Brandon/Winthrop
11 C E L E B R A T I N G
See 2nd Section
July 2020 Volume 15, Issue 7 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
ECHO To Host Drive-through School Supply Car Cruise At Bay Life Church
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
Mission BBQ American Heroes Cups Benefit Honor Flight Program Through August 10
By Dominique Asher
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
Emergency Care can be done or seen Help Organization from the car. (ECHO) is holding a “We want to Carnival Car Cruise, keep it fun and where students and entertaining while families can drive they are waiting in through and pick up the car,” said supplies needed for Thompson. the school year, play The event is games and more, all made possible from their cars. through a grant from The driveSuncoast Credit through Carnival Car Union, which annuCruise will be ally sponsors the held on Saturday, group, and the Florida August 1 at the Bay Medical Clinic Life Church, located at Foundation of 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Caring. With the Brandon. money ECHO Families can receives from the sign up at ECHO of sponsors, the group Brandon starting is able to purchase Monday, July 13 and the supplies and should come preresources needed pared with a valid for the event. photo ID, proof of ECHO also has address and the stupartnered with the dent’s social security YMCA for the past number. few years to hold “Our goal is to the event, which get students everywas previously held thing they need for at Camp Christina. back to school,” said Despite this year’s circumstances, This year, the Savanna Thompson, ECHO is still holding its annual back YMCA is delivering month, but with ECHO development to school eventa next school supplies to twist. coordinator. local school social In addition to the supply pickup, workers in an effort to reach strugcarnival-themed entertainment such gling families who cannot make it to as a magician, clown, contortionist, event due to hardships. people dressed up, car games and If you are looking to help, more will be put on by ECHO stuaround 20 adult volunteers are dent leaders as part of their Youth needed, savanna@echofl.org to sign Leadership Program. To ensure up. To learn more about ECHO and safety, all the games and activities other events, go to www.echofl.org/.
By Kye Saunders
A Honor Flight 2019 group in Washington D.C.
Mission BBQ, located on 1504 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, is at it again serving those that serve. Each quarter, the company begins a new partnership with different organizations focused on the care, support and appreciation of our nation’s veterans with it’s refillable cup program. Currently, Mission BBQ is in partnership with the Honor Flight Network. This organization gives World War II veterans the opportunity of a lifetime. Its mission is to send our veterans to Washington D.C. to witness and experience our memorials dedicated to their service at no expense to them. Honor Flight’s NO COST mission is entirely funded through sponsorships, partnerships and donations. Mission BBQ of Brandon is in partnership with Honor Flight’s St. Pete hub, whose next flight has been rescheduled for 2021 due to COVID19 concerns. Learn more about how our local Honor Flight hub is making a difference by logging onto its website at https://www.honorflightwcf.org. “This is Mission BBQ of Brandon’s first year partnering with Honor Flight Network,” said Mission BBQ Brand Manager Linda Dotterer. “And with your help we can make sure it won’t be their last.” So, when you go into Mission BBQ of Brandon, make sure to purchase a
take home American Heroes cup with your meal. Enjoy a sweet tea or soda in a cup that makes a difference. These cups are available at all locations from now until Monday, August 10. For only $3.99, your cup purchase will send $2 of that purchase directly towards helping the Honor Flight Network in its mission to give veterans the chance to go D.C. and be honored for their service. After your first cup purchase, don’t forget your American Heroes Cup the next time you crave brisket and cornbread, because on return visits to the restaurant you can receive $.99 refills. The cups are available at all Mission BBQ locations from now until August 10, 2020. They sell for $3.99 with $2 of every cup purchase donated to the Honor Flight Network. For more details visit www.mission-bbq.com.
In This Issue NEW BLOOMINGDALE PRINCIPAL.......PG 3 FREE MOSQUITOFISH..........................PG 5 CAR SEAT INSPECIATION .....................PG 9 SILVER SNEAKERS IN SEFFNER ..........PG 10 LOCAL AUTHOR .................................PG 12 LIVING IN COVID .........................PG 1415 EYE ON BUSINESS ......................PGS 2223 SPECIAL POLITICAL GUIDE .........PGS 2536
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DRIVE THRU OPEN Busch Gardens giraffe Bea recently gave birth to a baby at the park. Bea, is known by the internet as the best friend of Wilma the Ostrich. See page 13 for full article.
Page 2
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 7
July 2020
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
New Name, Same Mission: Hope For Her Opens Its Doors Once Again
Burkett Accepts District Position And Welcomes Rodriguez To Bloomingdale High
As son behind more and the organimore zation’s organizaname tions return change is to business related to as usual, clarity. few have “In May been wel2019, the comed Women’s back in Resource such a way Center of as the nonTampa profit Hope for embarked on a Her, formerly transformaknown as the The Women’s Resource Center recently reopened tional journey as Hope for Her. Women’s to clarify our Resource Center. story and more deeply connect with Since opening its doors in 2003, our families we serve,” said Hickman. Hope for Her has helped more than “Grounded in our research insights, 45,000 families in the community. we now have a new name, logo and According, www.hopeforher.org, website that puts Jesus Christ at the the group’s mission is to work onecenter of our mission and the women on-one with women to help restore we serve at the heart of our work.” their confidence and self-worth, Visit www.hopeforher.org to remove barriers to safety and surdonate, explore volunteer opportunivival and rebuild critical life skills to ties and much more or follow the thrive. group on the Hope for Her Facebook In 2019 alone, more than 300 page for weekly updates and stories. women were able to secure jobs Hope for Her is open Monday to through the center’s employment pro- Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and is gram. located 140 Yarborough Rd. in While Hope for Her supplies food Brandon. and clothing for women in need, Hickman is very excited about Founder Cheryl Hickman and her reopening recently. “This first week, team of volunteers’ focus doesn’t being open again, has strengthened solely lie in the immediate but longour commitment to help women and term success of the women who children in our community that are come through their door. experiencing crisis and trauma,” she Hickman explained that the reasaid.
Recently, the a Hispanic leader in our popHillsborough County School ulation, where 30 percent of Board had selected new our student body is Hispanic, principals for 34 schools and is huge.” programs, including Born in Cuba and havBloomingdale High School. ing moved to Miami and then With Principal Sue Burkett Broward County until high leaving the position, Marcos school, Rodriguez went to Rodriguez is taking on the USF for his bachelor’s mantle as its principal. degree in music performance Burkett, who grew up in the and later received a master’s Bronx and has two children, Principal Sue Burkett is degree in education leaderleaving Bloomingdale had been the principal of ship. High School after seven Bloomingdale since 2013, He was an assistant years. and now she is moving on to director—later a director—at become a regional superinthe Pepin Academies, and tendent for middle schools. afterwards took the position She is excited for the opporof assistant principal of stutunity to impact more schools dent affairs at Lennard High and support principals, but School. While there, he startshe’ll miss being ed his doctorate program, Bloomingdale’s principal. which he finished in April “I’m gonna miss the kids 2018. and the community terribly. He moved to Sickles I’ve been in this community High School as the assistant in Valrico for 15 years,” said principal of administration for Principal Marcos Burkett. “That’s a long time a year and a half and transRodriguez is looking forward to supporting to be with families and be in ferred to Bloomingdale with Bloomingdale High a community, so I am gonna the same position until the School with his new miss the day-to-day interacend of 2019. position. tions of the school.” Rodriguez is looking forward to a lot As she takes on her new position of things, like continuing the tradition of and passes the torch to Rodriguez, academic excellence and strong commuBurkett knows the school is in capable nity support that’s already there, as well hands. as working with the staff students. “I’m “I don’t have one concern about him,” definitely looking forward to being here she said, “and to bring him back into this and helping to continue moving the community with such a strong music proschool in the right direction,” said gram and his music background, his Rodriguez. knowledge of the community and to have Visit bloomingdale.mysdhc.org.
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Page 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon Regional Named One Of The Nation’s 100 Top Teaching Hospitals
Recycling Pickup Delays Due To Staff Shortage For Waste Connections Customers
Brandon started its teaching Regional Hospital program in 2015 and has been named currently has over 160 one of the nation’s physicians enrolled, 100 Top Teaching positioning itself to be Hospitals by IBM a regional leader in Watson Health for graduate medical the second conseceducation. The graduutive time. This ate medical education recognition spotprogram at Brandon Brandon Regional Hospital was recently Regional Hospital prolights 100 top-pernamed one of the nation’s 100 Top forming hospitals vides residency Teaching Hospitals by IBM Watson in the U.S. based opportunities in eight Health. on publicly available data and performdifferent specialties, including addiction ance related to clinical, operational and medicine, cardiology, emergency medipatient satisfaction metrics. cine residency, general surgical residenThe IBM Watson Health 100 Top cy, internal medicine residency, obstetrics Hospitals study uses a scorecard that and gynecology residency and pathology. assesses hospitals of similar size and Accredited by The Joint Commission, teaching status. Over 3,100 hospitals Brandon Regional Hospital is a 422-bed were evaluated and the 100 highest peracute care facility that is nationally ranked forming hospitals had lower mortality as a Top 100 Hospital by IBM Watson, a rates, fewer patient complications, provid- Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog ed faster emergency care, kept expenses Group, a U.S. News & World Report low and scored higher on patient experiHigh-Performing Hospital in COPD and ence. Heart Failure and a Leapfrog Group ‘A’ “Brandon Regional Hospital is dedifor Patient Safety. The hospital offers a cated to providing the community with number of specialty services, including high quality and compassionate care,” the Heart and Vascular Center, pediatric said Bland Eng, chief executive officer at center with a pediatric intensive care unit, Brandon Regional Hospital. “Earning the Advanced Wound and Plastic Surgery IBM Watson Health 100 Top Teaching Center, Comprehensive Metabolic and Hospitals designation for the second con- Bariatric Center of Excellence and The secutive time demonstrates how strong Women’s Center, which includes the our commitment is to quality, patient outBaby Suites and Level III neonatal intencomes and delivering better care at a sive care unit. The hospital is located at lower cost.” 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more Brandon Regional Hospital was listed information, visit BrandonHospital.com. under the Teaching Hospital category on Visit ibm.com/watson-health/serthe 100 Top Hospitals list. The hospital vices/100-top-hospitals.
Faced with boundary and a shortage of extends south sanitation truck to the drivers, one Manatee company that County line collects trash and east from in Hillsborough Tampa Bay to County has the Polk temporarily County line. stopped pickAccording ing up recyto Hillsborough clables. County Solid Waste Connections has temporarily stopped picking Waste County up recyclables from Hillsborough County residents Division, the residents because of a shortage of truck drivers. whose solid disruption is waste is collected by Waste temporary and its goal is to Connections have not had maintain a high level of servrecyclables picked up since ice to residents. One conseJune 24. Waste quence of suspending the Connections is one of three collection of recyclable companies providing materials is that more of it is garbage collection service to showing up in the regular county residents. garbage. For residents who Hillsborough County said want to drop off their recythe reason is that the comclables, they can do so at pany has a shortage of drivers and can the county’s Community Collection only provide twice-weekly trash collection Center from Monday through Saturday, if it suspends the once-weekly recyclable 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 13000 US 41 in service. County officials attributed the Gibsonton. If a regular garbage pickup is shortage of drivers to the impact the missed you can report it by calling the COVID-19 pandemic is having on solid waste management customer servstaffing. ice team at 272-5680 or visiting online at Osprey Observer readers affected hillsboroughcounty.org (https://www.hillsby the service disruption are those in the boroughcounty.org/en/government/depart Hillsborough County Solid Waste ments/solid-waste), where you can also Management Department’s district numverify which company picks up your trash ber 5. The area covers unincorporated by entering your address in a search Southeast Hillsborough County with function. As of press time, some areas Gibsonton Dr./Boyette Rd./Fishhawk were restarting pick ups every other Blvd./Lithia Pinecrest Rd. as the north week. Check website for frequency.
Staff Report
By Brad Stager
BEAUTIFUL HOMES START WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOORS
July 2020
Page 5
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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This sumhatchery, but mer, seven Mary Geesey, events across project coordiHillsborough nator of the County, includorganization, ing South and has expressed Eastern its desire to Hillsborough begin its own County, are sustainable being held by hatchery and the county’s become a Mosquito completely Management sustainable Services in operation by which anyone can the end of 2020. pick up free fish The pickup that fight against events will occur mosquito overpopon Saturday, ulation. August 8, August This program 22, September 12 has been successand September 26 fully held each with locations summer since varying depending 2016, allowing for on the date. the residents of the These locations area to secure an can be found on effective way to Hillsborough Hillsborough County is giving out free mosquito-eating fish at events scheduled control the spread County website’s from August through September. of mosquitos and calendar. the diseases they carry. The fish will be available from 9 Mosquitofish are native to Florida a.m. to 12 Noon each date and in order and, due to their miniscule size, can to receive them, residents must take a reach mosquito larvae in any region of photo ID that confirms Hillsborough resithe pond, consuming up to 200 a day. dency. “They are able to get into places Due to COVID-19, the usual activiwhere the bigger fish don’t tend to go, ties that one might see at these events because they can’t access it,” explained have been cancelled and social distancChris Wilkerson, senior media relations ing guidelines are being followed. strategist of Hillsborough County “Unfortunately, we have to minimize Mosquito Management. contact and be less interactive, so this Mosquitofish do not require much has become a drive-through,” detailed special care, in exception to overall pro- Geesey. tection from certain toxic chemicals like Make sure to pass by before chlorine. Each resident who picks up September 26 to get your free mosquimosquitofish will receive a card that tofish and wear a mask. explains the background of the mosquiFor more information, visit hillsbortofish and how to handle them. oughcounty.org, head to the calendar, Hillsborough County Mosquito find a date mentioned above and click Management Services currently on the ‘Fight Mosquitoes with Free Fish’ receives these fish from a local fish event.
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Page 6
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local JROTC Cadets Receive DAR Award Of Excellence By Mail This Year
By Anjali Caligiuri
which cadets are worthy of the award. Recipients must meet specific criteria, including demonstrations of loyalty, patriotism, scholastic achievement, leadership, good character, dependability and military discipline as well as be in the upper 25 percent of their JROTC and academic classes. “ROTC Medals are awarded to student cadets of outstanding ability and achievement in high school, junior college, college or The Alafia River Chapter of the Daughters of the university ROTC programs of the American Revolution (DAR) still distributed its Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine award for excellence within the JROTC program to Corps,” said Ruiz. seven local high schools in Brandon last month: Under normal circumstances, Armwood, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Durant, Newsome, Strawberry Crest and Tampa Bay Tech. organizations such as the DAR are invited to the end-of-year cereDue to the unexpected pandemic monies to distribute the awards to the ending school early, the annual JROTC many outstanding cadets. But even award ceremonies were canceled; howthough the ceremonies were canceled, ever, the Alafia River Chapter of the the Alafia River DAR found another way Daughters of the American Revolution to give the cadets their well-earned (DAR) still distributed their award for awards. excellence within the JROTC program to “As a result, our chapter has mailed seven local high schools in the Brandon the certificate, ribbon and medal to the area: Armwood, Bloomingdale, Brandon, respective high schools so they may hanDurant, Newsome, Strawberry Crest and dle the proper distribution once school is Tampa Bay Tech. able to resume in the fall,” said Ruiz. “The Daughters of the American Although many other important cereRevolution, DAR, was founded in 1890 monies have been canceled as well, the and is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer Alafia River DAR ensures the loyal and women’s service organization dedicated patriotic leaders of the JROTC programs to promoting patriotism, preserving are properly recognized for their dedicaAmerican history and securing America’s tion and excellence within the program. future through better education for chilFor more information about the DAR dren,” said Kim Ruiz, publicity chair of the or the Alafia River Chapter, email the Alafia River DAR. chapter’s registrar at The DAR collaborates closely with ARCRegistrar201921@gmail.com. the JROTC instructors to determine
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July 2020
Page 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Rainwater Harvesting: Now’s A Good Time To Get Ready, Set And Capture! By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent
Did you know that 1 inch of rain on a 1,000-squarefoot roof will yield 623 gallons of water? Yes, that’s hard to believe…until you attend a workshop, receive your rain barrel, take it home, hook it up and it rains. With an average annual rainfall of approximately 50 inches, each household can save more than 31,000 gallons a year if they had sufficient storage capacity. We offer rainwater harvesting workshops one Saturday a month via Zoom currently through the Extension office in Seffner for a cost of $5. By participating in this workshop online, you will learn how to collect rainwater for landscape irrigation, the benefits of capturing rainwater and how set up and create additional barrels. Information is shared on creating an overflow, connecting multiple rain barrels, maintenance needed, painting if desired and mosquito control. Harvested rainwater can be used on ornamental plants, but not edibles, and this will also be fully explained during the workshop. Did you know that we offer triple workshops (rainwater harvesting, composting and microirrigation) nearly every month of the year, currently via Zoom? These educational programs
are $5 per household per workshop, attendance one time only, as a Hillsborough County resident. If you have not attended, think about this: after the rainwater harvesting workshop, you will receive one rain barrel that staff and Master Gardeners have drilled and spigoted. After composting, you receive a compost bin, kitchen compost bucket and compost thermometer. After microirrigation, you receive a microirrigation kit, hose nozzle and rain gauge. Prior to the workshop, registrants will receive information about workshop item pickup locations and times. Pre-registration is required. Check out our website, which contains the calendar of events, at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. For horticultural assistance, contact the UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County at 744-5519. We do hope that we will soon all be able to again stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, our perennial garden and Girl Scout Troop-created Pollinator Garden. We hope to ‘see’ you via Zoom at our upcoming workshops, and remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. Thanks, and be well!
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D.
As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.
Page 8
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
nounces n A r e b m Cha ers, n n i W p i h s Scholar Online ... n o i t p o d Kitten A nnett Jenny Be y b d e il p Com rver.com spreyobse o @ tt e n n jbe
Scholarship Winners Announced
registered, they will have immediate access to all modules and services.
The Valrico Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2020 scholarship winners, Isabella Manera and Alexander Dyer. Bloomingdale High School graduate Isabella Manera will be attending the University of Florida in the fall and Alexander Dyer from Newsome High School will be attending Harvard University.
Free Online Stress Release Class
Hypnotic Engagements is offering a free event to help you unmuddle your mind and de-stress Registration Now Open For during this pandemic “Back-2-School” Health Clinics period. Although the session is primarily Hillsborough County Public geared towards educaSchools and the Back-2-School Valrico Chamber of Commerce scholarship winners Isabella Manera and Alexander Dyer. tional and medical proCoalition of Hillsborough YMCA Hosts Blood fessionals, everyone County are joining forces in all descriptions. All kittens and cats Drive can benefit from it. The Zoom sesagain this year to provide will be spayed/neutered and vacciLocal YMCA locations, sions are held regularly, the next one free physicals and immunizanated before being available for including CAMPO in Valrico, is on Tuesday, August 4 at 6:30 p.m. tions for students in a series adoption. will be hosting blood drives To find out more, visit hypnoticenof health fairs. This year’s Adoption applications and addion Friday, July 24, 11 a.m.-4 gagements.com or check its faceBack-2-School Health Clinic tional information can be found at p.m. All donors will receive a book page, Hypnotic Engagements will look different due to akittenplace.org. free COVID-19 antibody test, LLC. COVID-19, but it will still profree tote bag and a free wellness vide critical services for our families. Virtual Career Services checkup which includes a blood presSimon Firearm & Family To maintain CDC guidelines and Available To Job Seekers sure, iron count and cholesterol Safety Offering Classes safety protocols, there will be no Career Source Tampa screening. To make an appointment, exhibitors on hand or school supplies visit oneblood.org/ymca or call 1-888Nothing is more imporBay is launching an innodistribtant to people than the vative way to provide virtu9-DONATE. uted. safety and protection of the al services and engageAdditional ones you love. Simon ment to unemployed job Vehicle Caravan precauFirearm & Family Safety seekers. CSTB has conParade Celebrates tions Training can help you tracted with a web-based Fourth Of July include: achieve that with its many training platform to deliver virtual services to Due to the pandemic, limited classes with certified instructors, individuals of all ages. The Career the traditional parade appointwhich include concealed carry and EDGE program consists of interactive organized by the ment home defense, children’s gun safety modules with built-in virtual coaching, Brandon Community times to and countering the mass shooter including a job interview simulator, Ashley Ivanov singing during the Fourth of Roundtable was replaced avoid threat. Simon Firearm & Family resume and job application builder, July vehicle caravan parade. with a vehicle caravan lines, face Safety also provides protective guidance in developing a personal parade of local nursing coverings required, temperature devices for purchase brand and essenhomes escorted by Hillsborough check upon arrival and a limit of one including stun tial life skills curCounty deputies. Local Attorney parent or guardian per child. devices, pepper riculum to support Ashley Ivanov sang God Bless To register for the clinics, visit sprays and concealed career seekers in America and America the Beautiful www.back2schoolfair.org. carry purses. preparation for outside the nursing homes to bring The next confinding a job or Congregation Beth Shalom Invites cheer to seniors. Ms. Ivanov noted, cealed carry and advance in “Although the parade was different You To Meet New Rabbi home defense classemployment. this year, it was just as moving and es are being held on Congregation Beth Shalom Access to celebratory of our nation’s birthday Sunday, July 12 and Saturday, invites you to attend an outdoor Career EDGE is provided at and, most importantly, lifted the spir‘open house meet and greet’ to learn www.careeredgecstb.com. New users August 1, call 363-7576 or search on its of our seniors.” Facebook for ‘Simon Firearm & about the congregation and meet simply need to register for an Family Safety Training’ for more new Rabbi Paul account, and registration takes less Kitten Adoptions details. Schreiber, known as than one minute. Once the user is Go Online Reb Tuviah. 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July 2020
Page 9
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Learn To Properly Install Car Seats At Free Inspection Classes
By Anjali Caligiuri
“According to the sure to not use the mirNational Car Accident rors that attach to the Statistics, car acciheadrest so as to not dents are the leading become a potential procause of death in kids jectile in a car accident between 2 and 14,” keep parents engaged said Paula Pizarro, and prepared for the owner of Pregnancy, next car ride. Birth and Beyond. But car seats aren’t Car seats may the only hazardous seem like a no brainer dangers for babies that to most people but parents should know Paula Pizarro, owner of Pregnancy, Birth and Brandon resident about; Pizarro teaches Beyond. Pizarro is here to many other classes, remind parents and including a two-hour caretakers of the vital child and infant safety importance of proper class. These classes car seat installation. cover a wide array of Pregnancy, Birth and potential threats to a Beyond is hosting free child and how to safely car seat inspection handle and protect classes by appointthem from further danment in the Brandon ger, such as area to ensure parents “Poisoning, safe can provide the utmost plants, choking, falls, safety while their children are in the car. overheating, safe sleep, hair tourniAt first glance, buckles and straps quets, things kids swallow like magnets don’t seem to be a difficult feat; howevand the dangers in your home,” said er, there are a surprising amount of Pizarro. problems that may arise. As the coronavirus is still necessi“If they have a seat belt and are not tating social distancing, the classes are ready for it, they can suffer spinal appointment only, one family at a time, injuries, internal injuries and so much with face masks and hand sanitizer more,” said Pizarro. readily available. The consequences of improper car To book an appointment for a class seat installations can seem frightening or to find out more about baby or infant and overwhelming, but Pizarro has health, dangers to children or child seat instructed many parents on the correct safety, call 294-0990, email pregnansafety measures and included tips along cy2020@outlook.com or visit www.pregthe way. Helpful notes such as making nancy2020.org.
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Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
YMCA’s SilverSneakers Moves To Seffner Location Due To COVID-19
By Dominique Asher
YMCA’s them in their SilverSneakers everyday lives. classes for seniors The classes also are taking place at allow the seniors Seffner Elementary to improve their in Brandon this overall health while month in order to bumping along to ensure a safe and music and interactclean environment ing, at a safe disfor the seniors at tance though. higher risk during Many were the pandemic. concerned at The first about it Seniors get moving to the music at a SilverSneakers SilverSneakers reopening class. program offers amid COVIDclasses for seniors, held from Tuesday 19; however, to Thursday at 11 a.m., in the commuthey gained faith after nity that helps keep them active and fit the securing of an exclusive location at and ensures they are improving their Seffner. mental and physical health. “Many seniors used to go five To guarantee the safety of those times a week and looked forward to participating in the classes, the groups the reopening,” said Heather Solomon, are limited to 20 seniors, one instrucTampa Metropolitan Area YMCA tor and a class ambassador in the Leadership membership executive. Seffner school, which provides more The partnership between Seffner square footage than the YMCA. The and YMCA’s SilverSneakers bloswellness director sits in on the class somed due to YMCA’s Before & After for the first day, equipment is sanitized School Enrichment program for stuafter each class and placed in the indi- dents at the school. This program viduals’ space and the YMCA makes recently added a yoga class to keep sure lots of communication circulates students active and to offer a form of so that the situation is made clear to stress relief and wellness. the public. “We love the relationship we’ve The SilverSneaker classes offer a built with Seffner over the years, and wide range of exercise to help the everything we’ve done together; its older community remain fit and able. been a busy year,” said Solomon. The classes works on balance, To learn more, about the YMCA`s strength and stamina through a series SilverSneakers program go to of chair-based activities, as well as https://ymcacentralflorida.com/silvergeneral-use exercise that will help sneakers/.
Volume 15, Issue 7
July 2020
Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Help Local Businesses Bounce Back From COVID-19 For local Minuteman Press Franchise Owners and Valrico residents Julie and Mike Arndt, there is nothing more important right now than helping their communities recover and rebuild from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Julie, who runs Minuteman Press in Brandon, and Mike, who runs Minuteman Press in Plant City, have remained open since printing is an essential business. During this time, they launched Bounce Back Brandon/Riverview and Bounce Back Plant City, two free community websites connecting local area businesses with people who are looking to support local and shop local. Businesses that submit a completely free listing also receive free COVID-19 awareness and prevention posters as well as window decals and signs that Julie and Mike are providing. Julie said, “What Bounce Back means to our communities in Brandon, Riverview and Plant City can be described in one word: Solidarity. All of the participating businesses who have joined the Bounce Back movement see the value in us working together to support each other and best serve our customers with these special offers.” She continued, “We have over 125 local businesses who we are collaborating with through the Bounce Back Brandon/Riverview and Bounce Back Plant City websites. At first, we used this as a COVID-19 resource to simply let people know that our businesses were open. And when people realized this, it allowed them to take advantage of these special offers while stimulating
Staff Report
Bounce Back USA signage is distributed by Minuteman Press to local participating businesses in Brandon, Riverview and Plant City. The program was started by Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Julie and Mike Arndt.
the local economy.” One of the ways Julie and Mike have been promoting collaboration and solidarity is by distributing free COVID19 awareness posters to all participating businesses and also providing them with window signage and yard signs. “There is so much value in working together with our fellow business owners, and when people see our Bounce Back signage and posters, it is a great reminder that we are all in this together.” They also engaged three local
Chambers of Commerce in Brandon, Riverview and Plant City. “We’ve received such a positive response and working collaboratively with the Chambers of Commerce has also helped raise awareness and support of the Bounce Back program,” she said. Both Minuteman Press centers in Brandon and Plant City have remained open throughout COVID-19 since printing was designated as an essential business. “When the shutdowns and quarantines first hit, we made it a point to let people know we were still here
and still open. Once the other essential businesses found out we were open, we were able to help them with all of their printing needs (such as custom printed forms and pads) and keep their production and operations going. It was great for them to see the value of us as a local printing and business services provider, and we gained several new customers as a result.” As more businesses in Florida continue to reopen and rebuild, Julie and Mike are here to help. “Some of the products and services we offer that are in high demand right now are mailings. We are able to connect clients who can’t reach their customers personally by introducing them to cost-effective Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), and we can handle everything from design and printing to the mailings themselves.” She added, “We also have social distancing products such as posters, window signage, and floor decals available and are ready to help all businesses reopen their doors safely.” Julie concluded, “One lesson I think we’ve all learned is that when we work together and support each other, good things happen. That, and goodwill goes a long way.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Brandon, visit https://www.brandon.minutemanpress.c om. Submit a free business listing at Bounce Back Brandon/Riverview (https://bouncebackusa.minuteman.com /locations/fl/brandon/) and receive a free COVID-19 awareness and prevention poster.
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Page 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon Author Spreads Mystery And Intrigue In Paradise Or What?
By Jadon Khor
With families my family and I have lived in the Tampa stuck at home area since July 1989 and love it here.” and social disWhile writing Paradise or What? , tancing, some are Ogden was sure and careful to include finding themmentions of specific locations in the selves lost, away area, including several local restaurants from the magic of and public spaces, in order to truly the outside world. immerse his readers in the scene. Local Yet Brandon community members will certainly have author William a blast coming across their favorite Ogden offers an spots in town escape to a while curled up After reading his father’s world of enigma life story, William Ogden and reading. was inspired to write a and adventure In making his biography on his father’s with mystery readers anticipatlife and began writing and self-publishing novella Paradise ed for the next Dangerous Encounters. or What? installment, Paradise or What? stands as the Ogden said he second installment of the mystery novella expanded upon series Dangerous Encounters, where his writing to creTampa Bay backdrops a story of technoate a stronger logical dangers and love; the sequel and more mystetackles the rise of drone technology and rious story. “I just wanted them to have a its potential dangers in modern society. feeling of suspense.” Because of this The book is truly a page-turning, new direction, Ogden said, “the first invigorating read filled with romance and [novella] was more murder mystery, and shock, one that takes the mind away the second [novella] was more of a who’s from the current world and into one that doing what.” Through this change in writfills the familiar with unknown. ing style, he said he hopes to keep his Following his first novella, Heaven or readers suspended and engaged. What? , based on his former home in Though Ogden has just released his North Carolina, Ogden was inspired to latest story, expect more from the continue exploring his characters through Dangerous Encounters series, as he said a second installment of the Dangerous he plans on writing the third installment, Encounters: Raymond Williams, Stella though right now he is working on his Artists and Chuck Miller. But Ogden autobiography in parallel to the novels. wanted to take his characters away from Paradise or What? is currently North Carolina and down south to his released on Amazon, where it can be current home: Tampa Bay. “I included the found under the books section of the Tampa Bay area in this book because store.
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Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Busch Gardens Welcomes New Male Baby Giraffe To Herd
By Kye Saunders
The Busch time bonding together. Gardens staff and The calf and his mother giraffe herd welwill rejoin the herd on comed a new baby the Serengeti plain in a boy earlier this couple months,” said month. Rebecca Romzek, The baby’s Busch Gardens public mother, Bea, is relations representaknown by the intertive. net as the best If the wait feels too friend of Wilma the long, then don’t worry, Ostrich. you can receive Bea and Wilma updates on Bea and are some of the her baby along with all many animals born of the other wonderful at Busch Gardens animals at the park that now live in the through Busch park’s 65-arce Gardens’ Twitter, Serengeti Plain Instagram and exhibit. Facebook pages as Busch Gardens giraffe Bea recently But don’t worry, well as its website, gave birth to a baby at the park. this is not an exhibit only for our long-necked animal www.buschgardens.org. friends, like Bea and Wilma, the area is Despite the challenges COVID-19 also home to elephants, rhinos and brought to all business, Busch Gardens now a baby giraffe. hasn’t changed its dedication to its aniAfter a 15-month mals and guests. long pregnancy, Bea “At Busch gave birth to her son Gardens, the safety standing up. of our guests, Although, it is a 6employees and anifoot drop to the ground mals has always after the baby finally been our top prioriemerges, Bea and her son are healthy ty. Even during these unusual times, and bonding. our animals continue to enjoy worldSo, when can we see mother and class care from their dedicated teams son on the Serengeti Express train that of animal experts,” said Romzek. goes around the park? These are the same team of “Right now, the most important experts that helped Bea welcome in her thing for Bea and her calf is to spend new son safely into the world.
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Charles Opperman—Love Cures Everything, Engagement Follows ICU Visit Charles Opperman is himself to a mobile a director for a software testing site and company and he lives on while waiting in the the outskirts of Brandon. car line, his doctor When Hillsborough County finally called him to started to open back up confirm he was after shutting down from COVID-19 positive. the pandemic, Opperman, “He told me to go like most of us, wanted to home, self-quaranventure out and get back to tine, stay hydrated normal. “My girlfriend and I and rest,” had been virtual dating Opperman said. “I from our homes since the Charles Opperman spent 11 days in did this, but on pandemic hit and we both Thursday, June 25, the hospital battling COVID-19. While he was being prepared for a I started coughing wanted to see each other ventilator, he sent his girlfriend, in person,” Opperman up blood.” Shirley Rosevelt-Garcia, a text said. Opperman asking her to marry him. On June 13, the couple decided to went to an urgent care facility and was do some shopping together because given a chest X-ray. It showed his lungs Opperman’s girlfriend, Shirley Roseveltwere filling up with fluid. He was told he Garcia, needed some new paddle fans. needed to go to the hospital. “When I “We wore masks and social distanced,” woke up Friday morning, I was getting Opperman said. “Since we had a good worse, so I went to the hospital,” day shopping, we decided to go to Opperman said. brunch.” Opperman’s health continued to The couple went to a restaurant in decline. He was moved to ICU and was South Tampa and social distanced. being prepped for a ventilator. “I asked for By Wednesday evening of June 17, my cell phone and I quickly texted my girlOpperman started running a temperature. friend and told her that once I survived When he awoke on Thursday, his temthis and I got better, I was going to marry perature had risen, so he called his docher,” Opperman said. “I then texted my tor. They had a virtual doctor’s visit and girlfriend’s daughter and asked her for her Opperman’s doctor suggested he go and permission to marry her mom. She said have a COVID-19 test done. “As I waited yes. When I get better and things are for my results, more symptoms started back to normal, we are going to have a showing,” Opperman said. “I felt fatigued really big engagement celebration.” and my muscles and joints ached.” Opperman came home from the hosOn Monday, June 22, Opperman still pital on July 6 and is getting better everyhadn’t received his test results. He drove day.
My COVID-19 Drive-Thru Story I recently lost my unteer approached my car job due to COVID-19. and asked me if I had an Not because I contractappointment. I asked if ed the virus and was there would be enough fired because I was sick. tests to last from 8 a.m. to The museum I worked 2 p.m. The volunteer just at took a huge financial shrugged her shoulders hit when it closed down and said, “We’ll see.” for three months due to The form she gave me the pandemic. To try and save money to stay afloat, the museum laid off some of its employLibby Hopkins is a journalist ees, and I was one of with the Osprey Observer who them. lives in Brandon. She will be writing a series of COVID-19 With positive related stories for the COVID-19 numbers risObserver called “Living in ing in Hillsborough COVID.” County, so did my concerns for getting a asked for some personal information and COVID-19 test. I decided to register for a if I had any COVID-19-related symptoms. free COVID-19 test through the county. There was also a section on the form with When I went online on June 15 to every insurance companies’ names. I register for my test, the only available was asked to circle which insurance I had date was July 8 at 8 a.m. at the Lee and to provide the last four numbers of Davis Community Resource Center, my social security number. This told me which is in Tampa, near Ybor City. that the county would be billing my insurNothing was available in Brandon, where ance company for my ‘free test.’ I live. I waited in the car line for over an I looked into other options like CVS, hour for my test. The test itself wasn’t LabCorp and a few others to see if I painful, just very uncomfortable. A swab is could go sooner, but since I didn’t have rubbed back and forth in each of my nosCOVID-19 symptoms, I couldn’t register trils for 10-15 seconds. I was told I should for a free test at these locations. So, I have my results in five to 10 business waited. days. If not, I was given information for July 8 finally arrived and I left early Quest Diagnostic’s website to find my for my test even though the confirmation results. Ten days after testing....still no email said not to arrive early due to “traffic results. For more info on obtaining a test congestion.” I got to my drive-thru testing through Hillsborough County, visit site at 7:40 a.m. and the line was already https://hcflgov.service-now.com/health70 cars deep. A testing site masked volbook or call 888-513-6321.
Faith Community Nurses Join Forces With Local Hospitals To Create Mobile Medical Clinics For Migrant Workers
Far right: Dr. Sara Proctor (left) and faith community nurses (right) Gloria Arroyo and Carmen Flores-Zeigler serve clients at mobile clinics set up by BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospitals.
The recent pandemic has been very challenging for St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation and the South Florida Baptist Hospital faith community nurses working at the San Jose Mission clinic in Dover and La Esperanza Clinic in Wimauma. For almost 20 years, St. Joseph’s Hospital has partnered with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg to serve the needs of migrant farm workers. Together, the clinics serve more than 2,000 clients each year, offering free medical services to underserved individuals residing in Hillsborough County who are not covered by another program or insurance. The faith community nurses began offering their services at mobile medical clinics that were set up at San Jose Mission and La Esperanza Clinic. “When the pandemic hit, the clin-
ics continued to see clients, they have just had to move most of the services outdoors,” said Linda Wilkerson, Faith Community Nursing manager. Faith Community Nursing is a recognized specialty by the American Nurses Association. Faith community nurses are pastoral, spiritually mature and licensed, registered nurses. Focusing on the intentional care of the spirit, the nurses blend the community members’ faith and definition of living well with the science of medicine to enhance quality of life. This opportunity is available to all faith communities and all licensed nurses, whether employed or retired. The clinics do not perform coronavirus testing but provide masks for clients and referrals to testing sites. The nurses suit up in personal protective equipment, register clients outdoors and perform as many services
Applies to labor only. Limit one person per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon. Expires 8/23/2020
as possible outside to allow for social distancing. La Esperanza Clinic sees clients on the Catholic Charities Mobile Medical Clinic bus at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission, located at 16650 US Hwy. 301 S. in Wimauma for routine medical visits every Tuesday and for diabetic and hypertensive patients the third Thursday each month. San Jose Mission, located at 3228 San Jose Mission Dr. in Dover has
routine clinics on Mondays and sees diabetics/hypertensive patients on the first Friday of each month. On clinic days, both clinics register patients between 5 and 7 p.m. They begin seeing patients at 6 p.m. and continue until all have been seen. For more information on these mobile clinics, call 707-7376. To learn more about faith community nurses, visit BayCare’s website at www.baycare.org/about-us/faith-community-nursing.
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Page 16
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports Connection Photos courtesy of the Bloomingdale Football
657-2418
By Nick Nahas
www.ospreyobserver.com
Seven Bloomingdale Football Players Sign Committments To Play College Football was relieved,” said Sykes. He Seven Bloomingdale will major in architectural engiHigh School football players neering or construction manrecently signed on to play agement. “My goal in college college football. They is to keep my GPA above a weren’t able to have an offi3.5, and my goal with football cial signing day at the is to help my teammates grow school due to COVID-19. and motivate them to be the Defensive back/wide best version of themselves,” receiver Gabe Akpewero he said. signed to play at St. Defensive lineman Marvin Thomas University. “I felt Vinson signed to play for St. great after thinking about Defensive back/wide receiver Bulls quarterback Lance Alderson Wide receiver/defensive back Thomas University, joining his my decision for a long time, Waylon Blackmon signed with signed with Baldwin Wallace Javon Stephens signed with Peru Bloomingdale teammates, St. Thomas University. University in Ohio. State in Nebraska. and I feel relieved that I Akpewero and Blackmon. “I’m chose the right school for ready to show every coach me to spend the next four that doubted me that I will be years,” said Akpewero. He something,” said Vinson. He will major in business manwill major in business management and marketing. “I agement. He can’t wait to play am looking forward to comwith Akpewero and Blackmon peting at a higher level and again. “Those are my brothers improving my game as for life,” he said. much as possible while I am Guard Jordan Leath also in college,” he said. signed to play for Minnesota Bulls quarterback State Community and Lance Alderson signed with Technical College. Defensive lineman Marvin Vinson Defensive back/wide receiver Defensive end/defensive tackle Baldwin Wallace University signed to play for St. Thomas Gabe Akpewero signed to play at Jack Sykes signed to play for The 2020 class is the winin Ohio. “I was very excited University. St. Thomas University. Missouri Valley College. ningest class in the school’s when I signed,” said Thomas University. “It felt great, all Wide receiver/defensive back Javon history with a 33-13 overall record. Alderson. “My dream was always to play these years of hard work and persistStephens signed with Peru State in “They are going to be missed, and I at the next level and be the first in my ence in the classroom and on the field Nebraska. “It felt amazing knowing that appreciate everything they have done family to play college football.” He will finally paid off,” said Blackmon. He will I’m the first in my family to go to colfor us,” said Bloomingdale Head Coach major in criminal justice. “My ultimate major in engineering. “I hope to go and lege,” said Stephens. He will major in Jake Coulson. “That group of kids goal playing college football is to get ball out and display my talents so that I business. “I can’t wait for next season, bought in and never questioned, you faster and stronger, and to show everycan take my football career as far my I’m ready to work,” he said. knew they were going to put in what one why I’m there. I want to be one of talents can take me. If I can make it to Defensive end/defensive tackle they needed to do to be successful. the top QBs in college,” he said. the NFL, that would be a dream come Jack Sykes signed with Missouri Valley These guys set the bar, and so we just Defensive back/wide receiver true, but I have to work to get there,” he College. “I felt a huge weight was lifted need to keep it going.” Waylon Blackmon also signed with St. said. off my shoulders and a lot of pressure
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Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Land Code Revision Hearings Will Discuss HOA Rules To Allow Hens On Properties
By Brad Stager
allowing still has to fly with local homeowner associations, according to county officials, who cite the authority that HOAs have under Florida law. “Therefore, the county’s allowance of chickens in residential districts would not prevent HOAs from prohibiting them, through their governing documents and rules, within HOA communities,” reads an Backyard fowl may take their place alongside furry friends in homes in unincorporated emailed comment from the Hillsborough County as commissioners consider Hillsborough County attorney’s allowing hens on residential property. office provided by the county’s Unincorporated Hillsborough County media relations office. has changed dramatically in recent years, The proposed revision is being guidevolving from predominantly rural to ed by Commissioner Sandra Murman, notably suburban as housing tracts who represents District 1. She said havreplace farms, but one feature of country ing a few chickens around a home has living may be coming home to roost on a become a beneficial lifestyle trend and cul-de-sac near you. that residents in unincorporated areas A revision to the county’s land use should have a chance to enjoy it. code allowing hens on residential proper“During this time when the commisty is under consideration by the sion is dealing with public safety issues, I Hillsborough County Commission. The felt it was a good time to improve the proposed ordinance would allow in total public morale and allow residents to have up to five caged hens and pullets to be easy access to eggs that are in high kept in a backyard. Roosters would not demand. Backyard chickens can provide be permitted. many benefits to residents, including food Besides the companionship chickens security, pest control and companioncan offer, supporters of the ordinance tout ship,” Murman wrote in an email. the food value backyard fowl can provide, Public hearings about allowing backespecially during an emergency situation. yard chickens will be held on Thursday, However, slaughtering the birds or selling July 23 and Thursday, Sepember 24 at 6 their eggs on-site are among the recomp.m. as the county revises its land develmended restrictions. opment code. Locations and methods (inThe proposal applies to unincorporat- person or virtual) for the hearings will be ed Hillsborough County, but for residents determined closer to the meeting dates living in communities controlled by deed due to COVID-19 restrictions. For details, restrictions, what the county ends up visit hillsboroughcounty.org.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 7
School District Recognizes Students With Perfect Attendance
By Kate Quesada
Julia Salvo (top) from Bloomingdale High School and Mark Grabau (middle) and Alexander Dyer (bottom( from Newsome High School were among the 10 members of the Hillsborough County Public School’s (HCPS) Class of 2020 to receive perfect attendance for their entire educational career.
Three Bloomingdale/FishHawk area students were recognized with an amazing accomplishment last month. Julia Salvo from Bloomingdale HighSchool and Mark Grabau and Alexander Dyer from Newsome High School were among the 10 members of the Hillsborough County Public School’s (HCPS) Class of 2020 to receive perfect attendance for their entire educational career. According to HCPS’ Tanya Arja, each student attended 2,340 consecutive school days without logging one absence. That is every school day from kindergarten through 12th. To mark this achievement, the students were guests at the school board meeting on June 9, where they were presented with brand-new laptops courtesy of Toyota of Tampa Bay, along with $500 scholarships from Suncoast Credit Union. “These students have demonstrated a high level of commitment by attending school every single day. It is important for students to possess character traits such as dependability and reliability to be successful now and in the future as they move on to the next stage in their life. I am proud of the diligence and discipline shown by each of these learners to accomplish perfect attendance throughout their entire career in Hillsborough County Public Schools. I also want to congratulate their parents and families for providing a support system to make this achievement possible,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. The students feel honored to have been recognized with the award. “This award means so much to me because it represents all of the hard work and dedication that went into having 13 years of perfect attendance,” said Salvo. “It is such an honor to be recognized for this achievement and I’d like to thank my family, my teachers and the administration for the role they played in this accomplishment.” Dyer, who was also Newsome’s valedictorian, thanked all who have supported him. “I think the award is not only a validation of all the hard work I have engaged in over the past four years but also a testament to the support of my teachers, friends and families,” said Dyer.
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July 2020
Page 19
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
St. Andrew’s Be A Blessing Program Thanks Workers One Card At A Time By Lily Belcher
and frontline workers but have helped nearly double that in only two months. Katie Britt and Rachel Grafton have organized and helped distribute the gifts and plan to continue the program as long as the church continues to receive donations. "What’s been wonderful about this whole initiative is that it has been a win-winwin for everybody," said From left to right: Emma Adcock, Mary Beth Rachel Grafton. "It obviously Southworth, Ali Southworth deliver a banner to blessed the recipients but Brandon Regional Hospital employees. has also been a blessing to The St. Andrew’s United Methodist businesses that we are purchasing Church has organized a Covid-19 meals from and it's always a blessing relief program, Be a Blessing, to proto serve in some way, shape, or form, vide notes and gift cards for first whether it is writing letters or donating responders and families financially money." impacted by the Coronavirus. While many churches have had to Donations collected by Be a Blessing cancel weekly services and other outwill be delivered to hospital staff reach programs, St. Andrew’s is conthrough Feeding the Frontline and to tinuing their mission to serve the comfamilies through volunteers for St. munity. Through the Be a Blessing iniAndrew’s. tiative, the church can remain open to The program is not just designed helping and serving hospital staff, for the St. Andrew’s congregation, patients, and members of the commuhowever. The Be a Blessing program nity and still play an active role in fulgives the opportunity to nominate filling their mission to serve. someone or apply for relief for themFor more information, contact selves. Donors can also drop off notes Jessica Adams, the Communications of encouragement in collection bins Director of Be a Blessing, at outside the church, which will be disjessica.adams@saumc.net. To make a tributed by volunteers, or make monedonation or apply for or nominate tary donations on their website. someone for help visit St. Andrews’ The Be A Blessing initiative began United Methodist Church’s website at in April with a goal to help 125 families www.saumc.net.
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Page 20
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Relay For Life Continues To Fundraise Despite Pandemic
Where There’s A Home For Every Kitten, There’s A Kitten For Every Home
By Faith Miller
Ever since the shutdown caused by the coronavirus, fundraising organizations have been finding new ways to raise money and connect volunteers and donors. The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) well-known fundraiser, Relay For Life, has found new, innovative ways to help those who need it. At the beginning of the coronavirus shutdown, Relay For Life was on the verge of putting on hold almost all of their in-person events, including more than 30 regional events and fundraisers that raise money that ACS puts towards research and patient services throughout the year. But that’s not the only downside the organization has faced during shutdown. “The suspension of our events caused our volunteers and survivors a lost chance to connect face to face with the community,” stated Tammy Schoonover, an employee of ACS. However, with hard times comes growth. ACS has recently adopted a new mantra, “Cancer hasn’t stopped, so neither can we.” “It’s this attitude that emboldens the effort and fueled our drive to utilize virtual possibilities” said Schoonover. This pandemic has caused the organization to grow and adapt, gaining “a better sense of the resiliency” of the volunteers, partners and supporters. The company is continuing to provide “all the core objectives of [its] mission,” which includes the funding and support of
research and the ability to provide the services needed, despite COVID-19. An example of this would be the East Coast Relay For Life, a virtual event that included ‘Relayers’ from Maine to Miami, that took place on June 26. The company personally called and invited 60,000 supporters to make sure the event was a success. ACS and Relay For Life have also held virtual dance parties, virtual 5K events and much more across the nation as fundraisers to replace the ones that were canceled. According to Schoonover, just recently in Tampa Bay, it held a “one-hour Facebook Live presentation in partnership with Tampa General Hospital” joined by a panel of medical experts where they offered advice on how to handle COVID19. An event that is coming up is a nationwide event called ‘Share the Light’ and it is set to take place on Thursday, July 16. The organization is also currently mapping its plans for its fall events and is planning on making an announcement in the near future. It is closely paying attention and following all CDC guidelines because “the safety of our volunteers always will be paramount,” stated Schoonover. For more, visit cancer.org or call 1800-227-2345. To keep up with what ACS is doing in Florida, visit the ACS Florida Facebook page at AmericanCancerFL.
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A year ago this account for as many month, Michelle Bass cats as possible to maxand Alicia Pollock came imize reach. together to form a vol“Rescues come unteer-based organizafrom a variety of location that offers numertions—people find them ous cats loving, nurturin their backyard, at ing homes. A Kitten their workplace, at Place helps abandoned schools. They are abanand orphaned kittens, doned in dumpsters as well as pregnant and found in buckets on cats, in the Southeast the side of the road,” Hillsborough region stated Bass. through rescuing and To secure these Local kittens are finding great fostering them until a homes thanks to A Kitten Place. rescued animals a safe home is secured. loving home, A Kitten Place typically Before deciding to begin the charity, had adoption events at local pet stores Bass and Pollock both had spent years on the weekends where adopters were fostering for multiple shelters and other pre-approved to adopt or customers rescues, which prompted a desire to could apply on-site. advance this part of their life into someBecause of COVID-19, virtual thing more. adoptions are now its main strategy in “We shared the same philosophy on ensuring rescues a home (with some certain aspects of rescue and we knew adoption events with social distancwe could offer a unique approach to help- ing), in which the adopter is screened ing homeless and abandoned cats and first, then messages the foster family kittens in our community,” explained of the cat to ensure that it’s a match. If Bass. approved, a meeting is scheduled to While A Kitten Place does take inspicarefully give the kitten to the new ration from other rescue centers and their owner. values, it has a unique mission that focusDespite all the outside chaos, the es on neonate kittens and pregnant organization is still constantly receiving females. Bass communicated that the new cats to put up for adoption. If organization specifically try to give the you’re looking for a new friend to take pregnant female cats a place to safely your mind off the current world situahave give birth and avoid any physical tion, go to akittenplace.org to apply. harm that they may have gone through in If you’d like to become a volunteer, an uncontrolled setting. either through fostering or helping with A Kitten Place takes in cats from any- transport and other duties, email akitwhere and everywhere, hoping to tenplace@gmail.com.
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July 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 21
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory Expands Program To Plant City families. Children eagerly await their art teacher each week with smiles and enthusiasm. Parents are equally delighted that their children are being exposed to the world of art.” Annabel Saavedra, community coordinator for Hispanic Services Council’s La RED de Padres Activos (Network of Active Parents) program in Plant City, said, “Our alliance with Winthrop Arts has expanded the reach of its Mobile Art Factory to include children who live Winthrop Arts has been a phenomenal one. Together as one communiin Plant City. The Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory provides, thanks to funders such as ty, the La RED de Padres Activos the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, free art instruction to underserved children who live program and Winthrop Arts better in Southern and Eastern Hillsborough County. cater to the people we serve. The partnership has shown to be a The Winthrop Arts Mobile Art promising one.” Factory is a grant and community-supHispanic Services Council is a comported program run by Winthrop Arts, an munity-based organization working to arts nonprofit located in Riverview. The improve the quality of life of all Latinos Mobile Art Factory has been operating by promoting academic success of chilsince February 2018 and provides free dren, providing immigration legal servicarts instruction to underserved children. es, supporting the development of One of its main partners is Hispanic healthy communities and promoting Services Council. Over the last few leadership and engagement among years, children in Wimauma have been Latinos. the recipients of the program. Saavedra said, “We have been Now, the Winthrop Arts Mobile Art working with the community for more Factory is officially expanding its presthan 25 years in Hillsborough County. ence to Plant City. This is also an We provide vital information and servicexpanded partnership with Hispanic es to families and individuals to help Services Council. them be self-sufficient, independent and Winthrop Arts provides the materials contributing members of their communiand free arts instruction under the direc- ty. In Plant City, we offer services at the tion of Lead Art Instructor Bryant First Baptist Church of Plant City.” Martinez. Partners like Hispanic In addition to the Winthrop Arts Services Council provide the space and Mobile Art Factory, Winthrop Arts operidentify the children eligible to particiates the Art Factory, which is located at pate in the program. 11267 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. Maria Garavito, project director for Art classes for children, teens and Hispanic Services Council, said, “We adults are offered at the Art Factory. In have been partnering with Winthrop Arts addition, it offers a summer art camp for over three years, serving Wimauma and art festivals. Visit and, more recently, Plant City. This www.winthroparts.org and www.hispanalliance has been amazingly positive for icservicescouncil.org.
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Tampa Theatre Announces Virtual BeerFest In this really such as Hidden strange time that we Springs Ale Works, are living in, it is 7venth Sun Brewery, comforting to know Coppertail Brewing, that organizations Cigar City Brewing, like the Tampa Motorworks Brewing Theatre are trying to and more will be feaoffer annual events. tured. While the events If you need a way Tampa Theatre will hold its annual may be in a different to work up an BeerFest virtually with a theme of format, they will still Groundhop Day on Saturday, August 8. appetite for this, the be fun. Tampa Theatre is also developing a justThe Tampa Theatre is offering its for-fun scavenger hunt around downtown annual BeerFest virtually on Saturday, Tampa. Work up a thirst as you solve the August 8. This year’s theme is clues and see the sights on foot before Groundhop Day. Jill Witecki with the coming back to the historic movie palace Tampa Theatre said, “It kind of seems like to pick up your sampling box. the past few months have been the same At 6 p.m., the social aspect of day over and over again. You wake up, BeerFest begins on Tampa Theatre’s put on pants (or not), stumble to your Facebook page. President and CEO computer and struggle through a confusJohn Bell will provide a welcome along ing to-do list of online tasks. If there was with livestreaming music from Ronnie ever such a thing as a Punxsutawney Dee and the Superstars. At 7 p.m., a Phil of pandemics, we bet he would be panel of brewmasters will host a Q and A. seeing the shadow that predicts six more At 7:45 p.m., you can watch the 1993 weeks of shutdown right now.” classic movie featuring Bill Murray, Like its movie-themed predecessors, Groundhog Day. Ferris Brewer’s Day Off, Hop Gun and Grand sampling boxes are $55 and Hoppy Gilmore, Groundhop Day will still premium boxes are $75. Members save feature delicious craft brewed beers from $5. Boxes can be picked up on Friday, around Tampa Bay. However, instead of August 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on coming to a tasting at the Tampa Theatre, Saturday, August 8 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. it will package up a tasting 12-pack of The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. bottles and cans, two tasting glasses, a Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. big bag of fresh Tampa Theatre popcorn For information, visit www.tampatheand a few other fun surprises. Breweries atre.org.
Brandon/Winthrop
July 2020
New Director Of Swim At BSAC
The Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC) has named Sharon Finotti as director of swim education. Finotti brings more than 22 years of experience in the fitness and swim industry. She received her license as a Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (TSW) through AUSTSWIM, the industry standard for swimming and water safety in Australia and many countries. ‘Perfect practice makes perfect’ is foundational to the educational approach Finotti is stressing at BSAC. “Teaching proper techniques with consistent reinforcement, and not moving a child up to the next level before they are ready, prevents the forming of bad habits,” said Finotti. BSAC’s Learn to Swim Program is the most comprehensive swim lesson program in the area, offering a progressive group lesson program as well as children and adult private lessons, parent/tot classes and adaptive (special needs) swim lessons. Along with teaching swimming techniques, lessons incorporate water safety and survival skills. BSAC is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more than 50 years, it has been its mission is to impact lives daily through superior educational and athletic programs. BSAC is located on 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. For more information on swim lessons, visit www.mybsac.org.
Volume 15, Issue 7
See Section 2
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Navigator Academy of Leadership is a tuition-free Public Charter School in Valrico. Some parents find that traditional schools aren’t meeting their children’s Jean Pierre and Kimberly celebrating needs and want their children to have the ribbon-cutting of their new spa. the best chance to excel in school and in life. Your child deserves more from their Allegra Spa Cafe Celebrates Opening school, and at Navigator Academy of Jean Pierre and Kimberly Velez, new Leadership, your children are its future. owners of Allegra Spa Cafe, are excited Its teachers are passionate in delivering to finally be able to welcome you. Allegra its SMART (Science, Math, Art, Reading, Spa Cafe has a relaxing atmosphere Technology) curriculum in conjunction for both mind and body to recover with its NASA collaboration. The Leader and energize. Its holistic therapies in Me school helps mold students to are designed to make you feel great become tomorrow’s leaders. from the moment you walk in the To find out more, visit its website at door and it is the best place to work on navigatoracademyvalrico.com or boosting your immune system to stay call it at 603-9340. healthy and well or maximize your training by rejuvenating your muscles to get Pregnancy, Birth And back in the Beyond Opens game Paula Pizzaro, the stronger owner of Birth, Pregnancy and capaand Beyond, is excited to ble of finally be able to offer her services. achieving She has been a nurse for over 25 more. The services offered at the location years in labor and delivery, newborn on 13454 Boyette Rd. in Riveview and NICU settings and has her BSN, include: cryotherapy, infrared sauna, comRNC-CE and five other certifications. pression therapy and dry flotation, as well She is looking forward to being able to as others. offer her services to the community. Allegra Spa Cafe is open Monday to
Pizzaro said, “We at Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond love to empower pregnant women and their support person. Studies show that when a woman takes a childbirth education class to learn about her options and has a good support, she has better birth outcomes.” Classes and services offered include labor and birth preparation, breastfeeding classes and consultations, learning about your newborn and infant massage and classes are also available in Spanish. Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond is located at 324 W. Robertson St. in Brandon and can be contacted on 294-0990. More information can be found on its website, www.pregnancy2020.org.
SERVPRO Alerts Local Grill Masters To Fire Risks
The summer grilling season is here, and outdoor cooking and picnic gatherings are a welcome change for families eager to enjoy the weather. As families prepare for their next outdoor feast, Brian E. Jones of SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview, a local fire and disaster remediation specialist, urges property owners to keep some ‘grilling fire facts’ in mind. Gas grills are involved in an average of 8,900 home fires a year. Charcoal and other solid fuel grills contribute to
Continued on next page
July 2020
Page 23
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued................... another 1,300. An averscheduled throughout the age of 19,700 patients summer. Business Owners each year visit emerScott and Rose Laviano gency rooms because of will be drawing all of the injuries involving grills. winners on their 25th wedJuly is the peak month ding anniversary on for grill fires. Wednesday, September 2. To help prevent a grill fire, there There are multiple ways to enter; post are several precautions that can be a photo on social media using taken: #MyYoYoJuiceSummer, sign up/check Use your grill outdoors only. Place in on the YoYo Juice app or use the your grill away from your home or online menu at www.yoyojuice.com. deck railings and out from under YoYo Juice locations are 731 W. eaves and overhanging branches. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon and 1044 Never leave your grill unattended Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. and keep pets and children at least 3 feet Adam Bantner away. Named A Florida Keep your grill Legal Elite For 2020 clean, remove fat or Adam Bantner, a grease buildup. board-certified criminal Check the gas tank hose for leaks trial law attorney with Valrico Law before using it for the first time each Group, was recently named as one of year. If you smell gas while cooking, Florida Trend magazine’s Florida Legal immediately get away from the grill Elite for 2020. This is the 17th year of and call the fire departFlorida Legal Elite presentment. ing a prestigious roster of SERVPRO speattorneys chosen for cializes in fire and recognition by their peers. water cleanup and Bantner and the other restoration services attorneys chosen exempliand repair services, fy a standard of excellence helping to remediate in their profession and by damage for both comso doing have garnered mercial and residential the respect and esteem of customers. For more their colleagues. information on Call 397-3965, or visit SERVPRO of its website at Brandon/North www.ValricoLawGroup.com. Gina Rosato is offering free bankruptcy consultations. Riveview, please contact Brian E. Jones at Free Bankruptcy Phone 741-3473 or Consultation bjones@servpro10822.com or visit Often when their income falls draswww.servpro.com. tically, people fall behind on their bills or into a large amount of debt. This causFree #MyYoYoJuiceSummer es a huge amount of stress. It is imporSweepstakes tant to discuss your financial situation #MyYoYoJuiceSummer is a free to come up with the best strategy and sweepstakes event where you could to know your options. Gina Rosato Law win free smoothies and/or Eddie Bull’s Firm, P.A. is offering a free initial phone Cookie Dough for a year from YoYo consultation with an attorney to analyze Juice Brandon and YoYo Juice your situation. Bloomingdale. There are also extra To schedule a consultation, visit special saving deal days and rewards www.lawgina.com or call 463-8000.
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Page 24
Volume 15, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day Voting is a right and not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 18, you must be registered by Monday, July 20. In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 3, you must be registered by Monday, October 5. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican. Democrat or No Party Affiliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party such as the Green Party of Florida. Florida is a closed primary state. This means that for the primary election, your ballot will reflect the party that you have selected. In other words, you vote only for the candidates from your party as well as
non-partisan races such as the judge (county and circuit) and school board. In the general election, your ballot is based upon where you reside. You can view sample ballots for both the primary and the general election by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but please do not ignore the primary election. We have local school board and judge races on the primary ballot that are non-partisan, so everyone votes in these races. If you are a Democrat or Republican, you will also have a Requesting A Vote By Mail Ballot Is say in which state Easy: and local partisan 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request candidate moves on to the 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 general election,” said 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. Offices
To Request Vote By Mail For Yourself, You Must Provide: 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
VOTE BY MAIL
Vote By Mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail (by Thursday, July 9 for the pri-
mary election and by Thursday, September 24 for the general election), and you can take your time making your voting decision. The Vote
By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of its offices or at an Early Voting site. The Supervisor of Elections is also offering curbside drop-off this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Election Day is your last day to vote, not your first. I encourage everyone to consider voting by mail. During the March election, it was heartbreaking to get calls from voters who could not leave home and had planned to vote on Election Day,” said Latimer.
EARLY VOTING
Early Voting is set up before both the primary election and the general election. Early Voting will take place from Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the general election, it will be from Monday, October 19
By Kathy L. Collins
through Sunday, November 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “In March, we had 23 Early Voting locations open, and we may have 24 for the August primary. We are just finalizing those details now. We will have drop-off ballot boxes at each of those sites for voters who want to drop off their Vote By Mail ballot,” said Latimer. Early Voting is just like Election Day voting. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature on it. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We are taking great measures to ensure a safe and healthy inperson voting experience.” Social distancing and hand sanitizing as well as adjusted layouts will be utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this will mean that in-person voting is going to be slower than in the past, but it will be healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts. For more information, please visit www.votehillsborough.org.
U.S. House District 15
Adam Hattersley (D) www.HattersleyFor Congress.com
Alan Cohn (D) www.AlanCohnFor Congress.com
Ross Jesse Spano (R) Philippe (D) \www.JessePhilippe.com www.RossSpano.com
State House District 59
Harry Cohen (D) www.harry2020.com
Hillsborough Clerk of Court
Kelly Ayers www.KellyAyersFor Judge.com
Circuit Court Judge
Rickey Silverman Monique Scott www.Vote4Rickey.com www.Scott4Judge.com
Circuit Court Judge
Ashley Ivanov www.VoteAshleyIvanov.com
School Board
Michael Scionti www.JudgeScionti.com
Sally Harris www.VoteSally Harris.com
Angela Schoden www.Angela Schoden.com
Group 31
Greg Green www.GregGreenFor Judge.com
Group 30
Danny Alvarez www.ElectDanny Alvarez.com
Helene Daniel www.HeleneDaniel4 Judge.com
Circuit Court Judge
District 7 Countywide
Lynn Gray www.LynnGrayFor SchoolBoard.com
Charles Brian Boswell (R) Chad Chronister (R) www.VoteCharlesBoswell.com www.ChadChronister.com
Scott Bonavita Gary Dolgin www.VoteBonavita.com www.GaryDolgin.com
Group 19
John Schifino www.SchifinoFor Judge.com
Jim Boyd (R) www.BoydFor Florida.com
Hillsborough County Sheriff
April Griffin (D) Nancy Millan (D) www.AprilGriffin.com www.VoteNancyMillan.com
Group 7
Group 9
John Manners Houman (R) www.mr-manners.com
Jen McDonald (D) Scott Levinson (R) Tony Morejon (R) www.VoteJenMcDonald.com www.VoteTonyMorejon.com www.VoteLevinson.com
Hillsborough Tax Collector
Kevin Beckner (D) Cindy Stuart (D) www.KevinBeckner.com www.VoteCindyStuart.com
Bill Yanger www.YangerFor Judge.com
Scott Franklin (R) www.voteScott Franklin.com
County Commissioner District 1
Danny Kushmer (R) Michael Owen (R) www.DannyKushmer.com www.VoteMichaelOwen.com
Nancy Jacobs www.NancyJacobs ForJudge.com
State Senate District 21
Group 39
Jeffery Alex James Johnson www.jefferyforschoolboard.com
Wendy DePaul www.WendyDePaul 4Judge.com
Steven Scott Stephens www.judgestephens.org
It’s Time For A New Generation Of Leadership In Florida’s 15th Congressional District
Staff Report
Voting is a right. No matter how you do it, whether it is by mail, early voting or on Election Day, just remember that every vote counts and every citizen should exercise their right to vote. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 18. You can vote by mail. You can also vote during the early voting period from Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. On Primary Election Day, you must go to your assigned precinct. You can vote on Tuesday, August 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Make sure you are registered to vote in the primary election by Monday, July 20 and get out and vote. Enjoy profiles about some of the local candidates on the next few pages and see why they are willing to serve the community as elected officials.
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one on Election Day As a former naval when he became the officer and Iraq war vetfirst Democrat to reperan and now a state resent Florida’s 59th representative, Adam district. Hattersley’s life has “In the Florida been about service. Legislature, I’ve “I joined the Navy worked across the after college, just three aisle to pass legislation weeks before to help veterans, fireSeptember 11, 2001,” fighters and teachers. he said. “I served on a I’ve engaged with nuclear-powered submany of you through marine and taught elecour town halls and trical engineering at the through our legislative Naval Academy. Then, office,” he said. “I’m I volunteered to fight in thankful this communiIraq during the height Adam Hattersley is running for Congress in District 15. ty has entrusted me of the war.” with this responsibility.” After the military, Hattersley and his He added, “In 2018, I ran for office wife moved to Riverview, where they to stand up to a bad politician who didn’t built their American dream—a house, a reflect our values. Now, I’m running for cute dog and a small business. But he Congress for the same reason. missed being part of something bigger Congressman Ross Spano is the only than himself. member of Congress under criminal “Then something unexpected hapinvestigation. He admitted to breaking pened,” said Hattersley. “In 2018, I was campaign finance law to win. He also asked to run for Florida State House. There was an extreme politician running, denies climate change, opposes equal rights and sought to repeal pre-existing and no Democrat had entered the race.” conditions protections for Floridians. We He added, “Entering politics had deserve a congressman who serves with never crossed my mind. At the time, I honor and integrity. That’s why I’m rundidn’t even know who my state representative was! But my wife and I decided ning: just as I served in the Navy, in Iraq and in the Florida House, my mission is to be part of the solution, so I filed to to be a true public servant for our disrun.” trict.” After being told that the seat was To learn more about Hattersley, visit solidly Republican, and that he would www.hattersleyforcongress.com. lose handily, Hattersley surprised every-
Tampa Native Michael Scionti Looks To Serve Community In Group 19
Helene Daniel Brings Life Experience To Group 30 County Judge Race
abroad.” Michael Scionti is Scionti has held honored to serve as various positions of one of your circuit public trust as a court judges in the lawyer, soldier and Thirteenth Judicial judge and has a Circuit. proven record in A Tampa native maintaining the fair and lifelong resident of and impartial adminHillsborough County, istration of justice. he has served the “I have always community and counperformed my duties try for 25 years, and responsibilities upholding the rule of with the highest level law in and out of the Tampa native Michael Scionti is curof integrity, demoncourtroom, on and off rently running for re-election in strated a strong the battlefield and Group 19. understanding of the law and applied a throughout all branches of governfair-minded, common sense approach ment. to my decision-making,” he said. “I “I currently preside over both believe the depth and breadth of my Veterans Treatment Court and legal and judicial experience has given Juvenile Delinquency Court—two of me the necessary balance, perspecHillsborough County’s problem-solving courts for struggling veterans and tive and problem-solving skills to make me an effective judge.” at risk youth,” said Scionti. He is currently running for re-elecA lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve, he also serves tion in Group 19. “As a judge, I serve as an instruas a commander in the Judge ment of justice and ensure that everyAdvocate General’s Corps. one is treated equally under the law,” “Over the course of my 20 years he said. “With your support, I promise in the military, I have served multiple to continue serving our community tours of duty in both Iraq and with integrity, compassion and fairAfghanistan and was awarded the ness.” He asks you to please vote for Bronze Star Medal,” he said. “As a Michael Scionti for Circuit Court military magistrate, I presided over Judge, Group 19 on Tuesday, August hundreds of military-commissioned 18 or before. war tribunals and as a judge advoVisit www.JudgeScionti.com for cate I helped advance the rule of law and uphold human rights in countries more information.
is our highest trial Helene Daniel court and it is a serihas practiced law in ous job that comes Florida for over 33 with considerable years. A longtime resiresponsibility.” dent of Hillsborough Helene Daniel County, Helene Daniel has been certified is running for circuit by the Florida court judge Group 30. Supreme Court as a She has been Circuit-Civil rated AV Valrico resident Helene Daniel is running Mediator since Preeminent® by for Circuit Court Judge Group 30. 2001. Martindale-Hubbell®, Family and community are important its highest rating for legal abilities and to Helene Daniel. She is a past president ethics. This is a significant achievement of the Hillsborough Association for as it is based on peer review. Women Lawyers. Over the years, she “My campaign values are experience, integrity and fairness,” said Helene has been an active volunteer in the community with Habitat for Humanity, Paint Daniel, who has extensive courtroom Your Heart Out, Dress for Success, R.U. experience, having tried cases in both Safe and many more. A longtime resicivil and criminal law. dent of Valrico, she is a member of “Pro bono work is an important part Nativity Catholic Church, where she of my community service and I enjoy served as a Sunday school teacher representing clients in and out of court. I believe it is essential, as a trial lawyer, to while a young mother. Helene Daniel is proud to be help those in need of legal assistance endorsed by West Central Labor Union, and represent them for free,” she said. AFL-CIO and also has the support of After 33 years as a lawyer, Helene Daniel understands the practice of law is many trial attorneys throughout Hillsborough County, She has been marabout people and compassion. The ried to her husband, Bill, for 32 years majority of her legal experience has and they have two children, Veronica been in Circuit Civil Court, handling and Will, who both graduated from cases in areas of nursing homes, medNewsome High School and attended the ical malpractice, personal injury, insurUniversity of Florida. They love dogs and ance law, healthcare law and commerhave three Labradors. “My proven trial cial litigation. experience and integrity will ensure I am "I have the experience and compea fair and impartial judge,” she said. Visit tence to be an effective circuit court www.HeleneDaniel4Judge.com. judge,” said Helene Daniel. “Circuit court
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EXPERIENCE MATTERS 30 Years as a Lawyer Proven Courtroom Experience
AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Past President HAWL Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
HELENE DANIEL
FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE Hillsborough County | Circuit 13 Group 30
HELENEDANIEL4JUDGE.COM Paid by Helene Daniel for Circuit Court Judge Circuit 13 Group 30
Gary Dolgin, A Candidate For Circuit Court Judge In Group 31, Wants To Be Your Family’s Judge
Monique Scott Brings Versatility And Experience To Group 7 County Judge Run
practice in Tampa Gary Dolgin, a since 1993. Dolgin board-certified marital has experience not and family law attoronly in marital and ney, will use his over family law, as he 30 years of experience has served as an to serve the residents assistant state attorof Hillsborough County ney in Manatee as a circuit court County and as an judge. Dolgin is runassistant public ning for circuit court defender in judge in Group 31 and Hillsborough would like your vote Gary Dolgin helped save his client Tara’s on Tuesday, August daughters after they were abducted and County. Dolgin has taken out of the state by Tara’s suicidal handled juvenile 18. husband. delinquency and Dolgin has represented many citizens over the years. One dependency cases as well as a myriad of issues that a circuit court judge will be client, Tara, found herself in a distressful required to rule upon. situation when her suicidal husband “I have dedicated my professional abducted their two daughters and took career to helping families and children. I them out of the state. Tara said, “Gary look forward to putting my many years of Dolgin was the only lawyer who took my experience to work for the people of call and understood the urgency of my Hillsborough County,” said Dolgin. situation. He assured me that his top priDolgin is one of 28 attorneys in ority was getting my daughters back.” Tara added, “Without him, our story could Hillsborough County who are board certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in have had a different ending. Our story is marital and family law. In Florida, board just one of many where he has protected certification recognizes an attorney’s spechildren and families.” cial knowledge, skill and proficiency in a Dolgin said, “The most rewarding particular area of law. The minimum stanaspect of my practice has been reuniting dard to become board certified is quite wrongfully abducted children and reprerigorous. senting domestic violence victims. Dolgin has lived almost all of his life Lawyers and judges can sometimes save in Hillsborough County. He is married to lives. The judge in Tara’s case knew to give her case top priority. I am going to do Wendi Towbin-Dolgin, R.N. for almost 30 years. They have 22-year-old twins, Cory the same as a judge for the people of and Mallory, and a 16-year-old son, Ari. Hillsborough County.” Visit www.GaryDolgin.com. Dolgin has run a successful private
Probation Division, Monique Scott is a Drug Division, Criminal former law enforcement Felony Division and officer, teacher, prosecuEconomic Crimes Unit. tor, first generation The versatility in American and Tampa Scott’s tenure as a native looking to share her prosecutor is exempliexperience as a fied by her experience Hillsborough County in prosecuting a variety judge. of criminal cases, Scott received her including DUIs, traffic, bachelor’s degree at the misdemeanor offenses, University of South Florida family/domestic vioand upon graduation lence offenses, white moved to Washington collar crimes, drug trafD.C., where she interned Tampa native Monique Scott is with the Public Defender’s running for Hillsborough County ficking, firearm judge. charges, violent felony Service. Upon returning to Tampa, Scott was recruited by the Tampa offenses and punishable-by-life felonies. Scott is married to Justin Scott, also Police Department as a sworn officer. a Tampa native, and they have one son Scott’s career was cut short due to who currently attends Jesuit High School her medical disability, epilepsy. She then as well as two dogs. began a career in teaching while attendScott is active both within the legal ing Stetson Law School within the partcommunity and the Hillsborough County time program. She had the honor of community at large. She is a member interning with Judge Gregory Holder and completing two Certified Legal Internships and serves as a committee chair for the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, in both the Hillsborough and Polk County Hillsborough County Bar Association, State Attorney’s Offices. Florida Bar, Criminal Law Inn of Court After graduating from law school, Scott began a career as a prosecutor with and Hispanic Professional Women’s Association and currently serves on four the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s boards: the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Office. She successfully litigated numerCouncil, Hillsborough Association of ous jury trials, non-jury trials, depositions Women Lawyers, Tampa Hispanic Bar and argued countless motions. During Association and Epilepsy Services her tenure at the State Attorney’s Office, Foundation. To learn more, find Monique she practiced in a variety of divisions: the Scott For Judge on Facebook or visit County Criminal Trial Division, Domestic www.Scott4Judge.com. Violence Trial Division, Violation of
By Kathy L. Collins
Staff Report
Ivanov Campaigns With Integrity, Impartiality And Service For Group 19 Circuit Court Judge
Green Seeks To Serve As Circuit Court Judge In Group 31
numbers,” she said. Integrity. Impartiality. “These are real people Service. These are with real stories that more than words to nonmatter.” partisan judicial candiIn her personal life, date Ashley Willis Ivanov stays busy volIvanov. To her, they hold unteering with her value when they are church and taking her lived out. daughter to Girl Scout Professionally and events. “I try to lead by personally, Ivanov lives example and integrity is out these ideals. at the center of this,” As an attorney, she said Ivanov. has handled a diverse Impartiality is a corrange of cases, includnerstone of a judge’s ing litigated and non-litiresponsibilities in gated matters, repreadministering justice. senting both plaintiffs “It is not the judge’s and defendants. She Ashley Ivanov seeks to serve as a presently focuses her circuit court judge in Hillsborough role to legislate from County. the bench but to apply practice on probate and the law as it is, as created by the legisestate planning. lature,” commented Ivanov. “Integrity in the practice of law is Service is a regular part of her life, important for the rule of law to be effecand she would not have it any other tively carried out,” she commented. way. She enjoys reading to children in Ivanov zealously advocates for her the Head Start program with her fellow clients, giving them straightforward Rotarians. She also gives back to the feedback. Sometimes this may mean informing a prospective client that he or community by assisting Gold Star families and first responders with estate she does not have much of a case or planning. that the legal fees in the matter could Ivanov is committed to upholding be higher than what the client may equal protection of the laws for all peohave initially anticipated. ple, impartially applying the law as writ“Transparency is part of being ethiten by the legislature and stand behind cal,” said Ivanov. Her clients’ public testimonies attest the United States Constitution and Florida Constitution. to her professionalism. Watch the Ashley Ivanov Campaign “My clients’ matters are more than video at www.voteashleyivanov.com. pieces of paper filed in court with case
ball coach at Attorney Greg Robinson High Green has dedicated School and mentor his life to serving the in the Big Brothers people of Big Sisters proHillsborough County. gram. Green was born, Seven generaraised and educated tions of his family here in Hillsborough have called County. He grew up Hillsborough in a community servCounty home. In ice-oriented family fact, Green fondly who taught him that refers to serving his communiHillsborough as ty is the highest honor that an individ- Attorney Greg Green is running for circuit his “forever court judge of Group 31. home.” Green is ual can achieve. married and has two young daughters Green’s love for this community born and raised right here in came early in life. He attended Hillsborough County. Chamberlain High School, where he Green believes our legal system worked hard as a student-athlete and should serve as the foundation that was a basketball standout. There, he protects and guarantees our rights and learned the value of teamwork, prepafreedoms. Green chose to run for ration and fairness, providing him with three reasons: (1) to ensure all litiimportant principles that guide him in gants who appear in court enjoy equal the courtroom today. access and receive fair treatment Green’s service to Hillsborough under the law, (2) to continue the famiCounty continues through his professional and personal involvement in the ly tradition of public service and (3) to continue serving as a real and tangible community. He is honored to have role model for his children. Green will served in our county as a prosecutor work tirelessly to ensure that justice is and assistant attorney general, where dispensed fairly and impartially. Green he worked tirelessly to ensure justice has real experience, proven leadership in our courts every day. He is also a and the right temperament to serve as business owner and founding partner your next circuit court judge of Group of Green Law, P.A. 31. Outside of his profession, Green For more information, also serves the community and our visit VoteGregGreen@gmail.com. youth as a high school girls flag foot-
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GREG CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE GROUP 31 HUSBAND. FATHER. COACH. PUBLIC SERVANT. UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE Established Trial Lawyer 21 Years of Courtroom Experience
STRONG COMMUNITY ROOTS 7th Generation Hillsborough Native Chamberlain High School Star Athlete
A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND SERVICE Attorney Ad Litem Volunteer High School Girls Flag Football Coach Big Brother in Big Brother Big Sister Program Pastoral Care/Biblical Counseling at The Crossing Church
ENDORSED BY: LOCAL 2294
VOTE AUGUST 18, 2020
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY GREG GREEN, FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE GROUP 31
As Circuit Judge, Group 9, John Schifino Will Treat All Honorably And With Compassion
Nancy Millan Ready To Use Experience To Hit The Ground Running As Tax Collector
civility and can John Schifino grasp complex grew up in a large, issues. He has been tight-knit family in awarded several Seffner. His father, an professionalism attorney, gave him awards, including advice to be humble, the Hillsborough compassionate and to Association of practice law with Women Lawyers integrity. Schifino has Professionalism lived by this advice. Award in 2017 and Schifino is running to the Thirteenth become a circuit court judge in Group 9 and John Schifino is an experienced attorney Judicial Circuit who has earned a reputation as someone Professionalism would like your vote who practices professionally with civility Award in 2019. He on Tuesday, August and integrity. He will put these traits to use as a Hillsborough County circuit court has been selected 18. judge (Group 9). by his peers into the Schifino has been Super Lawyer Top 100 in Florida and Top a zealous advocate for his clients. He 50 in the Tampa Bay 2019. handles both trial and appellate cases “The court is a sacred institution. I involving business litigation, labor and admire it and will be humbled to be a part employment law and environmental law. of it,” said Schifino. “I am running for cirHe has been the lead counsel in numercuit court judge because I have the expeous cases and is a certified state court rience and understanding to run an effimediator. Now, after 25 years of practiccient and honorable courtroom. For ing law, Schifino believes it is time to live his dream of serving Hillsborough County almost 25 years, I have represented clients on both sides of the courtroom residents as a circuit court judge. and understand the lasting impact the “I believe the lessons I have learned court’s decision individuals and families,” from my parents, and the way I have explained Schifino. practiced law for 25 years, will make me Schifino is a member of the Greater a judge who is prepared, balanced and Riverview Chamber of Commerce. He is honest. I will always serve with integrity, married to Sara and they have two chilhumility and compassion. I will treat all dren, Jack and Eleanor. He has coached who come before me fairly and equally his children in various sports. He fondly no matter who you know or where you recalls playing in the South Brandon Little come from,” said Schifino. Schifino has earned a reputation as a League. Visit www.schifinoforjudge.com. lawyer who practices professionally with
becoming the next Nancy Millan, a Hillsborough tax collector. 30-plus-year veteran The Tax Collector’s of the Hillsborough Office is the funding County Tax Collector’s engine powering virtually Office is running to all local government and become the tax colleccollecting and distributing tor. Millan, a revenue for many other Democrat, will be on public entities, including the ballot on Tuesday, school boards, ports and August 18 and would mass transit systems. ask for your vote. The Hillsborough Tax Millan started as Collector’s Office generan entry-level clerk With over 30 years of experience in ates over $2 billion dolover 30 years ago. the Hillsborough County Tax She worked diligently Collector’s Office, Nancy Millan will lars annually and hanneed no on-the-job training. dles over one million and is now a member motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home of the senior staff as the director of comtransactions. munity relations. Millan said, “I know this Millan said, “I am proud of our initiadepartment and this department knows tive to establish self-service kiosks at sevme. I require no on-the-job training eral participating Publix locations in the because I have done this work for over greater Brandon area. Self-service kiosk 30 years, and as Hillsborough County’s is one way of making the Tax Collector’s next tax collector, I am ready to lead this Office more accessible to our residents.” office on day one.” Millan added, “The Hillsborough County “As a senior leader in the organizaTax Collector’s Office also opened a tion, I have been a part of modernizing Brandon area branch that includes a and transforming the way we provide road-testing range and is an important service to our customers. Our hard work to remake the organization resulted in the asset to the community.” “When I am elected, I will hit the Tax Collector’s Office becoming an ground running. My vision is to build upon award-winning organization that is a role the success of my predecessor to ensure model for government agencies in our office becomes a more accessible Hillsborough County and throughout the and more efficient, thus remaking the state of Florida,” added Millan. gold standard in government and cusMillan is a certified Florida collector tomer service,” said Millan. assistant and has worked with the city, For more information, please visit county and state agencies. She is well https://www.votenancymillan.com. prepared to take on the responsibility of
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Kelly Ayers, Candidate For Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge In Group 9, Wants To Be The People’s Judge
By Kathy L. Collins
has the legal expeKelly Ayers is rience necessary a candidate for to make her an Hillsborough effective yet comCounty Circuit passionate judge. Court Judge “If you come (Group 9). She will before me, regardbe on the ballot on less of the case, I Tuesday, August will make sure that 18 and would like the court experiyour vote. ence is fair and Ayers is a sechonest,” said ond-generation Ayers. Tampa native. Her Kelly Ayers, shown here with her extended fami“I am most dad, Steve Ayers, court circuit Hillsborough for candidate ly, is a served as a firejudge (Group 9). Ayers has always put family proud of the first, and wants to be the people’s judge. expertise I have fighter and later gained over the years. This has allowed owned Ayers-Sierra Insurance. people to have a great attorney repreShe has practiced for 26 years and sent them regardless of their income. It owns three law firms. Despite the high always warms my heart when I can do demands of her job, she has always put right by my clients, especially children,” family first. Now that her youngest child said Ayers. is off to college, Ayers believes this is an “When my clients are happy, I am ideal time to give back to the community happy. I want everyone who comes by serving as a circuit court judge. Ayers will bring a unique perspective before me to feel that way when they leave my courtroom. I want to be peoto the bench. “I am a people person. I want to be accessible and approachable. ple’s judge,” added Ayers. Ayers is active in several community I will always strive to work towards a resservice organizations. She has volunolution. I want to do things the simple way. I will always ask what can we agree teered with Bay Area Legal Service, upon. If the parties agree on issues, then works with high school interns and sponsors Buddy Baseball. we can work towards a solution. This is She is married to Attorney Dan what I want to bring to the bench if you Crowe, a retired Air Force Senior Master vote for me for Hillsborough circuit court First Sergeant. Ayers has three grown judge,” said Ayers. children, Mitchell, Kaelee and Carson. Ayers has extensive experience in For more information, please visit civil and criminal litigation as well as in www.kellyayersforjudge.com. family law and dependency cases. She
KELLY AYERS HAS THE MOST EXPERIENCE FOR JUDGE Experience • 26 years of legal experience in private practice, beginning at Fowler White • •
Handles cases in federal, appellate,
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Vote August 18th
dependency Re-wrote the Baker Act Statute professionals
Circuit Court Judge Group 9 Education • Stetson University College of Law – P.O. Box 172151
Tampa, Florida 33672 Phone: (813) 440-7142
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KellyAyersforJudge@gmail.com www.KellyAyersforJudge.com
Paid by Kelly Ayers for Circuit Court Judge, Group 9
Alvarez Runs For Judge In Group 30
Staff Report
fessor at the Daniel A. Alvarez University of Tampa. Sr. is a first-generation He created an American born and accounting company raised in to help disabled vetFlorida. Known to his erans and has a rare friends and clients as distinction of being Danny, he is a lawyer, a three-time Tampa community leader, vetBay Business eran, small business Journal’s Heroes at owner and currently Work serves as a member honoree. While he of the Hillsborough has enjoyed practicCounty Sheriff’s Daniel A. Alvarez, Sr. is running for ing law, his calling to Office. Alvarez is runCircuit Court Judge in Group 30. service is what has led him to this elecning for circuit court judge in Group 30. tion. “This is not about a title. It is “My family escaped government perabout serving and making a difference,” said Alvarez. “I am committed secution from a system that failed to honor the basic tenets of justice and faithto the law above anything else and to the fulness to the law,” Alvarez said. “I am fair and impartial treatment of all no matdedicated to being impartial, decisive, fair ter their background or where they come and just. For me, there is no other way.” from.” In 2015, Alvarez was named the After graduating college, he was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Hispanic Man of the Year by Tampa United States Army. During his time in the Hispanic Heritage, Inc. Alvarez has served the Hillsborough military, Alvarez was deployed to South County Commission on the Hillsborough Korea and later assigned to various leadChildren’s Services Advisory Board, was ership positions within the United States appointed by the governor of Florida to sit Army Airborne School. He understands on the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway the importance of honor and integrity. Authority and is a lifetime member of the In May 2011, Alvarez formed the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Alvarez Legal Group to help individuals His proudest accomplishment is whose voices are often drowned out in being a father. He has four children, Tony, the legal system. While the firm specialEmery, Lincoln and Elle. ized in business law, litigation and per“I’m ready to serve. I believe that I sonal injury, a strong focus remains on bankruptcy, estate planning and entertain- can be a voice for our community and I humbly ask for your vote this election,” ment law. At the same time, he spent said Alvarez. almost nine years as a business law pro-
Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez Wants To Continue To Serve As Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
A Call To Serve As A County Court Judge Group 7 Was Drawn From Tragedy For Bill Yanger
first took office, but Bob ‘Coach’ there is still so much Henriquez is running more we can do for for re-election as the people of this Hillsborough County county,” said property appraiser in Henriquez. “New the general election on technologies and Tuesday, November 3. new ideas are When Henriquez was always being introelected to the position duced and we in 2013, his mantra should never rest on was to “Rethink, what we have Reinvent and Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County achieved so far. Reinvigorate.” This property appraiser, is active in the comHenriquez required a detailed munity and often speaks to groups about years of brings look at how his office property issues (shown here speaking to a group of realtors in South Hillsborough experience to the performs all of its County). job of property statutory duties and appraiser. He served in the Florida State responsibilities. Legislature as a state representative for Henriquez has done this and has four terms. completed multiple tasks, including Moreover, his work with the adding internationally recognized appraisHillsborough Planning Commission has al staff to his senior staff. He completed given him a unique insight on the needs an overhaul of the office’s website to of residents who live in unincorporated ensure greater transparency of real and rural areas of Hillsborough County. estate and tangible property data. He “As a result of that experience, and what I reduced the cost of property assessment have learned since, I know how to fairly by implementing software that utilizes and equitably apply property valuation to aerial images. He reviewed all business those areas,” explained Henriquez. processes to achieve the most cost effiInterwoven within his public service is cient and responsible practices. his tireless work to help mold the lives of This process of rethinking how his young men as a football coach. He office operates is a neverending one. served as Tampa Catholic’s head football Through new technologies and practices, Henriquez wants to continue in his role as coach from 1990 to 1999 and again from Hillsborough County property appraiser in 2005 to 2012. Henriquez is married to Carrie and order to better serve the taxpayers of they have one son and two daughters. Hillsborough County. Visit www.vote4coach.com. “We have achieved so much since I
Since 2001, The call to serve Yanger has manthe community comes aged a successful to people in different law practice. His ways. When a lawyer extensive experidecides to run for ence has taught him judge, it might have a lot. “I have learned been a lifelong dream something from or because of a perevery court appearsonal experience. ance I have had in Bill Yanger, who the last 34 years,” is a candidate for said Yanger. county court judge in Yanger was Group 7, decided to Bill Yanger is running for county court run for judge after the judge in Group 7 on Tuesday, August 18. born and raised in Yanger brings both professional and life Tampa to parents tragic loss of his 22experience to the bench and as such year-old daughter, believes he will serve as a compassion- who were also born ate and empathetic judge. here. He raised his Rose. “We lost Rose on August 24, 2016 to a violent homicide three children in Tampa. He is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce, in Broward County, a case that remains open and uncharged to this day. I tell this including the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. “As a member, board story not for sympathy but for context. member and chair of the South Tampa Rose’s loss was a clarifying moment, a Chamber of Commerce, I have been desperate and heartbreaking moment that focused my attention on what I want- active in many collaborations with area chambers, including the Greater ed and needed to do with my life,” Riverview Chamber of Commerce, parexplained Yanger. Yanger has practiced law for over 30 ticularly between our respective military affairs committees,” said Yanger. years. “I have been practicing for 34 “We want our judges to be capable years all over the state. I have fought in of the mechanics of the job. Voters criminal, family and state federal civil deserve a say in selecting a judge with court trenches for teachers and profesempathy forged from life's joys as well as sors, single mothers and desperate its heartaches. Voters deserve the perfathers, injured and broken workers, son in the black robe to have lived an world boxing champions, teenage rockexpansive life. I have lived one,” said ers and small business owners,” said Yanger. Yanger. “I am prepared to wear the robe For more information on Yanger, in whatever capacity I am asked to serve please visit www.yangerforjudge.com. by the Chief Judge,” added Yanger.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Nancy Jacobs Will Use Life Experience To Serve The People As County Court Judge Group 7
Business Acumen & Experience Makes Sally Harris A Great Choice For School Board District 7
patient and fair tem“I believe a perament,” said county court Jacobs who adds judge should be a that she has all of true public serthese characterisvant,” said Nancy tics. The life experiL. Jacobs, who is ence to which she running for county refers includes havcourt judge in ing family members Group 7. If you who have dealt with want a true public alcoholism and servant, then vote mental health for Jacobs on issues. “All of these Tuesday, August 18. Nancy Jacobs, who is running for county court are things that often Jacobs lives judge in Group 7, believes that a judge’s seat bring people to belongs to the people. court. In order to be her life by the above quote. She served as a prosecutor empathetic to someone who has these issues, you need to have lived with them for Hillsborough County from 1985-1993. and not just read about them,” added She has incorporated pro bono services Jacobs. for active military and veterans in her priJacobs is someone who will use her vate practice since opening in 1993. She was recognized for her service in 2019 by legal and life experience to provide an empathetic look at the circumstances of the Florida Supreme Court. Her private practice consists of criminal defense, fam- each case to determine what would be the best outcome within the boundaries of ily law and estate planning. Jacobs said, “Tampa has allowed me the law. She also understands that people need to get on with their lives and that to attain a successful law practice and the court system needs to move forward. has been a great place to live and raise my children. I am now at a point in my life “If you cannot get a court date, that is not access to the court and therefore not due where I can really give back to the community. That is why I am running for coun- process,” said Jacobs. Jacobs is also passionate about anity judge.” mal rights. She has volunteered with the According to Jacobs, there are four Humane Society of Tampa Bay and main characteristics that a person has to serves on a committee for the SPCA of have in order to be a good judge. “A Tampa Bay and has rescue dogs of her judge needs to possess extensive legal own. experience and life experience as well as Visit www.nancyjacobsforjudge.com. a lifetime of community service and a
said Harris. Sally Harris is Harris’ running for a experience position on the will allow her Hillsborough to bring a difCounty School ferent perBoard, District 7. spective to This is a countythe school wide seat. She board. Harris would like your explained, “I vote on Tuesday, Sally Harris (shown in the center in black) is a parent, am a busiAugust 18. foster parent, teacher and business owner who will ness owner, Harris, or bring her vast business and life experience to the so I treat the ‘Miss Sally,’ as position of Hillsborough School Board Member, District 7. position just she is known by like a business owner and look at everyhundreds of children and families, is the owner of Circle C Ranch Academy. Harris thing with a microscope.” These are not just empty words. When Harris was on previously served on the Hillsborough School Board from 2014 to 2018 and was the school board, she asked questions like “Who turns out the lights?” The the chair in 2017-2018. superintendent at the time did not know. As a parent, foster parent, teacher As a result of the inquiry, timers and LED and business owner, she knows that the lights were installed and the district saved public schools must have the children as their primary focus. Her three main issues 1.2 million dollars in energy savings. Harris said, “I am good listener. I am in her campaign are higher academics, open-minded and look at both sides. I am vocational training in middle and high also kind. I have 40 employees, some of schools and the safety of the children. whom have been with me for 15 to 20 “I want the Hillsborough County years.” Public Schools to be the cream of the Harris has led a well-rounded life. crop. We need to get them not only to a She is the matriarch of a large family that higher level of academic achievement so includes a son who is a Hillsborough parents do not feel they need their chilCounty Sheriff Deputy and lives in Valrico dren to attend other schools, but also a and a daughter who lives in Seffner. place where all children learn and graduHarris is a longtime member of both ate with a skill. This is why vocational the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce training needs to be put back into the and the Sun City Center Area Chamber middle and high schools, so that children of Commerce. For more information, who do not go on to college have a skill please visit www.votesallyharris.com. and can prosper once they graduate,”
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Vote For Scott ‘Mr. H’ Hottenstein Ready To Service In Florida House District 57
By Sean Crumpacker
Representatives. Scott Hottenstein, We at VoteVets are known as ‘Mr. H’ by his always so proud to students, is a candisee veterans like date for Florida House you committed to District 57. He is pascontinuing their sionate about serving service after the unithe public by advocatform,” wrote Jon ing for the health, eduSoltz, Iraq War vetcation and safety of his eran and chairman community. of VoteVets PAC, Hottenstein takes pride regarding in his original 24-year career in the United Scott Hottenstein, known as ‘Mr. H’ by his Hottenstein’s camstudents, is a candidate for Florida House paign. “In these turStates Navy, which District 57. bulent political began when he was 17 years old, and in his second career as times, our veterans, communities and country need leaders like you who will a Hillsborough County Public Schools continue to serve the nation and put the civics teacher. He has literally been in country first.” public service his entire adult life. A 1992 Alongside his endorsement from graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and VoteVets PAC, he has also received an 2019 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year finalist, he seeks to translate the val- endorsement from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, the largest gun vioues he learned during both careers into lence prevention organization in the counmuch-needed legislative change. try. As a trained volunteer, Hottenstein Hottenstein retired from the Navy in has led several Be SMART presentations 2012 after numerous deployments and throughout the community. The program leadership positions, with a highlight of focuses on the open discussion of gun leading 450 sailors in a combat zone and safety hazards, the proper securing of bringing them all home safely. Now, he firearms and gun suicide and accident has set his sights on serving in a new prevention. way: by representing his community in Hottenstein understands the importhe Florida legislature. Hottenstein has tance of putting his country and commureceived endorsements from multiple nity first. After an outstanding military national organizations, such as VoteVets career and passionately educating the PAC. community’s youth, he seeks to serve a “I am honored to support your camthird time. Vote for Scott Hottenstein for paign to serve your fellow citizens of the Florida House District 57. 57th District in the Florida State House of
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Volume 15, Issue 7