Osprey Observer Brandon/Winthrop June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop

21

June 2021

Volume 16, Issue 6

Ph: 657-2418

SEE AD ON PAGE 32

CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

TO CONTINUE GROWTH, BSAC SENIORS GIVE BACK WITH CHANGES NAME TO HIGH 5, INC. PB&J SANDWICH PROGRAM

By Michelle Caceres

On June 4, after 58 years in the community, BSAC’s name changed to High 5, Inc.

“With partnerships with organizations like Livingstone Academy and Livy O’s, we’re impacting even more families throughout Hillsborough County.”

Members of the community turned out in force for the grand opening celebration on June 4.

With a ribbon-cutting, guest speakers and campus tours of the facility and surrounding 12.5-acre campus, the first official day of business as High 5, Inc. was a success.

“The name change is just the beginning of what’s in store for our community, with new programs slated for 2022 and beyond as well as facility upgrades, new corporate partnerships and a laser focus on our five pillars,” he said.

High 5, Inc. is located at 405 Beverly Dr. in Brandon. Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more about High 5, Inc., visit www. high5inc.org or call 689-0908.

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

should reach out to the Bridges Assisted Living Community.

“We are always trying to help—we want to get involved; please call,” said Noah.

Any organization interested in enlisting the help of the residents should call 413-8900 or email Noah at jnoah@bridgesretiremtent. com or Mercilliott at cmercilliott@bridgesretirement.

Bridges residents make peanut butter and jellyl sandwiches. com.

Summer is officially here and a group of For more information on The Bridges local assisted living residents are using the Assisted Living Community, which is lotime to give back to those in need. cated at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview, Taking advantage of the summer and re- across from the Winthrop Town Centre in laxed pandemic restrictions, the residents Riverview, and offers assisted living and of The Bridges Assisted Living Community memory care, visit www.bridgesretirement. are making peanut butter and jelly sand- com. Nativity Catholic Church is located at wiches with the help of the PB&J Ministry 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon and can be at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon. reached at 681-4608.

The PB&J Ministry at Nativity Catholic Church collects sandwiches and delivers them to the homeless and hungry. Since May 13, the residents of The Bridges have made more than 130 sandwiches and show no sign of stopping.

When asked why the residents of The Bridges Assisted Living Community chose to participate in the making of these sandwiches, Janet Noah, director of community relations, said, “The people in the community were so generous to The Bridges during the pandemic, this was just the way we could give back and show appreciation.”

On planned dates, the residents of The Bridges travel together to Nativity Catholic Church and make sandwiches until their supplies for the day are out. The residents made 130 sandwiches in just one day.

Coleen Mercilliott, activities director at The Bridges Assisted Living Community, expressed that making the sandwiches is “a labor of love and the residents look forward to it.”

The residents are also putting together bags of feminine hygiene products with Project Lotus Restoring Dignity, which de- CHUCK E. CHEESE..................................PG 3 livers them to women who otherwise would MERCY FULL PROJECT ...................... PG 4 not have access to them. They are actively looking for more service projects to do. EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 Any nonprofit organizations they can help SPORTS ................................................. PGS 33

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Since 1963, Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) has been impacting lives through its superior educational and athletic programming that enhances physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

The center’s name has changed to High 5, Inc. “The change reflects where our organization is now and where it’s going in the future,” said CEO Chuck Burgess.

‘High 5’ references its five pillars of impact: aquatics and youth drowning prevention, after-school education, special needs education, sports and recreation as well as its community initiative.

The organization will continue to provide a wide variety of programming options, including swimming, diving and tennis lessons; after-school programs; special needs education; and team and individual sports. Its facility features include an Olympic-sized pool; 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards; a 10-lane, 25-yard lap pool; 10 tennis courts; an indoor gym; sports fields; and an on-site cafe.

Camp High 5, its summer camp program, began on June 1 and offers weeklong day camps for children in grades K-6.

“We are so much more than sports and aquatics now, and, while our main campus is in Brandon, our programs and reach are well beyond home base,” Burgess said.

By Ariana Pedraza

With summer in the midst, Chuck E. Cheese welcomes the whole family to check out the new reinvigorated location at 1540 W. Brandon Blvd., open seven days a week from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. At Chuck E. Cheese, guests from A Kid’s Place were the first to play the dozens of new games at the renovated location.

813-689-8131 • 3159 E. State Road 60 - Valrico

Page 2

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

CHUCK E. CHEESE IN BRANDON HOSTS A KID’S PLACE IN HONOR OF ITS GRAND REOPENING OF RENOVATED LOCATION

By Hayley Fedor Something about “We changed bethe energy of the cause generations lights and the sounds change. We are used of the arcade games, to our Chuck E. Cheese, the smell of fresh pizbut generations change za in the oven and the where a company has friendliness of the emto grow with different ployees has kept famgenerations and it’s ilies in the community just a different world coming back to Chuck now,” said Farina. “This E. Cheese for decades. is fun, fresh and new.”

Now, Chuck E. Cheese At the new Chuck in Brandon is unveiling E. Cheese, families can its fresh and updated still play classic games take on the original like Skee-Ball and basChuck E. Cheese brand. ketball, in addition to During the pandemnew games like Transic, the management formers and Farina’s team of Chuck E. Children from A Kid’s Place participated in favorite, Teenage MuCheese in Brandon de- the Summer of Fun at Chuck E. Cheese on its tant Ninja Turtles. cided to take the time reopening day, learning dance moves on the The theme of the lonew LED dance floor. to temporarily close cation changes through the arcade doors with the goal of reno- the seasons. On its reopening day, the vating and coming back to the community guests from A Kid’s Place got to particibigger, better and safer. pate in the current theme, Summer of Fun, “It doesn’t compare; this is the biggest, which creates a beachy summer oasis for nicest Chuck E. Cheese in the world,” said visitors.

Joe Farina, senior general manager for “It’s not just a place to bring your kids, Chuck E. Cheese. it’s fun and it’s safe and clean,” said Farina.

On June 2, Chuck E. Cheese had its The staff at Chuck E. Cheese takes grand reopening, which included a purple cleanliness seriously, especially during the carpet runway and kicked off with a visit COVID-19 pandemic, with 15 hand sanitizfrom the children and volunteers at A Kid’s er stations located on pillars throughout Place in Brandon. The special guests were the building and employees that sanitize invited to be the first to play in the new and wipe down the games every 30 minarcade. utes.

The remodeled location offers more With summer in the midst, Chuck E. games, extra furniture and seating for Cheese welcomes the whole family to guests and a new color scheme that all check out the new reinvigorated location contribute to the updated look of the at 1540 W. Brandon Blvd., open seven Chuck E. Cheese brand. days a week from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Page 3

HOPE FOR HER IS THERE WHEN WOMEN ARE IN CRISIS

By Kathy L. Collins

Hope for Her is ilies during the busy a local nonprofit summers. We built a that provides a safe new 10,000-squareplace for women foot facility where who have experiwe can accommoenced crisis and date 400 families a trauma to find the month, offer classes strength, skills and and provide a comsupport they need puter lab for womto rebuild their en in need of GED, lives. The organizaESOL and Microsoft tion was founded in training.”

September 2003 by The new building Cheryl Hickman, the was made possible executive director. Hope for Her is a local nonprofit that helps women thanks to the memHickman said, “Hope in need. From housing and childcare to employ- bership and leadment, Hope for Her helps women who are experifor Her is based on ership of Bay Life encing trauma or crisis find the strength they need. my own experience Church as well as of being a single parent and my life hitting the broader community. The new building rock bottom.” will be dedicated on Friday, June 25 from During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hope 12 Noon-2 p.m. The community is invited for Her was completely shut down from to attend.

March 2020 to June 2020. HowevHickman said, “We are expanding into er, thanks to a supportive community, classes starting in September. We will ofHope for Her was able to resume ser- fer Wellness Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 vices and more in a brand-new building. p.m. Each week we will offer a different Hickman explained, “We had been in a class. One week will be nutrition, then 1,500-square-foot modular building for Zumba, then emotional health and then the last 15 years. Bay Life Church pro- yoga. On months with five Wednesdays, vided it to us as an in-kind donation. We we will offer a self-care class.” started building a new facility three years Hope for Her is in need of both donaago. Construction was completed on June tions and volunteers. In you can, please 22, 2020. We were able to move into our consider giving gas cards, bedding, small expanded facility and start offering ser- appliances, housewares, clothing, towels, vices to the community.” shoes and new underwear, including bras.

Hope for Her gets busy over the sumIf you would like to volunteer, please mer months. Hickman said, “At our peek stop by its location at 140 Yarbrough Rd. during the summer, we typically receive in Brandon and fill out an application. If about 400 calls for services. In our old you are in need of help, please call 309building, we only had the capacity to 3357. serve 100 families a month. We were For more information, please visit www. turning away three out of every four fam- hopeforherfl.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BRANDON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EARNED INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS By Tatiana Ortiz Students in at Brandon ninth through High School, 12th grade can mentioned how enroll in Brandon many students High School’s Inearned certistitute of Busifications, sayness and Teching, “A total nology, which of 67 students provides them earned their with an array of certifications programs in the this year.” fields of marketThe Carl D. ing, technology Perkins Secand business. As ondary Grant students comfunds these Brandon High School students who earned their plete and pass certificaMicrosoft Technology Associate certifications. courses in the tion programs Customer Service Academy, NAF Acade- throughout the Hillsborough Counmy of Finance and much more, they will ty School District, with Brandon High then be given an opportunity to earn cer- School being one of the many participattifications in CIW Social Media Strategist ing schools. In other words, the federal and Intuit Quickbooks, among others. All government set up this grant, which goes of these programs offered will help better towards the funding of career and techshape the students’ future careers. nology education.

For instance, incoming freshmen can It also helps fund some teacher traintake a digital information technology ing, student organizations, testing vouchclass called Microsoft Technology Asso- ers for students, industry standard equipciate Windows Operating System Fun- ment and more. The district gets about $4 damentals. With nearly 300 students million a year, with 55,000 students takin this course, it teaches students the ing career technology education courses. background aspects of computers, such Warren Brooks, Workforce Connections as learning how to set up usernames. It officer at the School District of Hillsboralso fulfills the online graduation credit. ough County, stated the involvement that Before moving on to another course, stu- the district has with the programs. dents must pass this specific one first. In “Our district has been very supportaddition, the CIW Social Media Strategist ive of these programs in the schools for certification is new this year, and through years,” Brooks said. it students will learn about social media For more information, visit https:// marketing for companies. Students will www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/49. take the courses during school hours.

For questions, email Dawnelle Stafford at Dawnelle Stafford, academic director dawnelle.stafford@hcps.net.

Volume 16, Issue 6

MERCY FULL PROJECT: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT HELPS THE COMMUNITY

By Debra Garcia

According to “Sandra and Cherrise Shelter Medicine, help with the internal over 300,000 dogs work, answering emails and cats were adand coordinating adopmitted to Florida tions; we have Jessy, shelters in 2020. our newest member, More than half of helping with social methese intakes were dia; and Miriam—she strays found on the has been helping MFP side of the road. since the beginning of Not to worry, a December 2019. Also fairly new animal at the facility [are] our rescue has come wonderful volunteers, to save the day.

Beth, Mackey, Dan, Introducing: Mercy Claude,” said Acuna.

Full Project (MFP).

Even though the Started by Heydi Heydi Acuna posing with a rescue dog at an rescue was founded adoption drive in Riverview.

Acuna, Mercy Full in Tampa, Mercy Full Project is an animal rescue that’s main Project is very much present within East goal is to spread empathy, kindness and Central Hillsborough County. It has had love as humanely possible. many rescue drives in FishHawk, RiverMercy Full Project was founded by view, Brandon and Valrico. Many of the Acuna way back in October of 2019. Back organization’s volunteers live in these arthen, the entire organization was inside eas as well; take Melissa Lacey, a Valrico her car. Now, over a year later, the Mer- resident. cy Full community has blossomed with “After fostering several dogs and seeso many volunteers, a new location and ing them matched with loving homes more love for these animals than anyone and watching them transform from sad, can count. frightened, sometimes emaciated, sick, “I’ve dedicated my whole life to help sad souls to happy, healthy, loving and animals in need however I could and I trusting dogs who had been given a new was at a point in life where I couldn’t lease on life and the opportunity to live wait any longer and I wanted to start their best lives, I was hooked,” said Lacmy very own nonprofit organization with ey. my own ideas to help dogs and cats that Mercy Full Project is always looking for need it the most,” said Acuna. new volunteers and donations. What are Acuna is not the only one who dedi- needed most are new fosters. cates so much time and effort to Mercy For more information on Mercy Full Full Project. She now has many helping Project, visit its website at https://merhands who all play a big part in the Mercy cyfullprojects.business.site/ or Facebook Full community. @MercyFullProject.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

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NEW 25-ACRE ALAFIA RIVER PARK COMING TO RIVERVIEW

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Construction has started on the 25-acre Alafia River Park in Riverview, which will be located on the north side of the Alafia River off of Riverview Dr., west of U.S. 301 and east of the I-75 overpass.

Riverview residents will soon have a new place to explore. A new park is being built adjacent to the Alafia River. Not surprising, since the waterway meanders for 25 miles, beginning east of County Rd. 39 in Lithia and runs through Riverview and Gibsonton before emptying into Hillsborough Bay. Once completed, the 25-acre Alafia River Park, located off Riverview Dr. in Riverview, will include a 1-mile paved walking trail, plenty of greenspace, restrooms, three picnic pavilions and an observation tower overlooking the river.

The pasture area where the walking trail is planned will be restored to native habitat to support the gopher tortoise population and the remaining landscape will incorporate native species such as longleaf pine, pignut hickory and live oaks for shade.

Another feature of the park is a Native American statue by renowned artist Daniel Horsechief and endorsed by experts from the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum. The work is being funded through the Public Art Program.

The project, which has been in the works for six years, is estimated to cost approximately $6.2 million ($1.8 million on the park, $1 million and $3.4 million for the land purchase). Another $1 million is being spent to change the sharp hairpin turn at the entrance of the park on Riverview Dr. into a roundabout.

Division Manager at Hillsborough County’s Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Ross Dickerson said Riverview’s dense suburban development demanded a place for people to enjoy nature.

“This park will be a place for families to gather and have an outdoor experience,” he said. “People will be exercising on the trail, birthday parties and family picnics will happen in the pavilions and children will learn about why our habitat is so important thanks to signage on the path.”

The park and roundabout are expected to be completed by the end of this year or early 2022.

For more information about Alafia River Park, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ conservation.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

RESIDENTS CAN SERVE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD

By Brad Stager With a steady flow of new residents arriving to live in the Sunshine State, it is no surprise to those already here that Hillsborough County is a favored destination for newcomers.

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate a 19.7 percent

bers who represent local governments (including Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City), local housing agencies as well as the homebuilding industry and financial services sector. There are also positions filled by individual county residents and affordable housing advocates. Members serve three-year terms. Details about specific positions such as required qualifications can be found on the AHAB page of the county’s website.

Topics discussed at meetings include updates of legislation, guidance and initiatives from local, state and federal entities, especially as they pertain to balancing free market interests and Ironwood Flats at Brandon Greene on Kings Ave. is an social needs. Navigating these apartment complex under construction to help meet the elements on behalf of county growing demand for housing in Hillsborough County. population growth in Hillsborough County residents is a challenge that Connie Burton, between 2010 to 2019, with an estimated who serves as an at-large resident of Hillpopulation of 1,471,968 at the end of that sborough County, spoke about at the April period. The percentage of people living at 12 meeting. or below the poverty level in 2019 was giv“While Tallahassee might have a strong en as 13.5 percent. Numbers from the 2020 hand, the moral compass of this community census have yet to be released in detail. has to take some leadership,” said Burton.

With rapid growth creating a strong Meetings are held the second Monday of need for housing, ensuring that there are each month, beginning at 9 a.m., and can be affordable options for longtime residents as viewed live as they occur or as a recording well as those starting new lives here is the made available afterward via the county’s role of the Hillsborough County Affordable YouTube channel.

Housing Advisory Board (AHAB).

You can find out more about the AHAB The AHAB provides advice to the Board by visiting hillsboroughcounty.org or conof County Commissioners and Affordable tacting Cheryl Howell at 274-6673. A reHousing Services about affordable housing quest to speak at a meeting of the AHAB issues and assists in developing related pro- or to submit input can be made by sending grams and projects. an email to AffordableHousingServices@ The board consists of 11 voting mem- HCFLGov.net.

MEALS ON WHEELS FOR KIDS EXPANDS TO BRANDON, PROGRESS VILLAGE, PALM RIVER & RIVERVIEW

Staff Report

Tampa Bay Netdren and famiwork to End Hunger lies. Routes take (TBNEH), a tri-counabout 60 minty leader in hunger utes to complete. relief, research and At the core program developof this Meals ment, is now deliverOn Wheels proing Meals On Wheels gram is nutrifor Kids Tampa Bay tious food delivered to (MOW4Kids) in the homes of children Brandon, Progress and their families. The Village, Palm Rivprogram provides meals er and Riverview in Tampa Bay Network to End is now deliver- and shelf-stable grocerHillsborough County. ing Meals On Wheels for Kids Tampa Bay in ies, including produce, MOW4Kids delivers Brandon, Progress Village, Palm River and as resources allow. ChilRiverview in Hillsborough County. lunchtime meals to dren may experience an children who depend on school meals and increase in overall nutrition, food security are at home when school is out of session and feelings of social connectedness from or when learning remotely. Deliveries take volunteers stopping by. place out of ECHO in Riverview.

Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is The Network’s innovative MOW4Kids pro- committed to ending hunger in Tampa Bay gram, the first program of its kind, launched by bringing people together to find solutions March 2020. MOW4Kids, was developed to that eliminate barriers, increase access and serve children, 18 years or younger, with knowledge and expand the amount of nutrimeals delivered to their home by volunteers tious food available. TBNEH has over 350 when school is out of session or when learn- members and serves a tri-county area— ing remotely. MOW4Kids is an alternative Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. option for kids that are not able to access It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency and relies meal distribution sites; and/or 2) kids that on its community for support. have difficulty accessing food pantries. The To receive free meals delivered to your program currently serves areas throughout home, visit www.mow4kids.org or call Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties.

344-5837. To sign up to volunteer, please Volunteer are needed each week to help visit https://networktoendhunger.org/volpack boxes of food from ECHO in Riverview. unteer/.

Volunteers with level 2 background checks The Network is currently accepting doare needed to help deliver Meals On Wheels nations at www.networktoendhunger.org for Kids on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- to help support the MOW4Kids program. days starting at 10 a.m. Volunteers drive A donation of just $20 will provide a week their own vehicles to deliver shelf stable of Meals On Wheels for Kids deliveries to boxes of food and cold meal packs to chil- children in need.

With a legacy spanning nearly 30 years, PHFL is proud to offer our community during the coronavirus and unemployment crisis, a discounted rate to our residential substance use treatment program.

Karla Marie Carolan, J.D.

As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.

Volume 16, Issue 6

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

Page 7

BRANDON ACADEMY’S ROBOTICS TEAM

PLACES FIRST AT STATES AND RECEIVES INVITATION TO INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

By Hayley Fedor Exceeding all als like paper, fabexpectations for ric and elastic to middle school stuproduce their ultidents, the robotics mate version of a team at Brandon band to go around Academy known the amputated as Team Scorpion limb that prevents not only competed large amounts of in the state compesweat from driptition and received ping into the prosfirst place for the thetic, which led State Innovation to the name ‘Drip Project Award, but Lip.’ they also created a Team Scorpion from Brandon Academy won first place “I got onto a truly humanitarian for the State Innovation Project Award and will contin- Facebook group for innovation along ue on to compete in the FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual amputees and was the way. able to get a couple Open Invitational Greece 2021.

The theme of the competition this year, of them to try our Drip Lip, so I think there’s called ‘Replay,’ tasked students with making four Drip Lips out in the world right now individuals more active, tying in with ath- with people,” said Wallen. letics and sports. Team Scorpion decided to For the competition this year, the state work within the demographic of amputees committee slightly adjusted the format as a and discover how to make prosthetics more result of COVID-19, causing the team to be functional for physical activity. judged on core values, robot design, mission The team was able to collaborate with a completion and overall project via Zoom. professor at the University of South Florida The nine students on the robotics team that specializes in prosthetics, an amputee gained teamwork skills and learned deterCrossFit trainer, and the Brandon Academy mination by working together on this prophysical education coach’s father, who is longed project spanning the length of the also an amputee. school year.

“They found that there was a ton of dif“I learn something new from my kids evferent types of prosthetics out there, so ery day; just their different ideas and the that really wasn’t an angle for them to go way they approach things and how differbecause it already existed,” said Jessica ent that is from the way I approach things,” Wallen, co-coach of Team Scorpion, “but as said Wallen they looked into it, they started seeing a lot Since their success at the state competiof stuff about sweat and we found some re- tion, the team has been invited to compete ally disgusting videos of amputees pouring in the FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual Open the sweat out of their prosthetic… so they Invitational Greece 2021, which is an interstarted looking into that.” national tournament starting on Thursday, The team worked with different materi- June 24 and concluding on Sunday, June 27.

Expiration 07/01/2021

Expiration 07/01/2021

Expiration 07/01/2021

Page 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

LOCAL COMPOSITE MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAMS PRODUCE PODIUM FINISHERS IN THE STATE LEAGUE COMPETITION

By Hayley Fedor

Strap on your each other at the helmets, fill up your same time, last tires and hold on for season looked a bit dear life, because different as a relocal athletes are sult of COVID-19. reaching incredible It included four heights in the sport timed races where of mountain biking one team raced at for the state. The a time and athletes Florida Interschoreceived points delastic Cycling League pending on what (FICL), founded in time they finished 2018 by Maxwell the race. The final Gledhill, organizes overall rankings for mountain biking Thirteen composite teams compete against each the season came as a sport for mid- other’s times at races across the state during the down to which athmountain biking season. dle school and high letes accumulated school athletes in the state. the highest points total in their age group.

“Our goal is to basically have mountain Two athletes, Tyler Hover from Durant biking as a sport for kids. … typically, what and another competitor from Newsome NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling High School, ranked in the top three for Association) teams become are what are their age groups in the FICL last season. called club teams, so they are still affiliated From the perspective of Julie Hovwith the school, but they’re a club team,” er, proud mother of Tyler, “It’s just been said Gledhill. amazing to see how it’s helped him with The Florida league is composed of 13 focus; it’s helped him with dedication and teams located throughout the state, in- commitment to goals.” cluding Southern Hillsborough with RidParents often volunteer as coaches or geline Composite and Lakeland with the volunteer at events, which a lot of times Lakeland Composite Lynx. Local teams gives them the opportunity to be out there practice and ride in a few locations in the on bikes with their kids aside from comarea; two spots frequently used during the petitions. season are Balm Boyette Scrub Nature “For me, the most rewarding thing is just Preserve and Alafia State Park. seeing families come together because of For those teams associated with the this, because what’s really unique about FICL, the competition season runs from this sport is that the parents can actually October, when teams first start meeting to participate with the kids,” said Gledhill. practice and runs (or rather rolls), through To find out more about the opportuniMay with state competitions. ties with the local composite teams and Although the FICL typically formats the Florida Interscholastic Cycling League, state races so that teams race against visit floridamtb.org.

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Volume 16, Issue 6

SUMMER BOATING SAFETY FOR MANATEES AND BOATERS Staff Report The Save the sort of scar from a Manatee Club boat collision. spent a lot of time These tragic aclast month promotcidents are preing National Safe ventable with eduBoating Week, cation, awareness May 22-28, the ofand the care of the ficial launch of the boating community.

2021 Safe Boating Boaters, paddlers Campaign, but the or those who spend group’s work to time near the water keep sea life safe are also encouraged doesn’t end there. to be a voice for This yearlong cammanatees by impaign promotes mediately reporting Save the Manatee Club offers a number of free recreational boatinjured, malnouring safety, such as materials available upon request to help safeguard ished, orphaned, enwearing life jackets manatees and increase awareness of manatee-safe tangled, stranded or boating tips. and not boating dead manatees to the while under the influence of alcohol. Save FWC or its local state wildlife officials. the Manatee Club also uses the campaign, Save the Manatee Club offers a number which kicks off the week before Memorial of free materials available upon request Day Weekend, to remind boaters of mana- to help safeguard manatees and increase tee-safe boating tips. awareness of manatee-safe boating tips.

During the summer, manatees are found Shoreline property owners as well as park in shallow estuaries, bays, rivers, canals and marina managers can order aluminum and coastal areas throughout Florida and signs alerting others to the presence of in neighboring states. Because imper- manatees in the area. Boaters and padiled manatees are generally slow-moving dlers can request packets that include a and must surface to breathe air, they are safety tips card, a waterproof boat banner especially vulnerable to collisions with and a decal to adhere to your vessel with fast-moving watercraft. Boat accidents the number to report manatees in distress. are the primary cause of human-related of Order free materials at savethemanatee. manatee deaths. According to the Florida org/resources.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommisSave the Manatee Club was founded in sion (FWC), most manatee deaths from 1981 by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett watercraft collisions are caused by blunt and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senforce impact, meaning that the speeds at ator Bob Graham to protect manatees and which boaters are traveling are causing their aquatic habitat. For more information strikes with deadly force. Those manatees about manatees and the club’s efforts, go that survive bear scars from their injuries. to savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432In fact, most living manatees have some JOIN (5646).

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

WAWA OFFERS FREE ADMISSION FOR BOK TOWER GARDENS ON SELECT DATES THIS SUMMER

Page 9

LITTLE FREE PANTRY

IS IMPACTING THE BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY

By Taylor Wells

By Laura Marzullo

For those who enjoy of azaleas, camellias and nature and are looking magnolias…showcasing an for something fun and ever-changing work of art,” free this summer, Wawa states the website. has a special offer. On A big part of Bok Tower the last Friday of each Gardens is its plant conmonth from June through servation efforts, including September, it is providthe propagation, reintroing free admission into duction, monitoring and Bok Tower Gardens from management of 64 rare 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mark your Wawa is providing free admission Central and North Florida into Bok Tower Gardens for everycalendars for Summer Fun plant species as part of its one on the last Friday of each month Days fueled by Wawa on from June through September. Take National Collection of enJune 25, July 30, August this chance to see the ever-changing dangered and threatened 27 and September 24. gardens, walk its nature trails, hear plants. Guests can see Bok Tower Gardens is a the carillon music of its Singing some of the state’s rarest 250-acre contemplative Tower and check out its various species in the Endangered activities and events. garden located at 1151 Plant Garden, which changTower Blvd. in Lake Wales. Fifty of those es constantly, as the species’ varied lifecyacres are cultivated gardens, and the rest cle stages provide a different show each are nature preserves and nature trails. season.

Built in 1929, “We originally started as Among the most notable attractions at a bird sanctuary and a garden, but our the Gardens is the 205 ft. Singing Tower, founder, [Edward Bok], wanted a place a massive musical instrument with a 60where humans could connect to nature and bell carillon at the very top. The neo-Gothic get away from what he called the ‘electri- tower was designed in 1929 to be a focal fication of Americans,’” said Erica Smith, showpiece for the center of the Gardens.

DBA, director of business development at Concerts occur at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Bok Tower Gardens. the bells chime on the hour and half-hour.

The destination has many garden highVisitors can also check out The Shop at lights, such as the River of Stone, Kitchen Bok, Blue Palmetto Café, nature trails like Garden and Outdoor Kitchen, Pollinator the Preserve Trail and Pine Ridge Trail, as Garden and many others. One of its won- well as many other activities and areas derful aspects is the wildlife, including 126 throughout the Gardens. different bird species as well as the threatTo receive Wawa’s complimentary adened gopher tortoise and endangered east- mission, stop by the Bok Tower Gardens ern indigo snake. entrance gate. No purchase, voucher or “Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines reservation is necessary. For more inforfashion a lush backdrop for flowering fo- mation about the Gardens, visit https:// liage and the spectacular seasonal color boktowergardens.org/.

Food, Hygiene items, paper goods— ensemble of food items, paper products the Little Free Pantry is equipped with and hygiene elements allows the comeverything you need. munity to take one step The legacy of a Little forward in coming toFree Pantry has existgether. People are able ed and been nourishto supply the pantry ing neighborhoods for with items they need or many years throughout believe other people will and out of the country need; although, if needand has now come to ed, the congregation Bloomingdale. shared a list of suggestInspired by the creed items. ation, Mike McCorThe Little Free Panty mack, pastor of First is First Presbyterian Presbyterian Church Church of Brandon’s ‘triof Brandon, was interal run.’ As time goes on, ested in having a Little the members will adjust Free Pantry in the comwhat is needed. munity. This pantry is “We will see how located on Morgan St. well it is received in our between the church’s neighborhood” and also Bloomingdale’s Little Free Pantry, Morgan St. entrance located on Morgan Street between the be observant on “how and the Family Prom- First Presbyterian Church of Brandon’s responsible people in ise Day Center. The Lit- Morgan St. entrance and the Family our congregation are to Promise Day Center. tle Free Library boxes restocking it,” said Reynfound in neighborhoods where people olds. take a book or give a book encouraged One of the church members, Keith the Little Free Pantry to develop.

Reynolds, is the builder behind the Little “Anyone is welcome to take items that Free Pantry. The congregation is extremeare needed with no questions asked, and ly devoted to what the Little Free Pantry anyone that wants to donate items is embodies. In fact, after six months, if the welcome to do that as well,” said Sandra need for additional Little Free Pantries in Reynolds, chairperson for the Mission the community enlarges, three gentlemen Ministry Team. in the congregation are willing to build This Little Free Pantry is placed with more. the intent that neighbors will help proProviding and receiving goods changes vide for one another. Neighbors are able and impacts lives. The Little Free Pantry to see each other’s battles and feel en- overall allows individuals to create somecouraged to make their days better. The thing bigger than themselves.

Page 10

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

NEWBORNS IN NEED CELEBRATES A DECADE OF CARING FOR INFANTS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Hayley Fedor

For a decade, Newto clothe their infant. borns in Need of Valrico Initially, “I looked onhas steadfastly supline, I read about how ported infants and their they support preemies families during difficult and I myself was a preetimes and hardships. mie at 2 lb., 6 oz., and Through thoughtfulI know how difficult it ly selected items and was way back then to handmade gifts, the get preemie stuff,” said volunteers at Newborns Mowery “I had no clue in Need offer love to inwhat I was getting into, fants in the form of care but I knew it was what I packages. wanted to supSince its founding in port.”

July of 2011, the Valrico There are chapter of Newborns in currently Need has operated with around 40 volthe mission “to take care Newborns in Need Founder Sue Mowery unteers with of sick and needy babies (left) delivers care packages to Nurse-Fam- the organization, some of for families in case of ily Partnership in addition to many other which are long-distance organizations throughout the area. crisis to help where help but still participate by is needed,” said Sue Mowery, founder and mailing in donations for care packages. director of Newborns in Need of Valrico.

This year, Newborns in Need of Valrico Newborns in Need currently supports plans to celebrate its special 10-year anniseven organizations in the area, including versary on Saturday, July 10. Customarily, Brandon Regional Hospital, Tampa General the volunteers meet on the second SaturHospital and one of its primary partner- day of each month at the South Life Baptist ships, Choices in Brandon.

Church in Valrico.

Each handcrafted care package delivered In honor of the anniversary, Mowery reby the nonprofit includes up to 21 baby flected on one of her most memorable moitems that provide relief for families in dif- ments with the nonprofit and stated, “I saw ficult situations. Every recipient receives a a lady that had a 1-pound baby I got to see. homemade blanket in addition to other ne- She was able to let me see the baby, she cessities like infant outfits, a small toy and gave me permission and it was like our little washcloths. project together to make clothes for that The volunteers at Newborns in Need 1-pound baby.” also make bereavement gifts out of donatFor more about Newborns in Need and to ed wedding dresses for families that have find out how to get involved with the orgalost a baby. With the donations, they create nization, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page smaller dresses that individuals can select @NINCWFL.

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Volume 16, Issue 6

CENTERPOINT CHURCH’S YOUTH GROUP HOSTS ‘THE WEEKEND’ By Lily Belcher In addition to The weekend is one serving its communiof many events and ty and church memactivities that Velocbers, Centerpoint ity hosts throughout Church in Valrico the year. During the offers opportunities school year, Velocity for middle schoolers hosts weekly stuand high schoolers dent gatherings on to explore their faith Wednesday, where and make friends in middle schoolers and their Christian comhigh schoolers have munity. One of these the opportunity to opportunities is ‘The listen to a message Weekend’ hosted by from Youth Pastor Centerpoint Church’s Bradley Hamilton youth group, Velocand meet in small ity. groups to discuss The Weekend is a their faith. two-day event, from “We believe in Centerpoint Church’s Velocity youth group an- the next generation Friday to Saturday, nounces ‘The Weekend.’

July 9-10, held at the and their potential Centerpoint Church campus for rising sixth to change the world,” as stated by Velocigraders to graduating high school seniors ty’s website. “That’s why we’ve created an (including the class of 2022 who just grad- environment that will share truth, inspire uated in May). It is not an overnight event, students to live a gospel-centered life and so participants will need to be dropped off challenge them to lead others toward Jeand picked up after each day. On July 9, sus—all while enjoying crazy games, loud the event will start at 5 p.m. and conclude music and youthful shenanigans with their its first day at 10 p.m. The event is sched- friends.” uled to resume the next morning at 9 a.m.

Through its fun and interactive yearand continue through 6 p.m. round events, Velocity has opened the door “This high-energy weekend will be a fun to teenagers and students to explore and and safe experience for students to con- learn about God while making the friends nect with their friends and explore their necessary to guide them through their faith,” according to Centerpoint Church’s faith journey. website.

For more information on or to register Tickets for the event, which must be pur- for The Weekend, visit centerpointfl.org/ chased before Wednesday, June 30, cost velocity or contact the church at 689$50 and will cover the sessions, activities 1906. To watch sermons from Velocity’s and meals for students. Purchased tickets services, visit its YouTube page or website. are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

Page 11

A KID’S PLACE FOSTERING HOPE GFWC BRANDON SERVICE GALA NETS MORE THAN $500,000 LEAGUE AWARDS THREE Staff Report SCHOLARSHIPS By Kathy L. Collins

safety precautions.

As more people have been vaccinated and sporting events, such as golf tournaments, have been held locally, leaders with A Kid’s Place believed they could move forward with the event while offering a safe environment for guests.

“This year’s event was successful beyond our wildest expectations, and a true testament that our community is bouncing back from the pandemic,” added Homes by WestBay Vice President

Judy Darsey (left), chair of the Scholarship Committee, presented the scholarship for the Reynolds and Claire Bryan Scholarship to Rosie Harrison.

On June 5, the GFWC Brandon Service League awarded three $1,000 scholarships to three deserving local students.

The funds were generated from a new and very successful event, the GFWC Brandon Service League’s Spring Sporting Clays Shoot and Dinner, held at FishHawk Sporting Clays in Lithia on April 10.

The first award, the Reynolds and Claire Bryan Scholarship, was given to Rosie Harrison, a senior at Bloomingdale High School. Harrison will graduate sixth in her class out of 560 students. She has a weighted GPA of 7.1 (unweighted 3.8).

Harrison will attend Auburn University in the fall and aims to major in electrical engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in audio engineering and eventually work in a recording studio or for a music technology company. Harrison chose this field because of her love of music, math and science.

Harrison was a drum major for the marching band and also played in the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. She will join the Auburn University Marching Band and play the trombone.

Harrison said, “This scholarship will help me a lot as I am going out of state for school. I always wanted to go to Auburn because my grandfather went there. I am very thankful for the scholarship.”

The recipient of the GFWC Brandon Service League Scholarship is Calvin Larkin, a senior at Riverview High School. Larkin will graduate in the top 40 percent of his class and plans to attend Florida International University. He plans to pursue a major in engineering and would like to concentrate on either construction or biomedical. He would eventually like to teach.

Larkin is a student-athlete who has received numerous awards. He has excelled at both cross country and track and field.

He has also volunteered with Metropolitan Ministries, the Riverview Boys & Girls Club and Moffitt Cancer Center.

The recipient of the Pat and Lee Elam Scholarship for the Renaissance Woman is Yolanda Poore. She is employed with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a civilian supervisor in the Identification Department. She attends Polk State College, is pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice and she has a 4.0 GPA. Poore explained that she is attending college for two reasons: “First, I want to show my grandchildren that you are never too old to pursue your dreams. Secondly, I want to apply for other positions within the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.” For more on GFWC Brandon Service League, please visit http://gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org.

Beth (Homes by WestBay Vice President and CFO) aand Tony Bradburn (above) as well as Brad (A Kid’s Place CEO) and Amy Gregory (right) participated in the recent fundraising gala for the charity.

The seventh annual Fostering Hope Gala, benefitting Brandon-based A Kid’s Place and presented by Homes by WestBay, raised more than $500,000 on May 8. The Arabian Nights-themed event was held at the outdoor Saunders Pavilion at Zoo Tampa with approximately 350 people in attendance and social distancing.

Founded in 2009, A Kid’s Place provides support to children in the foster care system.

Its homelike, residential program assists children from birth to age 18 who have been removed from their parents’ care because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. In addition to offering services to meet the social, medical, educational and psychological needs of foster children, A Kid’s Place puts a special emphasis on keeping siblings together in a safe, stable and nurturing environment.

“We are absolutely thrilled and thankful for everyone who helped us reach this incredible milestone,” said Brad Gregory, CEO of A Kid’s Place. “Our community has shown us their extraordinary generosity, and their support of our much-needed mission. These funds will go a long way in supporting the children we assist.”

This year’s Fostering Hope Gala is the first in-person event held by the nonprofit since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was delayed several months so that organizers could secure an outdoor location that allowed for social distancing and other COVID-19 health and

and CFO Beth Bradburn, who is also the incoming vice chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “After a year of observing proper precautions, our guests were thrilled to enjoy a five-star evening and donate to an organization that helps our community’s most vulnerable kids.”

Funds raised from the Fostering Hope Gala are used to directly assist in the essential daily health and welfare needs of the children it serves, including food and clothing, health and welfare necessities, fun activities and maintenance needs for A Kid’s Place’s residential facility.

Homes by WestBay has been committed to A Kid’s Place for several years. As the largest locally owned, privately held homebuilder in Tampa Bay, Homes by WestBay’s leadership strongly believes in giving back to the local community not only through financial contributions, but also through their time and service. The company was also integral in launching A Kid’s Place’s independent living program, which helps high school graduates who are in the foster care system transition to living on their own.

To learn more about A Kid’s Place, visit www.akidsplacetb.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

GREATER RIVERVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES NEW WINTHROP OFFICE Staff Report Winthrop Town “Thanks to a Centre has a new generous techgroup of resinology sponsordents. The Greater ship from The Riverview ChamMosaic Comber of Commerce pany, South(GRCC) recently State Bank, held a ribbon-cutSt. Joseph’s ting ceremony Hospital-South and open house and Suncoast to celebrate its Credit Union, new office locaGRCC now utition in Winthrop lizes brand-new Town Centre at The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) re- computers to 6152 Delancey cently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to help fuel the ecoStation St., Ste. celebrate its new office location in Winthrop Town Centre. nomic engine in Photo courtesy of Gerardo Luna Photographs.

205 in Riverview. the community,” The GRCC Board of Directors, Ambassa- said Caetano. “This new technology will dor Team, community partners, staff along also help to realize GRCC’s vision to drive with Hillsborough County Commissioner economic development and community Kimberly Overman were all in attendance. involvement, which creates a vibrant and “The GRCC is a voluntary partnership prosperous future.” of businesses, professionals and citizens The GRCC appreciates the many local working together to build a healthy econ- partners who helped support this move omy and improve the quality of life in our and celebration, including: All Eyes on You community,” said Jeff Caetano, communi- Communications, Brothers EZ Moving, cations coordinator.

Florida SBDC at USF, Image360 TamLocated in the Winthrop Professional pa-Ybor City, John and Kay Sullivan at Building, next to the Railroad & Industrial Winthrop Town Centre, FunTampa, Reyna Federal Credit Union, the 2,400-square- & Reyna Superior Cleaning, RYT IT Solufoot space will provide the opportunity for tions, The Bridges Retirement Community, the chamber to better support the needs The Flying Locksmiths, The Popcorn Spot, of its investors and the Greater Riverview Walsh Commercial Cleaning and all of the community at large. According to Caeta- many volunteers. no, the GRCC also offers their conference To learn more about the Greater Rivroom space to investors for meetings and erview Chamber of Commerce, call 234events.

5944, visit www.riverviewchamber.com Winthrop Town Centre is a community or email info@riverviewchamber.com. The that offers not only the shopping needs of chamber invites residents to stop in bedaily life but many other necessities, such tween the hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday as medical, education, events, and housing. through Friday, to meet the staff.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

Page 13

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CENTER PLACE? PIXIE PAINTERS, FABSTRAQ, DRAWING, WATERCOLORS & MORE

By Libby Hopkins

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is full steam ahead with its summer programming. It has added more children’s and teens’ art classes for the summer as well as adult classes. It is also in the process of developing health and wellness classes to offer to the community.

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is full steam ahead with its summer programming. It has added more children’s and teens’ art classes for the summer.

“Since we had such a great response to our spring classes, we’ve decided to add more for the summer,” said Center Place’s president, Ryan Odiorne. “It’s great seeing our former artist returning to teach our adult programs as well.”

Pixie Painters is an art class geared towards children who are between the ages of 4-5. This class is offered on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Jump Start to Art is for children ages 6-10. This class is offered on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m., Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. and Thursdays from 4-5 p.m.

Fabstraq, a local abstract artist, offers a children ages 4-6 abstract art class on Friday mornings from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. He also offers a teens and tweens abstract art class on Fridays from 1:30-3 p.m.

Joanna Barbolla is a new artist who recently joined Center Place’s staff. “I’m new

to the Brandon area and I’m very excited about being one of the new art instructors at Center Place,” Barbolla said.

She will also be teaching abstract art to children ages 1014 on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m.

There are many classes for adults over the summer at Center Place too. On Mondays, the center offers Contemporary Acrylic Painting from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Freeform Art from 1-3 p.m. and Art Therapy from 6-8 p.m. These three adult classes are taught by Greg Manely.

Ron Grote offers Graphite Drawing on Tuesdays from 9-11:30 a.m. and Colored Pencil Drawing from 12:30-3 p.m. for adults.

Judy Johnson has been teaching art at Center Place since it began. “I love being back at Center Place,” Johnson said. She teaches adults Oil Painting on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.-12 Noon. Also on Wednes-

days, Kathy Durdin teaches Watercolors to adults from 1-3 p.m.

There is another adult Watercolors class taught by Meletha Everett on Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-12 Noon.

All summer art classes are four for $45 or pay-as-yougo for $11.25 for the months of June, July and August. The pay-as-you-go option was designed to let children and adults try dif-

ferent classes to see which ones they like or give them the opportunity to take multiple classes.

Center Place is working on developing health and wellness programs for the community. The first step in the process is offering weekly yoga classes for $20 each.

Yoga is held twice a month on Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.

If you would like to register for any of Center Place’s summer art classes or programs, please call Center Place at 6858888.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

ROTARY CARES A TON CHALLENGE BENEFITS LOCAL NONPROFITS

By Tatiana Ortiz Numerous local nonhearing from various profit organizations Rotarians how their such as Feeding Tampa clubs could not do the Bay, Metropolitan Minnormal club fundraisistries and much more ers, activities and projreceived an abundant ects they were used to amount of donations doing.” during the Rotary With the challenge Cares A Ton Challenge, itself, Rotarians had which began on March several simple rules to 1 and ended on May adhere to. For instance, 31. A total of 25 Rotathe clubs appointed a ry Clubs participated club representative to in this challenge with keep track of their do74.5 tons of household nations in pounds. The goods, clothes and clubs also encouraged more donated, equalRotarians within their ing 149,084 pounds clubs to donate houseoverall. These 74.5 hold goods, clothes tons far surpassed the Past District Governor Joyce Gunter (left) and more that one and Assistant District Governor Lesley could equate to pounds 50 tons goal.

Zajac (right) delivering their donations.

This Rotary Cares A to then be donated to Ton Challenge project was started by the charitable organizations of their a member of the Rotary Club of Au- choice. Donated items were delivered burndale. This year, the club decided while utilizing all of the safety prototo challenge all Rotary Clubs in Rotary cols and guidelines. These are a few exDistrict 6890. Specifically, Rotary Dis- amples of the rules for this challenge. trict 6890 encompasses Rotary Clubs Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview in Hillsborough, Hardee, Highlands won the challenge with a total of and Polk Counties. With it being a dis- 366.9 lbs. per capita in donations. District-wide challenge, everyone worked trict Governor Elect Deborah Williams toward a common good by also fulfill- shared her thoughts about the club ing “Service Above Self,” one of Rota- winning first place, saying, “With Fishry’s official mottoes, which ties into Hawk-Riverview being such a diverse the club’s mission. club, we have willing hearts and pasLinda Johnson, assistant governor of sionate souls to help others no matter Rotary District 6890, explained how how near or far the people are in our the idea of this year’s challenge came lives and community.” into fruition: “With the challenges For more information, visit https:// brought forth by COVID-19, we were fishhawkriverviewrotary.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 15

SUPERINTENDENT DAVIS IS A SUMMER NIGHTS WITH FIREWORKS WHITNEY M. YOUNG JR. SERVICE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMES TO BUSCH GARDENS AWARD RECIPIENT Staff Report Staff Report

On May 13, Hillsborough County School Superintendent Addison Davis was honored as a 2021 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recipient from the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America for his significant contributions in advocating for rural and low-income urban youth who face challenging barriers in their academics and in life.

Davis was among a distinguished group of honorees this year, including State Representative Fentrice Driskell; Kevin Plummer, head of Tampa Preparatory School; and Glenn Permuy, senior vice president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“I am truly honored to be recognized alongside this group of dedicated community and state leaders. The students who are part of the Boy Scouts of America live by a set of values that influence the rest of their lives and sets them on a path to achieve their goals. Through the work of our educators in the district’s Transformation Network of schools, our goal is to eradicate the barriers that prevent students from reaching their true potential and focus on innovative programs that provide equitable access

Hillsborough County School Superintendent Addison Davis was honored as a 2021 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recipient from the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.

to high-quality instruction for all students,” said Davis.

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recognizes individuals who are instrumental in developing the principles of Scouting for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds. The award is named in honor of influential civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., who became the head of the National Urban League in the 1960s. Young’s work transformed the organization into a major civil rights organization while creating thousands of new jobs for African Americans.

To learn more about the award and Superintendent Davis, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

For more than menu inspired by 100 nights this backyard summer summer, guests can cookouts with a Busstay late and safely ch Gardens twist. enjoy world-class Adults 21 and over coasters, electrican indulge in new fying entertainglow-in-the-dark ment throughout summer cocktails or the park and more refreshing nonalcoduring extended hours at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Every night through Sunday, Summer Nights is underway at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. August 8, guests can look to the sky for the new ‘Spark! A holic drinks that Nighttime Spectacular,’ featuring an ex- are equally beauplosive new firework and special effects tiful and satisfyproduction. ‘Spark!’ will feature an explo- ing for the perfect end to a summer night. sive array of fireworks and exciting efEntertainment will include DJ Block fects from dazzling lasers to graceful wa- Parties, the all-new ‘Cirque Electric’ show ter elements and dramatic pyrotechnics. and the return of the ‘Turn It Up’ ice skat‘Spark!’ is offered every Friday, Saturday ing show. and Sunday night at 9:15 p.m. from May Celebrate all summer long and visit 28 to Monday, September 6, including ex- again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun tra presentations from Thursday to Sun- Card, with which guests can pay for a day day, July 1-4 for Independence Day and on and play all year, with few restrictions.

September 6 for Labor Day. For the price of a single-day ticket to BusLong before the first burst of ‘Spark!’ ch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access covers the night sky, guests can join in the throughout the year, so you can visit again evening excitement with new entertain- and again and experience great events ment, music, food and drinks for the park’s like Summer Nights, Bier Fest, Christmas biggest and brightest summer celebration. Town and more.

A new event for this year is the Pre-ParGuests can visit www.BuschGardenty on the Festival Pathway, where guests sTampa.com for more information and will be greeted with glowing lights strung reservations—and to purchase tickets, among the trees, live music and more. The Fun Cards or Annual Passes. Fans can stay stunning visual journey on the Festival up to date with park events, attractions Pathway will spark the spirit of summer and more by following Busch Gardens in everyone.

Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and InThere is also a new seasonal summer stagram.

Page 16

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

Page 17

GIBSONTON WAS A CARNIVAL TOWN: FINDING A HOME

By Charles Nelson Gibsonton is a town with tation, and the a fascinating slice of histoword spread on ry unknown to many Hillsthis new, welborough County residents. coming winter Nationally famous residents home for travelincluded Al and Jeanne Toing show people maini, Casper Belsom, Dolfor much of the ly Reagan and Percilla and 1940s and 50s.

Emmitt Bejano. They share Gibsonton, a unique story; these folks as a carnival were once human stars sideshow workof bizarre traveling, carnier retreat, beval sideshows popular in gan to change mid-century America. Yet, in the 1960s it was in Gibsonton where and 70s. Medthey found a permanent ical advances, home far from the curious changing public crowds. perceptions and “Percilla, the ‘Monkey Girl,’ and “Al and Jeanie Tomaini: ‘The World’s “Col. Casper Belsom with his pal, Al Tomaini, at Giant’s Al Tomaini stood at 6’4” laws as well as Emmitt, the ‘Alligator Skin Man.’” Strangest Married Couple.’” Source: Fish Camp in Gibsonton.” Source: International IndepenSource: International Independent and was known professionthe dramatic rise International Independent Showmen’s dent Showmen’s Association.

Showmen’s Association. ally as ‘The Giant.’ He was of television led Association. neighalso the fire chief in Gibsonto the demise of resident for 18 bor, hired by Stiles’ wife, murdered him. the carnival sideshows. As a result, many ton and president of the town’s chamber years until his death in 1968. of commerce.

Dolly Reagan, immobilized her entire life The resulting criminal case splattered all human performers who worked for shows In stark contrast to her husband, Jean- due to a birth-related condition, was once across the nation’s papers. Yet, despite the like the Gibsonton-based Royal American ie Tomaini stood a mere 30” tall. She once Gibsonton’s town librarian. She, too, trav- notoriety of this infamous case, most car- Shows saw their numbers dwindle in Gibperformed as a carnival acrobat, billing eled the carnival sideshow circuit under a nival sideshow workers, including sword sonton during the remainder of the centuherself as the ‘Half-Lady.’ Jeanie also variety of show names, including the ‘Ossi- swallowers and human pincushions like ry. By the early 2000s, many of the sideserved as one of Gibsonton’s postmistress- fied Girl’ and the ‘Half-Woman/Half-Baby.’ Melvin Burkhardt, lived everyday lives in a show performers and their families had es. Together, they toured as ‘the World’s Yet, she found comfort in her Gibsonton town that they called home. died or moved away.

Eddie and Grace LeMay, carnival cookStrangest Married Couple.’ After perma- home, where she felt at ease and entirely To experience Gibsonton’s role in this nently settling in Gibsonton, they operat- welcome in the small town until she died in house operators, were the first carnival once-dynamic industry, do plan to visit workers to come to Gibsonton in 1924. the International Independent Showmen’s ed Giant’s Fish Camp and Restaurant (and the early 1990s. many other businesses). Al died in 1962, Many more carnival sideshow workers Heading south for the winter, they crossed Association on Riverview Dr. near U.S. 41. and Jeanie continued to run the restaurant found a home in this place they loving- the Alafia River, stopped to fish, had lunch Here you will find an excellent museum until she died in 1999. ly called ‘Gibtown.’ Percilla Lauther (the and planned to rest before moving on. But, highlighting the carnival industry. It’s well ‘Colonel’ Casper Belsom also toured with ‘Monkey Girl’) and Emmitt Bejano (the instead, they were attracted to the area worth a visit. the carnival circuit in the mid-20th centu- ‘Alligator Skinned Man’) were married for and decided to make it their permanent ry. As a little person, Belsom stood 36” tall 40 years and also lived in Gibsonton for home. Together, they opened Eddie’s Hut, CHARLES NELSON HOLDS A MA DEGREE IN HISTORY FROM GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY and counted Al as one of his best pals. He several years. (Emmett died in 1995, and a Gibsonton restaurant that operated for AND TAUGHT AS AN ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR AT many years. Eddie and Grace urged their served as Gibsonton’s police chief (and en- died Percilla in 2001 in Lutz.)

HCC (DALE MABRY). HE IS ALSO AFFILIATED WITH TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER AS A tire police force) from 1949 until the earMore infamously, Grady Stiles, aka the fellow carnival workers to join them. Many VOLUNTEER DOCENT, RESEARCHER AND ly 1960s. He ran for the title of honorary ‘Lobster Boy’ because of his claw-like carnival workers, including a large number COMMUNITY LECTURER, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORY. mayor in 1964. He was a proud Gibsonton hands, lived in Gibsonton until 1992, when a of sideshow performers, answered his invi-

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

ACE GOLF OFFERS FREE GOLF FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER Staff Report Are the kids driving you crazy and playing es) after 12 Noon every day through the end too many video games this summer? Want of October. to have them do something healthy and Ace Golf Range is located at 12910 learn a lifelong sport? Ace Golf is offering a Boyette Rd. in Riverview and can be free summer golf practice program for kids reached at 672-7750. It is open daily until age 5 to 15.

Every day from, June 1 through Tuesday, August 31, kids can sign up to receive a free small bucket of range balls each day for the whole summer. Kids hit the balls on the practice ranges at Tampa Bay area Ace Golf locations. And, it’s all free.

“There are a lot of families out there that just can’t afford to put kids in camps or they just want something productive to fill their summer,” said Bill Place, owner of Ace Golf Ranges and Golf Courses.

“We want to help, and hopefully in the process we may find the Every day from, June 1 through Tuesday, August 31, kids can sign up to receive a free small bucket of range balls at next Tiger Woods.”

Ace Golf in Riverview.

How it works: • Children may sign up for free at any of 10 p.m. The facilities feature lighted golf five Ace Golf locations in Riverview, Tampa, practice ranges, miniature golf and batting Land O’Lakes and Tarpon Springs. cages. For more information, visit ace-golf.

• Each child receives a daily stamp card com. Ace Golf Courses include Pebble Creek for one free small bucket each day.

Golf Club at 10550 Regents Park Dr. in New • Each time the child redeems their free Tampa (phone: 973-3870, website: pebblecbucket, they will get a stamp on their card reekclub.com), Plantation Palms Golf Club noting the redemption. An adult must ac- in Land O’Lakes (phone: 996-4653, website: company them. plantationpalms.net) and Crescent Oaks • No purchase is necessary. Kids should Country Club at 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd. bring a golf club with them or may rent one. in Tarpon Springs (phone: 727-937-4653, • At the Riverview and Land O’ Lakes lo- website: crescentoaksgolf.com). cations, kids may substitute miniature golf All Ace Golf Courses are open to the public (one round per day) instead of the small and offer membership, dining and banquet bucket each day. centers. Ace Golf is locally family-owned by In addition to the Free Bucket or Mini- Su Lee and Bill Place since 1993. In addition Golf program, kids may also play golf for to the free kids program, each location offree when accompanied by a paying parent fers summer golf camps, clinics as well as at all Ace Golf Courses (18-hole golf cours- private and group golf lessons.

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Volume 16, Issue 6

LOCAL ORGANIZATION HELPS DISASTER VICTIMS

By Libby Hopkins

Boricuas de Corathis second group, zón Inc. is a Brandon we handle about 350 nonprofit that helps families. We provided victims of a natural food, furniture, meddisaster to reorgaical equipment and nize their life after shelter apartments in the event. “We can Panama City, Tampa provide resources and Brandon.” and connections to When the COVID-19 get affordable houspandemic hit, Boricuas ing, food, shelter, de Corazón Inc. was assistance with the ready to help those in Latino community need.

Boricuas de Corazón Inc. is a local Brandon in their languages,” nonprofit that helps victims of a natural disaster to After “COVID-19 said Boricuas de reorganize their life after the event. Its mission is to came to the states, we Corazón Inc. mem- provide first responder assistance to victims of any helped with supplies, ber Sandy Corona- disaster in the U.S. and other countries in need. serving food, hygiene do. “We are now CERT (Community Emer- products, cleaning products and PPE prodgency Response Team) and DRT (Disaster ucts to 37,100 families,” Coronado said.

Relief Team) certified.”

“We got a warehouse with the assistance Its mission is to provide first responder as- of commissioners in Kissimmee and started sistance to victims of any disaster in the U.S. assisting Orange, Osceola, Hillsborough and and other countries in need. “We train and Pinellas Counties. We provided all kinds of prepare civilians and volunteers to assist in supplies that our partners from other states hurricane disasters and handle humanitarian sent to help our effort.” help,” Coronado said. “All of the assistance The organization also helps its clients with is coming from the community, private do- other assistance as well. “We’re providing nors and government agencies. We want to Zoom classes with University of Florida’s continue training our volunteers and other EFNEP Program and recently graduated communities to be ready and prepared at the 16 people for classes in food and nutrition time of any kind of disaster. Our special at- in February 2021,” Coronado said. “We are tention is to senior citizens, kids, low-income protecting our senior facilities by providing communities, homeless and immigrants.” them with masks, gloves and sanitizers. We The group has been assisting those in need are providing masks and gowns to all free since March of 2018 after Hurricane Maria medical clinics that are assisting immigrants hit Florida and Puerto Rico. “We assisted and people in need during this pandemic as with all the families that had to be evacuated well.”

by FEMA and brought to Florida,” CoronaTo learn more about Boricuas de Corazón do said, “some of them landing in Miami and Inc. or to donate to the organization, visit Orlando initially and the next group came www.boricuasdecorazoninc.com or call 954to Tampa, Tallahassee, Panama City—with 496-1463.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

MICROIRRIGATION IN THE LANDSCAPE

By LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT Water is among our creased. most valued resources. It • Design, installation and is required for survival and use are simple. is • Products are interchangenonrenewable at our able among vendors. current rate of consump• Used as a ‘nurse system’ to tion. The Florida 2070/ establish new plantings.

Water 2070 Project Maintenance is minimal. A (https://1000fof.org/) esmonthly walk through your Drip Tubing timates that we will see landscape beds will allow an increase of 15 million you to make adjustments or residents by the year 2070. repairs as needed that could This will result in an inbe due to lawnmowers, weed creasing demand on water eaters or garden critters, such supply for growth. That as armadillos leveling spray said, water conservation is stakes. even more important today We offer three types of than in the past. microirrigation workshops There are several ways to Hillsborough County resiBubble to Drip Emitter to conserve water in the dents: microspray irrigation landscape, one of which for landscape beds, patio/conis microirrigation. It is tainer and vegetable garden a system that provides microirrigation. One microirsmall amounts of water rigation kit is provided per compared to an in-ground household—one time only for irrigation system, is easy each of the three workshops. to install, connects to an Preregistration is required. outdoor spigot/hose bib Please see our calendar of Drip Emitter and provides 30 gallons events at https://sfyl.ifas. per hour or less. There are ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcomfour types of microirrigaing-events/. tion: microspray, bubblers, For assistance with horticuldripper emitters and drip tural questions, call 744-5519 tubing. and visit us on Facebook for The advantages of using our Florida-Friendly Landscapa microirrigation system ing™ news. We hope to see you include: at a workshop soon. As always, • Water is applied in remember to reduce, reuse, Micro Spray gallons per hour vs. galrecycle and repeat. Each of us lons per minute from an in-ground irriga- can make an environmental difference. tion system.

Contact Lynn Barber at labarber@ufl.

• Evaporation and erosion are de- edu.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY

WOODIE’S WASH SHACK COMES TO LOCAL AREAS THROUGHOUT HILLSBOROUGH By Brian Bokor Based out of just a car wash.

Tampa, Woodie’s “We are all about Wash Shack is a the community,” distinctly differhe said. “We want ent express car to get involved wash inspired at every level, by the classic down to cleaning woodie car and the streets. We surf culture of just launched the the 1960s. The Woodie’s Sparkling goal is to provide Clean Crew, who every customer perform neighborwith the best hood cleanups in car wash exour communities.” perience in the Woodie’s supWoodie’s Wash Shack is opening business. All ports a variety of locations throughout Hillsborough Woodie’s are community initiaCounty. equipped with tives focused on free vacuums, have on-site crew members kids, conservation and people seeking opand offer an unlimited monthly wash club portunity. It supports programs like Projprogram. Woodie’s is proud to be a local, ect Uplift, Surfers for Autism and Take family-owned business that is growing Stock in Children. Fundraising opportunifast. ties are also available for groups to raise Throughout Southeast Hillsborough, money for their organizations. you’ve probably seen signs announcing a Crew members working at Woodie’s new Woodie’s Wash Shack coming to your have access to workshops focused on neighborhood. More locations means more building character, developing personal reconvenience for members. These sites sponsibility and creating career goals. They were chosen for their proximity to shop- are learning professional skills designed to ping, restaurants and neighborhoods. Each carry them into the future. new location provides up to 10 jobs.

Woodie’s offers a ‘Lifesaver’ program When asked about the newest location for first responders, health care workers, on FishHawk Blvd, Brandon Gary, director law enforcement and military personnel as of Operations, replied, “We’ve been work- well as a ‘Family Plan’ for households with ing to get one in FishHawk since I moved more than one vehicle. here. We finally have two in the works, Woodie’s currently has locations in plus the ones in Gibsonton and Sun City, South Tampa and Pinellas Park, with Sun and more … eight in the Tampa Bay area by City, Lutz and Gibsonton locations to open end of 2021, and 15 more in 2022.” soon. Visit woodieswash.com or call 888Gary stressed that they are more than 887-WAVE (9283) for more information.

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Page 20 Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. If you or a loved one have this disease, then the Alzheimer’s Association is there to help you. Its website, alz.org, has many resources and support groups where you can learn about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, discuss personal experiences, learn about care and support resources and discover how you can make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Search the ‘community reCompiled

by Jenny Bennett source finder’ to find what is available in jbennett@ospreyobserver.com your area. A 24/7 helpline is also available on 800-272-3900.

Angel Foundation New Board, Center Place & More...

The Angel Foundation FL Announces New Appointments

The Angel Foundation FL is proud to announce that after serving as the executive director since 2014, Liz Brewer has been appointed to chief executive officer.

In addition, Ericka White, pastor of OneChurch, has been appointed president; Gary Searls, chief financial officer of Brandon Regional Hospital, has been appointed as treasurer; Julie Dahl will continue in her second term as secretary; and Shannon Keil will continue to serve on the board of directors as past president.

The Angel Foundation FL (formerly known as the Brandon Foundation) serves families in our community affected by a life-threatening illness or catastrophic event by matching them with local businesses to meet the practical needs of the families.

For more information, please call the foundation at 689-6889 or visit www.

AngelFoundationFL.com.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition charcuterie school with The Seasoned Corner on Thursday, July 8 from 6-9 p.m.

Tickets are $50 and include a charcuterie board, apron as well as meat and cheese products to create your board and wine.

The class is limited to 50 participants, so please register early.

To register for this class, call Center Place at 685-8888. Preregistration and payment are required. COVID-19 policies are being followed and masks must be worn.

St. Stephen Catholic Church’s Community For Women Bingo

St. Stephen Catholic Church’s Community for Women group will be holding a bingo fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewery Co. on Thursday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. The Community for Women group supports St. Stephen and helps families in need with their rent, medical bills and other expense s .

Tickets are $ 2 0 for five games of bing o ; prizes a r e a bottle of wine and you can choose between a gift card or prize basket. A 50/50 cash drawing will also be held.

Bullfrog Creek Brewery Co. is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Water Conservation Rebate Presentations Available

Reducing water use when possible is imperative to ensure enough water pressure for essential uses and public safety in the South County area. Residents who would

Annual After Fireworks Cleanup

We all enjoy celebrating America’s birthday, but the time comes when we must clean up after the party. Join your fellow residents in helping to protect our waterways from becoming an explosion of unsightly litter at Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful’s annual After Fireworks Cleanup. This event will take place on Monday, July 5 from 8-11 a.m. at either Courtney Campbell Causeway South Trail or Cypress Point Park. Trash bags, water and gloves are provided, plus promotional giveaways while supplies last. Visit www. keepingtampabaybeautiful.org/events to register.

Come To Center Place’s Charcuterie School

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association in Brandon is hosting a pop-up

Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm • Sat 9am-4pm • Sun-Closed

be interested in learning about water conservation rebates available for shallow wells, smart irrigation controllers and high-efficiency toilets, Hillsborough County Public Utilities offers free educational presentations. Presentations can be requested online using this form: HCFLGov.formstack. com/forms/waterconservationprogram.

By Nitish S. Rele

Volume 16, Issue 6

nitishrele@gmail.com

OVERHAULED SUBARU LEGACY DESERVES A SERIOUS LOOK For too long, sometimes feeling like eternity, the Subaru Legacy has been pushed by the wayside. It should never have been so, because the midsize sedan is nearly as good as the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Kia K5 and so forth. With a total redesign last val offerings. Other LEGACY LIMITED XT year, the Legacy should standard comforts Tires: 225/50R18 inspire plenty of interare the dual auto AC, Wheelbase: 108.3 inches est. After all, the car 10-way adjustable Length: 190.6 inches demonstrates incredible power driver and Height: 59.1 inches nimbleness, remarkable eight-way passenger Width: 72.4 inches handling and response.

Partial credit, of course, Suspension: MacPherson strut seats, 60/40 fold goes to the standard front, double wishbone rear rear seats, rear-seat AC outlets, overhead symmetrical all-wheel Steering: Rack-and-pinion sunglass holder and drive system that Subpower assist power moonroof. aru equips in all its veFuel capacity: 18.5 gallons Dual front and side hicles.

City: 24 mpg airbags, side curThe seventh-generaHighway: 32 mpg tain airbag for both tion Legacy is equipped Base price: $34,445 rows, driver knee with a 2.4-liter, horiPrice as tested: $35,370 airbag, four-wheel zontally opposed, turWebsite: www.subaru.com anti-lock brakes bo four-cylinder engine with electronic blasting off 260 horsebrake distribution power at 5,600 rpm and and brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, 277 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. stability and traction system, rearview The continuous variable transmission with eight-speed manual shift capabili- camera, blind-spot detection with laneties contributes to a compelling perfor- change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, reverse auto brakes, tire pressure monimance while ensuring gas savings.

Ensconced on the unitized body struc- toring system and daytime running lights ture is a frameless hexagonal grille and come at no extra cost. The standard lower air intake with a centered Subaru Eyesight Assist Monitor, which features star cluster insignia, flanked by C-shaped lane-departure warning and active cruise LED headlights. Outdoor-loving folks will control, ensures that the driver maintains appreciate the mounting brackets atop a straight path while the DriverFocus the roof to haul a canoe or surfboard. Distraction Mitigation System sounds a A twin cockpit with electroluminescent warning if its camera and facial recoganalog gauge displays for the speedom- nition software finds tiredness signs or eter, tachometer, fuel and coolant tem- driver diversion.

It’s about time the redesigned Legaperature give the cabin a rich feel. Its cy begins to attract serious attention huge, 11.6-inch, tablet-style touch screen among sedan buyers. For us in the Tamto control navigation, audio and phone pa Bay area, the standard all-wheel drive along with circular control knobs is easy will be practical during the rainy season. to use. Drivers of different heights in the Plus, the first-rate cabin and tremendous family will appreciate the three-spoke safety features make the Legacy a terriftilt/telescopic steering column. Its trunk ic daily ride. capacity of 15.1 cubic feet matches ri-

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

Page 21

RIVER HILLS COMMUNITY MEMBERS BAND TOGETHER, WIN GRANT, TO DEVELOP FOUR MILES OF TRAILS ON PROPERTY

By Hayley Fedor On the south side trances at different of the River Hills areas in River Hills property lies 200and six different trail plus acres of woodpaths that all have a land preserve that unique character to runs right up to the them, including an Alafia River, which extremely primitive for many years trail for the more went untouched adventurous hikers. and unexplored, un“I think our initial til a group of resicrew is also kind of dents cracked open cool … we came tothe natural oasis. gether and one of The project beour guys is a geologan last January gist, an engineer, I after River Hills do data analytics … resident Stefan it was a mixed bag Smith and his kids of skills,” said Smith. went out to explore Much of the inithe woods in an attial funding came tempt to reach the One of the primary trail developers, Sean Troyer, from the communiAlafia River. From piecing together the 430-foot boardwalk found on the ty members, themOrange Trail. that point on, more selves fueled by a community members began to get involved passion for the project and a motivation in the excursion and started developing to build a quality experience on the trails. trails.

Later, as the project grew in size, the HOA At first, the ‘Trail Team,’ as they call it, board stepped in to offer extra funding. which is comprised of about 10 residents Now, the team has received a grant from heavily involved in the trails’ development, Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relatook to the woods with machetes and weed tions to build a fitness track with features whackers to start clearing the way for such as pull-up bars and sit-up stations. paths. After the initial brush removal, the “We wanted to ensure that this is going team started surveying the land to create a to be enduring and stay here for a long time, more wholesome design for the trails. so we’ve always had that in the back of our “We just started openly really brain- minds,” said Troyer. storming from whatever was in our imagCurrently, the Trail Team is working toination about having a few different types wards producing informational plaques of trails that have maybe different person- with QR codes to provide hikers with fun alities,” said Sean Troyer, a resident of River and educational facts about the nature Hills and one of the primary developers of around them while on the trails. Please visit the trails. www.trailsrh.com for additional informaThere are over four miles of trails with en- tion.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

OLIVE HEALTH PRACTICE PROVIDES INCREASED ACCESS AND QUALITY CARE TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS

By Nick Nahas

Olive Health accepts Medicaid, Medicare as well as other insurances, making it possible for the disabled community to receive quality care that is affordable. Olive Health provides mobile services like telehealth, primary care, blood work, medication management, medication refills, IV therapy and medication delivery. Specially Fit Foundation Owner and Founder Mark Oliver started Olive Health to help the disabled community that he works with.

New mobile primary healthcare practice Olive Health is bringing increased access and quality care to local vulnerable communities with an innovative approach to providing health care.

Olive Health provides mobile services like telehealth, primary care, blood work, medication management, medication refills, IV therapy and medication delivery.

The practice accepts Medicaid, Medicare as well as other insurances, making it possible for the disabled community to receive quality care that is affordable.

Specially Fit Foundation Owner and Founder Mark Oliver started Olive Health to help the disabled community that he works with. The personal trainer launched Specially Fit Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves over 400 individuals with developmental disabilities by providing fitness classes, Special Olympic opportunities and group home access. The nonprofit faced various challenges during the pandemic.

WWW.WOMENSCAREFL.COM

While helping a client, Oliver witnessed how extremely time-consuming it was to find a physician that would take Medicaid, which is a primary insurance for residents of group homes and many within the disabled community. When he found somebody who accepted the insurance, it was almost a two-month waiting list. Additionally, when the visit was finally complete, there was a lack of quality care.

“I’ve always known that there was a problem with our health care system; however, I did not know how big this problem was until I helped open a group home,” said Oliver.

Yvette Guzman, a nurse practitioner and a volunteer for the Specially Fit Foundation, helped fill that void. Guzman, who was already familiar with the athletes as a volunteer at practices, helped provide Special Olympic physicals before and after practice, which allowed the families easier access to care. Her role within the organization expanded

as the need for health care within group homes increased. She now visits the residents at the group home, allowing Oliver and his staff to experience significantly less barriers in regard to care for their clients.

“Health care has become so unnecessarily complicated,” said Guzman. “Providing a mobile service makes it so much easier for the patients. People are all far too busy and do not have the time to sit in an office waiting room for hours to be seen for 10 minutes. Being in the comfort of your home for an annual physical or for a blood draw makes life so much easier. In addition, getting care in your own home reduces the number of contacts for potential COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.”

Both Guzman and Oliver are committed to providing high-quality and easily accessible care without increased cost, and they believe that this is the future of health care.

“If we want to stay true to our values and mission, we have to accept every insurance,” said Oliver. “We have contracted with Medicaid, Medicare and every other large insurance possible.”

According to Oliver, Olive Health has skyrocketed since launching its practice and has been growing their team to keep up with the demand. Olive Health makes it easy for patients to communicate with medical staff and it has an app for clients to download so that it can track their health records and have medication delivered to their homes in 24 hours at no additional cost.

The Olive Health team is available 247. Patients can book an appointment online or call the number on the website. Olive Health serves everyone, from individuals with disabilities, pediatrics, group homes, foster homes, nondisabled and healthy individuals who just want a checkup. For more information, visit the website at OliveHealthFL.com.

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 23

Celebrating 40 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof?

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Page 24

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Top Producer 2002 - 2020

Volume 16, Issue 6

Brandon/Winthrop

SEE AD ON PAGE 32 Briggs & Associates Insurance Celebrates 35 Years Of Serving Brandon Stephen Briggs started working as an Allstate agent in August 1977 and in 1986 he built his own insurance office building with a partner to help serve the insurance needs of the Brandon area. He has been there ever since, and with other Stephen Briggs is celebrating 35 years members of his family, he of Briggs & Associates Insurance. HGreg.com Opens Flagcontinues to work to make Brandon better. ship Car Dealership In Brandon Briggs & Associates is a full-scale insurHGreg.com, one of the fastest-growance agency designed with a local attitude ing automotive groups in North America, in mind. It has the companies and tools opened the doors to its newest storenecessary to meet all insurance needs with front in Brandon. Located at 1207 E. optimum savings and provides honest ad- Brandon Blvd., the site feavice and education to help you make the tures a 42,000-square-foot, best decision on all your insurance needs next-generation storefront, for you and your family. All types of in- fulfillment center and insurance are offered, including home, auto, ventory of more than 1,000 boat, motorcycle, RV, golf cart, life and pre-owned vehicles. “We are more. happy to expand our team in Briggs & Associates is located at 611 E. the region and to make this property a key Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. For more part of our plans for servicing customers information, visit www.agents.allstate. up and down the coast through a combicom/stephen-briggs-brandon-fl.html or nation of in-store experience when concall 681-5303. venient and the digital experience,” said John Hairabedian, president and CEO of HGreg. com.

For more, visit www.HGreg. com or call 833-237-8572.

U-Haul Trucks Arrive At McDaniel Appliances U-Haul Company of Florida is pleased to announce that McDaniel Appliances has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Dover community. McDaniel Appliances at 12830 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes. U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer moving e q u i p m e n t since 1945. When a customer rents from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.

Normal business hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m, Monday through Friday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 703-6224 or visiting www.uhaul.com/locations/truck-rentals-near-dover-FL-33527/014122/.

Heath Wealth Management Welcomes Newest Financial Professional Heath Wealth Management LLC is happy to announce its newest addition to the team, Will Heath, as the company’s newest financial professional. Will joined the team after completing his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses held through LPL Financial and plans to pursue his CFP designation while working and learning alongside Elijah Heath. To encourage people to start saving for the future, he will be offering complementary portfolio and planning reviews designed to improve the likelihood of reaching your long-term financial goals and even give some insight on what you could be doing better.

For more information, please contact Will at William.Heath@LPL.com or call 556-7171.

Tire Kingdom Treats Brandon Surgery Center Team To Lunch In honor of National Nurses Week, team members from two local Tire Kingdom locations treated the team at Brandon Surgery Center to lunch for their ongoing dedication. The Tire Kingdom teams at 1527 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon and 10418 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview came together to show their appreciation by serving more than 100 lunches as part of parent company TBC Corporation’s #TBCDrivenToGive initiative. “We wanted to

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... express our gratitude and honor the team at Brandon Surgery Center and say ‘Thank you’ for the job they do each and every day,” said Shelley Bolen, store manager at the Brandon location.

Volume 16, Issue 6

HURRICANE VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY OFFERS SUMMER CLINICS AND MORE

By Kate Quesada

Strathmore Development Company Celebrates G r o u n d b r e a king Strathmore Development Company recently celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest partnerships, McAlister’s Deli and Woodie’s Wash Shack. The location of these stores will be in the Riverview 14 development, between the Walmart Supercenter and I-75 at the southwest corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Dr. Woodie’s Wash Shack is a surfer-themed automatic car wash with a totally bodacious surf crew to serve you. McAlister’s Deli is home to America’s favorite sandwiches, soups, salads, spuds and more.

For more information on opportunities in this area, visit StrathmoreRealestateGroup.com or contact 517-664-4128.

LegalShield Opens In Riverview LegalShield independent associate Christina Nelson is now serving the Riverview area.

LegalShield has been offering plans to its members for more than 48 years, creating a world where every person and small business can access legal protection—and everyone can afford it.

With LegalShield, you will have access to a quality law firm 24/7 for covered personal situations. From real estate to speeding tickets to will preparation and beyond, it will help you with personal legal matters.

IDShield plans also protect your privacy and restore your reputation, offering social media monitoring, unlimited expert consultation, financial account monitoring, reputation management and more.

For more information, visit christinanelson.wearelegalshield.com or call 914-3760615.

Home Clean Heroes Of Tampa Bay Recently Opened Whether you live in a condo, town home, apartment or house, you deserve to enjoy your abode sans dust bunnies and grime. Adeola Shabiyi, owner of Home Clean Heroes of Tampa Bay, which recent-

ly held its grand opening, is thrilled to provide professional cleaning services to his neighbors, where everyday, hectic life can make it hard to keep your space dirt-free.

A wide variety of house cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties is available.

Home Clean Heroes of Tampa Bay is currently located in the CubeSmart storage facility at 12902 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., #4008 in Riverview. For more information, visit its website at www.homecleanheroes.com/tampabay or call 295-8440.

Keystone Yoga Opens In Brandon Keystone Yoga recently opened in Brandon and offers vinyasa-style yoga—linking breathing with movement. The name ‘Keystone Yoga’ was chosen because the owner, Kristen Molinaro, is originally from Pennsylvania, nicknamed the Keystone State. Keystone Yoga embodies a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and strives to make each individual feel welcome to the practice of yoga.

Classes are suitable for yogis who has practiced for years and newcomers that have never set foot on a mat.

Keystone Yoga is located at 119 W. Windhorst Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit its Facebook and Instagram pages @KeystoneYogaFL, email keystoneyogafl@gmail.com or call 570401-2416.

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Hurricane Volleyball Academy has travel and local volleyball teams for ages 10-18 for both girls and boys, and this summer it is offering positional trainings, summer camps, free open gyms and, for the first time, college camps for boys and girls, both at the beach and indoors.

Do you have a volleyball player looking for something fun to do over the summer or a home club in the fall? Then look no further than Hurricane Volleyball Academy, based out of Central Baptist Church in Brandon.

Owned by Brian and Victoria Adams, the family-run volleyball club offers growth for players between the ages of 9 and 18 at any level. With more than 25 years of combined teaching and coaching experience, Hurricane Volleyball Academy is going into its sixth season for girls and third for boys. The academy has travel and local volleyball teams for ages 1018 for both girls and boys, and this summer it is offering positional trainings, summer camps, free open gyms and, for the first time, college camps for boys and girls, both at the beach and indoors.

Brian and Victoria, who met on their first day of preplanning teaching at Eisenhower Middle School, work hard to make Hurricane Volleyball Academy stand out among other local volleyball clubs.

“There is no lack of volleyball clubs in the area; what makes us different is our experience with teaching and encouraging youth and our record of achieving college scholarship opportunities for high-level athletes,” said Victoria. “Having been in the education field and athletes for so long, we know how to build not just the skills of the sport but the vital life lessons that only sports can expose you to.”

The academy’s coaching staff also includes a sports trainer, nutritionalist and sports psychologist that help players un-

derstand what they go through as young athletes and how to achieve their goals.

“We believe in teaching and coaching the person, not just the sport,” said Victoria.

Recruitment is also offered for college bound players.

“Brian’s previous work experience with the National Scouting Report has honed his skills at identifying what players need to make it to the next level in the sport,” explained Victoria. “We have a consistent track record of getting our players recruited to play at the college level. In our first four seasons, we had 84 percent of our 18-year-old players offered a scholarship, and 13 out of the 38 (around 33.3 percent) went on to play in college their freshman year.”

Hurricane Volleyball Academy’s main practice facility is located out of Central Baptist Church at 402 E. Windhorst Rd. in Brandon and can be reached at 220-0905.

To learn more, email Hurricanevolleyballacademy@gmail.com or search on Facebook and Instagram for ‘hurricanevolleyballacademy.’

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BURNS MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM WINS FIRST COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Volume 16, Issue 6

BLOOMINGDALE FLAG FOOTBALL HAS BEST FINISH IN HISTORY; REACHES REGIONAL FINAL

By Nick Nahas

By Nick Nahas

The Burns Middle School girls basketball Watt, Elizabeth Waters, Grace Miller, Sara team made history, going undefeated and Golden, Icyss Lopez, Isabella Phan, Kimayja winning its first county championship.

Frank, Nisaiah Jackson, Natalie Cable and “I thought winning the county champi- Aviance Torres. onship was a First-year satisfying way Head Coach to end my time Wes Knauer was playing middle impressed with school baskethow quickly his ball,” said team team came tocaptain and gether, making leading scorer defense its callNoelle Mengel. ing card. He built “I’m proud of his team on four how hard the principles for his team worked to players —being go undefeated coachable, being this season.” a good teamThe Lady Brumate, working ins were dom- The Lady Bruins celebrate after beating Martinez Middle as hard as you School 34-16. Photo by Burns Middle School. inant, going can and having undefeated (8-0), outscoring opponents fun. Knauer, who is also an assistant for the 260-90 all season. They beat Mulren- Bloomingdale High School girls basketball nan, Turner Bartels and Martinez Middle team, had two assistants, his daughter, Ava Schools on their way to the title. Mengel Knauer, who plays for Bloomingdale, and led all scorers with 14 points in the 34-16 Michaela White, who is the head junior varchampionship game win against Martinez. sity coach for the Bulls as well.

Fellow team captain and leading rebounder “There’s not a lot of practice time and Madison Rothenbush had eight rebounds the season is very short—by the end of the (six offensive) and four steals. season we truly were a team,” said Knauer.

“What makes me most proud of being on “We had a lot of talent, but we played as a this team is that we play as a family,” said team and had great chemistry.”

Rothenbush. ”Everyone gives 100 percent Rothenbush said that she plans on trying at practices, trying to become better play- out for her high school team next season ers, and everyone plays, not for themselves, while improving upon her craft. She will but for each other. Our bench is one of the never forget her time as a Burns Bruin. best in the county, always cheering and lift“These girls have become my family,” she ing up our teammates, even though they said. “Part of the reason we won this year might not be in the game at the moment.” isn’t just because we had skill, it’s also beThe team consists of 16 players from cause we stayed playing as a team during sixth through eighth grade, including: Men- the tough times and trusted each other. I gel, Rothenbush, Isabella Tirri, Aydan Walk- plan on being at all the Burns games next er, Alexa Serniotti, Lindsay Cable, Jayla year to cheer on my girls.”

The Bloomingdaavenge that loss le High School girls in the 2A Disflag football team adtrict 6 Champivanced further than onship game, as ever before, reaching they beat the the regional final for Cougars 19-0 at the first time in their Durant’s home school’s history. The field.

Bulls lost to the even“What I will tual state champion remember most Newsome Wolves by The Lady Bulls won the 2A District 6 Championship is the team bond game 19-0 against Durant. one point, 20-19. that we all had, Photo courtesy of Laura Robinson. and how, when “All of our hard work and practices as a team paid off, and we won faced with hard times and opponents, we districts because of it,” said junior receiver/ came together as a family,” said junior caplinebacker Hayley Robinson. “We wanted to tain Marlee Wilson. “We were always there prove to the other teams not to underesti- to support each other on and off the field.” mate us. I will always remember the thrill The key players for Bloomingdale include of being champions. We made Bloomingda- rushers Brianna Phillips (Second Team le High School sports history this year, and All-County) and Melody Womack. Sophothat is something I will never forget. I am more receiver/defensive back Emily Gunidn proud to be a part of this team.” was selected First Team All-County and Second-year Head Coach Larry Langston was named team MVP at their banquet. said his team had a successful postseason “I look forward to next season because run despite having a mediocre regular sea- we are even more motivated since we came son with six losses and multiple players in so close to winning it all this year,” said quarantine throughout the year, including Robinson. “I know with the coaching and starting junior quarterback Kaylie Lewis. At talent we have on the team we will make the beginning of the season, the Bulls lost it even further. We will continue to practo Newsome 39-0 in their second game, but tice and participate in tournaments over they improved throughout the year, using the summer and into the fall as a travel defense to help win close games. Their mot- team. I think making it to the regional finals to was “Trust the process.” showed us how great we are together as a “We didn’t have to motivate our girls very team. This off-season is just going to make much after we got into the playoffs,” said us stronger.”

Langston. “When they warmed up, they The Lady Bulls have lofty goals for themwere ready to go. The growth was phenom- selves next season with 12 returning playenal from day one to our last game. They ers. They have one more thing left on their stuck together and believed they could win.” minds until next season.

One of the team’s key moments was “For us going into next season, my battle a loss to rival Durant in the middle of the cry is ‘one’—one point away from tying the season. The Cougars ran up the score in the game up against Newsome to make it interfinal seconds of the game. The Lady Bulls esting,” said Langston. “One team, one more did not forget that, and later went on to play, one goal.”

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 29

NATURAL BOURNE LEADERS ACADEMY

FOUNDER HELPS LOCAL YOUTHS BECOME LEADERS

By Libby Hopkins but after the diagnosis, my career as firefighter came to an end,” Chatman said. “After I retired in 2013, my wife and I decided to move back to Tampa. In 2014, I became a school security officer, and in 2018, I became a Tampa police officer with the Reserve Unit.”

When Chatman became involved with the school, he saw many of the When Billy Chatman was in his senior year of struggles and chalhigh school, his counselor called him into her lenges teens were office and told him that he was not going to going through, and it graduate if he didn’t get all of his credits. This drive would later help move him to create Natural Bourne Leadership broke his heart. This inspired Academy, which mentors teens to become leaders of tomorrow. him to create Natural Bourne Leaders Academy.

When Billy Chatman was a senior in high “Natural Bourne Leaders Academy is a school, his counselor called him into her ofmentoring program where I cultivate the fice and told him that he was not going to leaders within young men and women who graduate if he didn’t get all of his credits. others have given up on,” Chatman said.

“This meant that I needed eight classes in “Our motto is ‘Shaping Today’s Youth Into my senior year in order to graduate,” ChatTomorrow’s Leaders.’

The academy is comman said. “The normal student only needed mitted to mentoring, motivating and transsix classes, but because I spent my time forming the lives of thousands of youth in fighting and chasing girls, I had to take the Tampa Bay area.

I encourage the youth eight classes plus tutoring every morning of today to spread those wings and sore like before school. I did not have a lunch break an eagle.” in my senior year. I got the job done so that Chatman recently gave a $500 scholI could graduate.” arship to a student who is graduating this This drive is what led Chatman to join year.

“I use my own funds to help him with the Louisville Fire Department at the age his books for college,” Chatman said. “I’ve of 19, his first major career job. “After beknown him and his family for a while and ing there for eight years, I was promoted he really excelled once he became involved to the rank of Sgt. over Hazmat 5, and only with the academy.” two years after that I became the company Last year, Chatman also gave two scholcommander of Tele-Squirt 9,” Chatman said. arships to two African teens in Kenya. To In 2005, Chatman was forced to retire learn more about the Natural Bourne Leadfrom the fire department after being diagership Academy, visit www.naturalbournenosed with multiple sclerosis. leadersacademy.org.

“I had plans to move higher in the ranks,

06/01/2021

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

A KID’S PLACE OF TAMPA BAY OPENS AKP THRIFT STORE IN BRANDON

By Tatiana Ortiz With school being out for the summer, too. One may even find name brands such one may consider revamping their ward- as Kate Spade, Nike and more. robe by either donating clothes or purStaff and volunteers sort through the chasing some. There’s a great new way donations prior to their arrival at a AKP to do this, as A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay Thrift Store. The condition of these items will be opening its first AKP Thrift Store should be gently used. It also accepts in Brandon on Saturdonated furniture day, June 5 at 10 a.m. too.

All of the items sold at For the older AKP Thrift Store help kids turning 17 foster children living or 18, AKP Thrift at A Kid’s Place of Store will provide Tampa Bay with 100 them with an oppercent of net proportunity to work ceeds going towards and learn the valit. To add, it provides ue of a dollar. residential services to Tamika Lopez, children in foster care development coorfrom birth to 18 years Brad Gregory, CEO at A Kid’s Place of Tampa dinator at A Kid’s old who were removed Bay, and Tamika Lopez, development coor- Place of Tampa Bay, from their homes due dinator at A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, stand encourages people outside the new AKP Thrift Store. to abandonment, to give since nothneglect and abuse. ing comes to AKP Brad GregoThrift Store withry, CEO at A Kid’s out them thinking Place of Tampa of the kids first.

Bay, mentioned For more inhow AKP Thrift formation, visStore came into it https://akidfruition: “The comsplacetb.org/ munity has blessed akp-thrift/. It is us with an abunlocated at 948 W. dant amount of donations and this would Brandon Blvd. in Brandon and is open be an idea that has been thought of for Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. several years.”

To donate, visit 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. AKP Thrift Store will feature a wide in Brandon. Donation hours are Monday variety of great, quality clothing, shoes, through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For those accessories, household items and more interested in donating furniture, photos at reasonable prices. This 2,200 sq.ft. of the furniture should be emailed to destore includes 1,800 sq.ft. of retail velopment@akidsplacetb.org, through space. AKP Thrift Store will carry items which additional information will be profor newborns all the way up to men and vided; pickup times will vary, depending women, along with a plus-size section on availability.

Volume 16, Issue 6

LIMONA PARK OFFERS FIRST PUBLIC DISC GOLF COURSE DESIGNED BY LOCAL WORLD CHAMP

By Libby Hopkins the 1970s and shares with golf the objective of completing each hole in the fewest strokes, or, in the case of disc golf, the fewest throws.

A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the ‘hole.’ The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. The trees, shrubs and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the disc golfer. Finally, the Limona Disc Golf Course was designed by ‘putt’ lands in the basket and the hole world-renowned disc is completed. golfer JohnE McCray.

McCray is the course designer for Limona Disc Golf Course. He is also a Limona Disc professional disc golfer who has traveled Golf Course was the country, competing with his wife as the first public his caddy. He was also in the world top 10 disc golf course of disc golf players. in Hillsborough “We have both been involved with disc County. From start to finish, it took 18 golf for 25 years,” McCray said. “I’m no months to get the course installed. The longer top 10 in the world, that was a few disc golf course is free to play. years ago, but I am a world champion, U.S. “There are several leagues scheduled Masters champion, 13-time Florida Tour throughout the week if you want to get champion and I have won over 250 tourmore involved with the Limona communaments as a professional.” nity,” said JohnE McCray of the disc golf “I think what I like most about being league. “Tuesdays at 6 p.m. is Doubles and involved with the Limona community is the cost is $6, Thursdays at 6 p.m. are that every single one of us takes pride in Handicaps and the cost is $8, Saturdays Limona Park,” McCray said. “We’re all out at 9 a.m. is also Handicaps and the cost is there taking care of the park and enjoying $8 and then on Thursdays at 6:45 a.m. is the beautiful scenery.”

BCB Handicaps.”

Limona Disc Golf Course is located at So what exactly is disc golf? Disc golf 1315 Lakewood Dr. in Brandon. To learn is played much like golf. Instead of a ball more about it, visit www.pdga.com/ and clubs, though, players use a flying disc course-directory/course/limona-disc-golfor Frisbee. The sport was formalized in course.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

June 2021

Page 31

BUSINESS OWNERS CAN GET FREE MENTORING FROM SCORE

By Brad Stager When James tain a business,” Zanatta started his said Werremeyer. full-service residenTrust is also an tial and commercial important element building contracting of the relationship company, ProCraft with SCORE cliBuilders, he knew ents, according to about hanging dryBill Wright, another wall and laying a mentor, who is the foundation for conpresident and CEO struction. What he of First Intelligence was less sure of Group, which spewere the practical cializes in conductdetails about opering background ating and managing checks. a business. Fortu“Confidentialinately, he was aware Bill Wright (left) and Kit Werremeyer (right) are two ty is a big part of mentors of the local SCORE chapter which assists of who could help. what we do,” said entrepreneurs.

Zanatta reached Wright, who has out to the Tampa chapter of SCORE, a also been a financial services executive and nationwide network of experienced busi- is an Army veteran of more than 20 years ness professionals who mentor—without service. He conducts SCORE’s Boots to Busicharge—entrepreneurs like Zanatta and op- ness workshops for military personnel who erate every imaginable kind of business. are transitioning from active duty to civilian “I knew about them prior to starting my life and work. business and I knew I needed some help,” Other workshops conducted by the local said Zanatta.

SCORE chapter include: Going Into Business, The local SCORE chapter connected Preparing Your Business Plan and ConstrucZanatta with Kit Werremeyer, who owns tion Contracts. The organization has also an engineering business, Southernstar Con- helped local entrepreneurs apply for the Paysultants, which advises on construction con- check Protection Program, which supported tracting, sales and marketing. He has also businesses affected by the COVID-19 panpublished a how-to manual on construction demic. negotiations, Understanding and Negotiating The pandemic has required SCORE to opConstruction Contracts: A Contractor’s and erate virtually for the most part in the last Subcontractor’s Guide to Protecting Compa- year, but a return to supporting entrepreny Assets. It is just the kind of relationship neurs in person is anticipated to occur this matchup that SCORE seeks to establish with summer. SCORE’s offices are located at the its clients, whether they are starting their Entrepreneur Collaborative Center on 2101 own business from scratch or undertaking a E. Palm Ave. in Ybor City. franchise opportunity To find out more about SCORE and how “We try to give them a realistic overview to become a client or mentor, you can visit of what it takes to start a business and sus- online at tampa.score.org or call 448-2311.

5

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EX P IR E S Jun e 3 0 th 2 0 2 1 L imite d supplie s.

SENIOR CONNECTION CENTER OFFERS WIDE ARRAY OF ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY

By Kathy L. Collins

For elderly individuals and number one type of accitheir caregivers, finding the dent that leads to emeranswers to questions on aging gency room visits among can be quite a daunting task. people over 65. A serious Senior Connection Center is a fall oftentimes means a nonprofit that has been dedlengthy hopsital stay and icated to helping people age may even require placeat home with dignity for 40 ment in a nursing home. years. If you live in one of the Senior Connection Cenfive counties, including Hillster works directly with borough, where Senior Constate and community partnection Center operates, you Senior Connection Center team ners to prevent the abuse, members Paula Nelson and can get its services for free. neglect and exploitation Frank Wagoner unload a shipSenior Connection Center of seniors. To report elment of masks that were then can help with many issues and der abuse, please contact distributed to local seniors. offers many services, including 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800the Elder Helpline, where you can get valu- 962-2873). able information and referral assistance on Helping the elderly and their caregivers programs and services. This can include long- navigate the maze of information and serterm care and other home-based services. vices available is always important, but it is Its specially trained SHINE (Serving especially important during a pandemic. At Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteers this time, due to the pandemic, Senior Concan assist with Medicare, Medicaid, prescrip- nection Center staff members are working tion drug and health insurance questions. remotely and providing critical services eiThey provide information, help compare pol- ther by phone, online or through other techicies and help with claims and appeals. No nology such as Zoom.

SHINE volunteer is allowed to be a licensed Patty Suarez, vice president of marketing insurance agent as they do not endorse any and communications for Senior Connection plan, they just give the best advice they can. Center, said, “When the COVID-19 pandemSenior Connection Center also offers ic hit, Senior Connection Center responded health and wellness courses so the elderly quickly to ensure our clients remained safe can stay healthy and strong. Its courses cov- while socially isolating. We sought out harder a wide variety of topics, such as Tai Chi, to-find supplies, from masks to toilet paper Matter of Balance, Living Healthy, Diabetes to cleaning supplies, and shipped them to Self-Management and Living Healthy in Your homebound seniors.”

Community. One of its most important classVisit www.seniorconnectioncenter.org or es is on fall prevention because falls are the call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 33

BULLSEYE: BLOOMINGDALE BASEBALL HITS THE MARK, WINS FIRST STATE TITLE The Bloomingdale High School baseball program made history, winning its first state title. The Bulls defeated Fleming Island High School 5-1 in the FHSAA Class 6A State Championship on May 22 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.

“I instantly felt a rush of adrenaline as soon as he hit the fly ball my way, and once it was in my glove, I just thought, ‘We did it,’” said senior outfielder Marlon Bowen, who took home MVP honors with his 4-for5 weekend. “It was only excitement going through my head.”

Bowen, who was arguably the heart and soul of the Bulls, was in the middle of the order, hitting fourth with a .382 batting average and a team high 25 runs batted in. It was Bowen’s first season as a starting varsity player after sitting behind star slugging outfielder Dominic Gonnella. He started the season hitting at the bottom of the order before later breaking through in a big way.

He had the key hit against Fleming Island with a triple over the left fielder’s head, driving in two runs and extending the Bull’s lead to 4-0 in the third inning.

After beating St. Petersburg High School 3-2 in the district championship, Bloomingdale (24-6) had a string of close wins leading up to the state final. They had a 7-4 comeback victory against Gaither High School after trailing 4-1 early on, defeated Mitchell High School 2-1 and finished off

very complete; if they are not mentally tough and have the heart, it really doesn’t matter,” he said. “When we got to the playoffs, we were very complete, but so were all the teams we played. These kids just wanted it more, and nothing was going to get in their way.”

The Bulls got a The Bloomingdale Bulls Varsity Baseball team won their first state boost from an unlikechampionship. “This team didn’t need coaches to keep them focused, the ly source—junior relief team encouraged each other,” said Coach Wilson. pitcher Chase Chappell, who hadn’t been tapped Gulf Coast High School 4-3 to claim their first regional title since 2014. The Bulls in nearly a month prior to the regional final. used stellar defense, great base running and He recorded saves in two straight playoff timely hitting to beat Dwyer High School wins leading up to the final. When he was to reach their first state title game since called upon in relief of senior Florida Interthe team came up a little bit short against national University signee David Eckaus in South Dade High School in the 2014 state the fourth inning, he promptly got out of a jam with runners on first and second with championship game.

Fourteen-year Head Coach Kris Wilken no outs and an inherited 2-0 count. He said that he had his most complete team recorded the last 12 outs to preserve his this season in all facets of the game, in- team’s 5-1 victory. Wilken said that Chapcluding pitching, defense, base running and pell fixed something in his mechanics during hitting. The 2021 Bulls had more wins (24) a team scrimmage before the regional final, than any other team led by Wilken. He said and that, along with his cool demeanor and that his team’s mental toughness is what competitiveness, gave Wilken the confidence to use him as his number one reliever. made the difference.

“My mindset going into the game was to “You can have teams like that that are

get outs and compete like I know I can,” said Chappell. “My goal was to get out of that inning with the least amount of damage done, and we did that as a team. It was a little nerve-wracking going in, but I knew we could do damage control and get out of it.”

Catcher Wyatt Strickland, who helped lead the pitching staff all season long, calling almost every pitch, also went 2-for-3 in the championship game. He was impressed with Chappell’s poise in the biggest game of the year.

“I had no doubt that Chase was going to finish the game,” he said. “His curveball and fastball were really working for him. Our pitchers were consistent throughout the season and were dominant on the mound, and our hitters were locked in throughout the playoffs.”

The Bulls are expected to make another run for the title next season with 16 returning players, including shortstop and Clemson University commit Colby Shelton, ace pitcher and Stetson University commit Jack Owens and leadoff hitter Drake Harman.

“Next year’s seniors sure have a hard expectation to live up to, because this year wasn’t easy at all,” said Bowen. “With that being said, I know that they can overcome anything if they stick together and build a bond with each other.”

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Expires July 15, 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6

June 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES THIS SUMMER The Tampa Bay HisBase to Teddy Roostory Center is a proud evelt and the Rough participant in the Blue Riders in the 1890s, Star Museums proor the Women’s Air gram. As a part of this Corps during WWII. program, the Tampa We always want to Bay History Center is support our military offering free admis- The Tampa Bay History Center will offer free families, to provide an sion to the nation’s admission through Labor Day to military per- opportunity to spend active duty military sonnel and their families this summer thanks a day at the museum, personnel, including to its participation in the Blue Star Museum and we hope they’ll program.

National Guard, Resee some of their own serve and their families, now through Labor stories reflected in our exhibits.”

Day on Monday, September 6.

The Tampa Bay History Center is located Blue Star Museums is a collaboration along Tampa’s beautiful Riverwalk at 801 among the National Endowment for the Arts, Water St. The museum includes three floors Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense of permanent and temporary exhibition space and thousands of museums across the U.S. focusing on 12,000 years of Florida’s history Families are asked to register in advance and culture. by calling the Tampa Bay History Center at The Tampa Bay History Center is a Smith228-0097 and speaking with a visitor service sonian Affiliate museum and is accredited by associate to reserve tickets. Identification is the American Alliance of Museums. The Historequired upon entry. Free admission is avail- ry Center includes the Touchton Map Library able to military ID holders and up to five fam- and Florida Center for Cartographic Educaily members. tion and the Witt Research Center. It is also The military ID holder can be either an ac- home to the Columbia Cafe. As one of Tampa’s tive duty service member or other dependent premier cultural venues, the Tampa Bay Histofamily member with the appropriate ID card. ry Center’s hands-on, interactive exhibits and The active duty member does not have to be theaters provide an entertaining and educapresent for family members to use the pro- tional experience for visitors of all ages. gram; just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card Admission to the Tampa Bay History Cenor DD Form 1173-1 ID Card for active duty ter also includes the exhibit Tusks to Tails: A military family members.

Fossil History of Florida, which is on view now Manny Leto, director of marketing and through January 11, 2022. communications for the Tampa Bay History For more information, visit www.tampabaCenter, said, “The Bay area’s military history yhistorycenter.org. For more information on is a big part of the story we tell in the His- Blue Star Families, visit www.bluestarfam. tory Center’s galleries, from MacDill Air Force org.

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TAMPA THEATRE’S SUMMER CLASSICS MOVIE SERIES IS BACK BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER This year, Tampa Theatre will celebrate July 1 at 7:30 p.m. The war classic Glory will 30 years of presenting its popular Summer be shown on Sunday, July 4 at 3 p.m. and Classics Movie Series. There is no better again on Thursday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. way to see classic movies than the way they You can see the Hitchcock thriller North should be seen—on the big screen.

by Northwest on Sunday, July 11 at 3 p.m.

Jill Witecki Tampa Theatre with Tampa Thewill present it atre said, “Last again on Thurssummer, with day, July 15 at Tampa Theatre 7:30 p.m. closed during Tampa Theatre the pandemic, will present the the 29th annual comedy classic Summer ClasThe Big Lebowski sics series did on Sunday, July not happen. This 18 at 3 p.m. and year, as people then again on start to return Thursday, July 22 to their favorite at 7:30 p.m. leisure activities Following that, again, we hope the hit classic Juthat this year’s rassic Park can lineup of all-time After missing the 29th year of the Summer Classics Movie be seen on SunSeries due to COVID-19 shutdown, Tampa’s majestic favorite Summer day, July 25 at movie palace, Tampa Theatre, is bringing back a great Classics—along 3 p.m. and then, lineup of favorite films along with a long-awaited rewith our reduced if you miss the quest from fans: more than one showing of each film. capacity and othSunday show, see er safety precautions—may encourage our it on Thursday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. friends and fans to make their post-shutSome Like It Hot will be shown on the big down ‘First Movie Back’ a classic at Tampa screen on Sunday, August 1 at 3 p.m. and Theatre.” then again on Thursday, August 5 at 7:30 Something that fans have been asking for p.m. is going to be offered this year: Tampa TheTickets for Summer Classics films are atre is offering each Summer Classic more $10 at the historic Franklin Street Box Ofthan once. Films will be shown both on Sun- fice, $12 if purchased online ($7 for memday at 3 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. on the bers). Silent films are $13 at the box office following Thursday evening. or $15 online ($10 for members). For more Tampa Theatre will present Citizen Kane information, please visit www.tampatheon Sunday, June 27 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, atre.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 6