Bloomingdale/FishHawk
Chalklines Educational Feature
39
August 2022
Volume 21, Issue 8
See Page 36
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR TRAVIS MANION FOUNDATION 9/11 HEROES RUN
By Madeline Gardner
On Saturday, Septemrucking or volunteering. ber 10, the Travis Manion Amici’s Pizza & Pasta, loFoundation will host its cated in the Park Square 9/11 Heroes Run in Lithia Plaza, where the run will at FishHawk Ranch at 8 be held, hands out pizza to a.m. While this nationthe participants as one of al service organization the businesses involved in for veterans started this this event annually. Ownevent in 2008, this will be er John Santivasci, who the seventh year that Fishwas working in New York Hawk has hosted it on a during the September local level in remembrance 11 attacks, believes that for all the heroes of 9/11, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a including the hundreds of The 9/11 Heroes Run encourages great way to highlight the participation by local residents first responders who lost strength of the town and their lives serving that day. and businesses in the community, the committed effort to While the event is held such as John Santivasci, owner of being grateful for those Amici’s Pizza & Pasta. in 90 different locations who did and still do serve. around the world “9/11, everyone annually and reknows something corded 60,000 or felt someparticipants for thing — had their this event last heart drop out year alone, the run of their chest at initially began as that moment no grassroots effort matter where they to honor Marine were, even if they First Lieutenant weren’t in New Travis Manion by York,” said Sanhis family. Before The 9/11 Heroes Run event is hosted in remembrance tivasci. “And this of all the heroes of 9/11 who lost their lives while he was deployed particular town is serving that day. to Iraq in 2007 really a military where he was killed community. This in action, he visited particular time of New York City and year, we all come Rescue One, which together.” had lost almost all The proceeds of its men on the day of the September 11 at- the event support the Travis Manion Fountacks. Touched by such acts of bravery, the dation, which strives to unite and strengthHeroes Run subsequently serves to express en communities by training, developing and gratitude for and continue the legacies of highlighting the role models that lead them. Manion, veterans and first responders who Organized locally by Col. Beau Higgins, wife served in or have served since 9/11. Elizabeth and his team of volunteers hanWhile the run serves to benefit this dle registrations and questions and were national organization and cause, it also instrumental in bringing this event to the connects members of the community on FishHawk community after Higgins served a local level to remember the tragedy of with Manion on a prior tour. 9/11 by encouraging citizens of any age For more information and to register, visto participate either by running, walking, it www.911heroesrun.org.
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VALRICO YOUTH RECOVERING AT HOME AFTER LIGHTNING STRIKE
By Michelle Caceres
River Hills resident and lightning strike victim Levi Stock is recovering at home with his family.
A River Hills resident struck by lightning near Riverview’s Williams Park on June 30, is making progress on the road to recovery. While Levi Stock, 11, doesn’t remember much of what happened that day, it’s a day his family will never forget. He and his parents, along with his 9-year-old sister, Ivy, were on the family’s Ranger fishing boat when the strike occurred. His father, Derek, had taken a half-day off work to spend time with his two youngest children while his older children (Maya, 15, and Toby, 12) were at a church camp. The family put the boat in the water at Williams Park and then spent some time fishing. As the afternoon got warmer, the family decided to anchor off Pine Key Tampa Bay, also known as Beer Can Island, to cool off by swimming in the bay. Derek noticed dark clouds rolling in from the west, so they decided to head back to Williams Park. “We thought we were being proactive because we were one of the first boats to leave the island,” he said. They approached the boat ramp, feeling relief that they would soon be off the water. While they could see lightning strikes far off in the distance, the sun was shining and it hadn’t started rain-
ing yet. Levi was at the front of the bow, getting ready to jump off with a rope to dock the boat when a bolt of lightning struck him, entering through his tailbone and exiting out his left foot. The force stopped his heart and knocked him into the water. His dad quickly jumped into the water after him and the pair were pulled out of the water by good Samaritans, who hauled them onto their boat. Levi was unresponsive, so his dad immediately began performing CPR while his mom called 911 from their own boat. A few frantic minutes later, sheriff’s officers arrived and attached Levi to an automated external defibrillator. An ambulance arrived soon after and rushed the boy to Tampa General Hospital. When his family, who had driven separately, arrived at the hospital, he was Continued on Page 12...
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August 1st - August 31st Help us collect supplies for Title 1 Schools in the area! This year we will be listing drop-off locations as they become available. For additional information or to become a drop-off location contact: Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy at 813-541-8195 or MelanieBrockmeier@gmail.com.
As always, thank you so much for your generosity!
“Mandy was a wonderful teacher who dedicated her career to helping under privileged students and would donate her own money to buy supplies for kids in need,” said Operation Lotus founder Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy. After she passed, an annual school supply drive started to help underprivileged families of Hillsborough County. See full article on page 27.
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8/31/22
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Page 2
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 3
FORMER BEVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEW BAND DIRECTOR SELECTED FOR NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL’S BAND PRINCIPAL RETURNS TO FISHHAWK By Nick Edwards In 2018, former chrane describes Bevis Elementary the experience as School Principal Melextremely rewardanie Cochrane transing, considering it ferred to McDonald “a highlight of her Elementary School career.” in Seffner. Now, five When she heard years later, she is about the open pomaking her return to sition at Stowers the FishHawk educaElementary, Cotion community as chrane was eager she accepts the poto make her resition of principal at turn to FishHawk. Stowers Elementary In her words, “I School. enjoy working not Prior to becoming only with students a principal, Cochrane and teachers but worked as a special also with families education teacher and the commuand reading coach. nity so coming to Melanie Cochrane opening the door to her new job As she was put in Stowers is a perat Stowers Elementary School. various leadership fect fit for me.” positions, she realized her desire for educa- It’s no secret that the schools in FishHawk tion leadership. So, Cochrane earned both a are some of the state’s finest, and with her master’s degree and a specialist degree in leadership, there is truly no limit to the suceducational leadership from the University cess that will flow. of South Florida. From there, she worked Stowers Elementary located at 13915 her way up to the honorable principal she is Barrington Stowers Drive, Lithia, Florida, today. opened its school doors to 533 KindergarKnown as a principal with outstanding ten through Fifth grade students on August dedication, perseverance and positivity, Co- 25, 2009. The school was dedicated on May chrane has been a constructive influence 2, 2010. The school was named after Dick in the lives of FishHawk students for years, Stowers, a local civic leader and philanthroconsistently leading Bevis to earn state rec- pist. He has devoted his entire life to giving ognition and high marks in all areas. This back to his community. made her the perfect candidate for principal The first Stowers principal, Missy Lenat McDonald Elementary, a school in need of nard, a Riverview resident and daughter of positive change. Upon her arrival, the school former Hillsborough County Superintendent was deemed a ‘D’ school by state standards. of Schools Earl Lennard, was named princiIn the few years she served as principal, pal of the new Apollo Beach pre-K-8 school McDonald jumped up two ratings, earning a located in the Waterset community named ‘B’ in 2022. While this was no easy task, Co- Dorothy C. York K-8.
AND COLOR GUARD
By Ariana Pedraza
The Newsome 60s classic rock. Wolfpack Band and He enjoys musicals, Color Guard welincluding Sweeney comes new band Todd and Hamilton, director Dr. Joshua and listens to band Cutting to their proensemble music in gram. From Clevehis car. His favorite land, Dr. Cutting color is purple, and has experience in as a Browns fan teaching both band his favorite sport is and chorus at the football. high school level as Previous band diwell as two years rector Kevin Sayers directing at a gradustepped down from ate school. He went his temporary role Newsome High School’s new band director, Dr. to school locally at as band director Joshua Cutting. University of Cenbut will stay with tral Florida and lived in Orthe program as a member lando for two years. of the program’s percussion “I have done my research staff. and am very excited to be “Dr. Cutting brings a fresh part of what seems like a perspective and a wealth of great program,” said Dr. experience to the Newsome Cutting. He looks forward to band program. The staff getting familiar with Newand students are excited to some’s culture and the opgrow under his direction,” portunity to explore music said the band’s visual direcin both the concert and marching bands. tor, Tonya O’Malley. The band has previously been to the MaPlease welcome Dr. Cutting into our cy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and just last community. He will begin working with season qualified for the Florida Marching the band at their three-week summer Band Coalition Finals. band camp. A percussionist and pianist, Dr. Cutting The band will be playing their marchis focused on instilling a ‘performance-first’ ing show, Chakras, at Newsome football philosophy in the program, maintaining games and competitions throughout the high standards in each performance for year. To stay up to date on the band’s the sake of the performance quality, not events and performances, follow on Insthe trophy or the title. tagram @newsomewolfpackband, SnapDr. Cutting is an avid music lover spe- chat and Twitter @nhswolfpackband or cifically in the genres of jazz and 70s and visit www.newsomeband.com.
Page 4
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
OPERATION LOTUS RAISES MONEY FOR FISHHAWK FAMILY THAT LOST HOUSE IN FIRE By Lily Belcher Operation Lotus, a nonprofit organization that supports families working to overcome tragedies, is helping a local family whose house caught fire on July 4. Spencer Baker and his family lost their home in FishHawk but, through the generosity of their community, are The Baker family, getting back on FishHawk residents who lost their home in a their feet. Founder Melanie fire, are being helped by Operation Lotus. Brockmeier-Jordy was contacted by the Bakers’ neighbor, Kelly Bradin, the morning after the family lost their house in the fire. She had heard about Operation Lotus from other residents who had been supported by the nonprofit in the past and hoped Brockmeier-Jordy and her team could help the Baker family. Operation Lotus quickly began raising money to allow the family to purchase immediate needs, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. All the donations given through Operation Lotus have gone directly to the family and will continue to be given as the community donates their money to help the Bakers. “The outpouring of donations in the first 48 hours [was] incredible. It was one of our most successful fundraisers for a family,” said Brockmeier-Jordy. “The community was so generous. We plan to continue to support the Baker family in every way possible moving forward.”
Bradin and her family are allowing the Bakers and their dogs to stay with them until they can find temporary housing. Davenport’s Daily Delights gave the family a gift certificate to allow them access to food and Operation Lotus has partnered with Ashley Furniture as well to give the Baker family furniture. “Spencer Baker wanted to make sure it was conveyed how much he and his family have been overwhelmed and grateful for the generosity of our community,” Brockmeier-Jordy said on behalf of the Baker family. “He wants to thank the Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Department for how they responded, and how Operation Lotus started pouring relief in right away.” Donations to the Baker family can be sent via cash or check to 15509 Avocetview Ct., Lithia, Florida 33547. Operation Lotus is also accepting monetary donations through Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App with ‘Baker Family’ in the memo line. For more information on Operation Lotus and the organization’s mission to restore hope to the community after tragedies, the visit Facebook page @operationlotus.
Volume 21, Issue 8
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT-ELECT Staff Report The Florida StrawSpecial Investigations berry Festival anDivision, Department nounced today that Kyle of Patrol Services and Robinson has become Professional Standards its new president-elect, Section. effective immediately. “The festival has been He has replaced Paul a large part of my life; Davis, who is retiring in some of my fondest April of 2023. memories were made As president-elect, here. It’s an incredible Robinson will work opportunity to serve the alongside Davis for the festival and this great 2023 Festival season community,” said Floriand directly oversee all da Strawberry Festival of the festival’s day-toPresident-Elect Kyle day operations, bud- Kyle Robinson, the Florida Strawberry Robinson. “I am confiFestival’s new president-elect. gets, marketing and dent moving into this staffing. new position because Davis will continue the festival has an enhis role as president of gaged, experienced and the festival while workknowledgeable board of ing with the board of directors and associate directors and associate directors to rely upon directors and providing for guidance. The insight the full benefit of his exI’ve gained from my pertise, leadership and guidance to ensure experience in working the festival with the a smooth and successful transition through Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has prethe end of his term. pared me to offer festival guests with qual“Kyle will be the 12th president/general ity customer service interactions. Not too manager in the festival’s 92nd-year history,” many people can say they have worked two said Davis. “The board of directors and I are dream jobs in their lifetime. I am blessed.” confident that Kyle is the right person for “I love the festival and feel that Kyle will the job. He has worked security at our Fes- bring a great ‘teamwork’ perspective and tival for 25 years now and knows our event lead this great organization well in the fuso well. I have worked with Kyle and know ture,” continued Davis. “Kyle has a genuine firsthand his work ethic and his compassion love for people, is a good family man and will for those under his command.” be a great fit for our team. We are honored Robinson, lifelong Plant City resident, to have him.” served as a colonel within the Hillsborough The 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival County Sheriff’s Office before retiring. takes place from March 2-12. For more inThroughout his 27-year career, he has had formation, visit www.flstrawberryfestival. an outstanding record of service, work- com or its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ing in the Criminal Investigations Division, pages (#BerryFest23).
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
PUBLIC HEARING WILL DISCUSS PROPOSED FH CDD INCREASE By Michelle Caceres Gas prices, furniture, Dailey also explained clothing, health care, that labor costs are automobiles and groincreasing as Florida’s ceries have all grown raises its minimum wage more expensive in 2022. and competition with The rising cost of goods other employers drives and services is also afup wages. The district fecting the Operations employs approximately & Maintenance (O&M) 40 full and part-time budgets for many of Hillstaff members, includsborough County’s masing maintenance staff ter-planned communitasked with completing ties, including FishHawk some repairs, which is Ranch. Its community more time and cost-efdevelopment district is fective than hiring conproposing a $200 per tractors to do the job. unit increase ($16 per In addition to an inmonth) in its annual crease in operating O&M assessment for it’s costs, another reason for A public hearing will be held on 5,026 units that includes the proposed increase is Wednesday, August 24 to discuss a home and commercial to ensure that reserve proposed $200 annual increase in properties, from $808 to FishHawk Ranch CDD’s O&M budget funds are adequately $1,008 annually. to cover increasing maintenance and funded at $5 million. labor costs. The district will be Dailey praises board holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Au- members for being good fiduciaries with the gust 24 at 6:30 p.m. at The Palmetto Club, district’s budget, not having raised fees since located at 17004 Dorman Rd., to receive before the district was formed in 2019 with public comments on the proposed adoption the merger of three separate community deof its budget for its upcoming fiscal year velopment districts within the community. (which runs from October 1 through Sep- Instead of small incremental increases each tember 30). year (which necessitates the mailing of pubDistrict Manager Eric Dailey said the lic hearing notices at a cost of thousands of cost to repair and replace aging amenities dollars to homeowners), it is proposing one is increasing. Some recent improvements to larger increase to cover increasing costs. FishHawk’s amenities included replacing The These fee increases aren’t exclusive to Palmetto Club’s roof, reducing pond erosion, FishHawk Ranch. “This is happening in comlandscape enhancements, air conditioning munities all over Hillsborough County,” he repairs and replacements, an overhaul of the said. Aquatic Club playground and parking lots To view a copy of the proposed budget getting resealed. and the agenda, visit the district’s website “Those necessary repairs cost a lot of at www.fishhawkranchcdd.org or call Dailey money,” he said. at 813-575-1955.
8/31/2022
8/31/2022
Volume 21, Issue 8
34 NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS
TO BE ADDED TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY By Arianna Hooker ough area. These include Higginbotham Park, Progress Village Park, Balm Park, Springhead Park, Westwood Lakes Park, Northlakes Sports Complex, Bertha and Tony Saladino Park and Branchton Park. New pickleball Residents wait for their turn to play pickleball. courts will be addPickleball is a sport in which paddles ed alongside the are used with a plastic ball with holes and conversion of unused tennis courts, all of a three-foot net is set up, and it can be which will have LED lighting. A timeline for played indoors or outdoors. It has become the project has not yet been established. an increasingly popular sport over the last Cullina said, “We are currently reviewing few years, and so there is a need for more construction timelines and working with space to play. On June 2, the Hillsborough contractors to estimate material availabiliCounty Board of County Commissioners ty. Once a timeline is established, the counapproved the use of $3 million in funding ty’s Capital Improvement Project website from the American Rescue Plan Act to will be updated.” meet that need. As pickleball has continued to grow in The American Rescue Plan Act states popularity over the years, in 2021, Hillsborthat the funding needs to be used for vital ough County added 14 courts for pickleball projects as well as meet guidelines estab- and another 18 for the use of pickleball or lished by the federal government while ad- tennis. With the approved use of $3 mildressing the county’s specific needs. With lion from the American Rescue Plan Act, this came the plan to add 34 pickleball pickleball courts should double in number courts in the area. to provide everyone enough space to play Patrick Cullina, recreation manager for safely. Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, “Additional pickleball courts will insaid, “With the growth of the county, Parks crease the recreation opportunities for the & Recreation identified a gap in services community and ultimately increase the opwe offered. By converting underutilized portunity for health and wellness among tennis courts and renovating existing ten- our residents,” said Cullina. nis courts, the department is able to better With the addition of the new pickleball meet the community’s needs.” courts, residents will no longer have to be The addition of the 34 courts will go to concerned about space for playing pickleseven separate parks around the Hillsbor- ball.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
HILLSBOROUGH LIBRARIES REACH ONE MILLION E-BOOK CHECKOUTS By Deven King L i b ra r i e s turn day, but allow the it is the same c o m m u n i ty 21 days as to check out the regular books, magbooks and azines, and can be remore without newed. any costs, The combut trying to munity can remember to b o r r o w The statistics of e-book and audiobook checkouts throughout return books books from four years. on time has the Hillsboralways been a probough County Public lem for both the Library Cooperative’s library and commuapps, such as hoopla, nity. Over the years Libby, myON, Tumhowever, digital bleBookLibrary and books have become Axis 360. To checkhugely popular when out an e-book from it comes to reading. Hillsborough County libraries reached over one these sites, only an million digital checkouts so far this year. In response to this, active library aclocal libraries have set count is needed. The up electronic books number of checkouts that people can borallowed differs with row from them. each library site, rangHillsborough County ing from 10-30 books. libraries started allowing the community The top five most downloaded e-books of to check out e-books and audiobooks. With 2022 include The Last Thing He Told Me by e-books, libraries do not have to worry about Laura Dave, Apples Never Fall by Liane Morilate, damaged or lost books. Since 2019, dig- arty, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily ital book checkouts have steadily risen, and Henry and The Dark Hours by Michael Concheckouts have now reached an all-time nelly, all No. 1 New York Times Best Sellers. high. From 2020 to now, there has been an Over 1,053,805 e-books, e-audiobooks 8 percent increase in checkouts. Each week, and digital magazines have been checked there are approximately 44,200 e-books out in 2022. The library had a goal of a miland audiobooks borrowed from libraries. lion e-book checkouts, which the community Checking out audiobooks and e-books is has already completed, but the libraries ena simple process that only requires a library courage everyone to try and reach two milcard. With these digital books, they are au- lion checkouts by the end of the year. tomatically returned, so people don’t have For more information on e-books or to to remember to return their books on time. make a library account, visit https://hcplc. The e-books and audiobooks do have a re- org/ or call 813-273-3652.
Page 7
NEW OFFER FROM TAMPA BAY THRIVES INCLUDES MORE IMMEDIATE MENTAL HEALTH CARE Staff Report Through a the path to partnership feeling better. with AdvenAll of these tHealth, Bayoptions are Care, Tampa available General Hosby calling pital, Crisis Let’s Talk at Center of Tam8 4 4 -YO U Shown are all the organizations and programs striving pa Bay and OKAY (844together to help individuals figure out what support they might need for their mental health. USF Health, 968-6529). It and support is a free, confifrom the Hillsborough County Commission, dential support line for mental health that is Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and available 24/7. Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, Tampa “The process of finding help and waiting Bay Thrives recently announced new access for your first appointment can be an overpoints for individuals seeking short-term ap- whelming process,” said Carrie Zeisse, prespointments for their mental health. ident and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives. “We The Let’s Talk line, which launched last are grateful for the vision and commitment year, provides the first step in helping callers of our community leaders who have come figure out what support they might need for together to add additional access points for their mental health. This new extension to mental health support.” service now has several additional options Colony Reeves, star of Netflix’s Selling to connect directly to help, including: Tampa, was announced as an ambassador • Short-term telehealth bridge counseling of Tampa Bay Thrives and shared that she for individuals facing long wait times to get has sought help for depression and still sees into their first appointment. This service is a therapist. provided by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay “What you see is a mask,” said Reeves. and University of South Florida’s Depart- “Many people have masks on to hide what ment of Psychiatry. they’re going through or what they have • An appointment at one of 10 local Ad- been through. And more people have masks ventHealth Express Care at Walgreens lo- on than we know. cations where a staff member will assess According to Mental Health America, needs and provide referral to a telehealth Florida ranks 49th in the country in terms counselor for additional support. of access to mental health services. Also, • A referral to a licensed counselor at roughly 64 percent of Floridian adults with Tampa General’s Urgent Care powered by mental illness, over 1.8 million people in toFast Track on Water Street in Tampa to help tal, are going untreated, an estimated 54 navigate next steps. percent of whom are covered by insurance. • A connection to a licensed clinical social For more information, visit https://tampaworker at Northside Behavioral Health Cen- baythrives.org/ or https://letstalktampabay. ter who will provide in-person help to pave org/.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
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As summer and all its sealed all around your fun kicks into high gear, home,” said Jules Casbat infestations should tellanos-Ford, owner of be the least of the wora rental in the FishHawk ries for the season. HowGarden District. ever, while such an issue Castellanos-Ford had may not be at the top of experienced an infestathe agenda, wildlife extion in 2017 and believed perts and homeowners the issue to have been Brown Bats only need a dime-sized with experience in this solved until her tenants department warn that opening in the soffits of homes or busi- reported the news of a renesses to enter and begin roosting. it is better to be aware turned bat presence this and take preventative past June, a result of the measures now. With home not being entirely continued land developsealed off. As they are ment, there is a higher protected during their chance of brown bats mating season until Aufinding their way into gust 15, Castellanos-Ford homes and businesses as had to acquire a permit opposed to their natural from the Florida Wildlife habitats. Commission first before “As human developshe could call Salveson. ment progresses, they The removal process Warning signs of a bat presence have less and less natusually takes between or infestation include the smell of ural habitat. In Florida, ammonia, presence of guano and bat five and seven days foltheir natural habitat is lowing an inspection. Afsightings around the home at either sunset or early in the morning. large, old-growth trees. ter sealing all around the They’ll get into cavities in trees, underneath building, a one-way door system is installed the bark,” said Marc Salveson, owner of Got- to allow bats an exit before the final entry cha Wildlife Removal LLC. “When they have point is sealed off. However, just scheduling less of that available, they’ll start looking a general inspection is also recommended to elsewhere.” lower the chances of having to deal with this Signs of an infestation range from actual procedure. sightings of bats around homes or businessWhile they can be pests, Salveson stresses to the smell of ammonia or presence of es the importance of still protecting bats. guano. The species is drawn to smaller open“They are our number one natural deings around roofs, usually using unsealed fense. We definitely want to save the bats. soffits as entry points in attics and other Choose a company that loves them as much open spaces. as we do and take a humane approach,” said “Bats only need a dime-sized space to Salveson who adds that communities and get into something. The soffits need to be parks can add bat boxes to deter attic living. sealed. And not just specific entry points For information, visit www.gotchawildliferewhere they could get in, they need to be moval.com or call 813-205-5877.
Are you looking for a flofans, a few others and Abe ral backdrop for photos or Gadikian, Fuller’s fiance, a floral company for your and leading to a shoutout wedding? Flower Me Tamfrom Fuller on the air. Gapa Décor and Rentals is the dikian and Fuller were so one-stop floral shop you astonished at what Journeed to try. The company, dain had created that they located in Valrico, was eschose her photo to appear tablished in 2017 and serin their wedding slide on vices the Tampa Bay area, HGTV’s 100 Day Dream as well as Clearwater, St. Home and on The Knot as Petersburg and Orlando, Erica Jourdain is the owner of Flower a part of their wedding with custom floral cre- Me Décor and Rentals and is your showcase in July. ations that elevate its cli- point of contact for all floral needs. “Flower Me Tampa Déents’ experiences and cor and Rentals is transform the images a family business, captured and shaped and my success on social media. would not be possiOwner Erica Jourble without the love dain resides in Valrico and support of my with her husband of family and friends. 23 years, Marc, and However, my assistheir two sons, Marc tant, Meghan TrivuJose and Matthew. novich, has supportFlower Me Tampa A customized birthday flower wall for an 18th ed me from day one, Décor and Rentals allowing me to grow birthday party. offers custom floral Flower Me Tampa walls, BloomBoards, floral creations and Décor and Rentals. Having Meghan be a full-service personalized event decor for in- part of my team has been a game-changer. timate weddings, baby showers and more. Her dedication and creativity have been vital Pricing varies for custom BloomBoards, de- in elevating our client’s experience,” stated pending on the complexity of the design; the Jourdain. flower walls, for instance, start at $595. Flower Me Tampa Décor and Rentals is In 2021, Jourdain created the Tampa Bay offering Osprey Observer customers 25 Lightning BloomBoard to celebrate the 2021 percent off any services from now through Stanley Cup championship, allowing her the Monday, October 31 using this code: Osopportunity to be featured in the Tampa Bay preyObserver25. Times to share her story and on New 8 DayFor more information on how to support time to showcase six BloomBoards. this business and what services are providIn October 2021, Erica Jourdain created ed, please visit www.flowermetampa.com, a Hot 101.5 custom BloomBoard and stood see its Facebook page @FlowerMeTampa, in front of the venue that Miguel Fuller from email flowermetampa@gmail.com or call 101.5 was located at, grabbing the eyes of 813-716-9811.
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By Sydney Burken
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 9
Page 10
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
‘CONTINUE THE MISSION’ OFFERS NEW TRACER INSPECTIONS IN LITHIA SERVES PURPOSE FOR VETERANS, MILITARY AND EDUCATES PROPERTY CLIENTS By Brad Stager SPOUSES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT By Linda Chion Recruitment is underLady Casey DeSantis way for veterans, milheaped praise on the itary spouses and forinitiative, led by the mer law enforcement FDCF in collaboration officers to ‘Continue the with the Florida DeMission’ through career partment of Veterans and mentorship opporAffairs. tunities aimed toward “We are not only protecting children. helping children State agencies, across the state but working with local also helping veterans veteran organizations and retired law enand community groups, forcement with their among others, are set mental and emotional ‘Continue the Mission’ launches in to fill flexible career Pensacola on June 22, with First Lady well-being, who may openings and mentor- Casey DeSantis at the podium to praise feel as though they’ve the statewide effort. ship opportunities in lost their purpose once the child and family they’ve left active duty or well-being system. have retired,” DeSantis Joe Eletto, a vetsaid. eran and chair of the Eletto issued a similar Military Affairs Comsentiment, seeing in Conmittee at the Greater tinue the Mission a greatRiverview Chamber of er purpose for addressing Commerce, is a fan of the initiative. the mental health of veterans, “because “I believe a lot of veterans would be when you start helping others, you help inclined to get involved,” Eletto said. “It yourself.” gives the veterans some self-confidence Given the young age of many retiring in their purpose, and it addresses a great veterans, Eletto said, the initiative is spotneed in the community: helping children. on in its efforts to provide civilian job opIt’s a double benefit.” portunities for veterans, along with miliWith recruitment events set to spread tary spouses and retired law enforcement from Tallahassee through central Flori- officers. da and beyond, the Continue the Mission “If you do 20 years in the service and initiative aims to fill positions for child you retire at age 38, you’re going to want protective investigators and mentors for to work,” Eletto said. “A lot of these veterchildren in need, as well as for mentors to ans want to contribute to the community work with new case managers and inves- they live, and especially so when you’re tigators with the Florida Department of dealing with children and their future.” Children and Families (FDCF). For more, visit www.myflfamilies.com/ Launched as of June 22, Florida First continuethemission.
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A home or commercial isting homes can reflect building inspection is an not only an owner’s arexamination of essential chitectural taste but also systems, from the fountheir level of skill in home dation to the roof, with repair and maintenance. the findings documented “My concern for DIYto inform interested partype repairs is the lack ties, such as owners, buyof knowledge for what ers and sellers, as to the Drones can safely evaluate a roof’s has been done. If a buyer structure’s condition. skips a home inspection or condition as well as changes in In an active real estate the terrain around a home, such gets the wrong inspection as erosion. market like the one that firm, things can be missed, the Tampa Bay area is exand the homeowner/buyer periencing, the competition ends up with costly repairs, can get intense enough or worse, risk to life and that important building limb.” construction or system deTracer Inspections protails might be overlooked motes itself as providing in the pursuit of closing a personalized service to sale. That’s where profesclients, using technology sional inspectors like Tyson such as drones which can Martin, owner of Tracer be used to inspect roofs, Inspections in Lithia, play minimizing the need to an essential role in ensur- Self-repairs need to be carefully walk on shingles that can ing a building meets legal evaluated for effectiveness and break as well as the risk standards for a sale and safety during a home inspection, of injury from a fall. Maraccording to Tyson Martin of that existing problems are tin, who is certified by the Tracer Inspections. brought to light so they can International Association be addressed. of Certified Home InMartin said he started spectors (InterNACHI®), Tracer Inspections two emphasizes the value of years ago after working knowing the condition of in the inspection industry for a company a property and being able to properly evalwhere he acquired the kind of profession- uate remedial options if needed. al experience and expertise that he could “My guiding principle is to educate the draw upon to match his Bachelor of Sci- client on their property and offer solutions ence degree in geology. to issues that are appropriate, cost-effec“What that brings to the table is knowl- tive and mitigate risk.” edge of erosion, water flow patterns, poTo learn more about how Tracer Inspecrosity, permeability of the earth around tions can assist “When you need accurate dwellings as well as knowledge and under- insight into your investment,” as its website standing of local radon concentrations,” he states, visit www.tracerinspections.com or wrote in an email. Martin added that ex- call 813-842-0740.
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 11
HIGH 5 INC. PARTICIPATES IN WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON DURING EVENT
SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS SHOW LIFE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE WITH NEW SINGLE
Understanding summer playtime how to prevent around, learning drowning, the to swim is essenleading cause of tial and potentialdeath in children ly lifesaving for ages 1-4 and the tots and toddlers second leading as well their older cause of unintendbrothers and sised injury related ters, and parents death for kids too.” 4-14, is important With volunteers to keeping children and instructors safe at every age. leading the lesson, This is why local 225 children and organization High adults learned 5 Inc. (formerly basic swimming known as BSAC) skills. During the An instructor with children at the World’s Largest again participated hour-long World’s Swim Lesson event. as a host site in Largest Swim the 13th annual World’s Lesson, children and Largest Swim Lesson™, adults learned how to an international event enter the water safely, created by the World hold their breath and Waterpark Association in float on their back, as 2010 to raise awareness well as other water about youth drowning safety skills. Participrevention. pants were invited to On June 23, hundreds stay for open swim of swim instructors in 14 time after the lesson countries and 42 states across the U.S. was over. splashed into the start of summer with the Since opening in 1963 and as a 501(c) event, teaching tens of thousands of kids (3) nonprofit organization, High 5 Inc. vital water safety skills. has been a leader in drowning prevention High 5 Inc. played its part by inviting through their ‘Learn to Swim’ program as both members and nonmembers from well as other programs, including lifeguard Brandon and the surrounding communi- training, CPR and first aid courses, comties to participate. CEO Chuck Burgess petitive swimming and diving and more. To said, “In just 20 seconds, children can learn more about its swimming programs drown in as little as 2 inches of water. So, and commitment to water safety, please even though pool time makes for the best visit High5Inc.org or call 813-689-0908.
Florida is a unique when Ron Zebron, state filled with varJames Caulk and Steious wildlife, plants, ven O’Reilly joined and cities. It is also their group. The band the home of Southern has produced four rerock music. cords and 12 videos. Soul Circus CowMcKnight’s biggest boys released its newpiece of advice to anyest single, “Sunshine one starting out in the State,” on June 20. music industry is to The song is a tribute be all in. to Florida that shows He said, “If you off all the beautiful make the committhings Floridians exment, you have to go perience every single all in. Just like any day. choice in life, you Billy McKnight, one might think someof the band’s main thing is safer, but as songwriters of “Sunlong as you learn your shine State,” was craft and as long as born and raised in the you be honest and Brandon area, theretrue to yourself and fore knowing all of the the music that is inincredible things here side your body and which inspired him to get it out properly, write the song. you’ll be safe.” The band released The music group their music video and toured from June 24 track on July 4 with a Soul Circus Cowboys’ latest album cover, to July 2 around the Rolling Across America - Home Stretch. concert at The Toastbay area, including ed Monkey to celebrate Independence St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, Day. Lakeland, Tampa and Ellenton. Soul CirBilly McKnight, the lead singer in Soul cus Cowboys’ music, such as their latest Circus Cowboys, said, “I believe anyone song, “Sunshine State,” is available on evwho sees this video that is from Florida ery music streaming service and on their will get it immediately and anyone who website. is not from Florida will want to visit imFor more information or to purchase mediately.” their concert tickets, visit www.soulcirIn 2009, McKnight and Dewey Buxton cuscowboys.com or email Michelle Gutenformed a duet called Midnight Buckstone. stein-Hinz at michelle@parklifeunlimited. They then grew into Soul Circus Cowboys com.
By Sara Battaglia
By Deven King
Page 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
FH RESIDENT HAS HELD ELECTED CDD SEAT FOR 20 YEARS By Taylor Wells Twenty years ago on in there is an amenity page three in the our we own a piece of, so I August 2002 FishHawk wanted to keep it nice edition, the Osprey Obfor everybody.” server published a story She’s enjoyed being featuring two local respart of the board beidents running for two cause, despite answerseats on the FishHawk ing to upset neighbors, Ranch Community Deshe’s been able to help velopment District (CDD) fellow residents find board. One of them was solutions, get answers Kerri McDougald, who for questions and try to earned a seat and has represent their views continuously held one Kerri McDougald, board member of the — or take them into ever since, currently hav- FishHawk Ranch CDD for 20 years, will account — in decisions be leaving the end of her current term. ing seat #1 on the or board meetings. CDD’s board of superPlus, she got to visors. meet interesting She and Doug people. Gilmore, the other However, Mccandidate in 2002, Dougald stated that became the only Fishthis will be her last Hawk residents on term serving with the board; developers the district, which held the other seats. ends in November Nowadays though, 2024. every member is a In our August 2002 FishHawk edition, the Osprey Ob“I feel like I’ve resident, which Mc- server published a story featuring Kerri McDougald given a lot back running for a seat on the FishHawk Ranch CDD. Dougald is glad for, to my neighboras she believes a board for the community hood, my neighborhood has given a lot back should be seated by its residents. to me with its quality of life and friendships, McDougald grew up in FishHawk and etc.,” she said. “It’s a great board, and we graduated from Brandon High School in have great management on our board. … So 1976. She was also part of Leadership Bran- yeah, it will be my time to let somebody else don in 2004, and is often called the mayor have a chance.” of FishHawk by friends for always bragging She also encourages residents to attend about her community. Her daughter and CDD board meetings so they can know more grandchildren were raised in FishHawk too. about what’s going on with their neighbor“Thank you FishHawk and Newsome High hood and get more involved. School. I wouldn’t have my grandkids if it For more,, visit www.fishhawkranchcdd. wasn’t for FishHawk right now,” she said. org. The next CDD Board Meeting & BudOn why she chose to stay with it for all get Public Hearing will be held Aug. 24, 6:30 these years, McDougald said it’s because p.m. at Palmetto Club located at 17004 Dorshe loves FishHawk and “Every single thing man Road, Lithia, Florida 33547.
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Volume 21, Issue 8
CON’T FROM PAGE 1... VALRICO YOUTH
RECOVERING AFTER LIGHTNING STRIKE
By Taylor Wells
incoherent. “They didn’t find any internal burning or brain swelling, but the doctors told us it takes time for the brain to reboot,” he said. Levi was discharged from Tampa General Hospital on July 4 and continues to recover at home. He was prescribed burn ointment and painkillers, and he has bruising on his body where the lightning travelled through his body. “Every day he’s getting better, and the doctors expect him to make a full recovery,” said Derek. Levi said he feels pretty good, but sometimes he feels pain in the lower half of his body. Doctors have told him to lay low and take it easy — not easy for an active 11-year-old boy. He looks forward to being able to play outside and go swimming again. While this wasn’t how he planned to spend his summer vacation, he is thankful for everyone who has helped him get better. He’s also thankful for his congregation at FishHawk Fellowship Church, who sent him get-well cards and letters. “It feels pretty good to know that people have been praying for me,” he said.
One exciting development is the family will soon be getting another family member. “When he was in the hospital, I told him that if he got better, we’d buy him a bearded dragon as a pet, something he’s always wanted,” said Derek, who plans to make good on his promise. Levi has already picked out a name for his new pet: Franky. Dad said he has learned a few things from this experience: his son is a trooper and tough kid, he is grateful for everyone that has helped his family during this challenging time and that being CPR-certified can save a life. The family looks forward to getting back on the water but their boat, which dad spent two years refurbishing, was irreparably damaged by the lightning strike. “All the electronics are fried and smoke was coming out of the engine,” he said. Derek hopes to get another boat one day to help his family get back on the water. “The sooner I get another boat, the sooner we can get back on the water and remove any fear they have,” he said.
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 13
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
PINECREST KINDERGARTEN TEACHER STARTS NEW GIRLS ON THE RUN EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM
BARRETT THE BRAVE FOSTERED BACK TO LIFE BY FISHHAWK TNR
Christina Jackwith the students son, a kindergarat Pinecrest Eleten teacher going mentary. on her sixth year “Last year, I at Pinecrest Elestarted a mentor mentary School, is program through instituting a Girls my church. I was on the Run proassigning adults gram at the school to one student, after raising suffiand they would The Girls on the Run extracurricular program cient funds with visit them once a will provide girls in third through fifth grade donations from week for an hour with the opportunity to learn new behavioral the community. and spend time and physical skills that gear them towards buildIt will serve to with them. And it ing self-confidence. provide girls in was cool to see, third through fifth grade so I became interested in with the opportunity to mentoring kids myself. I participate in the physistarted researching how cal and character-building I could get into it, and I components of this extralike to run — that’s how curricular program. Using I came across this proDonorsChoose, a nonprofit gram,” said Jackson. organization that processThe money raised will es individual donations for serve to cover the expensuse in public school classrooms and pro- es of uniform T-shirts, water bottles, notegrams, Jackson raised $600 in less than books for activities surrounding the comeight hours and plans to use the funds to pletion of intended curriculum and more cover a team of eight girls. for their meetings, held twice a week after Girls on the Run is national nonprofit that school. The program will also serve as an is geared towards providing young girls opportunity for girls of age to participate in with social, behavioral and physical skills team sports who may not otherwise have in an effort to encourage living healthy access due to a lack of transportation or lifestyles. Through a mixture of instruction funds. Jackson hopes that by implementing and curriculum as well as running itself, Girls on the Run at her school, she will be the program helps the youths construe a exposing the kids to a positive extracurhealthy balance between their emotion- ricular program they can participate in to al and physical states while building their build their self-confidence. confidence. After expressing a personal de“I just want the girls to feel empowered sire to become a mentor to children in the and equipped,” said Jackson. “I want them community, Jackson said she sees this as to love themselves and know that they can an opportunity to become more involved do hard things.”
Barrett the dog’s life we knew it was really was uncertain after he long-term neglect, so was found wandering in we had to start off with a FishHawk neighborhood really small, high-nutriby a local resident. Thankent-based meals multiple fully, Ali Holton, director times a day,” due to the and founder of FishHawk fact he was previously TNR, stepped in and interstarved. This was done vened. Holton is a graduto help prevent Barrett ate from the University of from becoming sicker South Florida with a dethan he already was. gree in marine biology as He also had to get lots well as environmental sciof blood work and testence and policy. She went ing done that revealed Barrett was very skinny and malon to earn her Master of an abundance of condinourished when found by FH TNR. Science in biodiversity, tions, such as extensive wildlife and ecosystem ear infections; numerous health from the University allergies; heartworm of Edinburgh. FishHawk positive, which resulted TNR was created in Janin a grade-three heart uary 2013 and incorpomurmur; and more. Barrated as a nonprofit in rett went through many 2015. The mission of this eye surgeries to repair program is to create a his cherry eyes and rehumane way to help stray ceived a soft pallet repair cats and dogs in the comto aid with his breathing. munity by rescuing and Barrett was such a fightfostering them. er and remained strong Barrett’s life changed Barrett the Brave is ready for a new throughout his long rehome! forever in May of 2021 covery. when Holton received a call about a very Finally, over a year later, Barrett is sickly dog wandering around FishHawk. healthy, happy and looking for the perfect Holton immediately responded and rescued home. He is a gentle dog, gets along with him. No one was sure if Barrett was going everyone (including dogs, cats and children) to make it, and if he did, it would be a very and is house trained. If you or someone you long path to recovery. The dog had such a know is interested in adopting Barrett, email sweet nature about him that he was lovingly fishhawktnr4@gmail.com to receive an apnamed ‘Barrett the Brave’ by his caregivers. plication. In order to find the perfect home, When Barrett was brought to one of the FishHawk TNR does interviews and home foster homes in FishHawk, it was clear he checks before you can adopt any of its reswas in awful condition due to neglect. Ac- cues. Thanks to FishHawk TNR, the sky’s the cording to Holton, “He was so skinny that limit for Barrett the Brave.
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 15
NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL BAND PRODUCES SIX SUMMER DRUM CORPS SUMMER PERFORMERS
SPAGHETTI DINNER AND AUCTION TO SUPPORT LOCAL CANCER FIGHTER
This year, an astounding six former students of Newsome High School went through the rigorous audition process and were selected to represent six different groups across the country. A consistently high-ranking program, Newsome is known for such accomplishments as being an FMBC state finalist group as well as its participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade back in 2016. Under the band direction of Michael Miller and Allison Evans representing MitchCrossmen while performing her program, ‘A Mobius Trip.’ ell Reed, Each year, thousands of these stumarching band performers dents were from across the country authoroughly dition for the chance to take trained for part in what is known as their exDrum Corps International periences (DCI). Beginning in late May, at the DCI performers fly out to their Pictured (L-R): Adriana Marquez, Blue Stars, level. spring training, where they Austin Redding, Colts, Logan Graham, Boston This year learn their approximately Crusaders, Zack Hoening,, Blue Knights, David also marks Grullon, Carolina Crown 12-minute show. From there, the first they travel the country by bus, perform- full season of DCI since 2020. Last year, ing at various competition venues across performers were able to participate in a the country, sometimes even a new venue shortened season, but this year marchers each night. Performers who participate in are able to get the full experience. the annual DCI tour are considered among Allison Evans, Florida Federation of Colthe very finest in the activity and receive orguards Circuit state champion and forsome of the best training available. mer Newsome Color Guard member, said, Friends and family across the country “I have always been in awe of DCI groups follow them meticulously, watching virtu- and wanted to be a part of one and perally as well as attending live performanc- form at that high level. I love being able es. Following each competition night, to share our show with so many different scores are updated and rankings shift, all audiences.” gearing up to the DCI Finals at Lucas Oil To learn more about DCI and follow fuStadium in Indianapolis. ture events, visit www.dci.org.
Heather Brightwell, “I am hosting this for 37, is an area nurse in Heather and her family a fight of her life. Diagbecause she was there nosed with a rare form for me when I lost my of breast cancer called daughter, Addison, 12 metaplastic carcinoma, years ago. Now she is she recently was let in her darkest time, and go from her job as a I will be there for her,” hospice nurse because explained Springs. of the length of time The event will take she has had to miss place on Saturday, Aufor treatment. “I am gust 20 from 5-8 p.m. on oral chemo twice at Center Place Fine daily after completing Arts & Civic Associ16 rounds of IV chemoation, located at 619 therapy, 23 rounds of Vonderburg Rd., Ste. B radiation, immunother- Chris (left) and Heather (right) Brightwell. in Brandon. In addition apy and additional surto the spaghetti dinner, geries,” said Heather. there will be a 50/50 Heather’s husband, raffle, silent auction Chris Brightwell, 38, is and lemonade stand currently in remission with assorted treats. after his own battle Tickets are available with cancer. “He had at www.eventbrite. thyroid cancer three c o m /e / f i g h t - w i t h years ago and sucheather-to-beatcessfully completed breast-cancer-ticktreatment,” explained ets-373578452207, Heather. She and Chris and RSVPs are reare parents to daughquested by Monday, ters Carlie, 12, and August 15. Cydney, 8, who are a According to reminder to remain Springs, the fundraishopeful despite their ongoing cancer battles. ing goal is $10,000, and she believes they In an effort to help the Brightwell fami- can achieve it with community support. If ly, Hope Springs, founder of the nonprofit you are unable to attend the event, there is a Addison Foundation, is coordinating a fund- GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/ raising event and spaghetti dinner. Springs robertas-gotta-go. For more information, has a personal connection inspiring her to RSVP or to donate, please email hopdrive to help them. Heather was previously e2001r@yahoo.com or contact Heather at her nurse, and she later became a friend. 813-777-7709.
By Nick Edwards
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
By Sofia Celis Avellaneda
Page 16
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
NEW CAUSEWAY & FALKENBURG PLAZA BRINGS SIX NEW RESTAURANTS
Page 17
INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR I-75 AND BIG BEND ROAD SLATED FOR 2025 COMPLETION By Sharon Still
By Lily Belcher
soups and shakes perfect for a quick lunch or dinner out. “We have a lot of really cool specialty sandwiches,” said Asmar. “We’re the only national sandwich shop that sells shakes, and our shakes are really popular.” Next door is Poke Poke-Sushi Unrolled, which hosted its grand opening on July 7. Customers can order custom poke bowls Falkenburg Commons offers six new dining options for customers.
The northeast corner of Falkenburg Road and Causeway Boulevard has brought six new restaurant options to Brandon residents. In the new Falkenburg Commons, there are three freestanding restaurants and a strip of restaurant chains. Culver’s was the first of the stand-alone buildings to open in 2018. On the opposite end of the plaza, Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 operate out of their own buildings. Between the buildings is a strip of counter-service dining options: Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Poke Poke - Sushi Unrolled and Five Guys. “Especially on this side of the Gulf Coast of Florida, there are a lot of Midwest transplants, specifically from the I-75 area,” said Potbelly manager Ronnie Asmar. “There are a lot of people that came in here super excited that moved to Florida who haven’t had Potbelly in years. So, I’m really excited to be here for those people who haven’t had it.” Potbelly is new to Brandon residents and features both sit-down and drive-through options for diners. The restaurant celebrated the grand opening of its second Tampa location (the other is located off Dale Mabry) on June 14. With 23 employees, the fast-casual sandwich shop offers toasted subs, salads,
Potbelly and Poke Poke - Sushi Unrolled are two restaurant chains with new locations in Brandon.
with meat, vegetables, sides and sauces. Poke Poke emphasizes serving fresh and nutritious foods that are filled with flavor for Brandon residents. “What’s really cool about it is that these locations in Florida actually have a boba bar inside of them,” Asmar explained about the neighboring restaurant. “So, they have a full boba drink menu as well as cereal infused ice cream.” Five Guys, located at the opposite end of the strip, will be opening soon as well. The additional two spaces will not be restaurants, but new service-oriented buildings are expected.
www.fdottampabay.com/I75-virtual-open-house/ into your browser or navigate from www.fdottampabay. com. Improvements on this $81.7 million project include: · Adding a new northbound I-75 entrance ramp from westbound Big Bend Road. · Adding a new southbound I-75 exit ramp to westbound Big Bend Road. · Increasing the storage area at the base of the northbound I-75 exit ramp by adding a left-turn lane onto westbound Big Bend Road. · Extending the southbound I-75 exit ramp lane approaching Big Bend Road and adding dual right-turn lanes to westbound Big Bend Road. · Adding a triple right-turn lane controlled by a signal from the southbound I-75 exit ramp to eastbound Big Bend Road. · Adding signalized dual left-turn movements from westbound Big Bend Road to southbound I-75 and eastbound Big Bend Road to northbound I-75. · Widening Big Bend Road between Covington Garden Drive and Simmons Loop from a four-lane divided road to six lanes featuring enhanced pedestrian, bicycle, and bus facilities. · Rebuilding the Old Big Bend Road and Big Bend Road bridges. The project is expected to be completed in September 2025. Residents interested in receiving construction updates, including nightly lane closures, should sign up on the FDOT website at www.fdottampabay.com; reference project 424513-3-52-01. Email roadwork@dot.state.fl.us or call project manager at 813-975-3573.
Eastbound Big Bend Road West of I-75
“If you build it, they will come.” — Shoeless Joe Jackson. The burgeoning population of southern Hillsborough County has created a traffic nightmare at Big Bend Road and I-75. Motorists wait in long lines to enter and exit the interstate, with the impatient ones rushing to the front and cutting everyone off, causing accidents and more havoc. In recognition of the rapid growth of the South County area, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has partnered with Hillsborough County to develop longterm solutions to help alleviate traffic congestion. Roadway reconstruction kicked off in December 2021 and FDOT District 7 recently held a Construction Open House to educate the community of the upcoming improvements, provide a timeline for construction as well as field questions from residents and business owners in the SouthShore area about the I-75/Big Bend Interchange Improvements. More than 500 people attended the in-person meeting or participated in a virtual tour featuring live chat. “The virtual open house worked great,” reported Kristen Carson, FDOT District 7 communications manager. “We have the maps and information still available online.” Put
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
FISHHAWK FELLOWSHIP & BELL SHOALS TEENS HAVE SUMMER EXPERIENCE AT CAMP KULAQUA
By Arianna Hooker
Every sumAs part of mer, Camp FishHawk FelKulaqua oflowship’s acfers sumtivities, each mer camps; grade level the summer was assigned camps at a team color Camp Kuand particilaqua are pated in daily designed for team activities church youth throughout the groups and are day to earn packed with points for their Tenth grade students take a picture during mud night at God, fun and team. In addiCamp Kulaqua. friendships tion to the fun, that last a lifetime. FishHawk Fellowship also provided powerful Two local churches, FishHawk Fellowship and emotionally stirring services throughChurch and Bell Shoals Church attended out the week from the worship team, the Camp Kulaqua this year from June 27 to Zack Olsen Band, and camp speaker Curtis July 1. Camp Kulaqua offers activities like Andrusko, allowing students to experience horseback riding and go-kart racing, as well God’s presence and grow closer to Him. as a water park. Camp Kulaqua was foundAt Camp Kulaqua, the students were ed in 1953 and is a privately owned orga- enabled to develop their relationships with nization. God and others without distractions from Camp Kulaqua is one of the largest Sev- technology. Bonding leading to lifelong enth-day Adventist camps and is also open friendships was one of the most prominent to families during the day. In addition to aspects of the experience at Camp Kulaqua. serving Christian groups of many denomiThe students were given the opportunity nations, Camp Kulaqua hosts school field to cultivate long-lasting friendships at camp trips and community programs. FishHawk through activities such as team games and Fellowship has attended Camp Kulaqua in small groups after services. the past, but this is its first time particiAlex Mendez, youth leader at FishHawk pating in the Camp Kulaqua experience in Fellowship, said, “Camp is a great opportumany years. nity to grow strong connections with othFishHawk Fellowship took over 150 youth ers.” students to Camp Kulaqua. The youth stuThere is no doubt that stepping foot on dents stayed in cabins at Camp Kulaqua. the campgrounds of Camp Kulaqua is a They were set up with a busy schedule that life-changing experience for everyone who included morning and night services daily, goes there. For more information, visit team time and other activities. www.campkulaqua.com.
DISCOVERY PASS GIVES LIBRARY USERS
FREE ACCESS TO 13 MUSEUMS By Deven King Summer is a send the tickets perfect time for directly through catching up on email, and the to-be-read book tickets can be lists. In conjuncpresented at the tion with this, once museum either again this summer, digitally or printed. the Hillsborough If the email is lost, County Public Lithe tickets can be brary Cooperative sent again, but is bringing back they cannot be reits Discovery Pass newed for new or program. With an different passes. active Hillsborough For every library County library card, card, one Discovresidents can re- With an active Hillsborough County library card, ery Pass is awardresidents can receive free tickets to participating ceive free tickets to ed, which can only participating muse- museums in the Tampa Bay Area with a Discovery be used once in a Pass. ums in the Tampa 12-month period. Bay area. The age limit for a library Obtaining the museum tickets card is 13, and signing up for a is an easy and simple process library card is a free and simthat can be done from home. On ple process that can be done the home screen of its website, at the nearest library or onit gives step-by-step instrucline. A library card allows for tions on reserving the tickets. many advantages, such as beThis program offers 13 muing able to borrow books from seums, some that are geared toward chil- certain college libraries, borrowing e-books dren and some that are for adults so that for Kindles, having free printing and intereveryone can be involved. Glazer Children’s net as well as getting access to movies and Museum, Hillsborough County Conservation shows. Parks, Tampa Theatre and the Florida MuThe Discovery Pass program was founded seum of Photographic Arts are just a few in 2014 to encourage adults and kids alike to of the museums that are being offered this read throughout the summer to grow their summer. minds. The library offers a wide range of ficEach museum has a certain number of tion and nonfiction children and adult books, tickets available for each day, so watching movies and TV shows. for availability is important. The number of For ticket reservations, library cards or people admitted with each pass will also more information, visit the Hillsborough vary by museum, and details are listed for County Public Library Cooperative’s website each pass. at https://hcplc.org/, call 813-273-3652 or After reserving the tickets, the library will visit your nearest Hillsborough library.
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Volume 21, Issue 8
L09000082276
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
Page 19
HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS THE GREATEST COACH OF ALL TIME SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZEN MOVIE ALIGNS WITH THE SUPREME BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS COURT PRAYER ON FIELD RULING Staff Report The timthe greatest ing could not coach of all be better for time.” the upcomTaylor, who ing release of had success faith-based as a singer/ feature-length songwriter in film The GreatNashville beest Coach of fore relocating All Time. The to Florida, was movie co-stars featured on Darren Taynational telelor along with vision with his award-winning blended famactor Dean ily of six kids Cain of Lois & and is a popuClark: The New lar songwriter Adventures of with several Superman fame of his songs along with his featured in the lead role in the movie, includmovie God’s ing the movie Not Dead. Oththeme song er stars include The Greatest Coach of All Time is a new movie that was a p p ro p r i a t e R.V. Brown, Ron scheduled for a red-carpet premiere at Tampa Theatre in ly titled “The Ellis and Super Greatest Coach July. Bowl champiof All Time.” ons Michael Clayton and Dexter Jackson. Taylor said, “We shot the movie over The message of the movie aligns with the three years all around Tampa Bay, St Supreme Court ruling for former high Pete, Northside Christian School, Lutz, school football coach Joseph Kennedy, Weeki Wachee, and Land O’ Lakes, where who claimed that Bremerton School Dis- the football scenes were filmed at Suntrict violated his religious freedom by tell- lake High School. ing him he couldn’t pray so publicly after The movie is scheduled for its red-carthe games. The coach received a ruling in pet world premiere on Thursday, July 28 his favor that the district violated his reli- at Tampa Theatre. An official release date gious freedom. will be announced soon. Taylor said, “The message of the movie For tickets, go to www.gcoatmovie. is clear.” com. He added, “It’s never too late for your You can also find out more about Taylor comeback when you’re being coached by at www.darrentaylormusic.com.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
529 PLANS: UNDERUSED BUT VALUABLE In just a few weeks, students will be heading off to college – and parents will be getting out their checkbooks. Without a college-bound student in your home right now, you might not be thinking much about tuition and other higher education expenses, but if you have young children, these costs may eventually be of concern – so how should you prepare for them? It’s never too soon to start saving and investing. Unfortunately, many people think that they have a lot of “catching up” to do. In fact, nearly half of Americans say they don’t feel like they’re saving enough to cover future education expenses, according to a 2022 survey conducted by financial services firm Edward Jones with Morning Consult, a global research company. Of course, it’s not always easy to set aside money for college when you’re already dealing with the high cost of living, and, at the same time, trying to save and invest for retirement. Still, even if you can only devote relatively modest amounts for your children’s education, these contributions can add up over time. But where should you put your money? Personal savings accounts are the top vehicle Americans are using for their education funding strategies, according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult survey. But there are other options, one of which is a 529 plan, which may offer more attractive features, including the following: • Possible tax benefits – If you invest in a 529 education savings plan, your earnings can grow federally income tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals not used for these expenses will generally incur taxes and penalties on investment earnings.) If you invest in
your own state’s 529 plan, you may receive state tax benefits, too, depending on the state. • Flexibility in naming the beneficiary – As the owner of the 529 plan, you can name anyone you want as the beneficiary. You can also change the beneficiary. If your eldest child foregoes college, you can name a younger sibling or another eligible relative. • Support for non-college programs – Even if your children don’t want to go to college, it doesn’t mean they’re uninterested in any type of postsecondary education or training. And a 529 plan can pay for qualified expenses at trade or vocational schools, including apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. • Payment of student loans – A 529 plan can help pay off federal or private student loans, within limits. Keep in mind that state-by-state tax treatment varies for different uses of 529 plans, so you’ll want to consult with your tax professional before putting a plan in place. Despite these and other benefits, 529 plans are greatly under-utilized. Only about 40% of Americans even recognize the 529 plan as an education savings tool, and only 13% are actually using it, again according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult study. But as the cost of college and other postsecondary programs continues to rise, it will become even more important for parents to find effective ways to save for their children’s future education expenses. So, consider how a 529 plan can help you and your family. And the sooner you get started, the better.
edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
Staff Report Hillsborough County commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several county citizen advisory boards, committees and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one group but may only serve on one group at a time unless specifically approved by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. All applicants must submit a completed ‘Questionnaire for County Appointments’ and a ‘Standards of Conduct form.’ Additional requirements are in the information that follows. Forms are available on the county’s website at www.hcflgov.net. To download a form, click on the following tabs/ links: ‘Government’ and then ‘Boards and Committees.’ All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you apply to a board, committee or council that requires a background check, you will be provided with a link to complete the online background check process. A response within 48 hours is required, at which time the link will expire. The application is due by close of busi-
ness on Thursday, July 28. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in August or September. Forms can be: • Mailed to P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601. • Faxed to 813-239-3916. • Emailed to finleyl@hillsboroughcounty.org. • Delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa 33602. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting dates and times are subject to change. Boards, committees and councils with vacant positions include the Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee; Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners; CareerSource Tampa Bay; Child Care Licensing Advisory Board; Child Care Licensing Hearing Officer; Code Enforcement Board; Commission on Human Trafficking; Council on Aging; County Internal Audit Committee; Cross Connection and Backflow Control; Electrical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners; Health Care Advisory Board; Health Council of West Central Fl Inc.; Housing Finance Authority; Human Relations Board; Land Use Appeals Board; Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners; and Public Art Committee. For more information about them, visit the ‘Boards and Committees’ page at www.hcflgov.net.
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Page 20
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition or by calling 813-965-7213.
ECHO Thrift, The Florida Aquarium, Back-To-School & More...
ECHO Thrift Named One Of The Best Of The Best In Tampa Bay
Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
RP Funding Center Concession Stand Goes Cashless
The RP Funding Center in Lakeland has gone cashless at its concession stands. All payments at the concession stands will be by credit card, debit card and mobile payment only, including Apple Pay. By going cashless, the venue will help prevent loss from human error or theft, promote safety and enhance the visitor experience, as cashless transactions reduce wait times. Cash payments will still be accepted at the RP Funding box office for all other transactions.
Plant City Community Chorale Seeking Singers
The Plant City Community Chorale will begin rehearsals on Monday, August 15 at the First United Methodist Church, located at 303 N. Evers St. in Plant City, in preparation for its fall concert. Rehearsals are every Monday night from 7-9:30 p.m., and it would love to have new members join them. It has members of all ages who sing songs from all genres, and most of all, they have fun. If you love to sing, go and see what it is all about. Additional information can be found on its website at www.pccchorale.org, by emailing pccchoraleseretary@gmail.com
The ECHO Thrift store, located at 424 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, has been presented with a silver award in the Best of the Best People’s Choice Awards presented by the Tampa Bay Times. Last year, it received a bronze recognition, and it couldn’t be prouder of its amazing staff and volunteers who bumped them to receiving the silver award. Every dollar earned from sales at the thrift store goes right back into its mission of providing immediate and longterm solutions for our neighbors in need. Additional information can be found on its website at www.echofl.org.
Volume 21, Issue 8
be found on its website at www.flaquar- for self-reflection, community prayer, and ium.org. contemporary Christian music. With the Blessed Sacrament exposed, XLT Praise HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Worship is one of the most powerful Receives Distinguished Rating forms of prayer outside of the Holy Mass. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons XLT Praise and Worship will take place awarded HCA Florida Brandon Hospital on the second Friday of every month from a three-star rating for its patient care 7-8 p.m. at the St. Stephen Chapel, locatand outcomes in ed at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview. isolated coronary For more information, visit its website at bypass crafting www.ststephencatholic.org.
procedures. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places HCA Florida Brandon Hospital among the elite for bypass surgery in the United States. “At Brandon Hospital, providing safe, high-quality cardiac surgery is the top priority of our cardiac surgery team,” said Bradley Bufkin, M.D., cardiothoracic surgery specialist at Brandon Hospital. East Hillsborough Demo- For more information, visit www.hcafloridabrandonhospital. cratic Club Meeting The East Hillsborough Dem- com. ocratic Club will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Au- Veterans Council Of Hillgust 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the sborough County Seeking Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at New Members 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa. Club members, The Veterans Council of Hillsborough family, friends and anyone who would County is seeking to add new members. like to join are invited. A Zoom link can The objective of the Veterans Council is be found on the website at www.east- to serve as a local affiliate of military vethillsboroughdems.org. If you have any erans organizations, act as a liaison bequestions, please call 813-677-8300 and tween county government and veterans leave a message. organizations on actions affecting veterans and veterans’ benefits as pertaining Florida Aquarium Award- to military families in Hillsborough Couned Lowe’s Hometowns ty and to uphold the ideals, principles and traditions of our armed forces. For Grant The Florida Aquarium has more information and to apply to join, been awarded a grant as part of visit the website at www.hillsboroughLowe’s Hometowns, an initiative county.org/en/residents/social-services/ that is helping to restore and veterans/action-folder/apply-for-the-vetrevitalize spaces that serve as erans-council. the hubs and heartbeats of communities. The grant will provide funding for The Florida Aquarium to renovate its first-floor lobby restrooms. The new restrooms will improve energy and water efficiency, supporting its commitment to sustainable business practices and serving visitors in the years to come. The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. Information about the Aquarium and purchasing tickets can
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St. Stephen Catholic Church Announces XLT Praise And Workshop Events
XLT stands for ‘Exalt’ and is designed for participants to spend time in the presence of the Lord. The Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics know is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord, is placed in a monstrance for adoration. There is time
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Cruise Planners Presents Holistically Harmonized Event
Cruise Planners of Valrico is presenting a women-only event, Holistically Harmonized Retreat. The event will take place from Friday to Sunday, October 7-9 at a central Florida mansion. It is meant to help attendees replenish their spirits, rejuvenate their minds and bring balance to their bodies. It will also help teach the different methods of self-care. Services included in the weekend are facials, massages, yoga classes, cooking classes and self-care classes. All food and drinks, plus a swag bag, are also included. For more information, visit its website at https://cpofvalrico.square. site/holistically-harmonized.
Centerpoint Church Celebrates With Back-to-School Bash
Centerpoint Church is celebrating the last days of summer and getting ready for an exciting new school year with a back-toschool bash. The event will be held on August 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico. There will be fun activities for the whole family, including laser tag, a bungee run, a rock-climbing wall, bounce houses, an indoor dance party and more. The event and all games are free, and food trucks and Kona Ice will be available to purchase food and drinks from.
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 21
PAWS FOR LITERACY HELPS LOCAL CHILDREN IMPROVE READING SKILLS
By Sara Battaglia
What better way to have the option to read motivate children to to adoptable dogs, cats read than pairing them or rabbits, or all three. up with a furry friend Education managto read to? The Humane er Jessica Tiso said, Society of Tampa Bay “It helps children with (HSTB) offers a free reading comprehension, program called Paws phonics, literacy skills for Literacy that proand helps the animals vides children who love with socialization.” animals a time to interAccording to Tiso, the act with them while at number of participants the same time improving their own reading Isla Gershkoff reading to skills. Children ages 5 animals at the Humane Society. and up can read to animals in need of homes who also benefit from the companionship and interaction. varies, but in the busier Members of the Colesummer months they man family recently have an average of 45 volunteered with the kids a week. program. Danielle, the The program meets mom, said, “It brought year-round every Tuesthe animals joy, made day and Thursday from my kids glad to read in 2:45-4 p.m. The staff the summertime and at HSTB does ask that gave them something children preregister on Jaydan and Micah Coleman recently helpful to do with their the website at https:// had fun reading to the animals. time.” Jayden, age 10, humanesocietytampa. said, “My favorite part about reading to org/service/paws-for-literacy/. the animals was that they seemed happiThe Humane Society of Tampa Bay, a er to have someone spending time with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, prothem.” And Micah, a rising second grader, vides shelter for homeless and at-risk said, “My favorite part was spending time animals, adoptions, hospital services and with them and making them happy.” TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate and reHSTB will provide stools to sit on, turn) services for the general public. The books to read and treats for the animals. community can help the Humane Society Books include animal tales, stories of the through donating, volunteering, fostering, animal-human bond, and ones that teach adopting or participating in programs like empathy to readers. Children are also Paws for Literacy. For more information, welcome to bring their own books. They visit https://humanesocietytampa.org/.
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Page 22
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
PARENTS GET ANSWERS TO TAX INCREASE REQUEST AND RFID ID CARDS AT TOWN HALL MEETING HELD AT NEWSOME By Michelle Caceres It’s no surprise Hillsborough County Public Schools leaders have their hands full with a slew of challenges, including school security issues, an increasing student population, overworked school counselors dealing with everything from academic achievement and career development to mental health needs, financial woes and employee acquisition and retention. A town hall meeting at Newsome High School, hosted by Superintendent Addison Davis and school A town hall meeting was held at Newsome High School to discuss issues affecting Hillsborough County Public Schools. the county has raised its Not everyone agreed. board members, attemptVice President of Council ed to address these issues and other parent hourly wage for drivers Operations for Hillsborough concerns. Several dozen parents attended to approximately $16. AcCounty PTA Kimberly Mcthe event, where they were able to submit cording to Davis, proceeds Donough, also PTA president questions to the panel, many of which were from the tax would go toof Mulrennan Middle School, answered during a 45-minute Q&A session ward higher salaries and allow the district to imsaid some parents had conafter the initial presentation. cerns about ‘Here Comes the Prior to the Q&A, Davis and other school prove student programs. “It’s difficult to compete with other em- Bus,’ a Synovia Cal/Amp technology Hillsborofficials delved into the reasons behind the ough County Public Schools will use this fall need for the property tax referendum being ployers with relation to pay,” said Davis. Several job fairs have been held to assist to allow parents to know when their child’s placed on the August primary election ballot. If approved by voters, property owners with staffing issues. Interested applicants bus will arrive at the bus stop, if their child would pay an additional $1 for every $1,000 can also apply online at www.hcpsjobs.com. is on the right bus and got off at the right One FishHawk resident and meeting at- stop in the afternoon and alert parents that of assessed value, which is estimated to tendee, who is a member of the military and the bus will be late due to heavy traffic. Stubring in about $146 million a year. For the upcoming school year, first-year has two children enrolled in Hillsborough dents scan their student ridership ID card, teachers will earn an annual salary, based County Public Schools, took a lot of notes which uses passive RFID technology, as they on a 10-month schedule, of $47,501, based during the meeting. Of particular concern enter or exit the bus, and this information is on an eight-hour workday and 198 days was buses being prompt in picking up stu- sent over-the-air to the cloud via encrypted per school year, the same as a teacher with dents. His daughter has sometimes spent up data. The only information stored on the ridseven years of experience. In addition to a to an hour waiting for the bus to show up to ership ID card is a 56-bit card number (no identifiable information like student number, teacher shortage, finding support staff (cus- take her to school. “Overall, I believe attending the meeting name, address or social security number). todians, nutrition assistants and bus drivers) Hillsborough County wouldn’t be the first has been a challenge. Over the past year, was time well spent,” he said.
school district in Florida to utilize the app. The Leon, Marion, Martin, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Sumner and St. Lucie school districts use the app, as district leaders deal with delays in routes and bus driver shortages that have frustrated parents. “Some parents had concerns about the RFID chips and data privacy and didn’t have all their questions answered,” she said. Hillsborough parent Josephine Amato said the district didn’t satisfactorily address the concerns she has over the new app. “Parents have valid questions regarding data collection and safety of the data, and I feel like district officials are being dismissive,” she said. According to district officials, while each bus rider will be entered into the system manually for the child’s safety, a child is not required to wear the student ridership card. At the end of the meeting, Davis shared that recently released assessment scores indicated — despite pandemic-related stressors such as student absences and teacher vacancies — district students outperformed the state average in key areas, including algebra, geometry, biology, civics and U.S. history. “We have seen gains in student learning,” he said. “Imagine what these gains would be if these complications weren’t in our way.” For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
Page 23
Over 100 sales & rents in 2021 RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay Certified Luxury Home Specialist
Do you know almost half of Hillsborough’s 200,000 students can’t afford lunch, let alone the basics that others bring to school? Can you imagine the daily difficulties that creates in a classroom? Can you spare just a few dollars for pencils, folders, backpacks and other items these kids need? Please help before school resumes August 10! Learn more at EducationFoundation.com, home of the nonprofit Hillsborough Education Foundation. Thank you! I give free ad space to groups or events that improve our community. Call me with your ideas! — Ann Marie
Quality rentals are an important part of our market, & this fully furnished former model in FishHawk can be yours for a year or even 7 months! It's like a lovely vacation villa in a security-gated enclave, from its crown molding & custom finishes to its decorator furniture & all appliances. You’ll get it when you turn the key to this 2016 Neal Communities model that was not a private residence until 2 years ago. And you’ll get it at the front of FishHawk West, which provides its own version of the amenities that made this area such a destination in the 1st place. The 1,525-SF villa provides 2 bedrooms plus an office, 2 baths, a 2-car garage & a screened back lanai with a woodsy view. Offered for immediate rent at $3,000 per month.
A 3-car garage, 3,000 SF, & nearly 1/3 acre with yard care provided are key highlights of this big, beautiful rental in Belmont! You also get 5 bedrooms plus a bonus loft, 3 baths, & a spacious kitchen with everything you want -- granite, tile, stainless-steel, a center island for serving or seating, banks of raised-panel wood cabinets staggered with crown molding, even a separate coffee nook! The master bed/bath suite is upstairs along with 3 other bedrooms & a twin-sink bath, while the final bedroom & bath are downstairs for flexible use. This neighborhood south of Riverview boasts a waterfront pool complex & much more! Available now for $2,795 per month.
For sale in Boyette Springs, this pondview home is on the eastern side of the neighborhood -- so your teens can attend Newsome High School while you get a less-expensive option outside FishHawk! On 1/3 acre extending into the pond, the home provides 4 bedrooms & 2 baths in nearly 2,100 SF. A 5-year-old roof & replaced AC offer cost reassurances, too, while other upgrades include stainlesssteel appliances, wood laminate floors & fresh exterior paint. Boyette Springs has no HOA fees but does have its own playground park & elementary school in a location near other fine schools, shops, restaurants, recreation options & more. This is my newest sale listing, offered at $425,000. It may be unavailable soon!
A landscaped, gated, expensively fenced yard on a quiet loop with no through traffic is what you notice first about this home in Rivercrest! But then the front walkway's decorative pavers usher you into a wide-open design featuring wood-look tile floors with upgraded baseboards throughout, along with other key improvements such as a 2-year-new AC! You get 4 bedrooms & 2 updated bathrooms in 1,870 SF, along with living / dining / kitchen in a great room that opens to a covered patio & a privacy-fenced back yard. Rivercrest boasts a resort-style recreation center with pools, tennis, basketball, a playground park & more! Just sold last month at $407,900.
Here’s a special rental available short-term in a hard-to-match location -- a lakefront spot on a cul-de-sac street beside a playground park just a short bike ride from an excellent elementary school! This 3-bed, 2-bath home in Lakeside, beside Riverview’s Rivercrest community, truly makes the most of 1,314 SF with an open design that welcomes you straight into the living, dining & kitchen areas with a view through back sliders of your private, lakefront patio. All bedrooms are along the right side of the home, with the master in back. Quality appliances, ceiling fans & our local property management for your peace of mind. Available now for $1,995 per month.
Beside Rivercrest in The Preserve at Riverview, this home "lives larger" than 1,766 SF thanks to a 270-SF Florida room in its privacy-fenced back yard! The addition gives you all-season space, with removable vinyl windows to enjoy screened relaxation in cooler weather, welcoming you from living room sliders that typically lead to a much more modest 60-foot lanai. The difference is remarkable, & with a 4th bedroom plus a tandem 3-car garage behind a standard 2-car overhead door, it really delivers beyond what you expect. Upgrades range from new carpet & plantation shutters to wood cabinets with pullout shelves! Just sold last month at $390,000.
Newsome High, Riverview High parent “I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”
Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk
August 2022, Vol. 21, Iss. 8
SEE PAGE Directed by Domin Pazo 38
Joanna Springstead With Edward Jones Opens New FishHawk Office Joanna Springstead, CFP® of the financial services firm Edward Jones has moved to a new location at 13459 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia. Springstead, who joined Edward Jones in 2018, said, “I am thrilled about our new location and am eager to continue to partner with clients and their families in the new space and to help keep them on track toward their individual long-term goals.” She will be hosting an open house in September where guests will have an opportunity to tour Joanna Springstead the new office. For additional informaBrandon-based App tion on services provided by Edward Jones, Offers Money-Saving visit its website at www.edwardjones.com Deals or call the office at 813-657-2078. A Brandon-based company is looking to take your local shopping experience to the Tampa Bay Realtor Launches The next level. FlashDash Deals offers the GreatSigler Group To Make Real er Tampa Bay community hundreds of Estate A Real Pleasure money-saving deals that have never been Specializing in waterfront easier to redeem through its free mobile homes on the Alafia River and app. FlashDash launched in March 2022, beyond, The Sigler Group strives serving the Tampa area. Download the to exceed expectations by proFlashDash Deals in your Google or Apple viding homebuyers and sellers with profes- app store. For more information, visit www. sional, responsive and attentive real estate flashdashdeals.com or email flashdash@ services to take care of every detail and en- flashdashdeals.com. sure all decisions are in the best interest of its clients. Born and raised in Tampa Bay, Becky Stress-free Children’s Hair Salon Sigler brings her native knowledge, industry Coming To Valrico expertise and a personal touch to ensure that Pigtails & Crewcuts is a children’s hair saThe Sigler Group makes the real estate expe- lon franchise created to offer a stress-free rience a seamless and satisfying one. haircutting experience. Salon owners KimTo learn more about The Sigler Group, vis- berly and Justin Bingheim are excited to it its website at www.thesiglergroup.com or offer something new to the community. “I call 813-765-6667. love the branding and the concept. We real-
ly love the idea of being able to offer a place where parents feel comfortable bringing their children and know they will be taken care of,” said Kimberly. Each Pigtails & Crewcuts salon features themed vehicle chairs, bright colors, a variety of movies and video games, a train table and other toys children enjoy before, during and after their haircuts. The salon will be located on Bloomingdale Avenue in front of the Walmart and is expected to open this summer. To keep up with progress and for more information, visit its website at www. pigtailsandcrewcuts.com. New Martial Arts School Opens In Valrico Freedom Martial Arts has just opened at 3212 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 102 in Valrico. Not only does it teach important self-defense skills such as how to handle stranger danger, but its curriculum also focuses on discipline, respect, self-esteem, honesty, belief and communication. It is part of the American Taekwondo Association, a worldwide organization that adheres to strict guidelines for its instructors. All instructors must pass background checks and be certi-
fied in first aid/CPR. For more information, visit its website at www.freedom-ma.com or call 813-777-0887. T&J Painting Is Hiring T&J Painting is looking for a positive painter who wants to grow with a family-owned company. Wouldn’t it be nice to come and work for a company that actually appreciates you, thanks you for all your hard work and has benefits for you? If you are tired of not feeling appreciated, then maybe a change is what you need. Call T&J Painting at 813-723-9124 to see how you can join its amazing team. Latitudes Tours Recognized As A Traveler’s Choice Award Winner Latitudes Tours of Ruskin has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Traveler’s Choice award winner in the tours and outdoor activities category. The award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews from travelers on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the last year was, Latitudes Tours stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences. Captain Dave, owner of the business, said, “Every tour is unique, from the music selection to the narration. We always put the customer first and tailor each tour experience to the people we have on board.” For a limited time, Latitudes Tours has a summer special in which kids under 12 cruise free (10 a.m. tour only) with a paying adult. Call 813641-1311 to reserve your spot. Latitudes Tours is located at 580 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin. For more information on tours, visit its website at www.latitudestours.com.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
ALL LADIES INVITED TO ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
ANNUAL LADIES TEA IN SEPTEMBER
Staff Report
wiches, juice and desserts. They are also invited to decorate flowered headbands and model their creations in a parade. Entertainment will be provided by St. Stephen Catholic School Music Group. Several beautiful tea tables can be found at the St. Vincent de Paul Annual There will be Ladies Tea. a raffle as well All ladies and little ladies are cordially with prizes, ininvited to join us for the St. Vincent de Paul cluding a 58” Samsung Smart TV, gift cerAnnual Ladies Tea, which benefits the food tificates and gift baskets. pantry and financial assistance program. All money from ticket sales and donaDenise Essex, St. Stephen Conference tions go to the Society of St. Vincent de president, said, “Last year, we helped Paul (SVDP) to assist those in need. Ad2,000 families, which included over 8,000 ditional monetary donations beyond the people; distributed 86,000 lbs. of food; $25 cost per person to attend would be and paid out $96,000 in financial aid for gratefully accepted. Also, it requests that rent and utilities with over 6,000 volun- laundry soap be donated to help those teer hours to make this possible. The ma- who come to the pantry in need of this exjority of our funds are given to us by our pensive product. generous parishioners. This tea is our only Please make checks payable to SVDP. fundraiser, and we are greatly indebted For more information or reservations, to the ladies and gentlemen who dedicate please contact Marty Diebold at 813-695themselves to supporting our ministry.” 2145 or mdfl3303@yahoo.com. The deadYou may be a hostess for a table and line for reservation is Wednesday, Septemset it with your own dishes or paper prod- ber 7. ucts. Choose a theme for your table if you The event will be held on Saturday, Sepwish and invite all your friends to join you tember 17 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Family or come and join someone else’s table and Life Center of St. Stephen Church Catholic meet new ladies. The menu includes de- Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. licious tea, traditional scones, tea sand- in Riverview. Can’t make it? Then you can wiches and desserts served as a buffet make an online donation of the price of a with each person selecting their items that ticket at https://svdpriverviewfl.org/ by will be served to them. Younger ladies may September 7 and be eligible for the raffle choose an optional menu of PB&J sand- prizes.
Volume 21, Issue 8
KELLER WILLIAMS TONY BARONI TEAM OFFERS ‘BUY WITH CASH’ PROGRAM TO HELP CLIENTS By Lily Belcher The Keller Wilthe Dolphins. The liams Tony Baroni team of 18 real Team brings a creestate agents will ative marketing give away $2-$5 approach to the for each particcurrent real esipant who calls tate market with in or fills out the a new way for clionline form during ents to make cash the Call In To Win offers through the giveaway. The new ‘Buy With money raised will Cash’ program. go to Operation Cash offers are Lotus to help the almost 40 perBaker family who The Tony Baroni Team promises the best real estate cent more likely lost their home in experience to their clients. to beat financial a fire in the beginbids when ning of July. competing for Two agents on a piece of real Baroni’s team estate. This have helped sois especially lidify the buytrue for Tamthen-sell model pa’s real estate market, which sees 40 the team is hoping to show clients. Lead percent of customers using cash to make buyer specialist Kate Conroy and lead lista bid on a home. The program allows their ing agent Craig Kellner have built successclients to get approved for a cash loan ful mini teams that allowed them to sell through their partnership with Home- 161 listings combined while affirming the ward, a real estate agency that works importance of this model. Their work has to give clients more leverage to buy the also helped the Tony Baroni Team grow homes they want. and reach more real estate customers. “Really, you can just go buy a house “Our mission is to deliver the promise to first, not have to move twice … and put our clients. The way we do that is, right your house on the market after,” ex- up front, we tell our clients we’re going to plained Toni Baroni about the benefit give them the best real estate experience of being able to buy and then sell when they’ve ever received,” said Baroni. looking for a new home through the Buy After the Tony Baroni Team delivers on With Cash program. “It’s a new-age way that promise, they hope their customers to make things way more convenient and will leave them a five-star review and easy.” refer their friends and neighbors to the The Tony Baroni Team is also hosting an- team. other Call In To Win on Friday, August 12 For more information on the Tony Barand are planning to give away four tickets oni Team, please visit www.tonybaroni. to a Buccaneers preseason game against com or call 866-754-1278.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
JUDITH ‘JUDY’ WOOLHEATER NAMED HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S MENTOR OF THE YEAR
OPERATION LOTUS HOSTS NINTH ANNUAL SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE IN MEMORY OF LATE TEACHER By Lily Belcher
By Michelle Caceres
Hillsborough Education Foundation selected Judith ‘Judy’ Woolheater as its 2022 Mentor of the Year.
Judith ‘Judy’ Woolheater has been named the winner of Hillsborough Education Foundation’s (HEF) 2022 Mentor of the Year at its Mentor Appreciation Party. Woolheater is a mentor in HEF’s Take Stock in Children mentoring program, which provides more than 300 underserved youth with caring, adult volunteer mentors and role models focused on the development of life skills and academic success. Woolheater, who has been a mentor for four years, has devoted her time to not one but two mentees: Aryian, a Newsome High School graduate, and Esmerelda, a Durant High School student. During the awards ceremony, students shared stories about the tremendous impact their mentors had in their lives. Aryian, her first mentee, credited Woolheater with changing the course of her life and helping her achieve her high school graduation and gain acceptance into college. She helped Aryian research college and career opportunities, worked with her high school to ensure she was on track to graduate and collaborated with HEF’s college success coaches to connect her to valuable
resources. “She definitely deserves this honor because she’s more than a mentor to me,” she said. “She’s the one person I could always count on anytime to talk to and give me good advice.” Woolheater asked for Aryian’s approval, which she readily gave, before taking on a second mentee. “Aryian has come through some very difficult things,” said Woolheater. “I joke and tell her she makes me look good.” Joanne Sandoval, director of HEF’s Take Stock in Children program, said Woolheater is an extremely flexible mentor. “She met with one of her mentees in person and the other virtually,” said Sandoval. “She really bends over backwards to meet the needs of her students, and we’re beyond thankful to have [her] as a mentor in our program.” Sandoval recognizes the selfless dedication of the hundreds of volunteers in the community who spend thousands of hours mentoring Hillsborough County students and empowering them to succeed in school and in life. HEF is currently seeking new mentors to meet one-on-one with mentees several times each month, typically 30 minutes per week. Mentors must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma, complete a 90-minute mentor training, make a minimum commitment of one school year and pass a criminal background check. Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn how at educationfoundation.com/mentor-a-student.
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As summer comes to an end and the school year looms at the start of fall, families participate in the annual rush of school supply shopping. This is an exciting push for many families, but for others, it represents a stressful financial burden that could break the budget of underprivileged families. During August, the Mandy Van Brunt School Supply Drive works to relieve this burden by collecting school supplies and financial donations and giving them to local Title I schools. They are looking for community donations of basic school supplies, which can be found on the supply drive’s Amazon Wish List. The late Mandy Van Brunt, a former teacher at Frost Elementary School, had a passion for helping these underprivileged families and students. This passion and dedication to helping her students was evident in the care she gave to the young individuals over her 15-year career before her death in 2014. “Mandy was a wonderful teacher who dedicated her career to helping under privileged students and would donate her own money to buy supplies for kids in need,” said Operation Lotus founder Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy. After she passed, Brockmeier-Jordy
started an annual school supply drive through Operation Lotus in Van Brunt’s name to honor her dedication to the underprivileged families of Hillsborough County. “Every year we give to Frost Elementary, as that is where [Van Brunt] last taught before she died,” said Brockmeier-Jordy. “Then, depending on how many supplies we receive, Mandy’s family and late husband choose other local Title I schools who are in need.” Brockmeier-Jordy founded Operation Lotus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, following the tragic death of her husband in 2012. With her team of nine board members, Brockmeier-Jordy works to restore hope in the lives of families facing tragedy through the positive impact Operation Lotus has on the community. Supplies can be donated to drop-off sites at FishHawk Fellowship Church, Bell Creek Academy, Ashley Furniture, and Motion ChiroTherapy. Monetary donations can be sent via check, cash, Venmo, PayPal or Cash App to Operation Lotus with ‘school supply drive’ in the memo line. For more information on Operation Lotus, visit www.operationlotus.org or go to the Facebook page @operationlotus.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
LOCAL BUSINESSES TEAM UP FOR ONE-STOP DESIGNER SERVICES By Sharon Still Two eyes are alThis full-service ways better than experience gives one. That is just clients the full atone of the reatention of two desons that interior sign professionals designer Melissa throughout the projMoore-Adair ect. It all starts with of Southern a meeting to uncover Sass Interieach client’s vision ors & More and then working to and LOVE Melissa Moore-Adair and Mechelle turn it into reality. Decor propPrior to starting a Thursby have pooled their design talents and resources to create erty stylist project, the client is beautiful areas like this kitchen. presented with a virand home stager Mechelle Thursby retual 3D design of designated cently decided to collaborate spaces and mood boards of their businesses in order to decor and furnishings. “I am deliver full-service design one of the few designers that projects from start to finish. utilizes a 3D design software Thursby and Moore-Adair when creating interior spacmet through networking es,” explained Moore-Adair. groups and quickly became friends. Soon “This allows my clients to view their proafter, the pair decided that joining forces on posed spaces prior to any demolition taking certain projects would be beneficial for both place or finalizing selections.” of their businesses as well as the clients they Both Moore-Adair and Thursby have exserve. tensive training and hone their skills through Southern Sass Interiors & More is a certifications and continuing education, residential and commercial design studio. keeping up to date on techniques and trends. Moore-Adair said her passion resides in They are ready to tackle any project, from kitchens, baths, whole-home renovations a one-room makeover to a complete home and new builds specifically, while Thursby renovation. focuses on decor and furnishings. The comMoore-Adair announced that later in the bination of the two gives them the ability to year, the duo will have some big collaboraprovide the complete package. tions with a few well-known local business“My specialty is occupied home staging es. and decorating, so my choice is to transform “Be on the lookout for a future ribbon-cutyour home using what you already own ting ceremony as well,” she added. before considering purchasing something For information about LOVE Decor, visit new,” commented Thursby. “It just made www.love-decor.com or call 954-805-6546. sense to collaborate and deliver clients a Visit www.southernsassinteriors.com or call well-thought-out project from start to fin- 813-344-4922 for details about Southern ish.” Sass Interiors & More.
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
FLORIDA DIABETES RELIEF GIVES GREAT RESULTS AFTER JUST A FEW TREATMENTS By Marie Gilmore Retired LPN called Physiologic MaryAnne ColeInsulin Resensitizaman called a new tion (PIR) where inApollo Beach clinic sulin is administered seeking relief from as a hormone rather her diabetes sympthan a drug, “which toms after batallows us to address tling the disease the primary cause of for more than 20 Diabetes and Metayears. She found a bolic Failure at the new business, the cellular level,” deFlorida Diabetes scribes the owner Relief Centers, ofDr. Eric Edgerton, fering an Insulin IV DC. therapy that treatColeman has enment customized joyed her treatfor every patient ments and apprethat has the goal ciates the group of reducing insulin setting. “First of all, dependence and re- MaryAnne Coleman has seen great results after it’s a very well run just a few weeks of treatment at Florida Diabeversing side effects center,” she said. “I tes Clinic with Rhoderick Manhattan, PA-C. from long term diathink that they idea betes. to get people into a group setting to talk “I read an article online about the clin- to other patients is very therapeutic, This ic and I saw that it was in Apollo Beach,” allows us to network and discuss our issaid Coleman. “I was having a real issue sues and see if we have things in comwith neuropathy and I was trying to get mon.” relief from it.” To start treatment, patients make a Coleman didn’t want to rely on medica- consultation appointment and go over tion for pain or relief and was looking for treatment and insurance coverage opa more holistic method of relieving her tions. A patient then goes into an inducsymptoms. tion phase which can be 1-2 times weekly “My results have been amazing,” de- and then finally, a maintenance phase. scribes Coleman who has been a patient “The idea behind the treatment is to for 3 months. “I think it was just after a reverse the cellular damage caused by couple weeks when the neuropathy was diabetes,” almost fully gone along with the pain and The new Florida Diabetes Relieve CenI have found that I don’t need as much ters is located at 417 Apollo Beach Blvd., insulin.” Apollo Beach, FL 33572. For more inforFlorida Diabetes Relief Centers pro- mation, call 813-322-6090 or visit www. vides a groundbreaking patented therapy floridadiabetesreliefcenters.com.
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Page 29
VICTORIA SAUNDERS PUBLISHES BEST-SELLING CAT ALPHABET BOOK By Kathy L. Collins Plant City resident letter. So, for example, Victoria J. Saunders “G is for Grompy” and has self-published her “O is for Obsessed.” first book, The Chonky Saunders said, “It is like Alphabet. The Chonky learning a language in Alphabet is a delightful 26 words.” She added, book for anyone who “This is a fun, playful loves cats. and whimsical alphaSaunders not only bet book. Even if you authored and self-pubare not a cat lover, you lished the book, but will enjoy it. It makes a she also illustrated it. good coffee table book The Chonky Alphabet and a good conversais based on playful lantion starter.” guage that people use The book was reonline. Saunders said, leased on June 1 and “This book is for any Victoria J. Saunders authored, illustrated quickly became an age as long as the per- and self-published an Amazon best-selling Amazon best seller book called The Chonky Alphabet. You son is a cat lover.” in the cat breed catSaunders explained, can meet the author on Saturday, August egory. Saunders was “Back in 2020, when 6 from 2-4 p.m. at The Tipsy Bookworm in quick to point out that everything was shut- Plant City, where she will be signing books she got help from othand offering cat swag and photos ops for ting down, I was furers in her self-publishyou and your four-legged friends. loughed from my job ing journey. She said, as a CAT scan technician. “I used IngramSpark for I had always wanted to do online self-publishing. I got art, but I always put that help from other artists who on the back burner.” She had done the same thing.” then decided to start doing Saunders stated, “It digital art. She took classis never too late to start es and joined a Facebook something new. Just dive group called This Cat Is right in and you can be an Chonky. At the time Saunauthor of a best-selling ders joined the group, they had 800,000 book too.” followers. “Now, they have 915,000 in the Saunders will have a book signing on Satgroup,” said Saunders. urday, August 6 from 2-4 p.m. at The Tipsy “I did not want to be on social media, but Bookworm, located at 115 S. Evers St. in I liked seeing the posts. I started drawing downtown Plant City. You can buy the book cats and realized there was a language peo- there or at the websites of Amazon, Barnes ple spoke on this Facebook group,” Saunders & Noble and Books-A-Million. added. You can follow The Chonky Collection on She then decided to create an A-to-Z book Facebook and Instagram @thechonkycolwith a word and charming drawing for each lection.
Page 30
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER AGRICULTURE TOUR By Abigail Michnowicz This year, I had the facilities and then amazing opportunity sent out to the stores, to go on the annual it was all so intriguing Riverview High School and interesting to see. (RVHS) Summer AgEven though that was riculture Tour. One of my personal favorite, the wonderful things I did enjoy every stop about this trip is that we had. There was you don’t have to atnot one stop on our tend Riverview High trip that I found borDay Four: Two Brooks Farm, located in Minter ing or uninteresting. Day Two: Cottonwood FFA chapter in School to go. I am Day One: Full Circle Dairy, located in Lee, City, Mississippi, taught us about how the rice Cottonwood, Alabama, opened our eyes to currently a student provided us lunch boxes with goodies and ice Overall, it was such was grown, cleaned and packaged. We got to how different locations influenced the way its cream sandwiches at the end of our tour. attending Spoto High an amazing experitake some rice home! chapters function. so much more. We School, yet I was still ence getting to go able to apply and aton the trip and learn tend the trip. about all the different The RVHS Sumcareers and opportumer Ag Tour started nities related to agriin 2014 and has been culture while also getgoing strong ever ting to connect and since, except for the make new friends that COVID-19 years. This share the same interyear was the first trip ests as you. I learned since 2019, and to ease so many new things back into the groove of Day Seven: Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Day Ten: UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and from the new friends Day Nine: Nine Twenty Cattle & Company in Birmingham, Alabam, taught us about the things, we did a propExtension Lab in Gainesville, we learned about I made over the duMetter, Georgia. we toured its pasture as well programs it offers for kids to come learn about er road trip. Normally, agriculture, hands-on activities and how it the importance of honey bees, got hands-on ration of the trip. The as seeing the process full circle from the animal every other year they experience with them and handled honey bees! fact that this trip is to the meat processing plant. It even so kindly donates back to the community. would fly into a state, not only available to learned with others. provided us with dinner! tour the surrounding states and fly back also visited multiple I was so excited to Riverview High School students is one of home (with varying locations every year). colleges that offer tell my family, other FFA members and the things I love about it. To help make But this year, it was just driving the majors involved in agriculture, including even my friends who aren’t related to ag the trip more affordable for everyone, dairy production, poultry science and what I did and what I learned on my trip. several sponsors contributed funding. A whole time! In only 10 days we went to 31 different production, plant production, biological Personally, one of my favorite stops special thanks to these sponsors: Futuagricultural industries spanning across and agricultural engineering, horse and was the dairy farm on the very first day. reCow, Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixthe states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama beef teaching units and even agricultural I saw dairy heifers and cows, and to be ie, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, and Mississippi. The sole purpose of education, though the list goes on and on. able to see such a large-scale production Florida Strawberry Growers Association We tend to forget just how widespread facility was so incredible! The farm grow- and Lacy Brown Specialty Advertising. these trips is to not only teach students agriculture is and the endless opportuni- ing its own crops for feed, the cow stalls, Next year, the tour will be going to Illiabout agriculture but show them the vast ties it has to offer. There is always some the sanitation management, the recycling nois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. amount of opportunities they have witharea of agriculture that you will be able of waste, the way it houses the calves, in the umbrella term of ‘agriculture.’ We True ‘agvocates’ don’t keep the opporto find interest in. Not only do we get to the process of the cows being milked tunities to themselves, they allow others went to various places, such as a clam farm, sturgeon farm, sod farm, lavender learn about these different career choic- and the milk being transferred onto the to participate so that they too can grow farm, rice farm, hydroponics farm and es, but we also get to share what we trucks which are shipped to processing in their love for agriculture.
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 31
GOLDEN EARS SANCTUARY OFFERS TWO LEGAL DOCUMENTS A GOOD ELDERLY AND SICK DOGS WITH A IDEA FOR ADULT CHILDREN By Michelle Caceres LOVING HOME By Deven King
With the pandemic people can purchase and inflation, taking things for the dogs. care of pets has beThe community is also come more expensive able to help through especially for pets that donating money with are sick or elderly. In AmazonSmile shopping, Wesley Chapel, Jennifer In Memory donations Langston started Goldand donating regularly en Ears Sanctuary to through the sanctuary’s take care of such dogs. website. People who Golden Ears Sanctuwork at businesses that ary is completely operdouble donations can Jennifer Langston with Benson (left) ated by Langston with also register Golden and Cole (right). the occasional help of Ears Sanctuary in their volunteers; the carecompany’s matching taking, cleaning and the program. sanctuary’s social meOn Saturday, August dia content is all done 20, the sanctuary will by her. have its fourth annual The Sanctuary is Pins for Pups Bowling complete with an acre Fundraiser at Pin Chasof land, chickens, turers in Tampa. The cost keys, a tortoise and five is $20 and includes cats, and the dogs are three rounds of bowling, entirely cage-free, have shoes and a donation to free access to the out- Dogs at Golden Ears Sanctuary having Golden Ears. doors and have their Langston founded the snuggle Sundays with volunteers. own beds. sanctuary in 2019 after Currently, the Sanctuary has 18 dogs having two older dogs of her own that she that all live with Langston in her home. couldn’t take care of anymore and giving Langston takes in dogs that are 10 years them up to someone she thought could or older or have severe medical conditions take care of them. But when she found out and were abandoned by their owners. that the lady wasn’t taking care of them, Langston said, “Golden Ears was created she got them back and commemorated as a sanctuary for senior hospice dogs. A their memory by starting Golden Ears lot of senior and extremely medical-needy so she could help other old and suffering dogs are abandoned at shelters or worse dogs, wanting them to have a caring and sometimes, so I strive to provide a loving loving home as they pass. home for the dogs.” For more information or to donate, call On the Golden Ears Sanctuary website, 813-789-3371 or visit https://goldeneLangston has Amazon Wish Lists that arsrescue.org/.
As summer turns to didn’t specify certain fall, flocks of recent high types of assets and school graduates leave the institution, usually the nest and head off to a bank, refused to accollege or university for cept the document bethe first time, leaving parcause it wasn’t specific ents with a wide range of enough. emotions as they watch His current power their children prepare to of attorney covers 16 spread their wings as inpages. Getting legal documents in place is an dependent young adults. “We’ve become a important step to complete before your With the flurry of more complicated college students leaves the nest. last-minute preparations, world, so consequently such as purchasing textbooks and school sup- we write it as pervasively as possible to preplies, making sure vaccinations are up to date vent a situation where someone attempts to and getting copies of prescriptions so they use it and runs into a roadblock,” he said. can fill them on-campus, there is one more The second legal document, a medical task to add to the to-do list: legal documents. directive, gives a parent access to medical When a person turns 18, they become a information. Recently, a mother had to rush legal adult, which means parents — even if her 28-year-old son to the emergency room. they’re still financially supporting their adult When she was in the waiting room while he children — no longer have the legal right to was being treated, she was denied informainquire or direct decisions related to medical, tion on his status because he was an adult financial or educational records. It’s a good and hadn’t given her authorization. It wasn’t idea for anyone 18 and older to have in place until she was brought to his treatment room a durable power of attorney and a medical that she got information about his care. directive, also referred to as a health care “If your adult child has to be hospitalized, surrogate designation or medical power of then the hospital will be within their rights to attorney. refuse to give parents any information about The durable power of attorney is a legal their child or make critical care decisions redocument that gives a designated person lated to their medical care,” he said. “Whether (called an agent) the authority, if needed, to two hours away or across the country, you’re handle legal, tax and financial matters on not going to get that information unless the behalf of their child. This can be especially child has signed that authorization.” valuable if their child’s school is far away or if Parents wanting to strike a balance bethey’re studying abroad. tween respecting a child’s right to privacy Attorney Tom Gallo of Tom Gallo Law said and independence and being there to assist that when he first started practicing law, and protect them in times of need might have more than 40 years ago, a power of attor- a conversation with their student to educate ney was just a couple pages long, but they them on the importance of executing these have become longer and more detailed. He legal documents. described situations where older documents To learn more, call Gallo at 813-815-4529.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
THE 2022 YEA! AWARDS PRESENTED TO SIX STUDENTS IN JUNE
By Kathy L. Collins
The 2022 for nominating Youth Excellence me.” and Achievement Emily MooreAwards (othShrieves from erwise known Bloomingdaas the YEA! le High School Awards) were was awarded given to six high the YEA! Award school and midfor Volunteer dle school stuor Community dents on June 15 Service. Mooreat the beginning The Hillsborough County Board of County Commis- Shrieves was of a Hillsborough sioners, led by Commissioner Kimberly Overman (far v a l e d i c t o r i a n County Board of and senior class left), recently presented six high school and middle County Commis- school students with the 2022 Youth Excellence and president. She sioners meeting. Achievement Awards, otherwise known as the YEA! will attend HarAwards. Locally, several vard in the fall high school students were recognized for and pursue a degree in political science their achievements. with a minor in international relations in The YEA! Awards have several catego- economics. She is a member and leader of ries. These include leadership — demon- several clubs and gave 330 hours of comstrating a positive impact on others in an munity service. ongoing endeavor, such as sports, acaMoore-Shrieves said, “It is an honor demics or the arts; volunteer or communi- to receive this award when there are so ty service — allocating discretionary time many students who deserve it as well.” to help others or completing a project Kevin Ibarias Nanez from Sumner High that improves the community; and suc- School was awarded the YEA! Award for cess despite difficult odds — overcoming Success Despite Difficult Odds. Nanez personal difficulty to attain success and emigrated from Mexico when he was in make a positive impact on others. eighth grade. He did not speak English, Ashton Kitchiner from Newsome High but by the end of ninth grade he exited School was awarded the YEA! Award for the English as a Second Language proLeadership. Kitchiner is the son of South gram and began taking AP (advanced African immigrants. He has given 273 placement) classes. He graduated with a hours in community service, officiates ele- GPA of 4.0. mentary and middle school students in laCounty Commissioner Harry Cohen said crosse, runs a successful online enterprise of Nanez, who could not attend, “His lanand finished with a weighted GPA of 7.77. guage skills transcended barriers. He is a Kitchiner, who will attend University symbol of achieving while having to learn of Florida, said, “Thank you to the coun- a new language.” ty commissioners for this award. I also For information on the YEA! Awards, thank Miss Howard of You Matter To Me please visit www.hcflgov.net/yea.
Volume 21, Issue 8
AMERICAN ARMED FORCES MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION HELPS LOCAL MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS By Libby Hopkins Established in 1879, timate goal in mind, the American Armed which is to serve and Forces Mutual Aid Asprotect our nation’s sociation (AAFMAA) sailors. “I provide is the longest-standthese same traits in ing, nonprofit finanthe wealth managecial solutions provider ment world, consupporting military tinuing to serve and families and veterans protect our nation’s with advice, informamilitary members,” tion, insurance, finanNemanic said. cial planning, investThe mission of ments, mortgages, AAFMAA is to help survivor assistance ensure the finanand other benefits. cial security and Riverview resident Anthony Nemanic Riverview resident independence of Anthony Nemanic is a is a relationship manager for AAFMAA the members of the relationship manager Wealth Management & Trust as well as a American armed proud member of the Greater Riverview for AAFMAA Wealth forces community by Chamber of Commerce. Management & Trust providing insurance as well as a proud member of the Great- and other benefits. er Riverview Chamber of Commerce. “I Nemanic and the team at AAFMAA was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but Wealth Management & Trust underI lived in Norfolk, VA and Washington stand how vital it is for members of the D.C. prior to relocating to Tampa with military community to get the support my wife, Megan,” Nemanic said. “I’ve they need and deserve for putting their been in Riverview now for a year, work lives on the line every day. “That’s why fully remotely and have been a Greater we give you 100 percent of our time Riverview Chamber member since Janu- and attention in return,” Nemanic said. ary 2022. I’ve also gotten involved in the “I want us to become a household name community by helping coach the Fish- for military, veterans and their families.” Hawk Spartans youth football teams, If you would like to learn more about which has been an absolute blast.” the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Prior to joining AAFMAA Wealth Association, you can visit its website at Management & Trust, Nemanic provided www.aafmaa.com. six years of expertise as a nuclear engiIf you are a local military family or neer with Naval Sea Systems Command veteran and you would like a comple(NAVSEA). He spent his time at NAV- mentary investment portfolio review, SEA providing a combination of detailed contact Anthony Nemanic by calling technical rigor and outstanding custom- 813-538-2634 or emailing anemanic@ er service while always keeping the ul- aafmaa.com.
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
NEW LOCAL BUSINESS COOK RESTORATION ALLOWS YOU TO RESTORE MEANINGFUL ARTWORK By Ella Martin Is your old artwork in was offered a job at Durrett bad condition, causing you Studio & Gallery, a fine art to want to throw it away? restoration studio in MariWell, now there is a solution etta, Georgia, she gained a that allows you to restore passion for restoration. The and preserve your artwork. women who owned the stuTracy Riggio runs Cook Resdio trained her; Riggio endtoration in Valrico, offering ed up working for her for museum-quality fine art several years, expanding her conservation and restoration skills and knowledge of resservices. toration. Cook Restoration can preWhile working there, she serve your canvas as well as Tracy Riggio, owner of Cook was given the opportunity Resoration. frames and offers original to manage the frame restofine art for collectors or inration side of the business. terior designers. Cook ResEven at just 24 years old, toration started in 2013, Riggio gained a name for when Riggio had to leave herself in the restoration her job as a conservator art industry. All these opwhen she relocated from portunities led to Riggio Atlanta to Augusta, Georopening her own business gia. Riggio explained that in 2013. she started the business For the conservation “out of necessity because and restoration process to the area had zero art resbe done, there are a series toration businesses, so if of steps. First, all artwork I wanted to stay in that starts with a consultation field, I had to start my to assess the needs. Next, A canvas before and after restoown.” a service is decided on for ration. When Riggio moved to the artwork. These services Florida, she brought her include cleaning, canvas business with her, allowing the Valrico area stretching to inpainting and more for canto have access to her talent. Riggio gradu- vas. For frames, services include structurated from the Atlanta College of Art with al repair, regilding and more. This process a BFA. However, she gained most of her takes between two to four weeks. knowledge on conservation by “learning Overall, Cook Restoration is an amazing from people who had come before us in this way to restore any artwork ranging from business, and they had learned the same museum art to artwork with a sentimental way.” value, such as a gift from a spouse. Once Riggio graduated college, she had For informationa, visit www.cookrestoa variety of art related jobs, but when she ration.com.
Volume 21, Issue 8
OSTINGERS BASEBALL ACADEMY’S 17U TEAM WINS PG WWBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP By Lily Belcher Ostingers Osting attriBaseball Acadbutes his team’s emy’s 17U team success this seawon the Perfect son to the emGame WWBA phasis on funWorld Champidamentals and onship in Georselfless teamgia on July 14 work. The group against the of juniors are at Georgia Bomba difficult point ers after the in their high weeklong tourschool career nament. Fighting Ostingers Baseball Academy’s team of 18 athletes won with some teamthe WWBA World Championship on July 14. for the champimates having onship, Ostingalready signed ers won all seven consecwith their dream college utive games necessary to and others still seeking the earn the title due to the deserved attention from single elimination structure scouts. In some clubhousof the tournament. es, this would cause ani“We play together as a mosity within the team, team,” said coach Jim Osbut Osting congratulated ting. “Player development his group of athletes for is a big part of our program … working the unity they showed in working toward from a young age, working your way up, their shared goal. learning the game the right way and being “All of our programs and the culture of fundamentally sound.” our programs are built on ‘It’s all about us Osting’s team came out swinging, scor- together,’” said Osting. “It’s a collective ing an early two runs in the champion- group, and these guys have taken it upon ship game. Georgia hit a three-run homer themselves to be great teammates and bringing the score to 3-2, but a big top of build on our philosophy of the program.” the fourth gave Ostingers the 8-3 lead. While the championship team was a The team would tack on three more runs group of 18 rising seniors, Ostingers Baseto win the championship game 11-3. ball Academy fosters a love of baseball in The hot bats of Ostingers’ hitters, led all students from the ages of 8-18. A core by tournament MVP Evan Dempsey and handful of this year’s champions have been paired with the commanding pitching ro- with the baseball academy since a young tation, allowed the team to outscore op- age and led the team as veterans of both ponents 66-16 in the seven-game stretch. the sport and Ostingers Baseball AcadeDempsey, who will graduate from New- my. some in 2023, went 4-for-4 in the champiOstingers Baseball Academy is located onship game with a grand slam and, of the at 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. For 436 teams worth of ballplayers, earned more information, visit the website at ostthe MVP title. ingbaseball.com.
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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New Friends. New Beginnings.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
GAINING MOMENTUM FOR THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR
Volume 21, Issue 8
PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR SCHOOLS ON AUGUST BALLOT By Brad Stager
By Superintendent Addison Davis We enter a new academic year full of confidence and excitement as Hillsborough County Public Schools is ranked 19th in the state, its highest ranking in history. The incredible achievement was realized through the hard work and dedication of teachers, support staff, leaders, students and families. This celebration is only the beginning of what we will achieve together. Hillsborough County Public Schools is unveiling fresh initiatives and a new school in 2022-23. We are thrilled to add the Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy under the leadership of Principal Missy Lennard to the tradition of excellence in south county. This pre-K-8 school offers another educational option to meet the needs of our growing student population in this area. Our district is also expanding accelerated learning to 13 more high schools and one middle school by adding the Cambridge AICE Program. Under this rigorous pathway, students can earn 100 percent Bright Futures Scholarships without an SAT score requirement, opening new opportunities for secondary education while decreasing economic barriers. Cambridge AICE was piloted at Sumner High School and will be expanded to Shields Middle School and East Bay and Riverview high schools. South county will also benefit from a
new Bridge to Biliteracy program at Summerfield Crossings and Dawson elementary schools. It is designed to develop Spanish proficiency for students by providing a full Spanish immersion experience for 50 percent of the day, learning academics in two languages on an alternating basis. Funded by the Department of Defense, the initiative is slated to expand from two to seven schools within four years. Finally, our district is embarking on a new federal reimbursement program that will offer meals at no cost to more than 80 percent of our student body. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows schools where 40 percent or more of students are categorically eligible for free school meals to provide free meals to all students on that campus. More than 170 schools will benefit from this program, which decreases paperwork for parents, schools and nutrition staff. While student performance will remain top of mind, so will mental wellness. Our district has received additional funding from the state to bolster counseling services, including our Mobile Response Unit for students in crisis. We stand ready to remedy the effects of the pandemic while looking forward with optimism as we embark on our quest to become a top-10 school district.
Hillsborough school district in County voters will the United States have a chance in with 220,000 the Tuesday, Austudents who are gust 23 primary taught by 14,181 election to decide if teachers. The disthey want to pay a trict has a total of millage tax to fund 23,815 employees. public schools. District offiHillsborough County Public School District is The question votcials said the tax asking voters to approve a property tax increase to ers face is whether fund salaries and educational programs. Shown is would allow them to pay a $1 million to provide instrucAlafia Elementary School in Valrico. tax or $1 for every tional employees, $1,000 of taxable such as teachers property value. and counselors, The next queswith an average tion for many $4,000 annual property owners pay increase and is what that means in give about $2,000 more terms of actual cost and per year to support impact to their budgets. staff, like bus drivers According to the school and cafeteria workers. district’s web page exSome of the new plaining the tax, “a proprevenue will be used to erty valued at $246,808 increase art, music and (median market value in workforce education Hillsborough) with a homestead exemption opportunities for students. The district said applied, an owner would pay about $18.48/ it will hire 45 art teachers, 67 music teachmonth or $222/year.” ers and 37 physical education teachers for An estimated $146 million is expected to elementary schools. be raised annually for the four-year term Hillsborough County Schools Superinof the tax, which will begin on July 1, 2023 tendent Addison Davis said the district has and end on June 30, 2027 unless renewed worked hard to align its budget between by voters. needs and funding during a challenging School district officials cited a staffing time. shortage they want to address with higher “We’ve had to make some very difficult, pay as a major reason for needing the tax, hard choices over the last two years,” he especially with the high rate of economic said in a video about addressing finances, inflation in the Tampa Bay area. They said which is available on the district’s website. the district needs to hire about 400 teachEarly voting in the election begins on ers and other instructional employees and Monday, August 8 and runs through Sunalmost 600 support personnel to have the day, August 21, with Election Day and the district fully staffed. The Hillsborough Coun- end of the primary election voting cycle octy School District is the seventh-largest curring on Tuesday, August 23.
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP HOPEFULS NOW HAVE THE OPTION TO INCLUDE PAID WORK HOURS
By Linda Chion
There are new rules for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program which concern an expanded eligibility requirement that allows for paid work to substitute for volunteer hours. In giving his seal of approval to House Bill 461, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 27 touted the merits for allowing 100 hours of paid work experience to serve as a substitute for the 100 hours of community service required for the Florida Academic Scholars award, the 75 hours required for the Florida Merit Scholars award and the 30 hours required for both the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship awards. “Florida students should not lose the opportunity to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship because they have to work to help their families make ends meets,” DeSantis said. “After-school jobs teach our students valuable life lessons, much like community service hours do.” According to the legislation, volunteer or paid work can include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. As students, parents, guardians, businesses, counselors and nonprofits weigh the changes, guidance counselors are gearing up to discuss the new measures,
which take effect with the 2022-23 school year. Introduced by Senator Travis Hutson (R7), House Bill 461 authorizes, but does not require, a student to “identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him or her and develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issues or learning about the area.” As originally proposed, the bill would have required a student to do so. The bill does require a student, “through papers or other presentations,” to evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience. Hours either way must be documented in writing and signed by the student, his or her parent or legal guardian and a representative of the organization through which the student earned his or her hours. Funded by the Florida Lottery, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program was established in 1997. For more on program eligibility and requirements, visit the Florida Department of Education at www.fldoe.org. Read the text of House Bill 461 at www.myfloridahouse. gov. For the Bright Futures Student Handbook, visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPBFMAIN/ SAPBFMAIN. For information on student financial assistance, visit https:// www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/ SAPHome/SAPHome.
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VFCC HOSTS ITS 2022 BACK-TO-SCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Staff Report The Valrico Fishhawk Church (Riverview). At Chamber of Commerce the event, teachers will (VFCC) will be hosting its be given the opportuniannual Back-to-School ty to submit their AmaTeacher Appreciation zon Wish Lists. The wish Luncheon, sponsored by lists will be available for Ferman Mazda of BranVFCC members to purdon, on Thursday, Auchase school supplies gust 4 at Bloomingdale from their chosen wish Senior High School in list(s) and have supplies Valrico. With the help Wes Lyons, motivational speaker, au- shipped directly to the from its sponsors, the thor of The Pursuit with Patience and teachers for the second former wide receiver for the University chamber honors new half of the school year. of West Virginia and the Pittsburgh teachers at each school A boxed lunch includSteelers. it services by putting toing dessert and a drink gether this amazing event. will be provided by ChickThe luncheon is a small fil-A of Lake Brandon Viltoken of appreciation for lage and Bloomingdale. the hard work the teachWhile teachers eat, those ers and staff are about to in attendance from Hillendure — countless hours sborough County School of grading papers, learning District will be introduced, the different personalities and then the guest speakof their students, being er, Wes Lyons, will be inrole models and so much troduced. He is a motivaThe cover of The Pursuit with more. The VFCC services tional speaker, author of Patience by Wes Lyons. 18 schools in the Brandon, The Pursuit with Patience Valrico and Lithia area. Each school’s princi- and former wide receiver for the Univerpal is invited to bring six of its new teachers sity of West Virginia and the Pittsburgh to attend the luncheon. Steelers. He will encourage and inspire the OneBlood will be outside collecting valu- teachers and staff in preparation for their able, much-needed blood donations for new school year. Members of the chamber’s those that are interested. Chamber mem- board will take a few minutes to speak, and bers will line the Bloomingdale auditorium then the program will conclude with a varihallway so the teachers are able to meet ety of raffle items being awarded to winning and learn about the businesses in their com- teachers. munity. They are then guided to their table, The Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Comwhere they will be greeted by their table merce wants to say thank you to every host and business sponsor. The teachers will teacher and staff member at each of the each receive a bag filled with various sup- schools, wish them to have a great year with plies donated by the chamber’s three supply amazing students. sponsors: Southeast Regional Insurance, Big For information, visit valricofishhawk.org. Sur Technologies and Bayside Community or email bts@valricofishhawk.org.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT COMES TO VILLAGE PLAYERS IN VALRICO The Village PlayPazo said, “I ers will present picked this show Monty Python’s because, coming Spamalot, a muout from COVID, I sical comedy, in think people need August. Spamalot to laugh a lot. I am will be held at the excited because I Village Players’ know a lot of our theater, the James patrons have never Directed by Domin Pazo McCabe Theatre, seen it. Not everylocated at 206 N. one can afford to Evenings 5th St. in Valrico. go to New York or August 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 (Curtain 8pm) Spamalot will be even to the Straz Matinees • August 14, 21 (Curtain 3pm) presented on FriCenter. I like to day, August 12, 19 Fans of musical comedy do not have to travel to think we can bring and 26 and Satur- Broadway to see a great show. The Village Play- a little bit of Broaders will present Monty Python’s Spamalot this day, August 13, 20 way to them.” August at its historic theater, the James McCabe and 27 at 8 p.m. Spamalot has a Theatre in Valrico. There will be two lot of fun stuff hapmatinees on Sunday, August 14 and 21 at pening. It is tough to take it all in at once 3 p.m. because it’s absurdly funny. You can bring Tickets are $18 for general admission anyone to the show, even those who do and $15 for seniors, military and students. not know anything about Monty Python. You can purchase the tickets by calling Pazo added, “With all the politics and the box office at 813-480-3147 or visiting news that can just make you depressed, thevillageplayersvalrico.com. this show, because it is Monty Python, is Veteran actor and director Domin Pazo so funny and silly, I can not imagine anyis directing Spamalot. This musical come- one coming and not leaving feeling they dy is based on the 1975 low-budget film had a great night out.” Monty Python and The Holy Grail. King Pazo is very complimentary of his cast Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and crew. “I am very proud of them. There embark on a surreal, low-budget search are so many songs and lines, and it is just for the Holy Grail in which they encounter nonstop. My cast and crew never miss a many very silly obstacles. In 2004, Monty beat. They work hard and it will pay off.” Python and The Holy Grail was named as For more information and to get tickets, the best British picture by film fans. please visit thevillageplayersvalrico.com.
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Volume 21, Issue 8
BRONWYN BEST JARDIN PUBLISHES MEMOIR Lithia resident and writand raising teenagers. With er Bronwyn Best Jardin retirement, I turned back to published Light Through my writing and the memoir Broken Pieces- Memoir of began to take shape.” a Storm Survivor in OctoJardin has been a poetry ber 2021. The book is availlover since childhood. Her able at Amazon Books in first published piece was paperback and Kindle. An called “Surviving Andrew.” audiobook is in the works. This landed in the top 100 Jardin has lived in Lithpoems list of Writer’s Digest. ia since 2018. She and Bronwyn Best Jardin, a resident Her poems also appeared in her husband returned to of Lithia, described herself as a the National Library of PoetFlorida 2014 after 22 child of storms and thought she ry, American Poetry Annual years of Air Force life and had mastered the skills for riding and Musings. She has writout rough weather. This was until ten poems and articles for 16 years in Georgia. she lived through Hurricane Light Through Broother publications as well. Andrew. Her new memoir, Light ken Pieces is about JarIn 2018 Jardin’s first book, Through Broken Pieces, is now din’s experience of living Soft Trades, Hard Blows, A available on Amazon Books. through Hurricane AnPoetry Collection debuted on drew in 1992. Jardin and her family lost Amazon Books. everything. She was a eyewitness to the deIn Light Through Broken Pieces, you get struction of Homestead Air Force Base. Ac- Jardin’s mingle of comedy and tragedy as cording to Jardin’s description of the book, she takes you through her life-long journey “There, a life-changing encounter compelled of longing for love and unlocking faith that her to confront the tempests she had sur- conquers fear. In the book, Light Through vived for years, including those inside the Broken Pieces, Jardin reveals the pathway walls of her home.” found out of the wreckage of storms, to find According to Jardin, “Writing this book indestructible treasure. was a long process. At first, shellshocked, Jardin added, “The book includes a few I scribbled journal notes. I mostly wrote hurricane preparation tips some readers for therapy to process grief. My family’s ex- may have never encountered, such as how periences of preparing, sheltering and sal- to ready your home should you have to vaging after Andrew became short stories. evacuate. My hope is that readers realize Through fellowship at George Mason Uni- we are all surviving something in life.” versity’s Northern Virginia Writing Project You can follow Jardin on both Instagram in 1994, I workshopped the foundational @bronwynjardin and Facebook (Bronwyn chapters for a longer story but put the per- Best Jardin) or visit www.bronwynbestjarsonal writing aside while teaching full time din.com
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
GET THE DIRT:
MY FAVORITE NATIVE PLANTS BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT birds, sports year-round After paging through flowers and is a great the Florida-Friendly Landground cover. We have it scaping™ (FFL) Guide to around our two-level pond Plant Selection and Landin the Bette S. Walker scape Design, I identified Discovery Garden at our 14 native plants that are office courtyard. my favorites. The top five Climbing aster, Aster were hard to choose and carolinianus, can reach a are firebush, beach sunFirebush height of 1-12 feet and a flower, climbing aster, spread of 2-4 feet. It precoontie and blanket flowfers full sun and does well er. Ornamental grasses in partial sun/shade. Its are not included because lavender fall flowers atI recently published an tract birds and butterflies. article about muhly and This plant is in the mint fakahatchee. family. Our ecosystem contains Beach Sunflower Coontie, Zamia florimany native plants which dana, is a fast-growing, native, palm-like provide shelter and food for birds, butterplant. It can reach a height of 1-5 feet and a flies, bees and other animals. Your site conspread of 3-5 feet. Coontie is highly drought ditions, sun, shade, mature size (height and tolerant, easy to propagate from seed, atspread), soil pH, soil moisture and texture tracts birds and butterflies and is the sole should be considered when making plant larval food source for the Atala hairstreak selections. Firebush, Hamelia patens, a fast-grow- butterfly. Blanket flower, Gaillardia pulchella, a ing, large shrub, can reach a height of 5-20 fast-growing, native perennial, can reach a feet and a spread of 5-8 feet. It can surheight of 1-2 feet and a spread of 2-3 feet. It vive in full sun or partial sun/shade and has has high drought tolerance, prefers full sun low to no salt tolerance. The orange-red and produces yellow/orange/red summer flowers attract birds, bees, butterflies and flowers that attract butterflies. hummingbirds. Some people prefer the You can order a free copy of the FFL Plant darker green foliage in the shade; others Selection Guide from the Southwest Florida prefer the orange/red/yellow leaves in full Water Management District at www.swfwsun. This shrub dies back if there is a freeze, md.state.fl.us/resources/free-publications. but shoots appear when the temperature For assistance with horticultural queswarms and post-pruning. tions, call us at 813-744-5519 or visit us at Beach sunflower, Helianthus debilis, a the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, fast-growing perennial, can reach a height located at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. of 1-4 feet and a spread of 2-4 feet. It has Contact Barber at her at labarber@ufl. high drought and salt tolerance and prefers edu. full sun. This plant attracts butterflies and
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
BY MICHAEL MURPHY
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5 | Friday 9-12
August can typically sitional redfish that be the hottest month move back and forth of the year. With that between the flats and mind, focus your fishing the back country as the tactics to deeper watides move in and out. Specifically, look at the ter drop-offs. Greenies deeper passes. Chum will still be prevalent heavy with greenies or on the flats, but they cut threads in the areas may have difficulty and wait about 15 minsurviving in the live Cathie Jo Cornett and Samantha Faircloth with 2 redfish well for any length of utes for any blowups on time. If you’re fishing the baits, and if nothing in the shallow back washows, find another location. Pinfish work ters, you may want to well under the manwork with pinfish. They can tolerate anoxic or groves in higher tides. low-oxygen areas. As Trim the tail and dorsal the water get into the fin with a pair of scis90s, limited oxygen sors and use a 1/0 hook will be your biggest on a 25# test leader. obstacle. Fish for trout In the hotter water, in the deeper drops on it becomes a cost vs. the grass flats with reward situation for Sally and George Bodmer with snook and jigs, pinfish or greenies. these fish. How much redfish Snook and reds will be energy will they conon the deeper channels between mangrove sume trying to chase a greenback, or should islands and deep areas on the flats. they just eat the big chunk of protein flowCaptain Branden McCorkle is a guide in ing in front? the Apollo Beach area and is superb at loMcCorkle has been fishing these areas all cating redfish. These are some of his fishing his life and was the youngest guide in the points for catching great redfish. The red- area when he started. He really has shown fish will start to gather back up in schools his prowess at locating these redfish and in preparation for their fall runs. To begin catching them consistently. The name of with, he pays attention to the water around his charter is True Lies Fishing Charter, and the flats. Look for birds working bait, mullet you can contact him on Facebook under the schools migrating through the skinny water same name or call 813-480-5111. You will flats or large balls of baitfish for the tran- not be disappointed.
Expires 8/31/2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
August 2022
Page 41
7TH ANNUAL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
FLORIDA HOME PARTNERSHIP BREAKS GROUND ON MAGNOLIA GARDEN SQUARE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY IN WIMAUMA
CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC IN SEPTEMBER
Staff Report
Staff Report
Florida Home Partnership (FHP), Hillsborough County’s leading nonprofit-certified affordable housing homebuilder, recently broke ground on Magnolia Garden Square in Wimauma. Magnolia Garden Square is one of the first affordable housing communities in Florida to also offer healthy living features that will enhance quality of life for its residents. The community will feature 38 new homes that are available to those earning 80 percent or below the median income. The owners receive their loans through USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program and are expected to participate in a minimum of 600 hours in the building of their homes and their neighbors’ homes, using sweat equity as a stipulation to the loan. “We are so proud to build these homes and to partner with USDA to provide affordable living options in Wimauma,” said Vanessa Josey, FHP COO. “The program is designed to build a sense of community and ownership that is crucial to its long-
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A group shot taken from one of the Knights of Columbus’ previous Charity Golf Classics. This year’s event will take place on Friday, September 23 at the Bloomingdale Golfers Club.
The Knights of Columbus’ $400 for a foursome. Hole sponsorCharity Golf Classic, sponsored ship is available for $100. There will by Mother Seton Council 6724, is be prizes for first, second and thirdpreparing for its seventh annual place finishers, men’s and women’s round of golf. This is its first fundlongest drive and closest to the raising event since the COVID-19 pin. The Knights of shutdown in 2020 and will take Columbus website This year, there will be four QR Code place on Friday, September 23 at hole-in-one contests. One hole has the Bloomingdale Golfers Club, located at a 2022 GMC Canyon truck (provided by Ri4113 Great Golfers Pl. in Valrico. vard GMC) as the prize, and there are three “The proceeds will be used for charitable other $1,000 hole opportunities. events throughout the year,” explained Neil There will be additional fundraising opWaid, council community director. “We sup- portunities with a live auction, 50/50 conport organizations such as Special Olympics, test and raffle baskets. Lopez Exceptional Center and the James A. “The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal Haley Veterans’ Hospital, along with various organization,” Waid stated. This selfless orother local organizations that are on the ganization believes in and supports the true club’s list of recipients.” meanings of charity, unity, fraternity and pa“Donations are also made to support the triotism. Homeless Veterans Outreach, Nativity OutFor individual and foursome registration reach Food Bank and veteran families in forms as well as sponsorship opportunities, need each year,” said Waid. visit kofcbrandon.org. You may register and Registration will be September 23 from pay by check with registration forms to: 10:30-11:45 a.m. The fee includes golf cart, Mother Seton Council #6724, P.O. Box 1327, range balls, a gift bag, beverages, a grab- Brandon, Florida 33511. Make checks payand-go bag and a dinner buffet. Tee off time able to: Mother Seton 6724. will be promptly at 12 Noon with a four-perFor more information on sponsorship son scramble to add to the excitement of the opportunities, golfer registration or volunday. teering, please email Chuck Lamarche at Registration fees are $100 per golfer, clamarche2@aol.com.
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Future Homeowners, Florida Home Partnership Employees and representatives from the USDA and Hillsborough County were present at the groundbreaking for the new Magnolia Garden Square development.
term success.” The community of villas and townhomes will have a variety of environmental and healthy features that will enhance the quality of its residents’ lifestyles. “We truly see the green space as a meeting spot for the c o m munity. We envision t h e m strolling the a r e a in the evenings, playing catch with their children and gathering to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful fall afternoon,” said Josey. Attendees included board members as well as current and former FHP clients. Speakers included: Martine Dorvil, FHP board member; Michael Marina, FHP executive director; Josue Robles Caraballo, USF research faculty in Architecture and Urban Design; Kimberly Overman, Hillsborough County Commissioner; Lakeisha Hood, USDA Rural Development state director; Cheryl Howell, Hillsborough County Affordable Housing and Community Development director; and Walter Walker Jr., FHP board member. FHP expects to start construction of Magnolia Garden Square by the end of the year. For those interested in learning more about affordable housing options through FHP, please visit its website at https://flhome.org/ or call 813-672-7860.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
COCA-COLA BEVERAGES FLORIDA
BREAKS GROUND ON NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT U.S. 301 & CAUSEWAY BLVD.
By Marie Gilmore
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida breaks ground on a new 800,000 sq. ft. facility located on the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard.
Last week, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, the largest minority-owned business in the state, broke ground on its state-of-the-art, 800,000 sq. ft. complex. The new Coca-Cola Tampa Sales and Distribution Center will be located on 156 acres located at the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard. The complex is part of a $250 million investment for a fully automated fulfillment center and corporate offices. Coke Florida founder, chairman and CEO Troy Taylor was proud of his team’s efforts over the last few years and was joined at the groundbreaking by county, state and business partner reps along with elected officials and members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Guests invited to participate also included Mayor Jane Castor (City of Tampa), Craig Richard (president of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council) and other local, regional and state partners. Castor was proud to be a part of the groundbreaking, saying, “This is a momentous occasion, and Troy Taylor has amassed an incredible team.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers COO Brian Ford said that the Bucs have never served any other beverage but Coca-Cola since 1976. “Today, it’s my honor to present a game ball to Troy and his team,” Ford said while pledging the Bucs’ continued partnership. “Every time we get involved in something charitable in the community, we know we can count on Troy and Coca-Cola to participate, and that partnership means a lot.” Taylor, a Marshall University graduate and father of two, credits his success to his associates, saying, “I have some really, really good people around me that are working toward the same goal. They understand the vision, and they work side by side.” Founded in 2015, Coke Florida is the third-largest privately held and sixth-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. The company operates in an exclusive Florida territory that covers 47 counties and serves over 21 million consumers. The Tampa area is home to Coke Florida’s headquarters and one of four of its manufacturing operations. The company employs over 4,600 associates and was recently named a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. The company is also one of the largest black-owned businesses in the United States and the largest minority-owned business in Florida. To learn more, visit www.cocacolaflorida.com.
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Volume 21, Issue 8
ANGEL FOUNDATION TO REOPEN GIFT SHOP IN BRANDON HOSPITAL
By Sofia Celis Avellaneda
With the Angel Founsupport of dation in HCA Florida other ways, Brandon Hosyou can pital, the peobecome a ple behind the Foundation Angel FounAngel. This dation FL are opportunity reopening the is available Angel gift for all range shop in the of ages; you hospital after can join as The amazing people behind the Angel Foundation FL at a sadly being a regular board meeting. closed due to Angel perthe pandemic. According to Angel Foun- sonally or through your business, or, if dation FL CEO Liz Brewer, “HCA Florida you are still in school, you can join as a Brandon Hospital has been a supporter of Junior Angel and receive community serthe Angel Foundation FL for as long as I vice hours (sixth grade through college). can remember.” Brewer stated, “I started as a volunIn celebration, the Angel Foundation teer in 2004 before becoming the execFL is inviting the community to join in and utive director in 2014 and am now the become a part of the project as a ‘Cor- CEO. I have been blessed to be a part of nerstone Member,’ with varying levels of the foundation since my first opportunity donations to support the shop. to serve, and I am so thankful for all of “Our Cornerstone Members will be rec- our amazing volunteers.” ognized inside the gift shop on a special 2003 was the start of this beautiful wall and in our media marketing and An- foundation, about which Brewer said, gel Directory. We are also going to have “The foundation started … when severa ribbon-cutting with the Brandon Cham- al community leaders wanted to hold a ber and Riverview Chamber of Commerce golf tournament to raise funds for local to celebrate the grand reopening, with charities in our community that were too our Cornerstone Members invited,” said small to host their own tournament.” Brewer. So far, 25-plus people have been This tournament is still occurring, ininterested, and you could be one of those cluding this year on Saturday, October 29; people. It is hoped that the shop will open this is its 20th year. The funds raised in during late-July. the gift shop and in the golf tournament The gift shop itself consists of a variety support local charities and go to families of items one would need to show love, in our community. For more information whether that be for something happy or about the Angel Foundation FL or to beto show concern for someone in the hos- come a sponsor or Cornerstone Member pital. The shop will have affordable gift of the gift shop, email liz@angelfoundaitems for any gender and age range. tionfl.com or call 813-689-6889. If you are interested in supporting the
August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
HAPPY TIME CLOCK REPAIR IS OPEN IN PLANT CITY
By Nick Edwards
clockwork beginning in 2015, ultimately refining his skills before opening his shop about two years ago. Though his shop is based out of his home, the majority of Causey’s work involves traveling to customers, offering an additional level of convenience. Once he begins working, he takes apart the entire clock, polishes all of the pieces and takes care of those that need Daniel Causey’s workstation in his home-based shop.
Since the dawn of time, clocks have always been a time-telling treasure. However, like anything else, they can experience normal wear and tear. That’s why Hillsborough County resident Daniel Causey opened his own clock repair business, Happy Time Clock Repair. A few tools used by Daniel Causey in the repair of timepieces. Being a full-service clock repair shop, Happy Time can repair just repair. After that, the clock is put back about any clock, including wall, grandfa- together and runs on his test stand for ther, mantel, shelf and floor clocks. It has at least a week. This allows Causey to enalso full service available for most types sure that everything is running smoothly of model year clocks, including Urgos, before returning the clock to its owner. Junghans, Hermle, Jauch and Seth Thom- In total, the process takes about three weeks, according to Causey. as. Causey’s passion for restoring classic “I love clocks and I love people, and I timepieces is reflected in the quality of love clock people,” said shop owner Danhis work. To him, he said, “It’s all about iel Causey. What started as a fascination the preservation of these timeless works.” based on an old time-lock safe he found For contact information, visit https:// in his mother’s home progressed quickhappytimeclockrepair.com/, email happyly into a hobby. With the help of online time.clockrepair@gmail.com or call 813instructions and video tutorials, Causey 562-0650. was able to teach himself the ways of
Page 43
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER GETS STATE FUNDS FOR EXPANSION By Brad Stager T h e Ve t e ra n s Resource Center opened in 2017 and will be expanded to include a new Veterans EdArtist rendering of the expanded Veterans Resource Center ucational at Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park and Rear and CulAdmiral Leroy Collins, Jr., Veterans Museum that the state tural Cenfunding will make possible. ter, which Thanks to an infusion of state funding, the will have Veterans Resource Center at Hillsborough a gallery for exhibitions as well as meeting County’s Veterans Memorial Park and Rear facilities. Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum According to a news release from the will be able to expand the support it pro- county, “The Veterans Educational and Culvides to the area’s military community. tural Center will provide programming and The Veterans Resource Center will benefit exhibits to educate the community about from $1.65 million in state funds that will all eras of military service and the historical be used to expand resources at the facility, connection to Hillsborough County and the located on the grounds of the park at 3602 State of Florida.” U.S. 301 N. in Tampa, just south of Martin The Veterans Resource Center provides Luther King Jr. Drive and the Florida State services that help veterans and their famFairgrounds. ilies, as well as surviving family members, The award from the Florida Department in securing benefits provided by federal, of Economic Opportunity was made to Hill- state and local agencies, including accessing sborough County’s Department of Consum- health care benefits at James A. Haley VA er and Veterans Services, of which Frank Hospital in north Tampa. The facility also Strom is the director. He said the facility’s provides outreach service to veterans in asenhancements will be apparent to visitors. sisted living facilities and nursing homes. “They will experience a 4,600-square-foot Besides veteran-related services, the ceneducational facility that will connect visitors ter also offers information consumers can to our 14 memorials and their military con- use to protect themselves from cybercrime, nection and contributions to Hillsborough like identity theft, as well as tips on buying a County,” he wrote in an email. “As both car or asserting rights under Florida’s LandFlorida’s population and tourism continue to lord/Tenant Law. Workers can also file comgrow, so do the needs of our park and facility plaints there about unfair wages or theft of which has become a regional destination.” wages by employers.
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19
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
LOCAL SPECIALLY FIT ATHLETES EARN MEDALS IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
By Nick Nahas
In early June, worked extremely over 4,000 athhard for this moletes competed in ment.” the Special OlymThe USA Games pics USA Games in had a packed stadiOrlando. The state um with thousands of Florida was repof people in attenresented by 600 dance cheering on athletes, including the athletes. Wilson, Specially Fit Founwho was the youngdation locals Omest on his team, was Photos courtesy of the Specially Fit aries Rivera-Perez Foundation. voted team captain and Kyle Wilson. by his coaches for his Omaries Rivera-Perez received second The pair of Rivsportsmanship and place in the 400-meter run and ran her erview residents personal best the day of the competition. character. He is also qualified for the track getting ready to enter and field competition. high school and will Rivera-Perez comtry out for the track peted in the 400-meteam. The Specially Fit ter run, 4 x 100-meathletes train at the ter relay and shot put. BayCare HealthHub on She received second Bloomingdale Avenue, place in the 400-meworking with trainers ter run and ran her to hone their skills. personal best the day “The feeling of comof the competition. peting in front of that Wilson participated many people was in the 100-meter run, amazing, and I loved 200-meter run and every second of it,” 4 x 400-meter relay said Rivera-Perez. and finished in second According to Oliver, Omaries Rivera-Perez competed in place in his 100-meter the 400-meter run, 4 x 100-meter relay the Specially Fit Founpreliminary races as dation provides group and shot put. well. workouts, Special “This competition occurs every four Olympic training, socialization opportuyears, and for both athletes to come nities, animal therapy, group homes and from the same team is an incredible teaches daily life skills to individuals accomplishment,” said Specially Fit with developmental disabilities, all free Foundation owner and head coach Mark of cost. For more information, visit the Oliver. “These are not just amazing ath- website at www.speciallyfitfoundation. letes but also amazing individuals who com.
Widespread across the state and occupying most freshwater and brackish habitats, the Florida softshell turtle can be a regularly observed aquatic critter. The Florida softshell is one of four softshell turtle species that can be found in or around the state. Others include the aquatic smooth softshell and the spiny softshell; both found in the Panhandle, as well as the marine leatherback sea turtle, who can be found nesting on our East Coast during select months in Spring. The Florida softshell is unique because it is the only one of these that can be found spread throughout the entire state with frequency. Easily identified by their brown to olive green, leathery shell, these turtles are commonly mistaken as a snapping turtle. The Florida softshell can range in size, averaging 6-14 inches long, with females being larger than the males. Adult females will also have a shorter tail when compared to those of males. Florida softshells have long necks, reminiscent of snapping turtles, which they can maneuver and extend impressively far towards the back of their shell. This is likely what leads to the misidentification. It is common for good Samaritans helping a softshell safely cross a roadway or out of danger to fall victim to one of their powerful ‘bites’; however, they are a generally docile creature that mean us no harm and want nothing to do with human interaction. These turtles can be found in almost any
pond, marsh or stream and prefer a habitat with a sandy or muddy substrate in which they can submerge themselves into. This also acts as a good way to conceal themselves from predation. Softshell turtles are often preyed upon by alligators, and many hatchlings are a favorite snack to fish, raccoons and wading birds. Their carnivorous diet consists mainly of snails, fish, small, insects, crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. Florida softshells also have characteristic, tubular nostrils that can usually be seen just below or peeking above the flat surface of most ponds and lakes in which they inhabit. Like so many other animals in Florida, softshells face threats from pollution, habitat loss and habitat degradation. Much of their historic nesting grounds have been depleted and continue to disappear due to development and agriculture. Urban runoff and the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides negatively impact many waterways in which they reside. We can help the Florida softshell, other species and our environment by committing to a greener lifestyle, reduced use of fertilizer and keeping Florida clean and wild for Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior and conservation. To reach her, email fishhawktnr4@gmail.com.
Athletic Injury and Performance Florida high school athletes are pushed to perform at high levels, year-round. Whether that be in multiple sports or with single-sport specialization, it puts them at a high risk for overuse injuries. When you get pain while throwing, squatting, or with certain movements during the game, it can be hard to know if you should just push through it or if it’s something that may result in full-on injury if you keep going. The Good News! Many of these aches and pains, if caught early enough, can have simple fixes when properly assessed and treated. But, you could put yourself at risk for more serious injury… If you try to play through the pain. You could cause injury to the muscle, ligaments, or joint, or even change the entire biomechanics of your pitch/swing/etc. Treating an ache versus over-use damage to the body, then re-training movement biomechanics and building back up the strength and endurance to perform at the level you were before, can be the difference in days of rehab compared to months. Unfortunately, it only takes one throw/kick/etc. to cross that line from ache to full-on injury. High school athletes training year-round need to have a relationship with a trusted medical professional familiar with these cases. At Motion ChiroTherpapy, we see athletes involved in everything from baseball to swimming to horseback riding. And it’s not just back pain...many of these athletes have their own individual goals in mind. Some want to get rid of pain they get while playing, others come wanting to pitch faster or stronger at higher counts. Dr. Lutz and Dr. Price create individualized rehab plans to accomplish whatever their patient’s goals are, whether it’s rehabbing injury or training biomechanics for optimal performance. If your high schooler is training year-round, it’s not IF they will get injured, it’s WHEN. Trust the professionals and get treated like a pro at Motion ChiroTherapy. steve@mastergaragedoor.com
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
SATIN & LACE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OWNERS CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF MARRIAGE By Sharon Still Buying a wedding bridal walk experience dress is at the top of to music of her choice. the list of important “We celebrate that days in a woman’s ‘She said yes’ moment life. At Satin & Lace with a toast to comBridal Boutique, plete the experience,” guests are treated said Peter. like royalty with priWhile the spotlight vate appointments, is on the bride, Satin a dedicated bridal & Lace Bridal Bouconsultant and a tique recently teamed champagne toast up with Jim’s Formal when the bride says Wear, the largest proyes to the perfect vider of men’s formal dress. wear in the country, to Satin & Lace Bridoffer its suits, tuxedos al Boutique owners and accessories for Alison and Peter rental or purchase. New brides will be inspired by Satin & Farnan are a true “There are so many Lace Bridal Boutique owners Peter and testament to the exciting developments Alison Farnan as the couple celebrates 35 institution of marhappening at our bouyears of marriage. riage, as the couple tique, but the most exis celebrating 35 years of marriage and citing experience for us is always hearing looking to help other couples plan their a bride say yes to her perfect dress,” comimportant day. mented Peter. “Our mission from the start is to create When asked about making a marriage an exceptional experience for brides as last, after 35 years together, Peter and they look for that perfect dress for their Alison agreed that honesty and commuwedding day,” said Peter, noting the com- nication are necessities. “Be prepared to pany tag line: ‘The Experience Brides & compromise and support each other to Grooms Deserve.’ achieve not only your joint ambitions but Selections are available from main- also your individual dreams,” advised Pestream designers like Justin Alexander, ter. as well as its own label, The London Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique is locatCollection. The Amelia Page Collection, ed in Winthrop Town Centre at 11286 named after the Farnans’ first grandchild, Sullivan St. in Riverview. Appointments is due in August. Dresses range in price are required. It is open on Monday and from $1,200-$2,500. Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m.“We are appointment only and that 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. is so that each bride and her party can and Sunday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. The shop have a private appointment,” said Alison. is closed on Tuesday. Call 813-381-4110 She added that there are two large brid- or visit www.satinandlaceboutique.com al suites, and that the bride is offered a to set an appointment or find out more.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8
UNITED WAY PARTNERS WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS TO REDUCE SUMMER SLIDE By Sydney Burken The summer slide is provided for students not a fun slide. Many that need a tutor in any students struggle when subject. summer comes to an end The United Way Sunand school starts back coast Summer Care proup. To help prevent this, gram’s goal is to offer reUnited Way Suncoast sources and tutoring for teamed up with the Carstudents that tend to get ey Family Brandon Boys down in the dumps when & Girls Club to keep stuschool is out of session. dents connected with Last year, it was recordthe core subjects during ed that 78 percent of the their summer break. Curstudents in Summer Care rently in its 12th year, United Way Suncoast A female student is shown completing initiated its Summer the math portion of the booklet providCare program to add ed to all students. an educational component to summer camps in Hillsborough, Pinellas and maintained or improved Manatee counties to stop their reading level. the summer slide. “Having this fun, The United Way Sunlow-pressure time and coast Summer Care setting to provide stuprogram was created dents with literacy supto negate the learning port allows them to regression that can ocenhance their reading cur when students are skills. We have had many out of school on breaks. children over the years It has provided nearly who started summer $500,000 in scholarships below level and through for students to attend A male student is shown completing the summer reading gains summer camps at one Language Arts and Grammar/Phonics returned to school in of 10 partner sites in the section of the workbook provided to all the fall a stronger, more students. three counties previousconfident reader on ly mentioned. These scholarships include level with their peers,” said Nicole Brown, programs at six different Boys & Girls Clubs director of early learning and community of Tampa Bay sites in Hillsborough, includ- partnerships for United Way Suncoast. ing Brandon, Riverview and Wimauma. The For more information on the United Way scholarships being offered cover not only Suncoast Summer Care program and what the costs of Bridge Books at levels pre-K is offered, please visit www.bgctampa.org, through eighth grade but also the costs of email info@bgctampa.org or call 813-875any T-shirts and field trips. Funding is also 5771.
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August 2022
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 47
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PARKS & REC RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ITS ADAPTIVE WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL TEAM
By Nick Nahas
Nearly a year ago, Parks & Recrethe Hillsborough ation held tryouts County Parks & Reclast summer to reation Department, create a team that through its signature would participate Hillsborough Counin the USAWFL. ty Adaptive Sports There are nine total program, introduced teams in the league, a new sport: wheelmost of which are chair football. The located in NFL citHillsborough County ies. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers WheelBuccaneers prochair Football Team vided team shorts, was selected as an Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County T-shirts and BuccaParks & Recreation Department neers helmet decals. expansion to the Nearly a year ago, the Hillsborough County Former Bucs Super USA Wheelchair Parks & Recreation Department, through Football League (USBowl XXXVII MVP its signature Hillsborough County Adaptive Dexter AWFL). Jackson Sports program, introduced a new sport: In mid-June, the gave a pep talk to wheelchair football. department received the athletes shortly the national Innovation in Social Equi- before they traveled to their first national ty Award from the National Recreation tournament, in which they finished second and Park Association for its Hillsborough overall. County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football The seven-on-seven, one-hand touch Team. The award recognizes an inventive sport is very physical with a lot of conproject or program that creates more eq- tact. It’s played on a hard-surface court uitable communities by improving access that is 60 yards long and 22 yards wide. to local parks and recreation experiences The team consists of 14 total players. They for all residents. practice two to three days a week at Les“It shows the dedication to the depart- ley “Les” Miller Jr. All People’s Communiment and the program itself to making ty Park and Life Center on Sligh Avenue sports available to people that have nev- in Tampa. Most of the players compete er played these sports before,” said head in other adaptive sports as well, such as coach Wayne Bozeman. “It’s the effort wheelchair basketball and archery. of everybody involved to make sure that This season’s schedule includes a nationthese athletes have a chance to be produc- al tournament in Tampa in August. Per tive in their athletic careers.” the county’s website, Hillsborough County The Hillsborough County Parks & Recre- Adaptive Sports is a signature program of ation Department offers several adaptive Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation sports for people with disabilities, such as with a mission to promote health, indewheelchair basketball, track and field and pendence and personal growth through archery. sports for people with physical disabilities.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 21, Issue 8