHO Boutique Leads Charge As Source Of Unique Vintage Clothing In Brandon
Love’s Tire & Service Center Gifts Free Tires To Dedicated Frontline Worker
ECHO (Emergency The boutique’s Care and Help racks are filled with all Organization) of Brandon is sorts of name-brand at it yet again with a new, gems for a fraction of inventive way of sustainably the price. But this is not caring for those in need where ECHO Executive within our community. Director Eleanor ECHO has established Saunders’ vision of itself as the place to go to “Purchase with a purfor those in need of food pose” ends. On top of and clothing. With locations upscale thrift in Brandon and Riverview, and handECHO is continuing to take made both food and clothing goods, the donations at this time. Canned goods, boutique is ECHO Boutique sells upscale home to the rice and peanut butter are always in clothing with all proceeds high demand, as well as used clothes only source going towards helping those in for all ages. These donations from the of vintage need in the community. community are given to families in need consignwithin both the Brandon and Riverview ment in Brandon. A large, looming rack areas. located at the forefront of the boutique is As a nonprofit which has been part of filled with dresses, jackets and T-shirts the community since 1987, ECHO has from past eras. With some garments datnow expanded its use of donated clothing ing back to as early as the 1960s, ECHO from being available to its clients to now Boutique’s vintage selection is perfect for also allowing its clothing to be purchased buyers who are looking to wear clothing by the public. that has a history. ECHO has joined the resourceful and Follow ECHO on Facebook and sustainable trend of upcycling and has Instagram for exclusive sneak peaks on found a way to make donated clothing selections and upcoming sales. into another source of revenue to fund its ECHO is accepting food and clothing mission to bridge the gap between crisis donation from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondayand stability with the opening of ECHO Friday, at both locations in Brandon at Boutique. 507 N. Parsons Ave. and in Riverview at The boutique’s slogan, “The best of 7807 Capitano St. For more information thrift,” takes an already established model on how donate or volunteer, visit of selling secondhand donated clothing www.ECHOfl.org. even further with an upscale approach. ECHO Boutique is located at 948 W. One hundred percent of the proBrandon Blvd. and is open Wednesdayceeds go directly back to ECHO. Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Love’s Tire & Love’s Tire & Service Center in Service Center’s qualValrico recently found a ity repairs are backed way to give back to with its two business those working hardest mottos: “Small busiduring the pandemic. ness, big service” and “Love’s is a full-ser“We might not get it vice automotive repair, right 100 percent of diagnostic and service the time, but we make center, working both it right 100 percent of foreign and domestic the time.” Riverview resident Nick Shreves, with light trucks and cars,” Aided by the his wife, Stephanie, and their two said Scott and Gay owners’ constant faith daughters, recently won tires from Love’s Tire & Service Center. Lynn Love, owners of in their religion, Love’s Love’s Tire & Service Center. Tire & Service Center has received The company held a contest within countless blessings to become the wellits location in Valrico to give one hardestablished business it is today. working frontline employee a new set of The winner of the free tires, Nick, tires, including free installation and lifewas one of many nominated, deserving time balance to the tires as well. On June frontline workers. During these unprece29, dedicated diesel mechanic Nick dented times, these workers are providShreves was picked for the prized tires; ing care and services while others are furthermore, the many other committed delivering food and supplies. Even frontline nominees also received free oil though only one could win the tires, the change certificates as a way of showing Loves showed their appreciation for these thanks from the Loves. faithful frontlines with certificates for free Founded in 1996, Love’s Tire & oil changes. Service Center is a certified Goodyear Nominated by his wife, Stephanie, dealer and also carries Dunlop and Kelly. Nick’s tireless hours of fixing generators Some of its services include oil changes, for grocery stores like Publix have alignments and tire repairs, making it a demonstrated his unwavering dedication. fundamental part of its community for “He is a frontline worker and works over two decades. long hours during times of crisis, some“Many of our highly skilled technitimes seven days a week. I would love cians and service professionals have for him to win this prize as he always puts been employed with us for over 15 years. our family and others first,” said We have built a trusted reputation in the Stephanie. community and value the relationships To find out more about Love’s Tire & that have developed as a result,” said the Service Center, visit www.lovesautoreLoves. pair.com or call 661-3955.
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Notice is hereby given that on or after September 10th, Hillsborough County intends to issue an exemption permit to Captain Jarrod Wallach, exempting said permittee from compliance with manatee-related speed restrictions while conducting commercial fishing/professional guide activities within the following Hillsborough County manatee protection areas: Alafia River MPA, Harbor Bay MPA, Bullfrog Creek MPA, Bahia Beach MPA, Big Bend MPA & Cockroach MPA. Any substantially affected party may appeal this decision in accordance with the procedure set forth in Hillsborough County Manatee Protection Ordinance No. 01-32. For a copy of the permit application, the proposed permit, Ordinance No. 01-32, or further information, contact Mr. Stephen Decatur. Marine Safety Coordinator, Compliance, Communities & Conservation Department at 813-285-8066 Dated at Valrico, Florida this 1st day of September 2020.
Page 20
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Hillsborough County Public Schools To Upgrade All Campus Air Filters
Staff Report
As local stuto provide filters for dents prepare to each of our schools. I return to school want our families to later this month, know we are taking Hillsborough every step possible to County Public create a safe environSchools (HCPS) is ment as our learners working to make prepare to return to the classrooms safer classroom,” said Davis. with new, upgradIn addition to the ed air filters. filter installation, engi“Hillsborough neers will assess Hillsborough County Public Schools is in County Public the process of upgrading air filters on all indoor air quality, venticampuses to a MERV 13 rating. Schools continlation, temperature, ues to invest in the safety of its students humidity, mechanical systems and and staff by upgrading air filters on all domestic water following CDC, ASHRAE campuses to a MERV 13 rating, which and OSHA guidance to help mitigate the can help reduce the impacts of COVIDspread of viruses and bacteria. Engineers 19 within our schools,” said Tanya Arja, are also conducting an assessment of HCPS chief of communications. “The indoor air quality along with CO2 sensor CDC and the American Society of accuracy and exhaust fan operations. Heating, Refrigerating and Air“I am proud that our long-term partConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has nership with the district regarding energy recommended school districts across the efficiency will now include upgrading filtranation install these upgraded filters as tion systems for each campus. Our goal students return to the classroom.” has always been to help Hillsborough According to Arja, Superintendent County Public Schools to provide the Addison Davis announced this upgrade most comfortable and safe learning enviearlier this month along with district partronment for students and teachers. By ners as HCPS works to evaluate the installing MERV 13 filters, this district high-level functional performance of the becomes the state leader in this arena,” ventilation systems in schools and admin- said Mike Grabham, vice president of istrative buildings. McKinstry. “The health of our students, teachers More than half of schools will have and staff has always been the priority been converted to MERV 13 filters by since the beginning of this pandemic. August 24, with full installation in all These upgraded filters are in highschools set for completion by Thursday, demand across the nation, and because October 1. our team has been forward-thinking To learn more, visit www.hillsborthroughout this situation, we are now able oughschools.org.
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Volume 19, Issue 9
Bass Pro Shops Pairs With Take A Kid Fishing Charity To Help Make A Difference
By Kye Saunders
lies in the power A local charity, of fishing. Take a Kid Fishing Fishing Inc., teamed up enables these with Bass Pro kids the chance Shops recently to to learn brighten the lives patience, teamof a group of local work and relaxkids. ation, which in Take a Kid turn enhances Fishing, a nonprofit their mood and organization that Bass Pro Shops recently donated more critical thinking enhances the lives than 400 rods to local nonprofit Take a Kid skills, all while of underprivileged Fishing Inc. having the and fatherless kids chance to get onto the water through its fishing mentorand have fun. ship program, received Take a Kid Fishing gives more than 400 rods from kids without a father figure or Bass Pro Shops. reliable encouragement the The gently-used rods chance to feel supported not and reels were donated by customers in exchange for discounts just by Dunn and his team but also by the other kids within the program. on new gear; each piece is refurWhether they land the biggest bished to ensure they are fish-ready catch of the day or not, fishing for kids. teaches the kids how to support “We are excited that more famieach other, win or lose. lies and kids across the country are As a nonprofit, Take a Kid discovering fishing. They’re putting down their phones and video games, Fishing is entirely dependent on picking up fishing poles and enjoying donations, volunteers and sponsors. When asked about the impact making some memories together in the equipment would have on the the great outdoors,” Bass Pro program, Dunn stated, “We are all General Manager Ronnie Cheeks about the kids. We are so thankful to said. be chosen to receive this equipTake a Kid Fishing takes kids of ment.” all ages on various yearly fishing Stay connected with Take a Kid excursions where Founder William Fishing by following it on social Dunn and his team teach the youth media and visit www.takffl.com to in their program real-life skills and learn more about how to donate and the power of responsibility. make a difference. What makes the program unique
September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 21
Family BBQ Cook-Off Fundraiser For Local Resident Leo Pilotte
Peach Pit Farms, Family-Owned & Operated 5-Acre Family Farm In The Heart Of Lithia
On Sunday, “There is going to September 6, David be some of the best Buckner will host an competitive and backall-day backyard baryard BBQ guys and becue cook-off to supgirls in town,” Buckner port FishHawk resisaid in his Facebook dent Leo Pilotte, who post promoting the he has known for 40 event. years. Pilotte was The barbecue diagnosed with stage cook-off will host a raffour cancer two fle for families with months ago and grand prizes including: began treatment last a whole house carpet month. The doctors and tile cleaning by Friends of FishHawk resident Leo Pilotte are organizing a backyard are still unsure of Steamers of Tampa barbecue cook-off to help his battle what type of cancer Bay LLC (provided by with cancer. he has, but they Scott Peterson), a know it has spread to his colon and fishing basket from Reel Animals Fishing abdominal wall. Show and Bull Bay Rods (provided by Pitmasters are encouraged to bring Mike Anderson), a gift basket from Gypsy their RVs, best rubs and sauces as well Mermaid Day Spa in Apollo Beach (proas their Caribbean cooking skills to the vided by Alexis and Krissie Kight) and fundraiser to support Pilotte and his famiChick-fil-A for a year (provided by Scott ly. Buckner and Pilotte chose to do a barand Heidi Brickhouse). becue cook-off because “it’s just someThe hosts are asking for volunteers thing that we enjoy doing and we’ve been to show up to the field the day before for cooking together for years,” said Buckner. a few hours to help set up campers and Pitmasters are welcome to camp tents. They are also looking for local overnight on Saturday before the barbebands to provide music and entertaincue cook-off begins. The family-friendly ment for the event and judges to vote on competition will include six different types the best dishes. of barbecue dishes: chicken, ribs, beef, “I could use all the help I can get,” pork, anything off a grill/smoker and a said Buckner. “This is the first time I have side dish. Winners of each category and done anything like this.” the best overall chef will receive a trophy For more information or to sign up, for the best dish and the barbecue direct message Buckner on Facebook at cooked in the competition will be sold for www.facebook.com/david.buckner.7146 lunches the next day. The food smoked in or sign up on the event’s Facebook page the competition will be sold to families at www.facebook.com/events/s/leowho attend the event and the money pilotte-benefit-camp-andraised will go to the Pilotte family. b/607931970130636/.
Peach Pit Farms come out to the is a labor of love crefarm if they want to ated in 2012 by huspurchase its fresh band and wife Jeff produce. and Linda Lewis. The “Our volunteers Lewis’ began their have stopped comfarm with the goal of ing out to the farm offering local, fresh, to help us harvest, healthy fruits, vegetaso we are doing bles and herbs to the everything ourselves,” Jeff Tampa Bay community. said. “I’m also in the “We are a small 5-acre process of creating an farm in Lithia that is dedicatonline store that will take ed to being environmentalSquare payments and ly sustainable in its produchave a convenient delivtion practices of cover ery option.” crops, natural manures Peach Pit Farms and micro irrigation,” said offers its produce at other Jeff. “We have over 20 local artisan and farmers’ years of production experimarkets in the area if you ence growing greenhouse, can’t make it out to its nursery plants, fruits and farm. Its produce can be vegetables. We are a found at Passion Florida registered beeOrganics Farmers Peach Pit Farms has been a keeper as well.” Market in Thonotosassa part of the Lithia community The couple are strong and at the Valrico Artisan since 2012. believers in shopping and supporting Faire. “Our produce is picked daily in local. order to maximize freshness and to opti“We believe that producing fresh, mize the flavor and dining experience of delicious and healthy fruits, vegetables our clients,” Jeff said. “We give our clients and herbs is a way to build a positive fresh fruits and vegetables from our family relationship with our community,” Jeff to your table.” said. “With our locally grown and freshly To learn more about the produce picked produce, we promote healthy livPeach Pit Farms has to offer or to know ing as well as enhancing the lives of our when it is at the artisan and farmers’ marclients with our fresh, delicious, seasonal kets in the area, visit www.peachpitfruits, vegetables and herbs.” farms.com. To purchase produce directly The COVID-19 pandemic has had from the farm, call Jeff at 463-6855 or some effects on the farm. Customers Linda at 382-0652. Peach Pit Farms is must now call and schedule a time to located at 11106 FL-674 in Lithia.
By Lily Belcher
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By Libby Hopkins
Page 22
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
Meals On Wheels For Kids Expands Into Wimuama, Looking For Volunteers
Law Offices Of Laurie E. Ohall Ready To Serve Clients With Estate Planning Needs
Children in time they delivthe SouthShore er the meals. area have more Lauren access to food Vance, managthanks to a new er for the program from Tampa Bay Meals on Network to End Wheels. Its Hunger, Meals on expressed, “The Wheels for Kids program aims program to provide nutri(MOW4Kids), tion and social Meals on Wheels recently expanded its kids program to the SouthShore area and is looking connection to which launched for volunteers to help. this past March, isolated children expanded into Wimuama recently to and families.” help feed the area’s hungry. TC Delivers, a Tampa mail services The MOW4Kids program began in provider, and Beth-El Farmworker response to COVID-19 school closures Ministry, a local nonprofit that provides that left many residents 18 or under who assistance to Hispanic farmworkers and could not access the meal disruption their families, work with the MOW4Kids sites or open food pantries stuck. The to package and distribute the food. TC program began by delivering meals to Delivers will transform into a packing site the homes in 12 Pinellas County zip for the produce and shelf-stable goods, codes, to those who rely on the national while Beth-El Farmworker Ministry will free and reduced breakfast and lunch become a distribution center for volunprogram. teers to run by and pick up meals to disAfter receiving a charitable donation tribute to the homes. from the Valencia Lakes Sports Charity, The program is always needing help MOW4Kids was able to expand into and volunteers to contribute to the Wimuama, reaching more kids. The cause. Wimuama area was chosen due to the “Those in the community can get high rate of food insecurity and kids who involved by signing up to volunteer to lack access to transportation to the meal deliver a route, which takes about an distribution sites. hour, or by donating $40, which provides Each of the deliveries include five five frozen meals and a box of shelf-stafrozen meals freshly prepared by local ble food and fresh produce,” said Vance. business Delectables Fine Catering, a To learn more about Meals on box of shelf-stable food and fresh proWheels/MOW4Kids or sign up as a volduce. Volunteers go one step further, unteer, go to providing a safety/wellness check each www.networktoendhunger.org.
When taking care of ered a routine matter of life’s administrative preparing for the future, details like estate plansome people are now ning, it’s beneficial to coming to Ohall with an understand the choices increased sense of on the table, especially urgency about formalizin cases involving the ing their plans. elderly or other special “With the pandemic needs family members that is occurring, we are who may need a little seeing more and more more guidance and conpeople who want to sideration in securing make sure they have The legal team of the Law Offices their estate planning in their futures and proof Laurie E. Ohall is ready to serve tecting their assets. order,” wrote Ohall. clients in the areas of estate Informing clients “People realize that they planning, elder law, and guardianship. From left to right: about their options is a have no control when Dana Kemper, Neysa Smith, cornerstone of how the something bad could Laurie E. Ohall. Law Offices of Laurie E. happen and they want Ohall conducts business in to make sure that they take the areas of estate planning, care of their family and have elder law, probate and a plan in place so that, if guardianship. something happens to them, they have Laurie E. Ohall earned her Juris named who they want to make healthDoctor degree from Stetson University care and financial decisions for them.” College of Law and has been practicing Teaming up with Ohall to serve since 1994. She has been Florida board clients at the firm’s Brandon office, locatcertified in elder law since 2012 and ed at 1464 Oakfield Dr., are Attorney emphasizes the importance of communiDana Kemper, who also received her cating to clients what the law requires in Juris Doctor degree from Stetson documenting their intentions and actions. University College of Law and is Florida “When we speak to clients, we try to board certified in elder law, and Neysa make sure that they understand why they Smith, the firm’s paralegal. need certain types of documents and we You can learn more about how the strive to educate them to the best of our Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall may be ability,” Ohall wrote in an email, citing able to help you by calling 438-8503 or by examples such as a durable power of visiting online at ohalllaw.com, where you attorney or a living will, as well as healthcan also find general answers to common care surrogate designations. estate planning questions and view While ensuring personal and estate informative videos of a guardianship affairs are in good order can be considworkshop that Ohall facilitates.
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By Brad Stager
September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 23
Page 24
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
March 2020
Volume 19, Issue 3
Ph: 657-2418
Bloomingdale/FishHawk
In This Section
HCC ROBOTICS CAMP.....................PG 27 JF KICKS LIVE MUSIC & MORE........PG 28 SEAWORLD FREE FOR MILITARY.....PG 30 ST. PETE PIER..................................PG 38
September 2020
Volume 19, Issue 9
JUST AROUND THE CORNER...........PG 41
Ph: 657-2418
1 Stop Golf Shop Opens
Being named 1 Stop Golf Shop, the store really is the one stop needed to fulfill all your golfing requirements. Recently opened at 3321 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico in the same plaza as Sprouts and JF Kicks, the new Owner Sean Klotz using Trackman munity of riders to motivate to practice and monitor his swing. owners, Jim and inspire your fitness jourAllsbrook and ney. Each CycleBar session is a 45Sean Klotz, are excited to share their minute low-impact, high-intensity cycling knowledge and love of golf with all those experience for all ages and body types. that stop by. Along with retail merchanClasses are led by the industry’s best dise, 1 Stop Golf Shop also offers golf instructors and with various class formats lessons with professional instruction, club you can diversify your workout to rock fitting and repair and lots of friendly and your ride any way you’d like. Energizing informative advice. playlists and a concert environment Currently, 1 Stop Golf Shop is open accompanied by performance stats help Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., you to achieve your personal best, ride Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday after ride. from 1-6 p.m.More information can be The studio will be situated at 3335 found at www.1stopgolfshopfl.com, its Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico in the same Facebook page @1StopGolfShop or by plaza as Sprouts. More information can calling 655-0355. be found at www.cyclebar.com/location/brandon, its CycleBar Opening In Valrico Facebook page @CYCLEBARBrandon CycleBar, the world’s premium indoor or by calling 990-7978. cycling brand, is coming to Valrico. The studio goes beyond a great cardio workLithia Storage Opening Soon out with premium amenities and a com-
one another.” One way it supports the community is by offering a military discount and free use of the comCraig Stern, owner of Lithia Storage, and his family pany truck Lithia Storage, the new for local charitable organizations and by storage facility built on Lithia utilizing the area on the rear of the truck Springs Rd. alongside Lithia to thank and show appreciation to the milPinecrest Rd., will be openitary service members and frontline working soon. The facility offers ers that live among us. over 80,000 square feet of climate-conFor more information, visit lithiastortrolled and non-climate-controlled storage age.com or call 502-6755. space as well as outside covered and non-covered parking for boats and RVs. Dr. Ben Christman Joins Hess An on-site manager will reside on the Orthodontics grounds and free use of its company Hess Orthodontics is very happy to truck will be available when moving items welcome Dr. Ben Christman to the team. into the facility. Owner Craig Stern is Dr. Christman will be helping out while Dr. excited to open. “While leasing storage units and selling merchandise is our busi- Popat is out on maternity leave. Dr. Christman graduated from the ness, we want our unmatched customer University of Florida before receiving his service with primary focus on our cusDMD from Midwestern University and tomers’ needs to distinctly define us and Certificate of Orthodontics from Nova set us apart. The difference is not in what Southeastern University. Dr. Christman we do, but rather how we do it,” he said. grew up in the Tampa Bay area and is “As we aim to please our customers, we also aim to be of benefit to our local com- excited to return home and have the opportunity to serve our community. munity by supporting, participating and For the most up to date information providing resources to the community on Hess Orthodontics follow them on around us in various capacities. We social media @hessortho on Facebook believe life is best lived when we work together, encourage, support and serve
Continued on Next Page
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Page 26
Business Column Continued...................
By Jenny Bennett Motion ChiroTherapy Celebrates Two Year Anniversary
and @hessorthodontics on Instagram.
Tampa Restoration Equipment Rental Here To Meet Your Needs
Tampa Restoration Equipment Rental is based in Valrico and is the place to go for your restoration equipment needs. You can rent just the equipment or they can supply a full restoration service. Products available include air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers and emergency generators. Restoration services for water mitigation from floods, burst pipes or other water intrusion are also offered. An additional service currently on offer is COVID-19 cleaning, using electrostatic misting. It is available 24 hours a day and can be reached on 510-7357. Visit www.trerc.com or its Facebook page @tamparestorationequiprental to find out more.
Dr. Robert Lutz and his team at Motion ChiroTherapy would like to thank the community for all their support over the last two years. Dr. Lutz said, “At Motion ChiroTherapy, we understand that each person is unique, and that’s why we are dedicated to providing progressive, evidence-based care with individualized treatment plans. At Motion ChiroTherapy, we help you by not only treating the symptoms, but finding the solution to what is causing them.” Ailments that it can help with include headaches, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica and others. Motion Chirotherapy is located at 16765 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia in the Shops of Fishhawk plaza. More information can be found by calling 793-7791 or visiting www.motionchirotherapy.com.
Curry Law Group Awarded Best Of The Best For Family Law
The Best of the Best Attorneys has acknowledged the outA recent Dancing for Donations recital group. Dancing for standing performDonations is a nonprofit organization with ance of Florida’s family law firm, Curry a mission to make dance affordable and Law Group P.A., as a 2020 Best of the available to all members of the communi- Best Top 10 Family Law Firm, which ty. Dancers of all abilities are welcome practices law at a higher standard. and encouraged to explore the different Selections are based on either nominatypes of dance available to them. tions by peers, clients and/or the The studio can be found at 1076 E. research team and the Best of the Best Brandon Blvd. Visit www.dancing4donaaward is reserved for those lawyers who tions.org or call 601-3009 for additional exhibit excellence in their practice with information. an exceptional relationship with his or
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to help you navigate complex medical insurance systems. “We help people with any health coverage or medicare-related product available. We are knowledgeable about the plans we offer ourselves as well as competitors’ plans we do not carry. We always make sure you get the plan that is right, with us or another source,” said Mark. Accurate Health Plans can also assist you with dental, vision and life insurance plans. Accurate Health Plans is located at 10014 Kenda Dr. in Riverview and can be contacted on 310-0403. Visit www.accuratehealthplans.com or AccurateHealthPlans on Facebook to find out more.
Local Dentist Honored With Award
Incisal Edge dental magazine recognizes brilliant achievers ages 40 and under with its signature award, 40 Under 40. Among this year’s honorees is the owner of local Apollo Beach practice SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Casey Lynn. The final 40 Under 40 list includes innovative and passionate young professionals in dentistry across the United States. Individuals were nominated and vetted by an independent panel to select the final recipients. Whether renowned for their medical innovations, volunteer work, philanNew Hours For The thropy or simply a comMary And Martha mitment to outstanding House Fashion And patient care, these honHome Goods Store orees represent the Award winning dentist Dr. Casey best of dentistry today. The Mary & Lynn of Smile Lynn Dental in Apollo SmileLYNN Martha Fashion and Beach. Pediatric Dentistry is Home Goods store located at 122 Harbor Village Ln. in which sells items to support Mary & Apollo Beach and can be reached at Martha House has new opening hours 591-3052 or www.smilelynndental.com for the summer. The store, situated at for more information. 312 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Ruskin, will now be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Accurate Health Plans Opens In Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mary & Riverview Martha House was founded in 1982 and has been helping women and families Mark and Steve McDade recently escape domestic violence and homeopened Accurate Health Plans in Riverview (formerly Accurate Insurance) lessness for over 35 years.
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September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 27
HCC Hosts Robotics Camp For Girls
By Faith Miller
Last month, the Engineering Technology Department at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) - Brandon Campus partnered with the Tampa Bay STEM Network and Hillsborough County School District to host a weeklong virtual robotics camp for girls. According to Desh Bagley, HCC camp coordinator, HCC Brandon has hosted all-girls robotics camps for five years. The camp was for girls in grades 5-10 and was hosted via Zoom from 9 a.m.-12 Noon, Monday-Friday. Bagley explained it was very important to those in charge of the camp to give the girls the opportunity to learn together with handson tools as in previous summers. The camp provided participants with UBTECH’s UKIT Intermediate robotic kits to work with and keep at the camp. The kits included a microprocessor, four servo motors, wheels, LEDs, IR sensor, touch sensor and a charging cable, altogether valued at $299, and were made available to the girls through a partnership with the Tampa Bay STEM Network, Hillsborough Education Foundation, Women In Defense and UBTECH Education. By using the UKIT app that was available through tablets
and cellphones, the girls were able to look at 3D models of the robots they were building and were able to program robots through Bluetooth. Campers built multiple robots and learned skills about robotics, including motors, sensors, lights along with controls such as joysticks and buttons. At the end of the week, each girl was given the task of creating her own robot using these skills and gave a presentation through Zoom. The goal was to make a robot that could help in the community or the world. They then demonstrated their robots in action and showed the code on the UKIT app. Some of the robot designs included companion robots, food serving robots, robotic pets, police officer robots, trash collecting robots, hand sanitizer dispensing robots and many more. Shirley Dobbins, HCC Engineering Technology Department chair, stated that her hopes for the future of the program, along with the continual support of their partner, include being able to be on the campus next summer and make some creative and competitive activities that will challenge and encourage the young ladies participating. “I enjoy[ed] the joy and sense of accomplishment displayed by the young ladies,” Dobbins stated. For more information on future camps and other opportunities, including virtual robotics teams, contact Bagley at dbagley5@hccfl.edu. Learn more at www.westfloridarobotics.org.
DR. JENNIFER CONDE BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST
813-530-6511 | CCDERMATOLOGY.COM
Page 28
Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Camel Drive-Thru Experience Returns To County Fairgrounds Weekends Through Sept.
Masks Required As JF Kicks Hosts Live Music, Markets, Car Shows & More
Looking for unable to because something different of the pandemic. to do with your “During this family this month? unprecedented America’s Show time we are facing Camels, Inc. is due to COVID-19, offering a camel modifications have drive-through edubeen made so our cational experience guests can drive free of charge for up and remain in families in their cars, ensurHillsborough ing a safe social County. distance, for viewing our “Residents are invited to beautiful camels,” said come see how our camels Henning. receive the absolute best Animal care staff will be care and learn about available to answer our beautiful, rare, questions from a safe blue-eyed, spotted social distance. camels and snow Although there is white dromedary no cost for the event, camels,” said repredonations of cash sentative Ryan and by credit card are Henning. “This safe, accepted to help with family fun, educationanimal care. al experience promis“Donations will es to be spectacular.” ensure that our The event, locatcamels continue ed at the receiving the highest Hillsborough County standards of care,” Fairgrounds, began said Henning. on August 13 and in America’s Show Camels are free to The event is view at the Hillsborough County the first four days open Thursdays Fairgrounds on Thursday-Sunday through Sundays, 10 more than 900 vehiuntil Sunday, September 13. cles attended. a.m.-2 p.m., until “People are loving this education- Sunday, September 13. To learn al event,” said Henning. more, search ‘America's Show The camels, part of the America’s Camels, Inc.’ on Facebook or Show Camels group, usually travel Instagram or visit around the country, but they are camelkingdom.com.
Johnny 4:30-7 p.m. Spieldenner is the Classic Car fifth oldest in his Show – cars, family of 18 chilmusic and food dren. He lovers welcome explained, “We (that includes are a family of most everyone) caregivers, service on Saturday, members and September 26 entertainers who from 3-7 p.m. in have the idea of JF Kicks Owner Johnny Spieldenner, pictured the parking lot. helping others There will be a here with his children, has set up many community events this month at the Valrico ingrained into our free meal of a hot restaurant and patio bar. life philosophy.” dog or hamburger As the owner of JF Kicks restaurant with chips and a drink. Classic cars will and patio bar in Valrico, Spieldenner park along the tree line with open hoods manages to incorporate a menu of his to display custom motors. families’ philosophy along with delicious Yappy Hour - Community Pet meal choices served within an ambience Project, a nonprofit created to assist of nostalgia in JF Kicks’ spacious dining homeless and at-risk Hillsborough County room or on the gold patio, complete with families struggling to keep pets fed and a fireplace and water feature. heathy, begins at 4-7 p.m. on the last This month, the restaurant is really Saturday of the month. Dog enthusiasts kicking up its community events with are encouraged to bring man’s best something for everyone. friends to JF Kicks’ dog-friendly patio and Check out JF Kicks’ Care, Serve and raise money through 50/50 bingo and Entertainment Menu: donations. Saturday at the Market – second Live Soloists – every Thursday, Saturday of the month in Kicks’ parking Friday and Saturday on the patio starting lot. Upcoming on September 12 at 10 at 7 p.m. a.m., vendors include Sugar Lees Although masks are required, Gourmet Coffee, Rhonda McDaniel’s A Spieldenner said, “We all need some Caring Touch Skin Therapy, Pop Pops semblance of normalcy and live entertainTinker Show as well as products and ment that has been sorely missed. We services like homemade beef jerky, paint- are finding a balance to keep our staff ings, baked goods, beard care and bath and local musicians working while providand beauty products. The $25 vendor fee ing safe entertainment for the communiis donated to the nonprofit Just One ty.” For more information, visit Foundation. A mobile blood bus will also www.JFKicksRestaurant.com or call 643be at JF Kicks on September 12 from 7777.
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Page 29
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Andrew Joseph Foundation Receives Donation From 100 Women Who Care
By Anjali Caligiuri
“Our group is for time and money from each compassionate women member. who want to make a sigThe most recent charity nificant impact on our chosen was the Andrew local community by Joseph Foundation foundcommitting to one hour ed by Deanna and Andrew four times a year and a Joseph after the tragic total of $400 per year,” death of their son, Andrew said Debbie Matice, The Andrew Joseph Foundation Joseph III. After spending receiving its check from 100 founder of the the day at the Florida State Women Who Care. Riverview/FishHawk Fair on February 7, 2014, 100 Women Who Care. 14-year-old Joseph was left on the highEach quarter, 100 women meet to way by law enforcement officials but was donate $100 each to a charity of their struck by a motorist as he attempted to choice. This June, the cross I-4 by himself. However, the Riverview/FishHawk chapter of 100 Josephs have taken this devastating Women Who Care has chosen the tragedy and transformed it into a societal Andrew Joseph Foundation (AJF) to turning point. bestow its generous donation upon to fur“AJF serves as advocates of safe ther the foundation’s work on making communities for children, youth and safety provisions to communities. young adults.The organization will serve 100 Women Who Care originated as a catalyst for system change and diafrom Jackson, Michigan, started by the logue on priority safety first parameters,” late Karen Dunigan. After learning the ter- according to the foundation’s website. rible misfortune of local mothers resorting Resonating with many mothers who to dresser drawers and boxes due to their shared the pain of receiving the dreaded inability to afford cribs, she decided to phone call of losing their child, the charity take action. grew and captured the attention of local, “Rather than seek a few large donors caring women in 100 Women Who Care. to meet the $10,000 goal for the project, AJF intends to use the funds for its Karen thought that she easily knew 100 ‘Back to Learning’ event on Saturday, women who would be willing to donate August 8 at Brandon Ravens Field, a $100. At their first meeting, the women place filled with the memories of young raised over $12,000 for the project and Andrew Joseph III practicing football. 100 Women Who Care was born,” said To learn more about 100 Women Matice. Who Care and the Andrew Joseph Matice noticed the need for a 100 Foundation, visit Women Who Care in her community and FaceBook.com/100WWCRiverviewFishH began the journey to make a big differawk or ence by only requiring a small donation of http://andrewjosephfoundation.com/.
Is Your Gut HAPPY? Kombucha is known
Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. It has grown in popularity in many Western countries. Advertised as “probiotic,” the drink taps into interest in the microbiome, and how our diets can 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.” Between the probiotics, B12, and electrolytes, kombucha can be a great alternative. 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.
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Page 30
Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Solar Co-Op Launches For Hillsborough County Residents To Learn About Options
SeaWorld Offers Free Admission For U.S. Military Veterans And Their Families
Nonprofit group bers can individually purSolar United chase panels and electric Neighbors (SUN) vehicle chargers based recently announced on the installer’s group the launch of the rate. Hillsborough County Partnering on the coSolar Co-Op to help op are: Hillsborough Tampa area residents County, League of go solar. Women Voters of The announceHillsborough County, ment came via a Environmental series of videos postProtection Commission Nonprofit group Solar United ed to SUN’s Florida of Hillsborough County, Neighbors (SUN) recently announced Southern Alliance for Facebook group. the launch of the Hillsborough Each video features County Solar Co-Op to help Tampa Clean Energy, Tampa area residents go solar. a local leader or Bay Sierra Club, Solar solar homeowner expressing support for and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) and the solar co-op and touting the benefits of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. going solar. “Forty years from now, the sea level The co-op is free to join and open to here (in Tampa Bay) will be 40 inches homeowners and business owners in higher than it is now, and that is the modHillsborough County. Together, co-op erate projection,” said Kent Bailey, chair members will learn about solar energy of Sierra Club. “There’s something you and leverage their numbers to ensure can do about that. SUN is showing homecompetitive pricing and quality solar owners how to install affordable, resideninstallations. tial rooftop solar that pays for itself in just “The co-op will enable Hillsborough a few years.” County homeowners and business ownSUN has hosted 55 solar co-ops in ers to join the growing community of peo- Florida since 2015. According to its estiple saving money by harnessing solar mates, the 1,717 homes and businesses power,” said Julia Herbst, Gulf Coast prothat now have solar panels because of gram coordinator for Solar United co-ops represent 16,000 kW of solar Neighbors. “Together, we’re building a power, $36.8 million in local solar spendmovement to transform our electricity sys- ing and more than 551 million lbs. of lifetem into one that is cleaner, fairer and time carbon offsets. shares its benefits more broadly.” Those interested in going solar can After a competitive bidding process learn more and sign up for free at facilitated by SUN, co-op members will https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/co select a single solar company to comops/hillsborough-2020-solar-co-op/. plete the installations. By joining, memVisit www.solarunitedneighbors.org.
U.S. military vetSeaWorld Orlando and erans and retirees San Antonio and Busch can visit Busch Gardens Tampa. Gardens and “It is an honor and a SeaWorld for free privilege for our between now and SeaWorld and Busch Wednesday, Gardens family to extend November 11. free park admission to Qualifying residents our country’s veterans U.S. military veterans and retirees can redeem their and their families and can visit Busch Gardens and complimentary sinSeaWorld for free between now and provide them with memWednesday, November 11. gle-day ticket for orable experiences that themselves and up to three friends or are not only fun, but more importantly family members online at safe,” said Marc Swanson, interim chief www.WavesofHonor.com. executive officer of SeaWorld Parks and In addition to enhancing the parks’ Entertainment. “Our long-standing comalready strict health and safety measures, mitment to members of the U.S. military capacity at each park is carefully limited through the Waves of Honor program is to create even more open space for our way of saying thank you to all of the guests to enjoy a fun and inspiring experi- brave individuals who serve and sacrifice ence while maintaining physical distancfor this country.” ing in a safe environment. As reservations The Waves of Honor program are required and limited for every visit, already provides complimentary admisguests are encouraged to make their sion for U.S. active duty military personreservations early. nel, activated or drilling reservists and Since its launch in 2005, more than National Guardsmen and up to three 10 million guests—active duty military dependents. Additional discounts and members, veterans and their families— offers are available for active military and have enjoyed the SeaWorld family of veterans through MWR and ITT offices parks for free through the Waves of on U.S. military bases and online at Honor program. This year, in addition to www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers the free offer, veterans have the option to are available year-round and may differ add up to four additional guest tickets for by park. 50 percent off to SeaWorld Orlando, For detailed information about the SeaWorld San Antonio or Busch Gardens safety measures that guests can expect Tampa. Veterans who take advantage of when visiting the resort, including key the ticket offer can also receive $10 off operational changes, visit https://seaAll-Day Dining and 50 percent off Quick worldentertainment.com/park- reopeningQueue Unlimited, the company’s front-ofand-safety/ or individual park pages for line access option, for attractions at parks that are currently open.
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Page 31
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Tide Dry Cleaners In Valrico Launches Their New Delivery Service
FishHawk Resident Starts HUMiD, The Perfect Florida Clothing Business
Tide Dry Tide also Cleaners is offers contact making life free drop-off easier for resiand pickup dents. Berry options with a and Sharon 24-hour drop Wright, who box, 24-hour own the locapickup and tions in Valrico drop-off and a and South kiosk that can Tampa, be utilized 24launched a hours a day. Tide Dry Cleaners Route Manager and Driver Ted There is also a new delivery Craft are part of the the company’s new delivery service out of valet lane for service. the Valrico store this month. drop-off and pickup, and wash and The service, which has been run- fold laundry is also available as team ning in South Tampa since earlier this members follow the requirements to summer, makes the well-known Tide protect themselves and guests. cleaning services more convenient According to Sharon, a team with for customers. more than 100 years of experience in “To provide the guest with conresearch developed the Tide venience and quality would be our Complete Care System. It creates goal of the new delivery service,” whiter, cleaner and fresher clothes, Sharon said. using a detergent that can only be According to Sharon, when cusfound at Tide Cleaners. tomers sign up for the service, they A reward program, included autoreceive a hook and a Tide Cleaners matically, allows customers to receive bag that can be placed outside their coupons and more with a point door. After confirmation via text the earned for every item brought in. night before, a driver comes to cus“All in all, as we continue to tomer’s homes to pick up items adapt to the times, we are happy to placed on the hook. help as much as we can,” Sharon Homes or businesses in the said. Valrico, Brandon and Riverview areas For more information, visit are serviced for delivery out of the https://tidecleaners.com/en-us. The Valrico location. Those who choose Valrico store is located at 1928 E. delivery can expect it to come twice a Bloomingdale Ave. and is open week for either drop-off or pickup. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 The day and time will depend on the p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. area. Call 662-4243 to learn more.
FishHawk resident textile partners to manuTravis Mueller loves to facture our blends into spend time outside with knitted fabrics, while we his family and friends. A create our patterns. father to two young boys Before production, we and a veteran, Mueller felt prototype and field-test that there was a gap in our product designs to the market for active and ensure our quality stancasual clothing designed dards are being met and manufactured to perbefore making any final form in humid weather tweaks prior to final cutconditions. So, rather than ting and sewing.” feeling uncomfortable HUMiD products are while spending time in designed and built using FishHawk resident Travis the heat, he decided to an F3 framework. Mueller recently started HUMiD solve the problem, and “We pursue the best Outside offering active and casual clothing designed and ‘Form’ of material, focusHUMiD Outside was manufactured to perform in born. ing on softness and humid weather conditions. “As much as we tried strength properties,” said to find products that were well-suited to Mueller. “Our ‘Fit’ requirements are to be actually function in our climate to keep the multimodal extending from active to casubody cool and comfortable—while looking al wear, allowing dynamic mobility without good…well, we just couldn’t find anything sacrificing style…the perfect marriage. to live up to the expectation,” said Finally, the ‘Function’ is where we really Mueller. “So, armed with a field engineerseal the outcome with a stunning ability to ing and global business background of absorb and dissipate body moisture more than 20 years, we felt that we need- incredibly fast, allowing skin to breath and ed to apply our problem-solving tactics to eliminate potential heat barriers before this industry and create a better suite of they can ever form. And did we mention products.” our products are naturally antimicrobial Mueller is proud of the fact that all of and funky-free?” his products are made in the USA from HUMiD Outside launched in July with textile manufacturers through cutting and two men’s styles, in four colors each, and sewing and shipments going directly to recently added two women’s products, consumers. also in four colors. “We are not a reseller of offshore “We are building a real brand with designs,” he said. “Before we ever create real products that have real performa product, we start at the fibers, which are ance,” explained Mueller. the base of what makes our products To learn more or order, visit effective. From there, we work with our www.humidoutside.com.
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Page 32
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
LeAnne’s Cookies Sends Sweet Gifts Both Local And Nationwide
By Libby Hopkins
LeAnne Crabtree, ect. owner of LeAnne’s Cookies, “He emphatically stated, grew up baking cookies with ‘People are becoming too her grandmother in her health conscious and will no kitchen. Her grandmother longer eat cookies; thereand great-grandmother fore, this business will not be always baked. a success,’” Crabtree said. It wasn’t until Crabtree Ignoring her professor’s went off to college at UCF harsh criticism and her in 1986 that she would grade on her project, make baking cookies her LeAnne’s Cookies has contincareer. ued to prosper for more than “I was a finance major at 25 years. UCF and my professor gave “I took the advice of one of us a project to create a prodthe professors on campus who uct or service I wanted to loved my cookies,” Crabtree sell,” Crabtree said. “I had no said. “She suggested I look into clue what I wanted to do, so the corporate gifting and at the I called my dad and asked time I didn’t know what she him. I had been home from was talking about, but when I school the week before I did my research, I decided to called him and I had showgive it a try. It’s been great for ered my parent with cookies us.” I baked. My dad was eating In current times of the panone of my cookies and demic, most businesses are laughed while we were on LeAnne Crabtree has suffering or closing. Crabtree’s the phone. He said, business has been doing very been in business for more than 25 years. ‘LeAnne, you love to bake well because all of her busiso why don’t you do something with ness is done contactless, as customers cookies?’” order online and the cookies are shipped. The cookie seed was planted, so to “Since our cookies are wrapped individuspeak. ally, they are safe for our customers,” Her cookies were an instant hit with Crabtree said. “We have been doing lots the college students, professors, neighof graduation, thinking of you and sympabors and friends, who were anxious to thy cookie gifts since the pandemic startbuy all the cookies she could produce. ed.” Her ‘cookie business’ immediately made To learn more about the different a profit and the overwhelming demand for cookies and cookie gifts LeAnne’s Crabtree’s cookies continued even after Cookies has to offer, visit its website at her professor gave her a ‘C’ on the projwww.leannescookies.com or contact
Volume 19, Issue 9
The Florida Orchestra Changes Fall Season For Safety
By Kelly Smith
As the coron- The audience avirus pandemic will be small to continues, The allow for spaced Florida Orchestra seating. is making changes - For the first to its fall season to time, The Florida maximize safety. Orchestra will offer “I could not be live video streams more proud of our of select concerts musicians and staff to ensure everyone who have kept the can experience the music playing in music. our TFO at Home However, series online, but everything is subwe are determined ject to change, to bring you live depending on the performances,” virus. TFO is worksaid TFO President ing with its estaband CEO Mark lished venues and Cantrell. “At the CDC guidelines to same time, the implement safety health and safety measures, and it is of everyone is exploring outdoor The Florida Orchestra President and absolutely our top and alternate venCEO Mark Cantrell. priority.” ues as necessary. More details will TFO is hopeful it can do both by be provided about one month before making these changes and more: the season begins. - TFO will push back the start of “The music of The Florida the season about one month to the Orchestra is courage, hope, joy, end of October. grief—everything people are feeling - To allow for extra spacing on in this pandemic,” Cantrell said. “As stage, Music Director Michael long as it is safe to do so, we will Francis is changing the repertoire to find a way to perform because we use fewer musicians. An updated know music helps people cope. It schedule of concerts will be reminds us of the deeper meaning in announced in September. our lives. It has been the heart and - Concerts will be slightly shortsoul of this orchestra and the Tampa er, about 75 minutes, with no interBay community for more than 52 mission. years.”
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September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 33
Savannah Court Offers Way For Residents To Get A Hug While Maintaining Protocols
A Kid’s Place Continues Operations Despite COVID-19 Worries
As restaurants leaving a family member reopen, people start to in assisted living strugventure out and life gle with not being able somewhat normalizes to hold the hand of their after the beginning of the loved ones or give a coronavirus pandemic, long-awaited hug. Huff things are not the same realized, “They need for our most vulnerable that contact, just like populations, such as the they need air.” So, she residents at Savannah and her staff have creatCourt Assisted Living ed an innovative way for Facility of Brandon. For that to happen. Huff these people, it has been calls it the Hug Booth. It over 100 days since is a box, much like a many of them had seen telephone booth, that their friends and families can separate two indiface to face. viduals, yet it still allows Chyna Huff, execu- Savannah Court assisted living for a true embrace. facility recently installed a hug tive director of Using easy to clean booth for residents. Savannah Court, knew plastic barriers and this was not healthy: “It’s bad enough wearable, disposable gloves/shields, where the families cannot get in and residents can now safely embrace one see them. Humans aren’t made to sus- another, their families and their friends. tain that type of constant depression, Savannah Court of Brandon’s disconnect and loneliness. We had try efforts are a testament to the loving, to do things that will ease the situagracious senior care it offers the comtion.” munity. Currently, it provides traditional Savannah Court is an active assisted living in a variety of floor plans assisted living facility. Its monthly activi- as well as overnight respite care for ties included big field trips to places those individuals who may need help like the USF Botanical Gardens, but for a few days or weeks following a Huff had to revamp their offerings for surgery, for example. When the pansmaller, in-house groups. Bible study, demic passes, it hopes to again offer exercise classes, bingo and music are day services designed for caregivers regular activities, but Huff and her staff who may need eight hours once in a have added more events, like ice while or on a regular basis to fulfill oblicream socials and beauty salon days gations they would not be able to do that mimic the aspects of the residents’ while caring for their family member. routines that they can no longer enjoy. For more information or to take a It offers Zoom sessions with family virtual tour, call 603-7844 or visit members, recorded messages from www.slm.net/seniorfamilies and friends and even window living/fl/brandon/savannah-court-ofvisits where families, friends and resibrandon/. Personalized virtual tours are dents are safely separated yet able to also available for those who have speinteract. cific questions and want to hear resiStill, Huff realized something was dent interviews. Find it on Facebook at missing. There is nothing that can truly www.facebook.com/SavannahCourtBra replace the physical touch of another ndonAssistedLiving. Savannah Court person. So many children, spouses, of Brandon, ALF License #9353, is and residents who deal with the rollerlocated at 824 N. Parsons Ave. in coaster of emotions that comes with Brandon.
Forever dedmore comforticated to serving able with engagchildren in need, ing in local busiA Kid’s Place is nesses while transitioning from maintaining its summer quarsocial distancing, antine practices local nonprofits to a fall, schoollike A Kid’s Place time schedule. are seeing a But COVID-19 return of overall has not made communal supthat easy. port. “The pandemRecently, sevic has affected us eral local businessin a bunch of difes, such as Kona ferent ways,” said Ice and Mission the CEO of A Kid’s BBQ, came togethPlace, Brad er to provide the Gregory. kids with food and A Kid’s Place treats made outhas seen its chilside of the kitchen. dren isolated to Over the last few the campus exclumonths, the Despite the pandemic, A Kid’s Place in sively, with few Hillsborough Valrico is helping get local children ready for options to venture County school this month. away from the Community Block area, and only supervised visGrant has also allowed the its to parks and open areas to home to spruce up its camensure social distancing. pus. According to Gregory, it For the community, has been challenging for the Gregory suggests everyone team to convince about 60 remain “smart and respectkids to stay inside and on-site. ful” in maintaining safety “Keeping the children on-site exclustandards. He encourages residents to sively also creates a negative emotional spend at local businesses, where a impact,” Gregory said, adding that it crerecent charity contribution consisted of ates feelings of irritability and anxiety. community members buying meals at However, there is a plan for that. local restaurants and directing those As summer comes to a close and meals to A Kid’s Place. schools are looking at the reopening, A Despite recent economic struggles, Kid’s Place is looking at getting their kids including cancellations of several ready to move back to a school-year fundraising opportunities, A Kid’s Place, schedule. To combat the emotional strain Gregory said, is remaining open and that locked up children often get, ranging will continue to remain open with the from young children to teenagers, safety of its children kept in mind at the Gregory said school stands as a steady highest regard. “We’re not shutting consistency that helps them maintain a down.” healthy mentality; “a major emotional facTo learn more about A Kid’s Place tor is school.” and to help with donations of needed As the community moves towards items, visit www.akidsplacetb.org or call reopening and residents are becoming 381-3839.
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Page 34
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
Get Suspicious Seeds In The Mail? Hillsborough’s Extension Service Will Take Them
Staff Report
Golf is one of the few sports that can be played by multiple generations. It isn't uncommon to have grandparents take their grandchild out for their first round of golf. My two fondest memories of playing golf are the first time I played with my father and my grandfather and that was only outdone by the first time my son played with myself and my father. Many parents and grandparents feel they may have the skills to teach their kids how to play. We all know that all good intentions are just that. It is important to get the proper training for your junior as they start their life long journey with the game of golf. The First Tee, a youth development organization, gives you the perfect avenue for introducing them to the game. The First Tee, although centered around golf, puts great importance on the other aspects of golf and how they relate to the positive growth of the junior into their young adult years. It works off nine core values that are based on character and val-
ues. It understands that since golf is an activity for life, it may have a direct impact on molding who they are and how the game impacts them. The First Tee’s mission statement is “to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.” The First Tee, being a charitable organization, has scholarships and needs-based funds allowing those that may not be able to afford lessons to join the program. Summerfield Crossings Golf Club hosts weekly group lessons as well as summer camps through the YMCA and The First Tee. Remember, it is important to not only learn the right way to grip and swing a club, but also the core values and principles that are embedded in this game. For more information on The First Tee’s programs, visit www.thefirstteeoftampabay.org. Please email me with any questions or comments at golfguyosprey@gmail.com.
Recently, some ‘brushing scam’ residents may have where people been receiving receive unsolicited unsolicited seeds items from a seller from China, which who then posts should not be plantfalse customer ed or used in any reviews to boost way. Instead, sales. The seeds Hillsborough County should not be plantresidents who ed or used in any received these other way. unsolicited packSeeds of ages of suspicious unknown origin seeds in the mail One of the unsolicited seed packages may constitute received by a local resident. may bring the packagricultural smugets to the Hillsborough County gling, be invasive, introduce Extension Service three days a week. pathogens or toxins, pose a risk of Extension Service staff will foodborne illness or threaten plant accept the seeds on Mondays, and animal health, according to the Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. Florida Department of Agriculture and to 3 p.m. Residents who are unable Consumer Services. to drop off the seeds during these Residents should bring only times can call 744-5519 for additional seed/plant material packets and their instructions. The Extension Service is original packaging to the Extension located at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Service office. Any other items that Seffner. may have been contained in the packThe arrival in mailboxes across ages can be discarded. The seeds are the country of suspicious seed packbeing collected by the Florida ets that appear to have come from Department of Agriculture and China has generated headlines and Consumer Services, which is assisting prompted an alert from the U.S. in the nationwide investigation. Department of Agriculture. The USDA So far, the Hillsborough County is working closely with other federal Extension Service has been sent four agencies and state departments of seed packages from local residents. agriculture to investigate the deliverPeople in possession of unopened ies. packages or packages containing The USDA believes at this time other non-agricultural items should that the packages, reportedly somecontact the USDA APHIS Antitimes containing other items such as Smuggling Hotline at 800-877-3835 or silverware and fidget spinners, are a SITC.mail@aphis.usda.gov.
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September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
G ET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT
Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension
If I Could Only Have Two Shrubs In My Landscape…
If I could only have two shrubs in my landscape, one would be firebush, also known as scarlet bush or Hamelia patens. This is a Florida native that produces orange-red tubular flowers most of the year. Not only is it a beautiful landscape addition, it attracts birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. What more can you ask for? This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade. In full sun, it flowers the most, although some consider the foliage (yellow/orange) to be less attractive. Foliage in the shade is green. Mine generally die back to the ground in the winter, but the roots sprout quickly when the weather warms. It grows quickly and can reach a height of 5-20 feet and a spread of 5-8 feet, so be sure to give it room to grow. Firebush performs well as a border plant, an accent, for screening an area or in a massive planting—providing there is sufficient space. Prune as you see fit. This shrub prefers well to medium-well drained soil moisture,
has medium drought tolerance and low to no salt tolerance. It is easy to propagate using cuttings or fresh seeds. The fruits/seeds are black and fleshy and attract birds. The seeds are suited for bird and human consumption, although I have never eaten any…yet. For more information on this plant, see https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp237. The second shrub that is a must have in my landscape is beautyberry, also known as Callicarpa americana, which will be featured in my article next month! Check out the University of Florida’s website, https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/native-plants/, to learn more about Florida natives. Visit our calendar of events for gardening workshops and other educational opportunities at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upc oming-events/. Please contact our office if you have questions at 7445519. Thank you, and be safe.
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Page 35
Ruskin Resident Celebrates Cancer Recovery During Global Health Crisis
Staff Report
“COVID may have Dr. Gabordi said it saved my life.” In the was important that middle of the pandemGreene acted when disic, that was the unexcovering the lump pected consequence through self-examinafor 61-year-old Patti tion. The cancer could Greene of Ruskin, the have easily spread. owner of a busy hair Greene had imaging salon. procedures and consulOn March 27, tations with Dr. Gabordi Greene discovered a at St. Joseph’s HospitalRuskin resident Patti Greene (left) lump on her right and BayCare Medical Group’s Dr. South in Riverview. Her Robert Gabordi. breast during a selfpre-surgery testing, proexamination. Her salon was closed cedures and outpatient lumpectomy were because of the pandemic. done at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in If the salon was open and busy with Tampa. customers, she admits she may have Greene admitted she was originally procrastinated in doing something about reluctant and scared about going into the lump. health care facilities during the pandemic. With the unexpected free time, and “I was a little thrown off,” she said. on the urging of friends, she acted and “All this was happening to me and it was had the lump examined and eventually during COVID. I did not want to get removed at St. Joseph’s Women’s COVID. I thought, how am going to do Hospital in Tampa by Dr. Robert Gabordi, this during COVID?” a BayCare Medical Group breast oncoloBut with each visit into a BayCare gy surgeon and medical director of the facility, Greene said she became more breast program at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s reassured. BayCare is doing screenings Cancer Institute. St. Joseph’s is designat- of anyone entering hospitals, doing ed as a Breast Center of Excellence by enhanced cleaning and disinfecting and the National Accreditation Program for using extensive personal protection Breast Centers. equipment to protect team members and On May 14, Dr. Gabordi performed a patients. successful lumpectomy which removed Dr. Gabordi said the prognosis for the cancerous lump and preserved her Greene is good. She does not need breast. chemotherapy, but she will need radiation “I have to be careful about saying it,” therapy. Greene said. “But COVID may have “I felt I received the best care here,” saved my life.” Greene said. “Everyone shows so much “I think it is a fair thing to say,” Dr. compassion, kindness and understandGabordi said. “It (COVID) allowed Patti ing. It was a very comforting experience. the time to take care of herself.” I’m a survivor.”
Page 36
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Historical Writer Doris Weatherford Celebrates 100th Anniversary Of Women’s Right To Vote With New Book
Master Chorale Celebrates 42 Years And Pivots To Online Auditions For New Choir Members
Seffner resisubject] from 1920 dent Doris onward. There are Weatherford is a a lot of books writrenowned historiten on the subject cal writer. of the Women’s Weatherford, who Suffrage focuses on Movement and the women’s history, 19th Amendment, has written a new but only this book book, Victory for picks up in 1920.” the Vote: The According to Fight for Women’s Weatherford, “The Suffrage and the Suffrage Century That Movement was Followed. about more than Seffner resident, historical writer Doris Weatherford will just getting the Weatherford focuses on women’s history. be a featured right to vote. It She outlines the struggle for women to speaker in the attain certain rights and passing the 19th was about equal Amendment battling equal voting rights. rights. For examupcoming Hillsborough County Public Library ple, women were not allowed to Cooperative’s virtual event celebratserve on juries or receive inheriing the 100th anniversary of the 19th tance. While the Equal Rights Amendment which gave women the Amendment has not been ratified in right to vote. every state, the movement that Weatherford’s book is an update brought it forward helped to correct of her book, A History of the many injustices. It is a complex Women’s Suffrage Movement, which issue. It is not enough to just to celewas written in 1998 to commemorate brate the right to vote, you need to the 100th Anniversary of the look at what has happened since Women’s Suffrage Movement in the then.” United States. Weatherford has written more Part one of the book outlines the than a dozen books over a threestruggle for women to attain certain decade period. She is a sought-after rights in the United States from the speaker even though today many of 17th to 20th centuries. Part two her talks are done virtually, including details the events that happened her upcoming engagements with the since the passing of the 19th GFWC North Pinellas Women’s Club Amendment 100 years ago. This and the Palm Beach Historical includes battles over the Equal Society. Rights Amendment as well as equal For more info on Weatherford pay and reproductive rights. and would like to purchase her Weatherford said, “This is the books, visit http://dweatherford.agonly book that follows history [on this sites.net/bio.htm.
to be our top priority,” said Kara Dwyer, managing director. “Our board and staff have put a tremendous amount of energy into researching The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, under the supervision of Artistic and planning a Director Brett Karlin, will accept auditions for new members online season that through Monday, August 31. continues our The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay mission-driven programming with will celebrate its 42nd season with careful cost control and exciting innosome new and exciting digital initiavation. We intend that some of our tives. The Master Chorale of Tampa new digital programs, like the expanBay is an auditioned, highly selective sion of our Youth Initiative, will contin150 voice chorus. Singers are selectue to provide value to our community ed from all over the Tampa Bay area. well after we are able to return to the “Although we are in an intermisconcert halls.” sion from traditional live performancAs such, if you would like to audies, we have pivoted our organizationtion for a spot on the Master Chorale, al strategy to develop a new, exciting, you can do so from the safety of your digital concert hall,” said Brett Karlin, home. In addition, rehearsals will be artistic director. “This is a challenging conducted virtually using Zoom. time for all cultural arts organizations, Audition submissions for the fall half and we are so fortunate to have supof the season will be accepted port from the Tampa Bay community,” through Monday, August 31. Singers added Karlin. interested in auditioning should visit Concert halls may be closed, but www.MasterChorale.com/audition for the Master Chorale has a busy seainstructions. son lineup that includes live streaming Weekly rehearsals for the 2020concerts, virtual choirs, online educa2021 roster will begin virtually on tional programs and singers who will Tuesday, September 8 using Zoom. be crafting challenging masterwork The virtual choir is reflective of the repertoire through online rehearsals. times we are living in and will be a “Ensemble singing continues to great way for singers and audiences be regarded as a particularly high-risk to enjoy the Master Chorale in a digiactivity for aiding community spread of tal concert hall. COVID-19, and the safety of our Www.masterchorale.com. singers, audiences and staff continues
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September 2020
Page 37
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
We’re Waiting For
Palm Tree Roofing Strives To Provide High-Quality Products
By Tatiana Ortiz
With more than “My husband 25 years of experimakes sure to ence in the building keep up to date on industry, Frank the latest products Shaft, a Florida cerand installation tified roofing conprocedures,” tractor who owns Donelle said. Palm Tree Roofing The business in Apollo Beach, offers a wide varialong with his wife, ety of services Donelle Shaft, such as residential developed a wellroofs, flat roofs, Husband and wife Frank and Donelle gutter installation, known reputation Shaft, owners of Palm Tree Roofing. within the commushingle roofs and nity which their business serves. This much more. Palm Tree Roofing family-owned and operated business believes in completing every job to created numerous fulfilling relationthe highest of standards while taking ships in Florida and plans to contingreat pride in caring for one’s properues to service the area for many ty from start to finish of a project. In years. addition, its highest priority is quality. Palm Tree Roofing was estabPalm Tree Roofing offers free lished in 2006. Prior to Palm Tree roof inspections and estimates. In Roofing, Frank started his career in fact, Frank and his team abides by the commercial roofing industry as a the procedures in order to keep job supervisor and eventually earned themselves and others safe. For a general contractors license. Palm example, Frank does his one-on-one Tree Roofing mainly conducts service with customers outside with a face in Hillsborough County with a focus mask while staying distant. in the Brandon, Riverview, Apollo “All in all, our goal would be to Beach and Sun City Center areas. It ensure that our customers are 100 also assists homeowners with their percent satisfied as we work hard to decisions by providing them with the maintain a good reputation,” Donelle best kind of products for their home. said. What’s more, it consists of a skilled For more information, visit and trained team in all types of roof http://getyourroofnow.com. Hours of repairs and replacements. operation are Monday through Friday, Donelle shares her thoughts 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Email about what she would like the comPalmTreeRoofing@gmail.com or call munity to know about Palm Tree 333-6320 to schedule an appointRoofing. ment.
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Page 38
Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Welcomes Tampa Bay Farm 2 School Into Its Fold
Staff Report
The New St. Pete Pier: More Than A View Of The Bay
By Kye Saunders
Located in feet at its tallest downtown St. point. Petersburg, the A Tampa opening of the Bay native, much-anticipatEchelman’s ed St. Pete Pier work sways in couldn’t have the sea breeze come at a better and at night it is time to provide illuminated with an outdoor purple and pink space for people of all light, making the tranages. sition from day to The 26-acre park night seamless and offers a chance to beautiful. explore the beauty of The actual pier The newly open St. Pete Pier offers the Tampa Bay both itself spans into the a fun day trip for Brandon area residents. on land and overlookwater with plenty of ing the water. viewing spots having outdoor seating Stroll, bike, skate, dine and drink at serval dining spots, such as in comfort and ease while enjoying the Driftwood Cafe, Pier Teaki and Teak. sunset without having to make a As a Brandon native, I have visitreservation. ed St. Petersburg plenty of times for Upon my first visit to the Pier, I one purpose only: the beach. But now, was struck by the its ability to be a the Pier is officially one of my favorite place to enjoy both nature and art. go-to spots in St. Petersburg. The largest piece of art at home Currently, St. Pete Pier does at St. Pete Pier is Janet Echelman’s request that visitors wear a mask and newest permanent work, Bending Arc, maintain a 6-foot distance from othis composed of 1,662,528 knots and ers. 180 miles of twine. The aerial sculpTo learn more and for directions, ture spans 424 feet and measures 72 visit stpetepier.org.
Since 1989, The addition of Keep Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, and Beautiful (KTBB), the its ‘Kids’ Kitchen’ environmental comprogram specifically, munity improvement will help to fulfill a nonprofit organizavision of fostering tion devoted to a healthy communities cleaner, greener and by showing young more beautiful gardeners how to Learning where our food comes from. use what they grow Tampa Bay, has formed partnerships with local governto make healthy food that tastes great. ments, corporations, schools and neighPlaces that Farm 2 School has borhood organizations to engage indiworked with in the past include the Boys viduals and provide opportunities to & Girls Club of Temple Terrace, Cork enhance the community through volunElementary School, Greco Middle teer participation. School, Muller Elementary School and Now, it has joined forces with Turner/Bartels K-8. Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, an organiElizabeth Leib, founder and director zation that empowers youth for health of Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, and success through hands-on agriculexplained, “It’s been my dream to tural and culinary experiences. expand Farm 2 School’s unique handsAccording to KTBB Executive on sustainable living education to more Director Debbie Evenson, “We are kids.” thrilled to add this component to our Evenson said of the union, “The existing programs of community timing of this merger comes as we are cleanups, environmental education and preparing to open our Environmental beautification to create a complete proEducation Center which will provide gram of community sustainability.” educational lessons including water Since 2013, Tampa Bay Farm 2 testing, watershed health and environSchool has provided volunteers and mental sustainability as well as serve as expertise to schools to establish student a community-based compost site with gardens and integrate nutrition and food hydroponic and pollinator gardens. sustainability education. Bringing Farm Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted 2 School under the umbrella of KTBB and it is safe to congregate, Keep will serve to further enhance KTBB’s Tampa Bay Beautiful will launch this hands-on sustainable living education exciting new chapter of our organization experiences to kids and families by and Farm 2 School will be an essential offering young minds a connection part of it as Kids’ Kitchen.” between plants that come from the To get involved, call 221-8733 or earth, and the food served at the table. visit keeptampabaybeautiful.org.
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September 2020
Page 39
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
What Does an Unplanned Career Transition Mean for You?
by Joanna Springstead
One of the most frequent and prolific animals that we can observe in the state would have to be the squirrel. Florida is home to several species of squirrels, with three of those being widespread throughout Hillsborough County. The most abundant species is the eastern gray squirrel. Eastern gray squirrels are curious by nature and comfortable inhabiting woodland, urban and residential areas. These bushy-tailed, highly adaptable critters are members of the rodent family and are most active during the day. As a ground-feeding, tree-dwelling omnivore, the gray squirrel’s diet consists mostly of fruits, acorns, insects, seeds and eggs. Territorial and vocal, these cute, agile creatures usually build nests in trees or even in attics, yielding one to four babies per litter. It is common this time of year to find a young squirrel fallen from a nest at the base of a tree. Never fret, for mama is not far and most likely frantic that one of her young has fallen from the nest. Often, concerned citizens mistakenly kidnap these fallen babies and bring them to a veterinarian or a wildlife rehab center with all the right intentions but sadly minimize their chance of survival. If you do happen
upon a fallen baby that is not injured, simply take a shoebox or anything similar, fill it with ssubstrate from the ground and nail it to the tree near where the animal was found. One step further would be to renest the animal if you can find where that nest may be. This gesture will allow mama and baby the opportunity to reunite and give it the best chance of survival. There are several other species of squirrels in the state, for we are also home to the smaller, nocturnal southern flying squirrel as well as the larger fox squirrel. Flying squirrels are most active in the evening and can be seen gliding from one tree to another. The lesser-known fox squirrel is the largest squirrel species native to North America and can reach up to 3 pounds and lengths up to 26 inches. With four subspecies of fox squirrels in the state, two of them are protected as species of special concern. These squirrels are less common to observe and are more likely to be found on the ground foraging. No matter the size, color or species of squirrel around us, we are fortunate to share our space with these quirky and fun animals.
And don’t forget about health The COVID-19 pandemic has unsettled the country’s employment insurance. If you lose your employer’s coverage, can you get picture and will continue to do so COBRA or negotiate an extended for a while. If you’ve been offered severance package? And if you an early retirement, how should depended on a group you respond? life insurance policy from Look at your situation your employer, do you holistically. For example, now need to consider what does retirement reprivate coverage? ally mean to you? Would Going through an unyou like to fully retire, or planned career transition would you prefer to work is challenging. Considerpart-time? If you would ing your options and makrather not work anymore, do you need to adjust ing appropriate moves your planned retirement may help you reduce lifestyle? some of the stress – and How about your income? position yourself to start JOANNA If you take early retireSPRINGSTEAD the next phase of your ment, will you need to life. Financial Advisor start tapping into your Now booking appoint401(k) and IRA early? Should you ments via the phone/web conferadjust your investment mix? What ence. Call today to schedule an other sources of income will you introductory meeting. have available?
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This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
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Page 40
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Humana & HEF Donate 229,000 Masks To Hillsborough County Teachers & Students
Staff Report
School will look very different this year due to COVID-19 concerns. Whenever students return to the classroom in Hillsborough County, they’ll be required to wear masks—and Humana and Hillsborough Education Foundation want to ensure that everybody in the district who needs a mask has one. Kim Jowell, Ray Hodorski, Mike McCollum, Paul Casebolt, Humana is donatAlvaro Hernandez and Aaron Dwyer began the distribution ing 229,000 masks in of the 229,000 masks donated by Humana. partnership with JPR Medical to Hillsborough Education a safe and successful school year.” Foundation (HEF). HEF is working Hillsborough County Public with Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Addison Schools to distribute the masks to all Davis said the district is grateful for schools. this generous donation and the con“The health and safety of the sistent support from its community Tampa Bay community is a top priority partners. for Humana,” said Ray Hodorski, “Face coverings are an integral Humana’s client management director. part of our district’s safety protocols “Our goal through providing face as teachers, staff and learners return masks to all students and employees to the classroom,” said Davis. within the school district is to give Established in 1987, the HEF is a teachers, staff, parents and students nonprofit focused on strengthening additional piece of mind as we continpublic education by supporting teachue to navigate the spread of COVIDers and empowering students to 19.” achieve academic and personal sucIn addition to the masks, cess. HEF’s resources and financial Hillsborough Education Foundation is support enrich K-12 educational expealso donating and delivering school riences by providing opportunities for supplies to the district’s 156 Title I all students, regardless of background schools, including Tampa Heights. or economic status. Together with its “We know more than 150,000 stucommunity partners, HEF strategically dents in the district qualify for free or invests in initiatives that impact teachreduced-price lunch. It’s tough for ing quality and increase graduation those struggling families to afford even rates, bolstering a thriving workforce the basic school supplies,” said of tomorrow and the sustainable prosHillsborough Education Foundation perity of Tampa Bay. CEO Kim Jowell. “By providing supLearn more about HEF at plies, and Humana’s generous donawww.educationfoundation.com. More tion of masks, we’re helping to ensure information regarding Humana is students have the tools they need for available at www.humana.com.
See our o website for additional informatio on. All are welcomed to participate in the sp piritually meaningful High Holiday services this year at CBS for fre ee. Join our community to celebrate this important time in the safe ety of your own home. We W e so appreciate your support and wou uld ask that you increase your donation this year so that we may continue to provide special i l programming i th through h 5781 5781.
Reb Tuviah and ourr congregational family welcome you. We ho ope to see you in person ... soon!!
Volume 19, Issue 9
Work Continues On New Riverview Library Despite COVID-19
By Brad Stager
Florida style with ceiling fans and a screened-in reading porch. A terrazzo floor features a design, titled ‘River of Fire,’ created by internationally A new 35,000 sq. ft. library is nearing completion to serve residents known artist of Riverview, Gibsonton and Apollo Beach. It costs $12.6 million Barry Goodman, dollars. which depicts the As the population of Riverview Alafia River and the nearby area. grows, so does the need for the services While the ambiance of the new provided by the community’s library, library may harken to earlier times, there which opened its doors in November will be plenty of 21st century features 1979. The increase in patronage over the available. Among them are audio and years has been substantial enough to video recording studios (with green create the need for a new, larger, state-of- screen capability), computers, Wi-Fi the-art library, which is nearing completion access and plenty of power outlets for on Balm Riverview Rd., just north of the charging personal electronic devices and intersection with Boyette Rd. and even electric cars. An area known as a Riverview High School. makerspace will provide access to techThe new Riverview library was antici- nology like 3D printers. pated to open this summer but compleWith more than four times the room tion has been delayed by disruptions of the existing 8,000 sq. ft. library, the new caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. $12.6 million facility will have plenty of Work on finishing the 35,000 sq. ft. facility space for individuals and organizations continues, however, and according to who need a public meeting place. There David Wullschleger, who is the project will be eight conference rooms with manager, the much-anticipated opening capacities ranging from 4 to 150 people. will possibly occur in the fall, depending Books are the heart of a library and on how the pandemic affects completing they will be available as well, with subthe remaining tasks. He said the library jects ranging from fine literature to DIY and the amenities it brings to the manuals. The youngest readers will have Riverview, Gibsonton and Apollo Beach a 5,000 sq. ft. children’s area in which to residents it will serve are impressive. enjoy books and special activities geared “The building itself is a work of art,” toward them. There will also be a used said Wullschleger. book store operated by Friends of the The library is designed in traditional Library.
September 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 41
By Brian Bokor, Founder www.facebook.com/bokorscorner
Welcome to your latest update of recently submitted building permits or construction plans for Southeastern Hillsborough County. We have several new additions this month along with updates to projects previously reported. We will begin in Brandon with news of Mahana Fresh, a makeyour-own-bowl quick service restaurant scheduled for early October in the Regency Square shopping center next to Staples, as well as announcing the opening of Brandon Burgers, located next to Hungry Howie’s in the spot previously occupied by Five Guys on SR 60. Additionally, the 287unit Tapestry Town Center apartment complex is now leasing at its location near the Westfield Brandon mall. North of the Alafia River, Riverview will see two new franchises opening in the same plaza across from Pavilion Crossing at U.S. 301 and Crescent Park Dr. Bubbakoo’s, a build-your-own-tacoand-burrito concept, as well as Eggs Up Grill, a breakfast and lunch restaurant offering catering services, anticipate November openings. Further south, a Checkers will be opening at Progress Blvd. and 78th St. in the Madison Square plaza. South of the river, things are boom-
ing, starting with Tiki Docks Bar & Grill on the east side of U.S. 301 looking at a mid-September opening date. To the southeast, Boyette Rd. has a Culver’s planned across from Goolsby Pointe near the CVS hoping to open next January; Pink Door Bakery, located in the Shoppes of Boyette on Boyette Rd., recently opened in June; Waffle House, just south of U.S. 301 and Gibsonton Dr., has a late September opening; and Cracker Barrel, near the recently-sold Riverview GDX Theater, is also eyeing a early September opening date. The Big Bend area remains slated for Glory Days Grill in the Lincoln Bend plaza near Fuzzy’s Taco Shop with Chick-fil-A, north of Summerfield Crossing on U.S. 301, announcing an opening sometime mid-October. Local breweries that have recently obtained restaurant licenses in order to be allowed to serve alcohol on premises include Bootleggers Brewing Company at its new location just west of Falkenburg Rd. on Causeway Blvd., Leaven Brewing in the Shoppes of Boyette plaza and Bloomingdale’s own Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Lithia
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Page 42
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 9
Sports Connection Photos courtesy of the Chris Moulin
657-2418
www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
Local Tennis Sisters Succeed And Become Teammates At James Madison University same team as her.” Two FishHawk sisters, Hope Hope always knew that and Kylie Moulin, that trained in she wanted to go to an out-oftennis at the Brandon Sports and state school because she has Aquatic Center (BSAC) are lived in Florida her whole life going to be teammates at James and she wanted to experience Madison University (JMU). something different. When she Alex Golub, co-owner of visited JMU, she knew immediGolub Tennis that works out of ately that it would be the right BSAC, has been a big influence fit. Her ultimate goal in tennis is on the girls as their coach for to compete in the NCAA many years. Golub thinks that Tournament for JMU. James the Moulin sisters’ work ethic, Madison won its conference along with their talent, makes Hope Moulin uses her backhand Kylie Moulin (left) celebrates with Kylie Moulin is a redshirt junior at tournament in 2018, and the them successful tennis players. shot. her sister, Hope Moulin, after she James Madison University. team was not able to defend won second place at the Bobby Hope trains five days a week at tennis careers has been Curtis Junior State Championship. verbally committed to their title this past year due to COVIDBSAC and competes in United States rewarding.” JMU. The sisters have trained together 19. Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments Kylie, a redshirt junior at JMU, for most of their lives, starting tennis at 5 Kylie’s first season at JMU was halton the weekends. She said that training recently transferred to the school after and 7 years old, respectively. When Hope ed in mid-March due to COVID-19. Her at BSAC with Coach Golub for 11 years spending her first two seasons at was 16, she came in second place in the goal is to help bring JMU another conhas helped shape her as a tennis player. Alabama. The move was the right fit for Bobby Curtis Junior State Championship, ference championship if they are able to Kylie said that training at BSAC helped her after recovering from injuries. The forthe biggest tournament in Florida with 64 play. She is excited to become teamprepare her for the physicality of college mer assistant coach in Alabama that she competitors. She is currently ranked secmates with her sister after watching her athletics. enjoyed playing for is now the head ond in the state at 18. Kylie encouraged grow in the sport for years. “They both work hard and are coach at JMU. She played her freshman her sister to join her in college. “It was really awesome to watch her extremely dedicated to the sport,” said season on the Newsome tennis team that “We have trained together my whole fall in love with the sport like I did and Golub. “I have been coaching them a made it all the way to the state tournalife,” said Hope. “I honestly couldn’t imagreally be able to see her grow and long time, and seeing them grow over ment. ine going somewhere and her not being improve and be able to reach the level that long period of time and watching Younger sister Hope is currently a there with me—it means a lot to be on the that I was able to reach,” she said. them have success and advance their senior at Newsome High School and is
September 2020
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BRANDON!
TGH’s Christmas In July Offers Toys And Supplies For Pediatric Patients
FAMILY MEALS $39.95 SANGRIA QT. $20
By Jadon Khor
“It becomes like in July drive this year a second home,” said much more instruDawn Harvey. mental. Mother to a freResidents have quent patient at been making this Tampa General Christmas in July Hospital (TGH), drive a success. Harvey knows very According to well the ins and outs Stevens, compared of the pediatric to previous years, floor: the hard work there has been a the nurses put in, tenfold increase in the ways kids can generous support get grumpy in the from the Tampa comhospital and even munity donating the overarching goods listed on its impact of the hospiAmazon Wish List. tal on the communiAnd so, even ty. She also knows with financial hardthe critical imporships striking comTampa General Hospital employees roll tance of making munities, Stevens in toys and games donated through its sure the kids get and Mike Masem, Christmas in July drive. their due fun, a goal TGH hopes to vice president of development at TGH, reach through its annual Christmas in said, “there’s a groundswell of support July drive. that we’ve been able to tap into and Christmas in July was started at was always there.” TGH as a way to help relieve patients For Harvey, it was extremely imporof the lack of toys and entertainment tant that TGH gets enough attention that they seem to find themselves in drawn to its drive, for she said the emohalfway through the year. After tional support for patients and their famChristmas, donated toys, books and ilies is of great importance. video games start to run stale or overToys and goodies from TGH’s used, making kids “get a little blue,” Amazon Wish List are critical to ensursaid Lindsey Stevens, senior director of ing it gets the resources it needs to not development at TGH. only keep its patients happy but to also Come COVID-19 and social dismake sure the hospital can stay runtancing measures, the sanitation efforts ning through the pandemic. Donate of the TGH team prevent patients from today by visiting the Tampa General overcrossing toys, something that Hospital website at www.tgh.org/christStevens said is making the Christmas mas-july.
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Page 44
Volume 19, Issue 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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