Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk August 2024

LOCAL MACK ESTRADA SIGNS CONTRACT WITH THE NEW YORK YANKEES

FishHawk Youth Sports Association and Bevis Elementary alum Mack Estrada inked his deal with the Yankees after being selected as the 11th round and 331st pick in the MLB draft. Estrada, 19, was the 2nd youngest Yankee draft pick this year.

“I felt like I was being rewarded for my hard work and reaping what I sowed,” Estrada said.

While he wasn’t a fan of a specific team, he knew he wanted to don the classic pinstripes after learning more about the Yankees.

“Just everything about them is world class,” he said.

Among these ‘world-class’ qualities are the staf, including three biomechanics trainers who Estrada will get to work with at the Tampa training facility as he has already reported to the the Tampa Tarpons, the Yankees Single A MiLB afliate team.

He said getting to train so close to home made his commitment to the Yankees minor league system even better.

Like most rising baseball stars, Estrada’s journey to the majors started in Little League. At just 9 years old, he met family friend and retired MLB pitcher Joey Eischen, who has played a key role in guiding the Yankees commit.

Aside from being his pitching coach, Eischen has been a mentor both on and of the field, encouraging Estrada to be tough, work hard and not take handouts.

Specifically, Estrada was taught to perform like he was a warrior in the coliseum, not just as a pitcher but also as a warrior for Christ. Estrada’s faith and this reminder have played a large part in his journey to the majors.

By Lily Belcher

“It gives me a greater reason other than myself to play and do things that I might not want to do,” he said.

While Estrada was already planning to play for Florida State University in the fall, his decision to join the Yankees now will allow him to jump straight into his playing career and climb the minor league ladder. His draft day selection was a long time coming. Estrada has been watched by scouts and attending pre-draft workouts, where he has spoken with the Yankees.

“It would be nerve-wracking if you didn’t feel like you belonged in the spot that you’re in,” he said about playing in front of scouts.

He said there were games that he felt so nervous, he felt like he was going to throw up. “But by the time I stepped on the mound,” he said, “all those nerves are gone, and I just feel confident.”

The Estrada family is no stranger to athletic success. Parents Rick and Michelle Estrada are athletes themselves proud of all of their kids and Michelle played softball in college. The Estradas lived in FishHawk before moving to Valrico and Mack graduated from Lakeland Christian High School as a two-sport athlete with baseball and football before heading to Northwest Florida State College to to pitch before being scouted.

Eldest sister Allie was also a softball player while Lauren played softball for Polk State and Warner College and Stephanie is a college cheerleader at Florida Gulf Coast University.

TRAVIS MANION 9/11 HEROES 1-MILE AND 5K RUN RETURNS TO FISHHAWK

By Sharon Still

Mark the calendar for Saturday, September 28, and head out to Park Square Plaza at FishHawk to support the community and patriotism at the annual Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run, a heartfelt tribute to honor the heroes of 9/11, our veterans and first responders. Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to participate in 1-mile and 5K oferings. Additionally, there is a division for ruckers, a sport grounded in Special Forces training in which participants carry weighted rucksacks.

The event is put on by the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), a nonprofit organization that honors the legacy of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, who is known for the quote, “If not me, then who?”, a reply to his family when asked why he wanted to return to war. Manion was killed by a sniper on April 29, 2007, while leading a counterattack in Iraq. Those words are now the mantra of TMF, which was established in his memory and is a call to action for people to improve their communities.

Veterans Village within Park Square at FishHawk will open up at 7 a.m. on race day, with online registration and packet pickup. The 9/11 Heroes Run opening ceremony will commence at 7:50 a.m.

The 5K race, including the Ruckers in Remembrance, will kick of at 8:46 a.m., marking the exact time the North Tower was struck on September 11, 2001. A 1-mile Remembrance Run will follow at 9:03 a.m., the exact time the South Tower was struck on 9/11. The event will culminate with an awards ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

Online registration is currently open and sponsorship opportunities are available at several diferent levels, both locally and nationally. Volunteers are needed and there is also an opportunity to participate as a Virtual Runner, from Sunday, September 1, to Tuesday, October 15.

Beau Higgins, former race director, served as commanding ofcer in the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, where Manion served as one of Higgins’ Marines before he was killed.

“His family wanted to keep his legacy alive,” said Higgins. “The idea of the foundation is to remember the sacrifice and find a way to give back.”

The Park Square Plaza at FishHawk is located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. Visit 911heroesrun.org/tampa to sign up.

Join the Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run on September 28.

Mack Estrada signed with the Yankees this summer, starting his journey to the majors.

Proud Supporters of ECHO

BLOOMINGDALE AND NEWSOME BAND TOGETHER TO MAKE MUSIC

This year, for the first time ever, Bloomingdale High School’s Rajun’ Bull Band and Newsome High School’s Wolfpack Marching Band will play together on the field at the same time, as a combined unit. The performance will take place during the halftime show of the Bloomingdale-Newsome football game on Friday, August 23.

By Jane Owen

For the frst time in history, the Bloomingdale and Newsome bands (shown here playing during their 2023 seasons) will perform together on Friday, August 23.

tion can bring the communities together to support a cause as great as music in our schools. What is a better

way to bring communities together than music?” Fraze said.

CELEBRATING JILL ANDREW’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY AT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BLOOMINGDALE

By Alisa Gershman

The combined performance at halftime will take place after one band is presented a trophy for winning the bands’ first annual Backyard Brawl competition.

The Backyard Brawl competition is a fundraising campaign that runs from August 1 to August 23. The band that receives the most donations wins and claims bragging rights for the year. The real winners, of course, are both band programs.

Newsome and Bloomingdale band directors John Davis and Jordan Fraze, respectively, hope that the competition will lead to more opportunities to join forces and create a tighter band community across the rivalry schools.

“Despite it being a rivalry, the real winners here are both bands. Not only because we both will hopefully meet or exceed our fundraising goals, but also because we are doing this in friendly competition and will use this event to bring both of our bands together,” Davis said.

“I believe that this friendly competi-

Combined, the bands will have 265 students on the field (150 Bloomingdale students and 115 Newsome students). They will join in formation and play a marching band stand tune called “Land of a Thousand Dances.” The students learn the song at the Gebhardt Leadership Clinic, sponsored by the Hillsborough County Secondary Music Council, every June. The traditional halftime drills (shows) will be presented after the football game.

Bloomingdale and Newsome bands would love the community’s support and participation in the Backyard Brawl competition. Donations go through a company called Pledge, which gives the programs 100 percent of the donations. Pledge takes all forms of electronic payment on the site supporters get directed to after texting to 707070.

To support the Bloomingdale Band, text BSHSBRAWL to 707070.

To support the Newsome Band, text NEWSOMEBAND to 707070.

For more information, contact Fraze at jordan.fraze@hcps.net or Davis at john. davis@hcps.net.

Community is everything to many of the people living in the Bloomingdale area. People always try and reach out a lending hand whenever it is needed and provide help for others around them. That is no diferent with longtime resident of the area Jill Andrew.

Known for her warm and loving presence, she has fostered this environment through methods she experienced at a young age.

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Andrew lived in a small town with a significant Amish population. There is where she learned and grew up, influenced by the one-room schoolhouse method of teaching. She knew when she started her journey as the director of children’s ministry at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, about 20 years ago, that she would want to incorporate that method into teaching her own students.

She believes in the importance of families in each of our lives, so having siblings and even older family members together on Sundays to learn Bible stories and share the word of God is vital to her lessons and teachings.

She shared, “The children become one family. An only child now has younger and older siblings. A wide age diference between siblings seems to disappear. It mat-

ters not where they are on their faith journey, as all are welcome.”

Celebrating her 20th anniversary at the church, Andrew is reflecting on the wonderful memories she has made with the children, some of whom even come back to visit after years of being out of their schoolroom.

“It is not uncommon for them to insist on returning with the children to the classroom. It is then I know we created wonderful childhood memories, and oh I do love their hugs too,” she said.

While she spends much of her time with the lovely children, Andrew is also active in other ways within the church. She is a tenor in her local choir and helps plan many fun activities, along with Sunday services. For example, she and the church recently did ‘Church To Go,’ wherein children could paint their own flat Jesus to take along with them on their summer vacations. Andrew has made a lasting impression on her community, not only at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale but also with anyone who has crossed her path. She continues to show the love of God to the children at her services and plans to hold more fun events for them in the future. Bloomingdale Presbyterian is located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. For more information about the church or to connect with Andrew, call 813-654-3699.

Plans At Edward Jones, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Let us help you work toward them. Call or visit your

Jill Andrew holds many fun activities at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, such as one for children to engage with one another while learning about God.

VALRICO RUNS ON DUNKIN’; NEW STORE MARKS 23RD LOCATION FOR LOCAL FAMILY

A local family recognized a business opportunity 50 years ago that would create a long-lasting hub for the community. Thomas and Katherine Apostoleres opened their first location of Dunkin’ — then known as Dunkin’ Donuts — in 1973 in Brandon.

The location on the corner of West Brandon Boulevard and Limona Road is still in business. And now this year, five decades later, their 23rd location opened on July 15, on Lithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico.

The Valrico location is just miles away from Bloomingdale Senior High School, where Thomas graduated from high school. He fondly remembers when his family opened the location on Bloomingdale Avenue during his senior year.

“This area has changed a lot. I grew up here,” Thomas said. “We are really excited to be in the neighborhood.”

Thomas said his family moved to the area in the early 90s and can remember when there were orange groves down Lumsden Road. A third-generation business, Thomas is co-owner of Dunkin’ with his parents, Nick and Rosalie. His younger brother, Niko, recently joined the business after graduating from Florida State University.

The new store on Lithia Pinecrest Road has the next-generation concept that was introduced in 2018. It includes the cold beverage tap system and nitro cold

By Jane Owen

brew. The store has plenty of indoor seating and a nice patio with four picnic tables under umbrellas.

Customers can easily pick up Dunkin’s iconic doughnuts, renowned co f ee and breakfast sandwiches by visiting inside the store, going through the drive-through or ordering through its mobile app.

Dedication to quality is a focus for Dunkin’, and the chain is known for its high-quality products. The Apostolereses have also made commitment to the community an essential staple of their stores.

Over the years, they have generously supported local nonprofits, youth sports teams and schools.

“I want to get even more involved in donating to local charities,” Thomas said.

Long-term plans include supporting di f erent charities each month at di f erent stores, possibly with a contest between the stores, he said.

The store will be open for business on July 15 with plans to have a grand opening within a couple months, after the start of the school year.

The new Valrico Dunkin’s opening hours are 5 a.m.-10 p.m. It is located at 3309 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. For more information about the Tampa-based Dunkin’ franchise, visit www.tampadd. com/about or email apostoleresdd@ tampadd.com.

MARLIN JAMES WORKS WITH THE LENNOX FOUNDATION TO GIVE FREE HVAC UNITS

Do you know someone who deserves to be celebrated? Nominate your favorite community hero now for a chance to receive a heating and cooling unit (HVAC) and installation for free.

Marlin James, a local air conditioning repair company, invites the community to nominate deserving individuals for the chance to ‘Feel The Love’ through the LII Lennox Foundation’s annual program.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

care professionals, families in need, individuals impacted by natural disasters and other community heroes. The LII Lennox Foundation will reach out directly to the finalists to conduct a home inspection and installation, which will take place in October.

The LII Lennox Foundation is once again partnering up with residential dealers across the U.S. and Canada to donate and install HVAC units for community heroes. For Hillsborough County, Marlin James has stepped up to support the program and help give back. Nominations are open until Saturday, August 31, and can be submitted online at https://feelthelove.com/.

“At Marlin James, giving back to our community is at the heart of everything we do, and this initiative allows us to make a real diference in the lives of those in need,” said Scott Clark, owner of Marlin James. “Joining Feel The Love was a natural step for us, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to support and uplift our neighbors.”

Nominees for the program can include educators, veterans, first responders, health

The Feel The Love program has been helping communities since 2009 and has been an important part of what the LII Lennox Foundation values. The program gives neighbors and participating Lennox dealers a chance to come together and improve the lives of people who support others all year round.

“The Feel The Love program provides participating Lennox dealers and local community members an opportunity to come together to support those in need of heating and cooling equipment,” said Gary Bedard, EVP and president of Lennox Home Comfort Solutions.

Marlin James is proud to support the efforts of the LII Lennox Foundation and give back to the community it loves. Nominate your favorite community hero to show your love too.

For more on the Feel The Love program or to nominate a member of our community, please visit https://feelthelove.com/.

Health Care Built Around

Opening Fall 2024

Whether you’re expecting a new baby, have a loved one who’s injured, or need advanced medical care, you want local health care expertise you can trust. With state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive specialty services, the highly trained team at our

hospital in Riverview will provide expert level care, with the compassion we’re known for, to help you feel whole.

Te Feel Te Love program has been supporting communities all over the U.S. and Canada for 25 years and is thrilled to continue this support for years to come.

Local Apostoleres family opened a new Dunkin’ location on Lithia Pinecrest Road. Pictured from left to right: Niko, Nick, Rosalie and Tomas Apostoleres.

By Nitish Rele

Yes, you can cut those trips to the gas station short, real short, as fuel prices hover close to $4 a gallon. All you have to do is go get a 2024 Hyundai Elantra HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). Believe us, you are assured of at least over 50 mpg in this fine compact sedan.

— a touch screen for infotainment system, and the other for digital instrument cluster — immediately draw attention. Sporting a horizontal dash layout, the practical cabin comes standard with a 60/40 rear seat; leather-wrapped heated/ cooled, six-way power driver and four-way front-passenger adjustable seats; dual auto AC; tilt/telescopic steering column; Bose audio with eight speakers; power sunroof; electronic park brake; and Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay.

A 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine puts out a total of 139 horsepower and 195 poundsfeet of torque while coupled to an electric motor operating a 32kW lithium-ion polymer battery. Power reaches the front wheels via a crisp-shifting, six-speed auto gearbox. By no means is this a speedster, but the car takes of real quick and comes to a stop at a moment’s notice. Switch to sport mode (normal and smart are other options) and you will end up with a sprightly drive whether on the highway or dodging peak-hour traffic. Suspension is handled via the reliable MacPherson strut front and multilink rear. The motor-driven power rack-and-pinion steering returns a weighted response to the driver’s input.

A restyling for the low and wide-stance small car translates into a metallic bar to connect slimmer LED headlights, as well as a new split grille and a flat stainless-steel Hyundai emblem. The 2024 model gains additional USB ports and color choices, a revamped wireless phone charger pad and fresh H-Tex (read, synthetic) leather seat surfaces. Two colossal 10.25-inch displays

Several safety features come at no extra cost. There are dual front and side airbags; a side curtain airbag; newly added side-impact rear airbags; four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; front/ rear crumple zones; electronic stability and traction control; forward, blind-spot and rear cross-trafc collision avoidance assists; lane keep and forward assists; rearview camera; remote keyless entry; and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Base-priced at just $29,450, the Elantra HEV makes perfect sense, as we see no end in sight for rising fuel prices at the pump. Apart from its gas-sipping capabilities, the car is agile, delightful and fun to drive. There also is Hyundai’s five-year, 60,000-mile basic and 10-year, 100,000mile power train and hybrid battery warranties to convince you to sign on the dotted line.

HART BUS OFFERS DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE WITH SOME PROGRAMS

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is the main provider of public transportation in Hillsborough County, but commuters willing to join up with a group of their colleagues for a ride can do so through the vanpool service managed by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The service is available to commuters in Hillsborough, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando and Manatee counties as well as Pinellas County.

The benefits touted include less wear on personal cars and overall lower commuting costs. The service fee per commuter depends on the distance and number of riders in the group. It’s part of an efort to develop a system that can respond to on-demand transportation needs as well as operate the traditional fixed routes that commuters have known.

This has been especially helpful for people with disabilities who have access to the HARTPlus paratransit program, which provides door-to-door service via specially equipped vans that can easily accommodate wheelchairs and other medical equipment. There is a two-step eligibility verification process, including documentation of a disability and an interview. Cash fare is $4 for a one-way trip.

In the SouthShore area, HARTFlex provides on-demand, door-to-door pickup

By Brad Stager

service to riders in an area roughly defined as extending from Ruskin to Wimauma and just north of 19th Avenue to south of Sun City Center Boulevard. HARTFlex operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on a route between HCC SouthShore on 24th Street and La Estancia Apartments on Guadalupe Boulevard. Passengers can also board at designated HARTFlex stops along the route. On-demand rides to or from a non-HARTFlex route pickup stop must be reserved from three days to two hours in advance with a fare of $1.

According to Justin Willits, HART’s director of planning and scheduling, on-demand transportation is being examined for growth opportunities while balancing fixed-route needs.

“We’ll define mobility on demand, where those zones are, where we think and know we can aford to put a few of those zones out there, and then some of those zones that currently could not be funded based on our existing service levels, and we’ll work out what that mix is,” Willits told a recent meeting of HART’s strategic planning and external relations committee.

To find out more about HART’s van on-demand services, visit https://gohart. org/ and https://psta.net/ to learn more about the vanpool commuter program.

RESIDENTS NEEDING A RIDE MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SUNSHINE LINE

People who need to get to medical appointments or go shopping but don’t have access to personal or public transportation can apply to ride the Sunshine Line, a free, door-todoor, on-demand mobility service operated by Hillsborough County.

Those meeting the qualification guidelines can arrange for transportation in vans with accessible features to buy groceries, visit the doctor, participate in wellness activities, attend social service appointments and take care of important personal business. The Sunshine Line is focused on helping residents who struggle with transportation availability, such as senior citizens, people with disabilities and people who can’t afford to pay for a car or commercial rides like Uber or taxis.

Transportation is provided on a space-available basis and prioritized according to the purpose of the trip, with service possibly harder to reserve during some peak periods. Reservations can be made from two to seven days in advance from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Return trips are scheduled when making the pickup reservation. Drivers are trained to assist passengers in boarding the vans, including the prop-

By Brad Stager

er securing of wheelchairs. To be eligible for the Sunshine Line program, an applicant’s household income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Other eligibility considerations include age, disabilities and access to other methods of transportation.

Sunshine Line riders can also count on a ride in an emergency situation requiring evacuation of their home. Jerry Stickney, the Sunshine Line’s director of operations, said the service is ready to help get people to safety in the event a major storm hits the area.

“We’ll use these vehicles, create routes for our drivers and go around the community when we have evacuation orders to help those that need to go to special needs shelters,” Stickney said in a Hillsborough County YouTube video about the service.

Residents can also apply to receive daily or monthly HART bus passes through the Sunshine Line program if they are able to ride public transportation. To learn more about the Sunshine Line and how to apply for the service, call 813-272-7272 or visit https://hcfl. gov/departments/sunshine-line.

Gospel Hymns Nursery Available

First Baptist Church of Gibsonton

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s HARTPlus paratransit vans provide door-to-door transportation service to qualifed riders.

Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line provides free, door-todoor transportation for qualifed residents.

ENSURING A STRONG START: THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDANCE STARTING FROM THE FIRST DAY

As we approach the beginning of the new school year on Monday, August 12, I want to emphasize the critical importance of attendance from day one. The start of the school year sets the tone for the months ahead, laying the foundation for academic success, personal growth and community building within our schools.

By Superintendent Van Ayres

Attendance in the first week of school is crucial for several reasons. Primarily, it ensures that students do not miss essential introductions to their courses. The first week is often when teachers outline their lesson plans, set expectations and begin the first lessons. Missing these initial classes can put students at a disadvantage, making it harder for them to catch up and fully grasp the material.

and productive school experience.

Moreover, the first week is a time for establishing routines and relationships. Students who attend from the start can meet their teachers and classmates, forming connections that will support their learning and social development throughout the year. These early interactions help build a sense of belonging and community, which are vital for a positive

Last school year, 30 percent of our students were chronically absent — defined as missing just two days each month — which showed in their individual test scores. That is why we are asking parents and guardians to stress the importance of attending school each day. Ensuring that children arrive at school on time, well-rested and prepared to learn sends a powerful message about the value of education. Establishing these habits early in the school year can lead to improved attendance throughout the year, which is linked to academic achievement and long-term success.

Our district is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students. We have prepared our schools with updated facilities, new learning materials and dedicated staf ready to inspire and educate. Let’s work together to make this school year a success, starting with strong attendance from the very first day.

We look forward to welcoming students back, eager to learn, on August 12.

AMATEUR RADIO IS PUT IN A NEW LIGHT THANKS TO BRANDON RADIO CLUB

Ham radio may be considered a sort of relic of the past by some, but to others it is seen as an important part of the community because it serves a purpose: When most forms of digital communication go down because of an emergency, ham radio is a reliable form of communication. This is exemplifi ed through the Brandon Amateur Radio Society (BARS).

BARS is a club that is a f liated the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which, according to its website, is “a noncommercial organization of radio amateurs.” Specifi cally, BARS is a part of ARRL’s West Central Florida section. BARS is also a f liated with the Florida Gulf Coast Radio Council (FGCRC) and the Hillsborough County Amateur Radio Emergency Services/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (ARES/RACES), a fi eld emergency organization of ARRL.

The club was established in 1969 and has made signifi cant contributions to the community ever since. One of these contributions is an annual fi eld day, “which is a community event in which everyone can participate,” said Karissa Hendershot, treasurer of BARS.

During the fi eld day, BARS has an experience called Get on the Air, in which beginners can actually talk to people on the air all over the world (fun fact: one of the operators was able to com-

By Gunnar Wagner

municate with someone all the way in Antarctica). Before participants begin the experience, they are given a rundown of what the equipment and frequencies are and which ones they will be using. They are told what they can and cannot say on the air (i.e., they can talk to people around the world, but they cannot use obscenities, o f ensive language, etc.), something Hendershot called basically “polite conversations.”

Throughout fi eld day, BARS also has di f erent stations that people can visit and get to know the operators there. One station is called the carrier wave (CW) station. The CW station, also known as the morse code station, is run by Bill Mendoza.

BARS o f ers testing services as well for those who are really fascinated by radio. There are three di f erent levels of testing. The fi rst one is called ‘Technician,’ which is an entry-level test. The next is called ‘General,’ which is an intermediate-level test. The last one is called ‘Extra,’ which is an advanced-level test wherein operators can have access to all frequencies and equipment, in addition to having access to morse code.

For information about BARS, visit https://brandonhamradio.org/index. html. For testing info, visit https://brandonhamradio.org/testing-info.html.

Morse code equipment.

Imagine a public library next to a 24-acre park that includes a walking trail lined with displays that bring to life a child’s book, then visit the Sefner Comm“UNITY” Park and Gardens for a ‘StoryWalk’ experience maintained by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon.

That’s where kids and adults gathered for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the third of five StoryWalk locations in Hillsborough County, an expansion funded by a $70,000 emerging need grant through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. The grant is for Kiwanis StoryWalk locations in Sefner, Carrollwood Village Park and, coming soon, Ruskin and Sulphur Springs. The funding follows the grand opening two years ago of StoryWalk at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, funded by the Kiwanis Club of Tampa and spearheaded by club member and Kiwanian Amanda Malinowski.

“The goal of this project is to bring books to where kids are, make reading fun and put it in a new environment where families can read and walk and be active and work on

By Linda Chion

their literacy skills,” Malinowski said. “We want kids to love books and that’s our goal.”

Markers along the Kiwanis StoryWalk trail in Sefner on June 15 included an overview of that month’s featured book, Can You Make a Scary Face by Jan Thomas. It’s noted that books for children ages 3-7 change monthly, and that the .3mile walk takes 15 minutes to complete.

Starting at the park’s gazebo, the walk features 18 spots in a circular route. The park is adjacent to the Sefner-Mango Branch Library, located at 410 N. Kingsway Rd.

StoryWalk eforts in Hillsborough County reflect a partnership between Kiwanis and the Children’s Board, and a collaborative efort among clubs to support literacy and exercise. The Tampa club organizes the initial setups for partnering Kiwanis clubs to maintain and switch out monthly, including the Kiwanis Club of SouthShore, which will oversee the StoryWalk at the Ruskin Park and Recreation Center, located at 901 6th Street SE in Ruskin.

At the ribbon-cutting were members of the Key Club at Armwood High School in Sefner. Also on hand was Dexter Lewis, director of public relations for the Children’s Board. For more on Kiwanis StoryWalk, visit https://tampakiwanis.org/storywalk/ or visit https://brandonkiwanis.org/.

Introductory sessions startng now in: Brandon at Brandon Christan Church, Tuesdays from 10 – 11 am; Lithia at Julestarz Academy, Suspended untl September; North Brandon at New Hope Church, Thursdays from 7 – 8 pm.

Attendees at the ribbon-cutting for the Kiwanis StoryWalk at Sefner Comm“UNITY” Park and Gardens,near Sefner-Mango Branch Library.

Members of the Key Club at Armwood High School in Sefner.

BRANDON PARADE OF LIGHTS SEEKS TO BRING COMMUNITY TOGETHER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Christmas is a time of bringing people together, and that’s exactly what the Brandon Parade of Lights plans to do on Saturday, December 14. The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce recognized how much growth Brandon has seen as a community over the past few years and “felt it was time to bring a large-scale holiday event to our community,” said Kerrie Hoening, committee chairperson. “This is a oneof-a-kind event in that, for the first time in Brandon’s history, we will have a collaboration between two major chambers of commerce to bring about one amazing community event.”

The Brandon Parade of Lights is being organized by an independent committee formed in partnership between the two chambers. The committee encourages anyone to participate, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, community and civic organizations, school groups, entertainment troupes, krewes and more. Those seeking to join the parade should “decorate their floats with holiday flair. This will be a night parade, so we want to see lights,” said Hoening. The parade is limiting its number of participants to 75; groups wanting to

By Jamie Lu

participate can sign up at https://brandonparadeoflights. com/.

The committee is also seeking sponsorships to help cover the costs of the parade. A portion of the sponsorship money will go toward supporting the charitable organizations chosen by the two chambers. The Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber chose Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary, and the Greater Brandon Chamber chose the Angel Foundation FL.

“This event is about community only,” said Hoening. “We are looking to cover costs and give back.”

The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will run the length of Oakfield Drive, heading west from Parsons Avenue to Lakewood Drive. To find out more about the event or to sponsor it, visit https://brandonparadeoflights.com/ or check out the Brandon Parade of Lights Facebook page. For any additional questions or concerns, email info@brandonparadeoflights.com.

The Brandon Parade of Lights looks forward to seeing the community come together for this special holiday event and plans to make it an annual celebration. The committee also thanks Reed & Reed, the title sponsor of the event, for making the parade possible.

LADIES TEA RAISES PANTRY FUNDS

The St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) Ladies Tea Party returns this fall at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Riverview. This annual event brings together mothers, daughters, sisters and friends for a charming and delicious tea party. The table hostesses design and set their tables with a variety of creative themes that you really have to see to believe.

Last year’s event featured a big surprise: Princesses arrived for photos and conversations that delighted attendees of all ages.

“We are thrilled to have a sponsor to bring back some princesses again this year,” said Christie Lemar, who chairs the Ladies Tea Party. “They make the event extra charming and facilitate fellowship.”

Lemar is hopeful that this year’s event will exceed its fundraising goal. As a volunteer who takes calls from individuals in need of financial assistance for the organization and assists at the SVdP Food Pantry, she sees firsthand the great need in our community.

Last year, the SVdP Council of St. Stephen Catholic Church provided $193,295 in financial assistance for families in need, a 53 percent increase over the prior year.

The SVdP Food Pantry, which is stocked through donations by parishioners and families from St. Stephen Catholic School, gave away 140,275 pounds of food to 2,321 families (8,856 people) last year, a 30 percent increase in families served.

Over 6,000 volunteer hours made this possible. The majority of its funds are given by generous parishioners. The Ladies Tea Party is its only fundraiser.

All money from ticket sales and donations related to the Ladies Tea Party go to the Society of SVdP to assist those in need. Additional monetary donations would be greatly appreciated. Bring a laundry detergent donation for the SVdP household and food pantry.

For table hostess information, contact Amy Metz at amyjometz@gmail.com or 813-957-7179. To purchase tickets, which cost $25, or make a donation, visit https://svdpriverviewfl.org/.

The tea party will be on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Family Life Center of St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Circle in Riverview.

LITHIA

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Te Brandon Parade of Lights is being held on Saturday, December 14.

VALRICO’S CAMPO FAMILY YMCA INVITES ALL TO ENJOY NEW WATER SLIDE

Cool down at the Campo Family YMCA’s pool and splash pad with the addition of the new and improved water slide. The new water slide replaced an old-standing water slide that had been the primary feature of the YMCA pool for over 16 years. YMCA members are thrilled with this new addition for families and friends to enjoy.

The feature contains double slides and is child-safe for those who know how to swim. The YMCA also o f ers swimming lessons for children and adults alike to gain the skills they need to fully enjoy the aquatic center.

The new slide technology allows for a greater experience, and the slide’s size creates more deck space. This extra space may be expecting new developments as the aquatic center continues to update.

“The Florida summer is hot,” said Campo Family YMCA executive director Mario Gallegos. “In the summer, our aquatic center gets heavy use because of the heat. It is a great place to hang out with the family, hangout with friends and cool o f while enjoying the Florida sunshine.”

By Sara Kitchin

A membership at the Campo Family YMCA is not required to enjoy the slide and aquatic center. It is possible to visit the YMCA and use its many features with a guest pass. However, a YMCA membership is strongly encouraged, as it gives unlimited access.

It is the perfect time of year to purchase a YMCA membership and enjoy the pool. Many families attend the aquatic center daily during the summer because of the fun and safety that it provides for children.

The Campo Family YMCA also o f ers a summer camp in which children use the di f erent facilities o f ered and engage in funfilled pool, splash pad and sliding activities. The children are under constant supervision by camp counselors and lifeguards.

The Campo Family YMCA is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico and is open seven days a week. To learn more about the new water slide and other amenities, ask questions or purchase a membership, visit www.tampaymca.org or the Campo Family YMCA.

Summertime campers line up to use the new and improved Campo Family YMCA water slide. It’s making a big splash.

LOCAL GIRL SCOUT ACHIEVES GOLD AWARD FOR STELLER COMMUNITY SERVICE

Within the Hillsborough County School District, students are taking leaps and bounds to achieve great things in and out of their academic lives.

Balancing extracurriculars with a heavy workload is a rigorous task.

By Alisa Gershman

Some find the right balance and thrive under these pressures.

One student is Isabel Sofía Santiago Reyes, a freshman at Newsome High School. Reyes recently achieved the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girls Scouts, for volunteer work at Camp Dorothy Thomas. She was also selected to participate in a Girl Scout USA Destination trip and traveled to India with other Girl Scouts from around the world.

Her Girl Scouts journey began at a young age, when she joined to meet other girls her age and connect with people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the years progressed, she began to realize the amazing opportunities the program held and the many scholarships she could earn for college, as well as the travel chances to get to see the world around her. This is when she decided to set out for the Gold Award.

The goal of the award is to identify an issue within the Girl Scout’s community and create a solution through action and problem solving. The project is designed to show girls the importance of community and volunteer service, requiring that they complete at least 80 hours of

work for their project. Reyes said she managed to achieve her award “on a tight six-month schedule and logging 136 hours of work.”

Her project proved to be challenging, as she took on the goal of water conservation for her local camp, Camp Dorothy Thomas, where she sought to make its water consumption more environmentally friendly. She worked with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to install efcient shower heads and timers to control the water flow. The project was a success, and she achieved her Gold Award.

From there, she took the trip of a lifetime to Pune, India, where she met with other Girl Scouts, such as those from Japan. Reyes applied online with an essay and went through an interview process to receive a spot for the trip. She recounted some of her time there, saying, “We met up with some of the Nivedita guides to celebrate Holi in Sangam’s campground. The Sangam staf had prepared colored powder that we threw and smeared each other with. It was so much fun.”

Reyes’ achievements are admirable, as she continues to improve the community around her and help those through her work in Girl Scouts of the USA.

To find a local Girl Scout troop or find out more about Girl Scouts of the USA’s award programs, visit www.gswcf.org.

GIRL SCOUT EARNS GOLD AWARD FOR DONATING NEEDED ITEMS TO PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS

Newsome High School incoming senior Josie Stromgren was recently awarded the highest award within the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the Gold Award, for her hard work and dedication on a project important to her. Stromgren has been a part of the Girl Scouts for the last 13 years and is currently part of Troop 33541. She has also received the Bronze and Silver Awards from the Girl Scouts in previous years.

Josie Stromgren with the table she purchased for a family through the Adopt a L.A.M.B. Family project for pediatric cancer families.

Stromgren worked closely with an organization called Lawrence A. Martucci Benefit Corp. (L.A.M.B.) to raise money for essential needs for families who are caring for children with cancer. L.A.M.B. is a Florida nonprofit that strives to support research into pediatric cancer, prevent childhood cancer and help families of children with cancer.

Stromgren started the Adopt a L.A.M.B. Family project, working in conjunction with L.A.M.B., in April 2023 and completed it in March 2024. Stromgren was able to raise over $1,500 for various needs of families and organized a toy drive which collected $450 worth of donated toys for Christmas for pediatric cancer patients. L.A.M.B. has agreed to continue the Adopt a L.A.M.B. Family program by financially assisting

By Ashley Abene

families who have children undergoing cancer treatments. The Fossil Valley Girl Scouts troop will continue the Christmas stockings for pediatric cancer patients as part of its community service project schedule.

Stromgren said of working on this Gold Award project,

“Pediatric cancer research, unfortunately, receives much less funding compared to other types of adult cancer research. In addition, cancer leads to emotional and financial stress on families whose children are undergoing treatment. This is why I decided to create the Adopt a L.A.M.B. Family program to purchase essential household items for pediatric cancer families. I raised enough funds to purchase a dining room table set for one family and a washing machine for another. I also created and distributed an educational pamphlet to spread the word about my project, pediatric cancer and L.A.M.B. to a greater audience. Thanks to Girl Scouts and L.A.M.B., my project will be carried forward, allowing even more pediatric cancer families to be helped in the future.”

For more information on L.A.M.B., visit its website at www.lawrenceamartucci.com.

Presenting her project to others, Isabel Sofía Santiago Reyes explains how she helped her community in water conservation eforts.

WHO’S YOUR DUMPSTER HELPS CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Lifelong friends Chris Leblanc and Chuck Harman started Who’s Your Dumpster Inc. in March of 2022, and through some growing pains the business is flourishing, serving the dumpster needs for residential and commercial uses throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

“This is a very competitive industry,” said Harman. “Our willingness to be flexible has helped us gain market share and succeed.”

By Sharon Still

“We have been fortunate to have great clients. That leads to repeat business and referrals,” he commented.

He added that the community is very supportive and Who’s Your Dumpster is fortunate to partner with local commercial clients, like Cardinal Roofing in Valrico.

ACE HARDWARE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS; EMPLOYEE EARNS AWARD FOR 50 YEARS IN HARDWARE INDUSTRY

During the last weekend of June, Ace Hardware had many things to celebrate. The first event was honoring a local Ace Hardware employee, John Rice, for working in the hardware industry for over 50 years. The second event was celebrating Ace Hardware’s 100th anniversary.

Dumpsters are available in a variety of sizes, including 12, 14 and 17 cubic yards, and rentals are available for one-day, three-day and long-term commercial projects.

From home remodels and yard cleanup to emptying rental houses or doing spring-cleaning projects, there are dozens of reasons residents and businesses use the services of Who’s Your Dumpster.

Pricing is transparent and usually consists of a flat fee that includes the tipping and dumping fees. In addition to dumpster rental, Who’s Your Dumpster also offers junk removal and the hauling away of items, including yard waste. However, the company does not dispose of hazardous materials.

Harman said the business is split 50/50 between residential and commercial clients.

“They are great,” said Linda Castillo, Cardinal Roofing’s ofce manager. “They are easy to communicate with, responsive, knowledgeable and prompt.”

Harman and LeBlanc met in middle school at Nativity Catholic School and call themselves brothers for life.

“There isn’t anyone else in this world that I would have as my partner other than him,” Harman proclaimed.

Having grown up and raised families in the area, community is important to the pair. Harman described their style of business as “old school,” commenting, “Our word is our bond.”

He added, “Our ability to be flexible and really to accommodate any special requirements that a client may need is what sets us apart from others in industry.”

For further information or to order a driveway-friendly dumpster, call 813-7710123 or call or text 813-393-9830. Become a fan on Facebook by visiting www. facebook.com/whoyourdumpster/.

Since February of 1971, John Rice has worked for Ace Hardware in various capacities and in various locations over the last 50 years. Because of his hard work and dedication, he earned the Estwing Gold Hammer Award, which is awarded by Estwing Hammers to those who have been in the hardware industry for 50-plus years.

Drew Atchison, regional manager of Crossroads Ace Hardware in Lithia, said of Rice’s history with Ace, “John began working at Ace Hardware in Sun City Center in February of 1971. In 2015, when Crossroads Ace acquired the Sun City Ace from the previous group, John Rice came to work with our family. He hasn’t always been at the same location, but it’s always been Ace Hardware. John loves to share stories of how things were in the old days, particularly how they ordered products via a handwritten letter to Oak Brook Illinois. John Rice is a wealth of knowledge

By Ashley Abene

and has become a mentor to everyone around him. I asked him one time, ‘Why did you stick with Ace for so long?’ John said,

On June 29, Ace also celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of block parties. All three local stores (Lithia, Big Bend and Sun City Center) had grilling demonstrations, raffles, free food and a bucket sale. Over 1,000 people attended the anniversary block parties. On June 28, Ace had a ribbon-cutting with the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce in cel-

According to Atchison, “Ace started in 1924, when a group of retailers realized that if they bought product together, they ective. That concept has grown into the cooperative that it is today, with individually owned Ace Hardwares all working together. Even back then, Ace was focused on helping the community, and we continue

Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware store in existence and has thousands of stores across 60 countries. For more information on Ace Hardware and its 100 years in business, visit its website at www. acehardware.com.

Who’s Your Dumpster owners Chris LeBlanc and Chuck Harman are proud to serve the community where they grew up.

John Rice with the Estwing Gold Hammer Award he received for working in the hardware industry for 50 years

what closing costs are. Your new construction realtor will help YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION REALTOR SHOULD HAVE AWESOME REFERRAL SOURCES. So for example we have some home inspectors we work with. They go through each phase of the construction process. Also: homeowners insurance referrals, A NEW CONSTRUCTION REALTOR SHOULD HOLD YOUR HAND THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. If the builder can get 20% as a deposit, they would. It’s typical that we negotiate what that is. For them to take the home of the market or start the construction process, it may be $2,000 or maybe $5,000, but if they could get 20%, they’re going to get 20% from you so you need a realtor representing you for that. in, when you’d make decisions on what

If there’s an in-house lender; let’s say you can’t get pre-approved with that in-house lender. We will probably be able to get you pre-approved elsewhere and then work to deal with the builder to make sure you still get incentives as if you’re using a in-house lender, very important stuf

TOLL SCAMS TARGET COMMUTERS AND SUNPASS HOLDERS JURY SCAMS — DON’T BECOME A VICTIM

Many commuters in the Tampa Bay area use the toll roads on a daily basis. Whether it’s the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, the Veterans Expressway or even the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, many of us have occasion to pay tolls. The system in Florida is called SunPass, and many drivers have a SunPass transponder in the windshield of their cars.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Sometimes, a transponder may malfunction, or you changed vehicles, or the prepaid balance did not deduct. On those occasions, you may receive correspondence in the mail from SunPass with a picture of your plate and the toll amount owed.

Unfortunately, scammers are always looking for ways to make money of of others, and they are now targeting drivers for ‘unpaid toll fees.’ Although the Florida Attorney General’s Ofce cracked down on many of the fraudulent websites, new ones are being created by the fraudsters.

This is how the scam works: The scammers are posing as SunPass and are sending text messages to citizens. Recently, Apollo Beach resident Sierra Kahlich received one of these texts, which said, “Our records indicate that you have an unpaid toll trip. To avoid additional charges of $75.90, please settle your account at our website, _____” (scam website omitted).

Fortunately, Kahlich felt like it was a

scam and did not click on the link in the text message. Instead, she contacted SunPass directly and found out that she did not have any pending toll fees. “I had been traveling through toll roads in Tampa the month prior; however, I always had my transponder in my car,” said Kahlich. “Something appeared slightly of with the text message and I immediately Googled the SunPass number and called.”

When she called SunPass, Kahlich said she heard a recording that said SunPass is “aware of a recent phishing scam involving text messages.” The recording went on to say that SunPass is not sending out text messages about unpaid toll violations.

The Florida Attorney General’s Ofce and SunPass know that not everyone is as diligent to check out all the possibilities of a scam but want everyone to remain diligent. All the fake websites contain the word ‘SunPass,’ but the only legitimate website is www.sunpass.com. If you feel you have become a victim of this scam, you can report the issue to www.ic3.gov, which is the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. If you want to further inquire about any possible legitimate fines, you can call SunPass as 1-888-865-5352.

• MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, bone density scans

• 3D mammography (screenings with no referral required for women over 40 without symptoms)

By Kelly Wise Valdes

• Open

Unfortunately, scammers never quit and are always looking for new ways to steal either your money, your identity and even your property. The Hillsborough County Clerk’s Ofce has recently been alerted to another type of scam that is making its rounds in the community: jury duty scams.

The scam has a common thread — to intimidate the caller to give out information or to take their money. It begins with a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be a court ofcial. The scammer will then claim that you did not show up for jury duty and now owe a fine, or else you will be subjected to arrest.

“Clerk of Court & Comptroller Cindy Stuart and her ofce have been educating Hillsborough County residents about these scams [since] we first heard about them last October,” said Peter Masa, Hillsborough County communications and marketing manager. “We have heard that some of these bad actors are impersonating law enforcement and using real judges’ names to add credibility to their scams.”

The callers typically have their victim’s names and sometimes even have identifying personal information.

“They are very aggressive and will try to keep the citizen on the phone, threatening that there are arrest warrants or fines for the victim,” said Masa. “In some cases, the scammer will threaten the victim to get

them to purchase a money order, prepaid debit card or gift card. One scammer demanded $450 from the resident.”

According to the website of the Florida Attorney General’s Ofce, a fine will not be imposed until after an individual appears in court to explain a failure to appear. Most importantly, the clerk’s ofce and local law enforcement will never call and threaten action or demand payment. The clerk’s ofce mails nearly 3,000 jury summonses weekly.

“We also would ask the public to educate your family and friends to make them aware of these jury scams,” said Masa. “We have been educating the public with numerous reminders across social media and working with our media partners.” If you receive a call saying you missed jury duty and owe a fine, never provide any personal information. Also, do not provide any information in response to a jury scam email, and do not click on any links, as they could have malware that will infect your computer. Report any jury scam calls or emails to www.flclerks.com, or you can report fraud and file a complaint through Florida Attorney General’s Ofce at www. myfloridalegal.com/consumeralert or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-9667226).

SunPass and the Florida Attorney General’s Ofce encourage the public to remain diligent against toll fraud scams that are circulating.

Te Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller is warning residents about a resurgence in jury duty scams.

CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN GRANTS FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS

Many students in Florida know from a young age that they want to join one of our country’s great military branches. Being surrounded by diferent branches’ bases as well as large JROTC programs in schools allows them to explore which path would suit them best. Receiving an appointment from Congressman Vern Buchanan allows them to establish their careers in their chosen branch early on and sets them up for success straight out of high school.

By Alisa Gershman

tance of military service to our nation.

“I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching them serve our nation with honor and distinction,” said Buchanan, sharing some words of wisdom with the students.

As an investor, how should you respond to these market cycles?

To begin with, it’s useful to know something about the nature of a market cycle and its connection to the business or economic cycle, which describes the fuctuations of the economy between periods of growth and contraction. Issues such as employment, consumer spending, interest rates and infation can determine the stage of the business cycle. On the other hand, the market cycle refers to what’s happening in the fnancial markets — that is, the performance of all the diferent types of investments.

with strong fundamentals and good prospects — and buying lower-risk investments. While these “safer” investments may ofer more price stability and a greater degree of preservation of principal, they also won’t provide much in the way of growth potential. And you’ll need this growth capacity to help reach your long-term goals, including a comfortable retirement.

On the other hand, when investors think the market cycle is moving upward, they may keep investing in stocks that have become overpriced. In extreme cases, unwarranted investor enthusiasm can lead to events such as the dotcom bubble, which led to a sharp market decline from 2000 through 2002.

Buchanan, having served six years in the Air National Guard, knew that he wanted to honor students within Hillsborough and Manatee counties to foster leadership and strength within them to serve their country.

“These service academy appointments are deeply rooted in the commitment to fostering leadership, discipline and a sense of duty among our nation’s youth,” said District Director Tara Poulton. “It’s a process that not only recognizes the exceptional qualities and achievements of the candidates but also underscores the importance of preparing future leaders who will uphold the values and security of our country.” She also said, “This responsibility is paramount, as it directly contributes to the strength and resilience of our national defense and civil services,” as Buchanan himself has a strong campaign to advocate the impor-

The five Hillsborough County students who received the 2024 U.S. service academy appointments from Buchanan are as follows: Bell Creek Academy graduate Jack Matthew Spain of Lithia, appointed to the United States Military Academy; Academy of the Holy Names graduate Maisi Rose Sigler of Riverview, appointed to the United States Military Academy; Strawberry Crest High graduate Saige Starford of Lithia, appointed to the United States Military Academy; Admiral Farragut Academy graduate Nathaniel Hewett of Riverview, appointed to the United States Military Academy; Academy of the Holy Names graduate Morgan Alison Hunt of Brandon, appointed to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy and Newsome High School graduate Matthew Conord of Lithia, appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Each of the students will be receiving “a free four-year education in return for a commitment serve five years in the active-duty military after graduation,” said Poulton.

The market cycle often anticipates the business cycle. In other words, the stock market may peak, or hit bottom, before the business cycle does the same. That’s partially because the fnancial markets are always looking ahead. If they foresee an event that could boost the business cycle and help the economy, such as the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, they may become more “bullish” on stocks, thus driving the market up. Conversely, if the markets think the business cycle will slow down and the economy will contract, they may project a decline in corporate earnings and become more “bearish” on stocks, leading to a market drop.

Once you’re familiar with the nature of market cycles, you won’t be surprised when they occur. But does that mean you should base your investment strategy on these cycles?

Some people do. If they believe the market cycle is moving through a downward phase, they may try to cut their perceived losses by selling stocks — even those

Rather than trying to “time” the market, you may well be better of by looking past its cycles and following a long-term, “all-weather” strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and need for liquidity. And it’s also a good idea to build a diversifed portfolio containing U.S. and foreign stocks, mutual funds, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities and other investments. While diversifcation can’t protect against all losses, it can help protect you from market volatility that might primarily afect just one asset class.

Market cycles often draw a lot of attention, and they are relevant to investors in the sense that they can explain what’s happening in the markets. Yet, when it comes to investing, it’s best not to think of cycles but rather of a long journey – one that, when traveled carefully, can lead to the destinations you seek.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. July 29, 2024

Four students from Hillsborough County who received service academy appointments stand with Congressman Vern Buchanan.

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The SPARK Initiative is a nonprofit organization located in Brandon. The organization serves high-risk and in-need populations throughout Tampa Bay by providing mentorship and facilitating mental health and wellness programs at low or no cost to participants.

By Libby Hopkins

“2024 marks our 10-year anniversary of implementing and distributing SPARK Mentoring Programs locally and globally,” said SPARK’s marketing and events coordinator, Makayla Wheeldon. “Our programs are evidence-based and have been utilized in HCSO jails, local K-12 schools, sex-trafcking safe houses and other community organizations.”

Currently, SPARK youth programs are taught to more than 750 students and juvenile inmates. Adult programs are taught to more than 300 women and veterans. SPARK will also donate 40 support group sessions to a local safe house for sex-trafficking survivors, which will reach more than 100 women.

“In terms of our history, The Spark Initiative was founded in 2007, and became the first nonprofit organization in Tampa to provide free programs to the incarcerated population that were derived from corporate leadership and wellness training concepts used in British Aeronautical Engineers, Tradewinds Resorts, and Risser Oil companies, among others,” Wheeldon said. “These programs spoke directly to the health inside of the incarcerated men and women instead of the illness or circumstances that led them there.”

The SPARK Initiative will be hosting its Tampa’s Got Talent Gala on Friday, October

11, at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.

“The Tampa’s Got Talent Gala event is a celebration honoring 10 years of impact the SPARK Mentoring Programs have made in our Tampa Bay community,” Wheeldon said. “As we mark this significant milestone, we invite the community to come together for an evening filled with gratitude, inspiration, entertainment and giving back. Our diverse audience will include local celebrities, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, local SPARK participants and some of Tampa’s most talented individuals.”

Talent show participants will have the chance to win cash prizes.

“We’re ofering $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third-place winners,” Wheeldon said. “Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner and talent performances while hearing from a variety of speakers about the impact The SPARK Initiative has made in the community over the past decade.”

Wheeldon hopes the community will be a part of the showcased talent.

“They can audition to be part of the show if they have a special talent they’d like to showcase to win cash prizes,” Wheeldon said. “Or they can simply be our guest and enjoy the show with a sit-down dinner, order their favorite cocktail, browse through our rafes and silent auction items while capturing this memorable evening at our fun photo booth..”

To be involved with its Tampa’s Got Talent Gala, you can visit its website at www.thesparkinitiative.com or call 813-662-6920.

Te SPARK Initiative will be hosting its Tampa’s Got Talent Gala Event in October, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT:

ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Why explore Rotary?

For starters, Rotary is neither a religious nor a political organization. The heart of Rotary is dedicated members, who share the ideals of service, friendship, diversity, integrity and leadership. Rotary clubs bring together people across generations who wish to create lasting change in the world, in their communities and in themselves.

Upcoming speakers at the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club: On Monday, August 26, member Dr. Rose Oginga will share about IHOPEE Inc., an international nongovernmental organization conducting medical missions in Kenya. On Monday, October 14, Peggie D. Sherry will share about Faces of Courage Inc., a locally based, nationally known nonproft providing camps for women, children and families touched by cancer and blood disorders.

You’ll meet interesting people from your community and tackle local and international issues that are important to you and your fellow club members. Your time, energy and passion to improve your world are all you need to get involved with Rotary. Visit www.rotary.org to learn more.

Area Rotary clubs meet in person or online, and there are also clubs for high schoolers (called Interact) as well as college students (called Rotaract). Why not join one of its clubs for a meeting and see what Rotary is all about?

FishHawk-Riverview

Meets on Mondays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at JF Kicks, located at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, or on Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Shrimp Boat, located at 1020 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information, contact Betty Huth at betty@hbphoto.com.

Brandon Global Eco (Zoom)

Meets on every second and fourth Monday of each month via Zoom from 6-7 p.m. For more information, contact Ka-

Staf

Report

tie Tyson at katietyson@ icloud.com.

Brandon Meets on Tuesdays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact Debbie Meegan at debbiemeeganrotary@gmail. com

E-Club of Tampa South Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month via Zoom from 7-8 p.m. For more information, contact Duane Williams at dsigma79@aol. com.

Brandon ’86

Meets on Friday mornings from 8-9 a.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp. com.

Interact Club of Tampa Bay (High Schoolers)

During the school year, high schoolers interested in service, leadership, food and fun meet on the first Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

USF Rotaract (College Students)

Have a student at the University of South Florida? Check out USF Rotaract on Instagram or https://bullsconnect.usf. edu/rotaract/.

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PARADE GRAND MARSHAL B. LEE ELAM REFLECTS ON BRANDON MEMORIES

One of Brandon’s most-decorated citizens took his turn as grand marshal for the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade, an event that honoree B. Lee Elam, a Key Citizen and Alice B. Tompkins Community Service Award recipient, called a formidable “celebration of community.”

The parade started at the corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, where Elam once maintained his law practice and large outdoor sign, used often to spread town news. Known as “Lee’s sign,” it is now used by its now-owner, the Reed & Reed law firm. Elam, with Rotary District 6890 Governor Chevon Baccus, rode the 2024 parade in cool fashion, with burning memories of the 67-year-old parade’s early days. He rode in an EV Hummer driven by his grandson, Joey White, courtesy of fellow Rotarian Roger Rivard, owner of Rivard Buick GMC. With Elam was his wife, Pat; his grandson, Zachary White; and his great-grandson, Joey White III. The Hummer was accompanied by a “Rotary”-wrapped car, from which Baccus waved to the crowd.

At the Lumsden and Parsons intersection for years, Elam would host the preparade morning ritual that determined that year’s Brandon honorary mayor, given to the candidate who raised the most money in June for nonprofits. The winner would be announced on Lee’s sign.

Nat Storms was the first honorary mayor, and Jorgie Franks is the latest honoree, with no race held in 2024. Dick Stowers, a funeral director born on July 4 and the

By Linda Chion

namesake of the elementary school in Lithia, would walk the State Road 60 parade route while greeting kids in a clown costume sporting a red nose. Elam said he is the last living of the first four attorneys in Brandon, encouraged by Stowers to move from Clair-Mel to Brandon. Long retired, Elam remains a member of the Brandon Rotary Club, where at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center on Kings Ave.he still makes time for his enduring poker club.

As for the parade, “I like the size of it, the fact that it’s been ongoing for so long and that we’re continuing the tradition for the parade in Brandon,” Elam said. He said it’s great that after a scaled-down efort during the COVID-19 years, the newly formed Greater Brandon Action Network (GBAN) has taken on parade duties formerly carried out by the Presidents Roundtable of Greater Brandon Charities, more recently known as the Community Roundtable.

For that, Elam gives high praise to Lisa Rodriguez, a past Roundtable board member and now GBAN president. She is the longtime widow of Sandy Rodriguez, who with his wife worked for years in community afairs, including helping to establish the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association. The center shares space with the Brandon Regional Library at 619 Vonderburg Dr.

“Lisa has been everything that a community could ask for,” Elam said. “She’s always been involved in everything that’s helpful to Brandon, and her daughter, and my goddaughter, Kaia Leigh, is right there with her.”

STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE HELPS SURVIVORS THROUGH VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

While seeking justice is our top priority at the state attorney’s o f ce, we are also dedicated to ensuring the victims of crimes are supported from the moment a case is fi led. I made a choice when I fi rst became the state attorney to meet personally with every homicide victim’s family to make sure they know who is fi ghting for them. So far, I have gotten to know 130 families, having the privilege to guide them through some of the scariest moments of their lives.

While I hope you never become a crime victim, it is important to know the state attorney’s o f ce has a compassionate team of dedicated victim counselors to provide support to survivors and victims every single day. Our Victim Assistance Program not only notifi es them about court hearings and the judicial process, but counselors are also trained to help families through feelings of loss, anger and fear.

If you walk into any one of our courtrooms, victims are there every single day on their quests for justice. And often right beside them will be one of our trained victim counselors. Sometimes, they are there to hold a hand or simply be a shoulder to cry on. In other cases, counselors can even help crime victims with fi nding food and shelter through other community organizations.

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Helping survivors and their families is so important to our o f ce, and so we decided for the fi rst time ever to hold a Crime Victims’ Resource Fair this year. Dozens of community partners gathered in one place for crime victims to learn more about the many resources they have available to them across Hillsborough County. While I was there, a victim from a recent shooting walked up to me to share her story. She gave me a hug and thanked our o f ce for guidance and support. It’s moments like this that remind us of who we are fi ghting for and why it is so important to support survivors along the way.

If you or someone you know is a victim of crime in Hillsborough County and needs support, please call our Victim Assistance Program at 813-272-6472. We are here to help you navigate through the court system and on the road to healing.

Te State Attorney’s Ofce of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. Te ofce staf consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates and support staf Te ofce handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.”

DEHYDRATION AND EXERCISE HEAT INJURY IN THE YOUTH ATHLETIC

Summer in Florida does not mean youth athletes get a break from sports. Temperatures climbing to 100 degrees plus unacclimated or under-hydrated middle and high school students, can be a recipe for disaster. It is important, as parents, to not only make sure your athlete is prepared to play in this environment, but to also recognize the warning signs if they are not.

Performance Care to Maximize Your Athlete’s Abilities

It’s common for us to have athletes come into our offce to get an injury treated, but more often than not, a non-traumatic injury is the result of body mechanics not functioning appropriately. This means that if we were to just treat the injury itself and then send that athlete back to the sport that caused the injury in the frst place, they would likely end up injured again. This is why in all of our treatment plans we perform a head to toe joint evaluation.

The beginning stages of exertional heat illness are exercise-associated muscle cramping, usually in the calf or hamstring. This indicates your child should be pulled from practice or a game to hydrate with water, electrolytes from a sports drink or salty snack, and rest. Gentle stretching and massage to the area can also be benefcial. As suggested by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the recommended fuid intake should be 20f oz of water/sports drink 3 hours before exercise and up to 2 hours post-exercise, to correct for losses. When fuid loss through sweat starts to exceed fuid intake, dehydration begins to settle in.

Dehydration signs include thirst, irritability, headache, weakness, dizziness, and decreased performance.

From your neck down to literally how your big toe is functioning, we evaluate how that joint is performing when you run, pitch, jump, etc. Not only does this approach keep our athletes out of injury, but it can make them to pitch faster, run harder, and jump higher.

Generalized training and conditioning with the team or even sport-specifc with most trainers does not account for every athlete’s individualized anatomical abilities. They train for the sport requirements and not what that athlete may be able to safely perform, so ultimately, it ends up training compensation patterns that result in injury or decreased performance.

If left untreated or unnoticed, dehydration and exercising in the heat can cause an elevated core body temperature, which leads to fainting, collapsing, dizziness, confusion, and vomiting. If core body temperature continues to climb, exertional heat injury or heat stroke can be a concern. Collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness, hot/wet skin, and severe muscle pain are common symptoms. This is now a medical emergency and 9-1-1 should be called.

Our physicians are trained in techniques that many professional athletes and teams utilize to keep their players performing at their highest ability, safely.

Be aware of your youth athlete this summer and ask them these 5 important preventative questions:

1. How much water/sports drink are you drinking before, during, and after practice/games?

You can fnd the same techniques and protocols in our offce that are used throughout the MLB, NHL, NFL, and even at Westside Barbell, which produces arguably the strongest powerlifters in the world.

2. When you notice that you’re excessively sweating, are you making a conscious efort to drink more than usual?

3. How much sleep are you getting the night before?

Athletes we love to work with: runners, swimmers, pitchers, golfers, weightlifters, and all youth and high school athletes

4. Are you incorporating healthy carbs and salty snacks before and after practice/games?

5. Are you taking frequent breaks in the shade or cooler area?

Dr. Robert Lutz

State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Grand Marshal B. Lee Elam, before the start of the 2024 Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade, with Rotary District 6890 Governor Chevon Baccus.

School Breakfast Is Free For All

Students

Each school day, all Hillsborough County Public Schools students are reminded to take advantage of the district’s free school breakfast program ofered to every student, regardless of their household income. The National School Breakfast Program continues to make it possible for all school children to receive a free nutritious breakfast every school day. Breakfast options include fruit and yogurt parfaits, whole-grain breads and cereals and hot, fresh breakfast sandwiches. Every school breakfast served meets federal nutrition standards and is available before the first bell rings.

East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting

The next meeting of the East Hillsborough Democratic Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Lane in Tampa. Plan to enjoy some food and drink and learn about the club. For more information, visit www.easthillsboroughdems.org.

Seeds Of Hope Bingo Fundraiser

Seeds of Hope is hosting a bingo fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Tuesday, August 6. Bingo will start at 7 p.m., with cards on sale at 6:30 p.m. and costing $20 for five games. There will also be an opportunity to purchase rafe tickets for the variety of rafe baskets. Seeds of Hope will also be collecting donations of nonperishable food items and backto-school supplies, as well as monetary donations. Bullfrog Creek Brewery Co. is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Creative Junk Terapy Student Art Show

Riverview High School Is Looking For Football Coaches

Riverview High School, located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, is looking to add assistant football coaches (no experience necessary, and you do not need to be a teacher) to its staf All coaching candidates must be willing to commit to a year-round football program. Volunteer and stipend positions are available. If you are interested, email head coach Tony Rodriguez at antonio.rodriguez@hcps.net or text 813815-0310.

in Brandon. Visit its website at www.creativejunktherapy.org to learn more and see the upcoming classes available.

Registration Now Open For Miss Tampa Bay Softball

Registration is now open for the Miss Tampa Bay Softball league at the FishHawk Sports Complex. Teams are available for ages 3-18, and no experience is needed. Visit www.mtbsfishhawk.com for more information and to register.

Tampa Dynamo FC Open For Registration

Creative Junk Therapy is proud to host its first student art show, which will be on display throughout the month of August. Creative Junk Therapy’s mission is to promote creativity, environmental awareness and community through reuse. It was created as a space for all people to find and enjoy community through creativity and hosts a wide variety of classes for students of all ages, including watercolor painting, crocheting and paint pouring. Creative Junk Therapy is located at 772 W. Lumsden Rd.

Come be a part of the largest program at Tampa Dynamo FC, now open for registration. Ofering locations in Riverview and Apollo Beach, Tampa Dynamo FC ofers three unique recreational programs designed for all ages and skill levels. The recreational soccer programs are designed to provide a fun, supportive and engaging environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy the thrill of this beautiful game. With a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal growth, Tampa Dynamo FC ofers a community where every player can thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, there’s a place for you on the pitch.

com for more information.

Recycling And Waste Reduction Art Contest

The second annual Recycling and Waste Reduction Art Contest is on. The theme of the contest is ‘What Can We Do to Help the Community Reduce Waste, Reuse What We Have, and Recycle More?’

Students can submit a drawing using drawing tools, including digital programs such as Photoshop. They also can submit a collage using drawings, photographs or other materials. Students cannot use artificial intelligence (AI) programs. Other types of submissions will not be judged.

To enter, students must work alone, create original art, live in Hillsborough County and be entering fourth through 12th grade by the start of the 2024 school year.

Artwork can be submitted from now until Saturday, August 31. If you have questions, email the Hillsborough County Recycling Team at recycling@hcfl.gov.

To learn more about the Recycling and Waste Reduction Art Contest and review complete entry and art rules, visit https:// hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/trash-and-recycling/summer-recycling-art-contest.

Please visit www.tampadynamofc.

LOCAL ISMASH OWNER DAVID SEGUI JOINS HONORARY MAYOR’S RACE

EAST HILLSBOROUGH

David Segui is the owner of iSmash Tampa. He is originally from New York but moved to Florida in 2003 to provide a better life for his son, who is now 21 years old.

“After 20-plus years working in the insurance industry, I retired in 2021 and decided I wanted to open a rage room with my friend, Bob Knapp, in 2022,” Segui said. “As best friends, we always wanted to open a business together. We had no desire to enter the insurance industry again. We found the iSmash franchise and immediately fell in love with the concept. We enjoy what we do so much that we intend to open six more location in Central Florida.”

Segui recently joined the second annual Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough.

“After a near-death experience in 2021 due to COVID, which included a 30-day coma and three-month hospital stay, I was overcome with a sense I was supposed to be doing more,” Segui said. “I learned that several local charities could not obtain federal funding to continue their programs and I knew I had to take action. The mayor’s race has a wonderful history of helping so many people in need within our community.”

From Sunday, September 1, until Monday, September 30, dedicated community leaders will be campaigning hard, raising funds for their chosen charities and showcasing their vision for East Hillsborough. This is their chance to get involved and help raise

OF

By Libby Hopkins

funds for the next honorary mayor.

The Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough, supported by the Valrico/ Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC), is a nonpolitical competition where candidates campaign to raise funds for their chosen charities or nonprofits. Throughout the campaign, the selected candidates engage in different fundraising events, community outreach activities and networking opportunities to garner support for their cause. The candidate that raises the most money becomes the honorary mayor for the year.

“We are raising funds for the Impact Program, Hope for Her and Small But Mighty Heroes,” Segui said. “I choose these charities because they help causes that are very personal and dear to my heart. Impact educates students, parents and teachers on how to have healthy relationships and avoid sexual risk. As an at-risk teen myself, programs like Impact are essential to helping teens make better choices. Hope for Her offers a safe place for women to find strength, skills and support after experiencing trauma. Small But Mighty Heroes provides support to children battling cancer, and to their siblings and parents.”

If you would like to learn more about the Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough, you can visit VFCC’s website at www. valricofishhawk.org/2024-honorary-mayor-race.

RIVERVIEW RESIDENT AND LAWYER

DAWN MYERS JOINS HONORARY MAYOR’S RACE OF EAST HILLSBOROUGH

Dawn Myers is a lifelong resident of Hillsborough County.

“I was raised in Sefner, now living in Riverview,” Myers said. “I am the owner of Myers Law, P.A., and I’m a graduate of Armwood High School as well. I am running for honorary mayor to not only support two charities that are close to my heart but to bring awareness to these charities and how they help our community.”

Myers’ two selected benefitting charities are High 5 Inc. and ECHO.

“I picked these charities because I believe in their causes,” Myers said. “High 5 Inc. provides much needed resources for the community. Their Learn to Swim program saves lives every year and they provide a community for adults with special needs where they can develop and explore new abilities. ECHO isn’t just organization giving handouts, they empower our neighbors to find sustainable solutions to housing and employment.”

From Sunday, September 1, until Monday, September 30, dedicated community leaders will be campaigning hard, raising funds for their chosen charities and showcasing their vision for East Hillsborough. This is their chance to get involved and help raise funds for the next honorary mayor.

A victory event will follow to include participants and their benefiting chari-

By Libby Hopkins

ties, announcing the winner. The honorary mayor will be included in the Brandon Parade of Lights in December.

The candidates from East Hillsborough are invited to step forward and showcase their leadership skills and dedication to philanthropy.

“I am blessed to have an amazing committee who has worked very hard to envision fresh, new ideas to raise money in our community,” Myers said. “We are hosting a poker tournament on September 10, an upscale dinner party at ECHO of Riverview on September 21.”

“On September 27, we will be throwing an Alice in Wonderland-themed Very Merry Unbirthday Bash, where all attendees at The Regent will have an opportunity to win great prizes, or, shall we say, ‘unbirthday presents.’”

“To finish of the fundraising month, on September 28 we are going to have an epic Rubber Duck Derby and Pool Party at High 5 Inc.,” added Myers.

“All month long, we will have an online auction and opportunities to purchase a rafe ticket for a chance to win a $500 valued lottery board, generously donated by ACE Heating and Cooling.”

If you would like to learn more about the Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough, you can visit VFCC’s website at www.valricofishhawk.org/2024-honorary-mayor-race.

Dawn Myers is the owner of Myers Law, P.A. Myers has recently joined the second annual Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough.

David Segui, owner of iSmash Tampa, recently joined the second annual Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough.

A1 OPPORTUNITIES TO HOST CHARITY WINE TASTING EVENT ‘SIPS FOR SHELTER’ ON AUGUST 24

A1 Opportunities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to those in need, is thrilled to announce its upcoming charity wine tasting event, ‘Sips for Shelter.’ This special event will take place on Saturday, August 24, from 1-4 p.m. at JF Kicks, located at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Sips for Shelter promises an afternoon of delightful wine tasting featuring an exquisite selection of local and international wines. Guests will enjoy not only a variety of fine wines but also live music, a magician, delicious food and the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and have a chance to win rafe baskets. Johnny Spieldenner, the owner of JF Kicks Restaurant and Patio Bar, will be coordinating and ofering his establishment as a sponsor/ partner in the event.

Trough various programs and initiatives, A1 Opportunities provides essential resources, shelter and support to help those in our community build a better future.

The event currently has sponsor commitments from Perspire Sauna Studio in Riverview, Keller Williams Realty Suburban Tampa, the Osprey Observer and State Farm - Jake Gray in Valrico.

“We are excited to bring our community together for an afternoon of enjoyment and philanthropy,” said Angelina Ryan, CEO at A1 Opportunities. “This event is a fantastic way for people to have a great time while supporting a meaningful cause. Every ticket sold and every contribution made helps

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us continue our mission of providing shelter and resources to those in need, with our primary focus on serving the homeless.”

Ticket pricing is $30 per person for general admission, $50 for couple’s admission and $100 for VIP admission (includes exclusive benefits such as early entry, access to premium wines, a branded tumbler and more).

In addition to individual tickets, various sponsorship opportunities are available, providing businesses and individuals with the chance to gain visibility while supporting the community. Sponsorship levels range from the Pinot Noir Sponsor at $100 to the prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon Sponsor at $1,000, each ofering a range of benefits, including logo placement on event materials, complimentary tickets and social media mentions. All proceeds from Sips for Shelter will go directly to A1 Opportunities, supporting its ongoing eforts to provide shelter, food and other essential services to those facing hardship from homelessness in our community. To purchase tickets, please contact A1 Opportunities at info@a1opportunities.org or 813-313-9943. Donations may be made to https://a1opportunities.org/. Join in for an afternoon of wine, food, entertainment and charity at Sips for Shelter. Together, you can make a diference.

FISHHAWK PARAMEDIC TEACHES CPR CLASSES TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS

The American Heart Association has a vision of “a world where no one dies from cardiac arrest.” John Watson, a paramedic and firefighter of 20 years, is working to make that vision a reality by teaching CPR classes in the FishHawk community. Watson has been teaching CPR classes for the past 18 years with the goal of making CPR more accessible for all. He started out teaching local groups like Girl and Boy Scout troops and fellow parents on his daughters’ softball team who were required to learn CPR. Watson recognized that most people wanted to help but often didn’t have the training or skills to do so. He wanted to change that.

“It’s my life,” Watson said. “I’ve done CPR hundreds of times. I know the effects and the positive outcomes. I thought, why not create a Facebook page for those in the FishHawk area and operate for those who want to [learn CPR]?”

Watson dedicates himself to creating an educated community equipped with the tools necessary to respond to emergency situations.

“CPR is for everybody. You can take it for your loved ones, but you have the ability to use it for everyone in the community. The more people that are certified, the more options people have to help out.”

Watson has seen firsthand how some-

By Jamie Lu

one performing CPR during the six to eight minutes that it takes paramedics to arrive on scene can be the di f erence between life and death. That is why teaching CPR is important to him. His classes educate people on why the heart stops, what sort of situation warrants a call to emergency services and, of course, how to perform CPR itself. Watson follows the guidelines of the American Heart Association, which conducts studies every five years on the medical e f ects of CPR to ensure that the CPR procedures being taught are as e f cient as possible.

Each of Watson’s classes is four hours long and has a ratio of six students to one instructor. There is no age requirement, but participants must be physically able to perform adult chest compressions. The classes include hands-on CPR practice, AED instruction and basic firstaid training. No written test is required. The program itself costs $65, and participants leave with an entry-level CPR certification that is valid for two years.

As a paramedic, “I see the reality of the lack of CPR,” said Watson. “I want to give everybody the ability to have those skills to [be involved].”

To contact Watson or learn more about his CPR classes, visit his Community CPR Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=61561135322043.

Jennifer Greene & Clint Fletcher Owners of Complete Ketamine Tampa

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 Monday, August 12! Learn more at EducationFoundation.com, home of the nonprofit Hillsborough Education Foundation. Thank you!

WHY CHOOSE US?

“Freedom

FastFrame

Of

Winthrop Celebrates One-year Anniversary

Aki Weaver and David Escobar, owners of FastFrame of Winthrop, have been reflecting upon the beautiful, meaningful and unique pieces that they have had the privilege of framing during their first year in business.

“Our success over the past year is largely due to the unwavering support from the community, and for that we are so grateful,” they said.

Earlier this year, Weaver and Escobar were also able to attend a conference where they were able to further their education and discover new ways of designing, which has fueled them to keep designing new pieces, utilizing the latest collections of moldings and mats. As always, FastFrame of Winthrop stands by its ‘True Love Guarantee,’ which means if you do not absolutely love your finished frame, then FastFrame will recraft it within the same price range at no additional cost. FastFrame of Winthrop is located at 6128 Winthrop Town Center Ave. in Riverview. Additional information can be found on its website at www.fastframe.com/ riverview or by calling 813-436-0044.

Southshore Charter Academy Is Hiring Elementary Teachers

Southshore Charter Academy is hiring energetic individuals who love children and wish to make a powerful impact to mold lifelong learners. Teachers are needed in its elementary program. Southshore Charter

Academy is a member of the Charter Schools USA family and is relentlessly committed to student greatness in school and life. It strives to unleash each student’s potential by building strong minds and good hearts, ensuring they develop lifelong, future-ready skills that will lead them to success as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. For more information about available positions, please call the school at 813-769-1209.

The Stylish Chick Celebrates Two Years With A Ribbon-cutting

The Stylish Chick has helped over 500 people discover their best colors and style in the two years since it opened, and owner Barbara Ellis decided to celebrate this with a chamber of commerce ribbon-cutting. The two main services o f ered by The

Stylish Chick are color analysis and style consultations. Color analysis uses color science and large drapes of various colors to take clients on journeys of discovery to the colors that make them look healthy, youthful and glowing. During a style consultation, body geometrics and how to dress your unique body shape for proportion and balance are discussed.

“When you marry color, body geometrics and your clothing personality all together, shopping becomes easy,” said owner Barbara Ellis. To make an appointment with The Stylish Chick, visit its website at https://thestylishchick.com/ or call 610-585-8596.

Garcia Weight Loss Aesthetics & Hormone Terapy

warm and welcoming setting. The practice ofers a team approach with highly skilled practitioners. Weight loss is more than just numbers; each individual has unique strengths, challenges, needs and goals. Truly customized weight loss takes all these factors into consideration to create a personalized treatment plan. The team at Garcia Weight Loss Aesthetics & Hormone Therapy doesn’t just focus on shedding excess pounds, as its practitioners strive to enhance overall health and wellness. Visit its website at www.garciaweightloss.com or call 813-982-3042 for additional information or to make an appointment.

Garcia Weight Loss Aesthetics & Hormone Therapy was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to medically supported weight-loss services in a

Danny’s Deli Opens In FishHawk Area Local residents Danny and Amy Saccullo recently opened Danny’s Deli at 13457 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Danny described his new eating establishment as “the neighborhood deli where you can come in, grab a sandwich and say hi to your neighbor.”

The menu has a wide variety of dishes, including hoagies, sandwiches, wraps, chopped salads, soups and desserts. Everything is freshly made in-house, and Danny’s Deli takes great pride in providing great customer service and even better food. First responders, teachers and nurses all receive a 10 percent discount on their orders. Please visit its website at www.facebook.com/dannysdeli75 to view the menu and opening hours.

Latitudes Tours Receives Travelers’ Choice Award

The Travelers’ Choice Award honors travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, things to do etc. based on the reviews collected on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period. Latitudes Tours has been awarded a Travelers’ Choice Award for the last six years. Latitudes Tours offers a variety of eco-tours including a sunset cruise with optional dinner and kayak tours. A shuttle bus is also available and can take up to 15 passengers to popular destinations including Anna Maria Island beaches, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and shopping venues. Whatever you decide to do, Latitudes Tours is dedicated to providing guests with a memorable experience. Latitudes Tours is located at 580 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin. Visit its website at https://latitudestours.com/ to view tours and to make a reservation.

Cruise Planners Plans More Than Cruises

Riverview residents

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

booking flights and accommodations to creating personalized itineraries based on interests and preferences. Our goal is to save clients time and stress by handling all the details and providing expert advice,” said Gordon and Beam.

dedicated to creating free time for busy people. Its team is composed of professionally trained, background-checked employees who are dedicated to delivering consistent and reliable cleaning services. It is licensed, bonded and insured, ensuring peace of mind for its clients.

skin conditions and helps balance mood, making it a versatile solution for a variety of health concerns.

LeHeal Biogenix is located at 1155 Nikki View Dr. in Brandon. Visit https:// leheal.com/ to learn more.

Matthew Gordon and Marji Beam are the owners of Cruise Planners and your local vacation experts. As travel advisors, they help individuals and groups plan and organize their trips, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

“We take care of everything from

From solo sojourns to group getaways and budget bliss to luxury living, Cruise Planners can help make your dream vacation come true. Visit its website at www.ventureoutvacation.com. Call 717-856-2646 to speak with Gordon or call 727-455-4255 to speak with Beam.

Maid Pure Cleaning Now Serving East County Residents

Maid Pure Cleaning Services is a professional residential cleaning company

“At Maid Pure Cleaning Services we strive to provide a personalized and trustworthy cleaning experience that enhances the quality of life for the families we serve,” said local resident and owner Dionne Cona.

The services offered include recurring cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, spring cleaning and onetime cleaning. Visit its website at https://maidpurecleaningservices. com/ or call 813-670-2004 for more information.

LeHeal Biogenix Offers Red Light Therapy

LeHeal Biogenix is introducing the groundbreaking combination of red light therapy and grounding mats. Red light therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light, similar to the way plants use sunlight for photosynthesis, to activate natural processes within the body. This therapy boosts energy levels, optimizes sleep, relieves minor pains and swelling, promotes hair growth, improves various

North Star Consulting Offers Private College And Career Planning

North Star Consulting offers private, one-on-one college and career planning for students and adults. Founder Christina Sanchez Bonner, M.Ed., with more than 15 years of experience in this field, created this company to service the needs of individuals searching for personalized support in college and/or career planning.

Its services include academic advising, college admissions, funding education, resume letters, interview preparation and career

consulting.

North Star Consulting provides a nonjudgemental approach to assist its clients in finding the ideal path to reach their goals.

Visit its website at www.northstarconsultings.com or call 813-3155214 for additional information.

With caregivers and family members working to support a loved one, a dementia diagnosis rarely afects the patient alone. That is why, on February 27, Tessera of Brandon unveiled its new ‘Learn to Earn’ Education Program.

The Learn to Earn Education Program is a series of virtual and in-person workshops that aim to equip assisted living residents and their families with information to better understand dementia. The only eligibility requirement for families is to have a relative who is currently a resident at Tessera of Brandon.

Paired with its memory care stations, Tessera of Brandon’s ‘Learn to Earn’ Education Program helps facilitate meaningful conversations between assisted living residents with dementia and their families.

“We’re always striving to … educate families and to make it possible for them to understand dementia more — what they can expect, better ways to communicate and then insight into how it feels to have dementia,” said Jill Andrew, Tessera of Brandon’s director of marketing. “…Then they can understand why our staf responds in certain ways and how they too can respond to make it a positive experience for everybody involved.”

To incentivize enrollment, Tessera of Brandon is currently ofering all participants the opportunity to earn credit toward a resident’s rent. Available until Friday, August 30, participants earn one credit for every meeting they attend, with the potential to accrue as many as three credits. So far, 23 families have successfully earned these three credits.

By Madeline Gardner

The program is currently centered around support group gatherings, which meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. and the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. These meetings offer virtual and in-person options.

Speakers often include caregivers from the local community, including individuals who have been referred by the Alzheimer’s Association and/or local churches. While these sessions provide an overview of the condition itself, caregivers are encouraged to speak on the challenges they currently face and how symptoms are approached.

While the program is currently temporary, Andrew hopes to transform the Learn to Earn Education Program into a permanent curriculum available year-round. As the program teaches friends and family how to aid and comfort their loved ones, Andrew noted that these meetings have altered how these attendees fundamentally connect with dementia patients.

“It’s turned sympathy — being sympathetic toward somebody — to having the empathy, which is much more productive,” said Andrew.

For more information about the Learn to Earn program and other opportunities ofered by Tessera of Brandon, call 813607-6880 or visit www.tesserabrandon. com. Tessera of Brandon is located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

TAMPA THEATRE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARDS

Tampa Theatre, Tampa’s historic and majestic movie palace, was bestowed on July 7 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a national award from the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT). Tampa Theatre was named LHAT’s Outstanding Historic Theatre for 2024. In addition, John Bell, Tampa Theatre’s CEO, received the Joseph Rosenberg Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution.

The Outstanding Historic Theatre Award recognizes a theater that demonstrates excellence through its community impact, quality of programs and services and quality of the restoration or rehabilitation of its historic structure. According to the nomination requirements, “an award-winning theatre will have demonstrated excellence through significant achievement, the impact of its services and breadth of populations served and the length of time and/or intensity of its activities.”

Bell, who has served as president and CEO of Tampa Theatre since 1985, was nominated for the Joseph Rosenberg Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution by the Tampa Theatre staf and board of directors, with letters of support from numerous LHAT colleagues, fellow arts leaders in the Tampa Bay area as well as state and local elected ofcials. The Outstanding Individual Contribution award recognizes some-

By Kathy L. Collins

one who demonstrates vision, dedication, selflessness and excellence through their contribution to historic theaters and their communities as a volunteer, board member, patron, donor, service provider, staf member or historic theater advocate at large.

“Although I am honored, it should be me presenting the league with some sort of an award to honor this group for everything it has meant to me. Because I can assure you that without this brilliant group of people — whom I have relied upon for advice and support for 40 years — I would not be standing here today,” said Bell at the ceremony.

Founded in 1976, the League of Historic American Theatres is a nonprofit organization with the main purpose of sustaining historic theaters across North America for the benefit of their communities and future generations. The league defines an eligible historic theater as one that is at least 50 years old, is an architecturally significant structure deemed worthy of preservation, has played an important role in the history of American stage and screen and/or can be used as a performing arts facility.

Tampa Theatre was built in 1926. It hosts more than 700 programs each year. Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa. For more information, please visit www.tampatheatre.org.

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Tampa Teatre and its CEO, John Bell, were recently bestowed with two prestigious national awards from the League of Historic American Teatres. Tampa Teatre is a true treasure and a place to be cherished and enjoyed by all residents of the Tampa Bay region.

LET THEM EAT CAKE: SWEET BITES BAKING SCHOOL

By Alisa Gershman

WEST FLORIDA FLAMES U14 GIRLS’ SOCCER TEAM FINISHES SIXTH IN THE NATION

By Nick Nahas

All year long, people search for ways to quell their sweet tooth. Each season carries a myriad of treats with it, from scrumptious pies in the fall to cooling cakes in the summer.

classes, starting the business many know and love today as Sweet Bites Baking School.

The school operates many diferent baking classes throughout the year, ofered to all from kids to moms.

Many rely on local grocery stores to provide these sweet satisfactions for them, as baking at home is not an easy task. Gathering all the ingredients and finding a good recipe may seem fruitless when in the end the cookies you swore you put in the oven 10 minutes ago come out burnt to a crisp.

Luckily, a local baking school has the solution. Meet Sweet Bites Baking School. The business, owned and founded by Pamela Fulks, began in 2018 in the space it currently stands, at 329 E. Robertson St. in Brandon. However, Fulks’ love for baking began all the way back to her childhood.

Growing up around a grandmother who had a knack for baking, she picked up many of the skills from her, falling in love with making special desserts for friends and family around her.

Starting with a small bakery in 2013 for retail custom cakes, events in life eventually forced Fulks to shut it down. But she knew the passion would always remain.

She eventually opened a small commercial space in the Brandon area for baking

Whether you are looking for a chill activity with some friends or a way to reel in the holidays, Sweet Bites has many diferent options to choose from.

Fulks stated, “We ofer cake and cookie decorating classes, baking summer camps, mommy and me decorating classes, holiday events and quarterly Nailed It competitions.”

People from all over the area have shown an outpour of support for the business, choosing to host loved ones’ birthday parties and anniversaries there as fun activities for all to enjoy.

Parties are not the only thing the school caters to, as classes of all levels and specialties are held for customers as well. Customers can choose from cake or cookie decorating to more competitive levels of baking.

No matter how experienced you are near the oven, Sweet Bites Baking School will always invite you in with a smile and a dash of sugar to enjoy some delectable delights. For more information about Sweet Bites Baking School, visit https://sweetbitesbaking.com/ or call 727-755-4224.

The West Florida Flames U14 girls’ soccer team recently competed at nationals in Midlothian, Virginia, finishing sixth in the nation, the best the team has ever done.

The U14 team, which practices in Brandon at the J.C. Handly Complex on Kings Avenue, is a member of the Girls Academy League, a national organization broken down into 11 conferences across the country. The Flames were one of only eight teams across those 120-plus teams in the country to make it to nationals.

“It was a great experience,” said center back Sydney Kachurak. “It showed me that even though we made it there, we didn’t fully accomplish our goals and that we have more work to do.”

The team finished in second place in the Southeast Conference during the regular season, just 0.5 game behind last year’s Girls Academy national champions. The second-place finish qualified them for the national playofs, which were held in Norco, California, from June 19-22. The Flames won all three of their games, scoring seven total goals and not allowing any. This qualified them for the national finals in Virginia.

“My experience in Virginia was amazing because of the recognition of playing at a high level and playing against the top teams in the GA,” said left back Tahina Castro. “My ultimate goal I want to accomplish with my

team is winning nationals next year.” Players on the team include Aubrey Malone, Melodee Martinez, Lauren Kirk, Kachurak, Castro, Danielle Lauer, Mallory Smithberger, Gabriella Manfria, Lohanna Pires, Lillian Curnutte, Dariana Rubio, Samantha Gee, Sophia Melo Lopez, Sariyah Cherenfant, Avery Stewart, Ella Scott, Jenah Amireh, Victoria Stillman, Ella Raquet, Demi Woolverton, Jordynn Roberts, Mia Accola and Georgia Bufery.

Ashani Fairclough, head coach of the Flames, said that his team will take a break before they resume with the league schedule. They qualified for the Champions Cup, which includes the best 32 teams in the country competing for a national championship. The tournament will occur this December in California.

“What makes me most proud is their resilience, their work ethic, their commitment to training and playing at a high level every day and just having a positive attitude the entire season,” said Fairclough.

Fairclough and his players hope to continue their success and carry it on into the season. “I want us to continue to work hard every time we get on the field and have the mentality that we can win every game,” said Kachurak. “I want us to get back to nationals, and, when we get there, win it. I also want us to keep growing as a team, supporting each other on and of the field.”

Te West Florida Flames U14 girls’ soccer team recently competed at nationals in Midlothian, Virginia, fnishing sixth in the nation, the best the team has ever done.

Smiles are seen all around as birthday party attendees enjoy decorating cakes together and getting creative.

NEWSOME SENIOR COMMITS TO BECOME AIR FORCE FALCON

While most high school seniors will spend their fall semester applying to colleges and universities, Newsome High School senior Clayton Brown is one of the lucky few to already know where he will attend college. The varsity tight end announced his commitment to play football at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) on June 23.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to playing football at USAFA but also for the many career options that are available to academy graduates,” he said. “I want to thank all the people who have helped me get to this point, especially my family, teammates and coaches.”

Clayton visited USAFA, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 14 and 15, and he immediately fell in love with the service academy, which is nestled on 18,500 acres of breathtaking mountain panoramas.

After walking through the tunnel on the north end of Falcon Stadium leading to the hallowed field, meeting the coaches and touring the campus with his family, Clayton quickly knew this was the place for him.

“My first impression was that the school was so beautiful sitting by the mountains,” he said. “It was super unique and unlike any college I’d ever seen.”

He was also impressed with the sports facilities, which are top-notch because athletics are a critical part of the academy experience. Every cadet is expected to play Division I intercollegiate sports or participate on an intramural team.

Clayton started his football career at

By Michelle Caceres

age 4 playing for the Pinecrest Pilots. “It was something that got me out of the house when I was younger, and it was just something fun,” he said.

Clayton was an impact player for the Newsome Wolves last season. His rock-solid performance in 2023 included 640 running yards, 64 receiving yards per game, 47 receptions and five receiving touchdowns.

Now, with his college plans solidified, he can focus on enjoying his last year of high school football. “You only get one season as a senior and I’m looking forward to it.”.

His parents are excited about his future.

“Although the prospect of serving in the Air Force had never crossed his mind, the moment we sat down with coach and learned what opportunities were available to him academically and as a football player, my husband and I were convinced this could be his future,” said Tara Brown. “He sought answers, engaged in numerous conversations, conducted thorough research and prayed diligently.”

Clayton will start at USAFA in 2027 after completing a two-year church mission, during which he will spread the message of Jesus Christ.

Newsome head coach Jef Turner said three other football players have committed to playing football in college. “That’s what they’ve all wanted to do, to play at the next level,” Turner said. “They’ve all worked really hard, both on the field and in the classroom, which has opened up opportunities to continue their sports careers.”

Clayton Brown and his parents Shawn and Tara Brown tour USAFA’s Falcon Stadium.

GET READY TO RISE LIKE A PHOENIX AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently announced the grand opening of Phoenix Rising, the most anticipated coaster of 2024. Pass members were the first to soar high above the Serengeti Plain during previews from July 17 through July 20. The ride opened to the public on July 21, and now guests have the chance to ride on the wings of the legendary phoenix aboard North America’s tallest and longest inverted family coaster, only at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Phoenix Rising is the park’s 10th roller coaster and the park’s first roller coaster to feature onboard audio and lighting.

“We are excited to unveil Phoenix Rising to our pass members and guests. … With a height requirement of just 42 inches, it’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy together,” said Stewart Clark, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Aboard Phoenix Rising, riders will be immersed in an exciting, family-friendly adventure as they soar above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Serengeti Plain and navigate through thrilling twists and turns above the skies of Pantopia. Inspired by the legend of the phoenix, this suspended

roller coaster ofers surprises and speeds reaching 44 miles per hour. With a height requirement of just 42 inches, guests of all ages can let their imagination — and their adrenaline — soar as they feel the rush of the wind and the thrill of flight.

Also, for a limited time, guests can save up to 50 percent on tickets, Fun Cards and annual passes during the summer sale. Hurry, this ofer ends soon and provides the best value of the year. In addition to exclusive perks and monthly rewards, pass members can enjoy a vibrant array of seasonal events throughout the year for as low as $14 per month.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located at 10165 McKinley Dr. in Tampa. Guests can learn more about all the events, future announcements and unbeatable benefits of being an annual pass member by visiting https://buschgardenstampa.com/. To be the first to know about park updates, guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook at www.facebook. com/buschgardenstampabay, X (formerly Twitter) at https://x.com/buschgardens, Instagram @buschgardens and TikTok @ buschgardenstampabay.

Samantha Filippidis, a softball center fielder with an inextinguishable passion for the game, was 16 years old when her playing career was taken from her.

She was trying out for Newsome High School’s softball team with her best friend after a decade of T-ball and travel leagues. She was a year away from being recruited by colleges. She was playing the sport she loves.

On the third day of tryouts, Filippidis tore her labrum, ending her promising softball career in front of her entire team. To make matters worse, her best friend made the team and the Wolves went on to win the championship that year, while she watched from the stands.

“I was obviously crushed,” Filippidis said.

Her mother, Shannon Sarmiento, said Filippidis had become “unbearable to be around” after the injury, but that it was understandable.

“[Softball] was taken from her,” Sarmiento said. “It’s not like she made the choice.”

After letting her daughter lick her wounds, Sarmiento suggested Filippidis should coach her little sister’s team.

Filippidis objected since coaching her little sister seemed “stupid,” she said.

By Lily Belcher

They were “total opposites” and almost 10 years apart in age.

However, her love for the sport, defiance against the doctors who told her that her softball career was over and encouragement from her mother wore her down.

“I thought, ‘If you can’t play it, then you can at least be a part of it,’” Sarmiento said.

Filippidis took on the role of coaching the Lady Hawks 16U travel softball team.

“[Coaching] is the most fun I’ve ever had,” Filippidis said.

She became more than just a coach to the young athletes, including her little sister. She became a role model.

Filippidis emulated the coaching style of her former mentor, teaching fundamental softball skills while passing along key life lessons to the impressionable young girls.

Sarmiento said watching her daughters grow closer through softball has been “really fun to watch.”

Now, almost 10 years after her injury, Filippidis is part of her sister’s promising softball journey and is still able to do what she loves.

“I’ve enjoyed every second of it,” Filippidis said.

To learn more about the team and how to join the Lady Hawks, visit www. mtbsfishhawk.com/ladyhawks.

Come visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and experience the thrill of the Phoenix Rising roller coaster.

Samantha Filippidis became a coach to train her younger sister.

BACKYARD TITAN 10 OBSTACLE RACE COMES TO DOVER

Titan Runs is a Florida-based obstacle race brand that features diferent types of races.

The first type, Mud Titan, is similar to mud runs, as it comprises 25-30 obstacles along a 5-kilometer course. The second type, Terrain Titan, is a distance trail run with a variety of distances, including 5K and 10K. The final type is Tactical Titan, which is similar to Mud Titan but without mud. The races all have themes that go along with them.

By Solomon Bristow

On Saturday, August 31, Tactical Titan will be hosting the Backyard Titan 10 obstacle race in Dover. The theme for Backyard Titan 10 is anything backyard, including barbecue or summertime fun. It is designed to challenge experienced competitors but also be family-friendly and fun for first-time participants.

Joe Cooper is a basketball coach in Hillsborough County who helps set up and run Titan Runs. Cooper reached out in order to spread awareness for the event.

“Since putting on Titan Runs is a parttime job for those running it, no one is really above any other person,” said Cooper. “We all try to pitch in and help where we can.”

Because Titan Run is a local brand, it

is important to the organization to help the community.

“We definitely want to continue to be a positive for the community and continue reaching out to nonprofits to help increase their identity and promote what they’re doing,” said Cooper.

The race has various times in which you can register called waves. The Elite Wave is the first at 8:15 a.m. and is the competitive wave; racers will be able to compete for a ranking. The Open Wave has four diferent start times at 8:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. The runners in the Open Waves will receive a T-shirt and a medal when completing the race.

For the little ones, there is the Mini Titan, which starts at 9:35 a.m. This is only for children ages 6-12, although the other waves are available to children this young. For those wanting to run and avoid the obstacles, there are two waves that start at 8:20 a.m., one being a 5K and the other being a 10K. No matter the age or style, there is a race everyone can enjoy.

To register, visit https://runsignup.com/ race/fl/plantcity/mudtitan18. For more information on Titan Runs, visit https:// titanruns.com/.

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES

The Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade awards and certificates issued on July 16 at the New Hope Church social hall in Brandon paid tribute to those who helped keep the historic event alive.

That’s the promise of the Greater Brandon Action Network (GBAN), formed by four trustees of the Community Roundtable, whose board in the spring voted 5-4 to dissolve the nonprofit. The Community Roundtable was founded more than 60 years ago as the Presidents Roundtable of Greater Brandon Charities, under whose direction the parade debuted in the late 50s.

Betty Jo Tompkins, one of the four trustees, said she joined with Lisa Rodriguez, Randall Munsters and Lela Lilyquist to create GBAN and stage this year’s parade. Munsters was the parade marshal; Lilyquist was the parade co-chair.

In all, nine awards were issued, including Best Professional Float, which went to 1st U.S. Volunteer Calvary Regiment – Rough Riders Inc. for its newly refurbished SS Yucatan float.

Also awarded was Unusual Vehicle to Slingshots of Tampa Bay, a family-oriented club for owners of the three-wheeled Polaris vehicle, a cross between automobile and motorcycle. Twenty-two Slingshots were in view at the parade. Heralded also were Adventures Archery (Amateur Float), Christine Edwards for County Court Judge (Decorated Vehicle), Costumers With a Cause (Best Krewe), New World Celts (Musical March-

By Linda Chion

ers), On Target 4H Club (President’s ‘Wow’ Award) and Odiorne Insurance Agency and Auto-Owners Insurance (Title Sponsor). Also recognized as a main sponsor was attorney Clif Curry & Associates.

American flag framed awards for ‘Apple Pie’ sponsors went to Apex Plumbing, Bill’s Prescription Center, Morgan Star Home Care and New Hope Church. A special frame award went to Mission BBQ, for award-night catering. Among the certificates of appreciation issued were those for Rivard GMC Buick, for the loan of the EV Hummer that transported parade grand marshal B. Lee Elam; Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, for space to hold parade planning meetings; and Southside Baptist Church, for space to sign in parade volunteers.

Also, certificates were issued to Jefrey Allen Inc. (golf cart provider), BCI Communications, Brandon Amateur Radio Society, Brandon High School JROTC, Brandon Masonic Lodge No. 114, O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Sam’s Club, Strawberry Crest High School JROTC, Temporary Trafc Control, waste management and marching bands from Armwood, Bloomingdale and Brandon high schools.

Certificates for county assistance went to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Facilities Management, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, Hillsborough County Public Works and Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce and Homeland Security.

Tactical Titan, a division of Titan Runs, will host Backyard Titan 10, a 5K obstacle course, on Saturday, August 31, in Dover.

At the parade awards ceremony, from left to right: Kaia Leigh Rodriguez, Betty Jo Tompkins, Lela Lilyquist, Lisa Rodriguez, Tom Odiorne, Mark Proctor and Randall Munsters. Seated are B. Lee Elam, this year’s grand marshal, and his wife, Pat.

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ANGEL FOUNDATION FL EMPOWERS FAMILIES IN NEED

The Angel Foundation FL is a compassionate and community-oriented organization with the mission of partnering businesses and individuals to families experiencing crises in order to support them through times of need.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Founded in 2003 by community leaders Anne Nymark, Clif Curry and Arlene Waldron, the foundation originally aimed to raise funds for small nonprofit organizations. Since then, the foundation has evolved significantly and in 2017 refocused to directly support families.

“We rebranded in hopes to fill a gap in the community for families whose lives were going along just fine until they received that diagnosis of cancer or other catastrophic event and their lives were turned upside down,” said Liz Brewer, CEO of Angel Foundation FL. “Our goal is to keep them on the road to self-sufciency and assist them until they are able to get back on their feet.”

The organization focuses on connecting afected families with local businesses to address their practical needs, allowing them to concentrate on healing and restoration. The foundation also provides financial assistance for essential expenses, like utilities and cell phones, recognizing that even one month without income can create a significant burden for families.

New monthly Angels Connect Luncheons are held in Plant City on the third Thursday of every month and in Brandon on the fourth Thursday, fostering networking among

Angel Leaders, community leaders and business supporters. These luncheons are open to everyone and aim to inspire participants to support families in need, whether through direct involvement or other means.

Other key events organized by the Angel Foundation FL to raise funds and awareness include the Sporting Clays Classic in February, the Evening of Hope Gala in October and the Ladies Christmas Cofee in December. These events are vital for the foundation, as it operates entirely on support from the community. The foundation also oversees the Angel Gift Shop at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, which not only provides flowers, gifts and other items to hospital guests, staf and patients but also enhances awareness of the foundation and increases its ability to serve families.

Community members can get involved with the Angel Foundation FL through the Angel Leader program, volunteering at the gift shop or helping an event committee. Financial support can be provided through sponsorships or as a Monthly Angel Donor, with donations starting at $25 per month. Donors receive an Angel VIP Card with discounts to local and national businesses.

The foundation’s ultimate goal is to ofer compassionate support by providing help, hope and advocacy to families.

For more information, please visit https:// angelfoundationfl.com/ or contact Brewer at liz@angelfoundationfl.com.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Community members with the Angel Foundation FL work together to support families in crisis.

Billed as the first community hub of its kind, the newly opened Feeding Tampa Bay Causeway Center is a major step up for the nonprofit that provides food rescue for 10 West Central Florida counties.

A tour of the stateof-the-art, 215,000 sq. ft. facility gives testament to both the relief organization’s growth and mission needs, which spiked considerably with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding Tampa Bay reportedly serves 2 million meals weekly and is on track this year to serve 85 million meals.

But it’s not just food insecurity addressed at the center, where the aim is to get to the root of the problem that causes hunger. As a “one-stop shop for service access, community connection and collaboration,” empowerment oferings include financial assistance, benefits navigation and family, health and mental health services. Job and training services include FRESHforce training for certification in commercial driving, warehouse logistics, culinary arts and barista.

Jim Carpenter of Brandon is the director of facilities and disaster response, hired in 2016 to work at Feeding Tampa Bay, which is part of the Feeding America network of food banks. “I was part of the group that started the planning process for this building,” Carpenter said. Having visited three food banks in Texas, “from each of them we learned what they did right, what they did wrong and what they would do diferently.”

Feeding Tampa Bay left behind its

By Linda Chion

80,000-square-foot home, one of many spaces in the back of a distribution center of Adamo Road and 50th Street at 4702 Transport Dr. The new $60 million, two-story warehouse sits 5 miles away on an 18-acre plot at 3624 Causeway Blvd., west of U.S. Highway 41. Funding includes $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, an allocation approved by County commissioners.

Comparing old to new numbers, Carpenter said Feeding Tampa Bay has grown from 1,400 to 4,200 pallet positions, from 18 to 29 docks (expandable to 36), from 330 to 515 parking spaces and from 18 to 32 feet of racking height. The new space, roughly the size of three regulation-sized American football fields, allows for dry, cold and frozen refrigeration. It’s home to 35 trucks and five tractor-trailers. The enterprise has 160 employees.

Count among them spokesperson Shannon Hannon Oliviero, who on a recent tour of the facility noted volunteer opportunities (two shifts daily, six days a week) and the more than 300 nonprofit partners that use Feeding Tampa Bay to stock food banks throughout the 10-county service area.

Supporters include those featured on outdoor building signs for various spaces, including the entryway (Florida Blue), market (Publix Charities) and bistro (Trinity Cafe). The Community Space (Hillsborough County) is a fully equipped and versatile event space for up to 485 people. Visit www.feedingtampabay.org/causeway.

The Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards program recognized its first-place honoree, resulting in a $100,000 check for Feeding Tampa Bay’s FoodRX program.

Collectively, the nine 2024 award recipients received $525,000 for “doing exemplary work in their local communities to improve health outcomes and increase access to health care services and support.”

Recognized as the first food pharmacy in the state, FoodRX provides food prescriptions to adults with diet-related health conditions in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Patients receive a prescription to visit a food pharmacy co-located at the site of their medical appointments.

“We know when someone is coming out of a health care crisis of some sort, longtime viability and capability is largely dependent on nutrition,” said Feeding Tampa Bay CEO Thomas Mantz in a video about the FoodRX program. “Our theory was, let’s build a FoodRX program, something we would take for granted, and make that available for individuals and families at a much larger scale.”

One such individual is FoodRX patient Herman Dallas, who in the video speaks of the program’s life-altering benefits

By Linda Chion

as a “tough guy not wanting to go to the doctor” who later learned he had kidney failure and needed dialysis and a transplant.

“I had to eat different, I had to think different, I had to work different and I learned the type of foods that I needed to eat to help me … get better and how important it was to eat the right foods,” Dallas said.

Also featured in the video is Rachel Bozich, ambulatory project manager for Tampa General Hospital, who spoke about the Tampa Well Community Garden and Food Pharmacy. The 1-acre garden, connected to a primary care facility, along with a food pharmacy, is “an opportunity for us to really systematically prescribe food as medicine to our patients,” Bozich said.

Praise for the program comes from Felecia Johnson, whose primary doctor sent her to FoodRX. “You don’t have to pay for the food,” Johnson said, “and food is very expensive, especially fruits and vegetables.”

For more on how Feeding Tampa Bay is working with health care partners to open food prescription programs, visit https://feedingtampabay.org/ways-weserve/foodrx.

Jim Carpenter of Brandon, Feeding Tampa Bay’s director of facilities and disaster response.

A screenshot of Feeding Tampa Bay CEO Tomas Mantz in a Florida Blue video about the nonproft’s award-winning FoodRX initiative.

VALRICO/FISHHAWK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BEGINS NEW LUNCH & LEARN SERIES TO SUPPORT LOCAL NONPROFITS

Supporting local nonprofits has always been an important mission to the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC), and its most recent efort comes in the form of its new Lunch & Learn series. Launched early this year, Lunch & Learn is a quarterly event that aims to support charities through various methods, including education, recognition and fundraising. Any nonprofit member in the chamber is welcome to attend.

Nonproft members recently learned about building their online presence at the second Lunch & Learn hosted by the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce.

At the first meeting, attendees were asked about what strategies were efective for them in terms of generating donations and public awareness, and what the chamber could do to support them. During the second meeting, a social media expert educated the attendees on using social media strategies to build their online presence and garner more public attention and donations.

President of the chamber Patti Sutherland believes “it is important to support the nonprofits in our chamber anyway we can.”

The VFCC now features a nonprofit in each of its weekly newsletters and allows that nonprofit to host a table at the monthly general assembly meetings. Nonprofits can also share their events on the chamber’s website and social media.

The VFCC is unique in that it frequently

By Jamie Lu

gives back to the community by supporting local nonprofits while being a nonprofit itself. Each year, in addition to its regular support of local charities, the chamber also selects a Charity of Choice, with this year’s being Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary. Additionally, the chamber plans to host its annual Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough this September.

Ultimately, the community remains at the center of all of the VFCC’s charitable eforts, whether it be in “supporting the teachers in our community schools with our very well attended back-to-school event (August 8), music bingo for Raining Cats and Dogs (October 24) or by the four $1,000 university and trade school scholarships for high school students,” Sutherland explained.

The chamber has worked with several charities through the Lunch & Learn series — including Freedom to Walk Foundation, ECHO, Angel Foundation FL, Metropolitan Ministries, Women Centered 4 Success, Water Smart Tots, Kiwanis, Dancing for a Diference, Impact and Faces of Courage — and hopes to continue expanding its collaborative eforts as the series progresses.

For more information about the VFCC, visit www.valricofishhawk.org.

YMCA

BASQUILL SIBLINGS AND CAMP COUNSELORS RECOMMEND

YMCA CAMP CRISTINA

By Sara Kitchin

Camp Cristina in Riverview is a summer destination for children of Hillsborough County. The camp activities also attract camp counselors that dedicate their summer to providing inclusive experiences for children and creating lifelong memories.

All four of the Basquill siblings, Cody, Dillon, Hudson and Lila, spend their summer outdoors at YMCA Camp Cristina because of the fulfilling experiences working with the children and other counselors brings. The siblings continue to return to the camp yearly due to the connections they made that continue to draw them back.

“It’s a good work environment,” said Hudson, a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Cristina. “All of the kids are great, and so are all the counselors. You get a unique perspective with your co-workers that make interesting friendships and connections with them. You just do not get the same from school or other things.”

YMCA Camp Cristina is 65 acres filled with activities, a ropes course, a pool, a lake and a zipline. Counselors are expected to aid kids in participating in these activities while enjoying the outdoor

experiences themselves.

The oldest Basquill siblings have worked at the camp for the past three years and the youngest have worked there for one year.

“I love working here,” said second-year returning counselor Dillon.

“I made lots of good connections last year with counselors and campers, so I think that’s what has helped me to come back.”

The siblings encourage active, nature-loving individuals who are in search of a rewarding summer job to become a counselor at YMCA Camp Cristina. They recommend this fun-filled workplace to friends and others in Hillsborough County.

The summer camp is currently in session with a variety of di f erent camp styles for children ages 6-15 to learn di f erent skills in a safe environment. In addition, the YMCA regularly o f ers after-school care and youth sports during the school year.

Prices to sign children up for the camp and information on becoming a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Cristina are available at www.tampaymca.org/locations/ymca-camp-cristina.

ROUGH RIDERS WIN PARADE AWARD AS CAUGER CONTINUES LEGACY OF FRIEND

Marching in step with the maiden voyage of the rededicated SS Yucatan , a float rebuilt by the Rough Riders of Tampa and unveiled at the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade, Michael Cauger honored his idol, best friend, father and childhood memories.

Cauger graduated from Brandon High School in 1988, the year before Bloomingdale High School had its first senior class. With boyhood friend and fraternity brother Norman ‘Norm’ Castellano, Cauger said he would watch Norm’s father, John Castellano, march as a Rough Rider at Gasparilla and Brandon parades, vowing to one day become Rough Riders themselves.

Norm followed through first, then died unexpectedly in 2015, at age 44, with a dental practice in Tampa. “Out of loyalty to my relationship to Norm, it was even more important to become a Rough Rider,” Cauger said.

At every parade since, Cauger and John carry Norm’s bead bag, “and especially at the Brandon parade, since Norm was a Brandon boy, born and bred,” Cauger said. “Marching in our hometown parade would have been important to him, and so it is for me.”

Named after the famous 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, known as the ‘Rough Riders’ and led by Theodore Roosevelt during the 1898 Spanish-American War, the Tampa Rough Riders were founded in 1978. The nonprofit is known for civic engagement,

By Linda Chion

parade participation and charitable activities, including ‘teddy bear’ runs held for hospital patients, abused women and children, foster children, cancer survivors and more.

The teddy bear was named for Roosevelt, the nation’s 26th president from 1901-09.

“He was such a phenomenal man and had such depth to him,” Cauger said, “including the way he presented himself, the type of speaker he was and the way he talked his way into commandeering the SS Yucatan to carry as many Rough Riders as they could.”

Recognizing military service looms large for Cauger, whose father, Michael ‘Cooter’ Cauger, was a highly decorated veteran who served with the U.S. Army in Korea and Vietnam and died in 2006. As a Rough Rider, “I can honor my father without having been a military man myself,” Cauger said.

At a ceremony in July, Cauger, with Rough Rider Jef Mainger, accepted on behalf of the Rough Riders the Brandon parade award for Best Professional Float.

“Until you experience it, you can’t describe the feeling being in the parade gives you,” Cauger said. “From watching the parade as a child to now passing on the legacy of bringing enjoyment to kids and families, it’s an honor to do so through the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt and what he stood for.”

your kids to the YMCA most school holidays* for an

*See website for available dates, tampaymca.org

Te Basquill siblings (left to right), Hudson, Lila, Cody and Dillon, encourage all to partake in YMCA Camp Cristina’s camp counselor program.

SEVENTH ANNUAL 5K TO BENEFIT OCULAR MELANOMA RETURNS IN OCTOBER

Report

Who is ready to run for a cause? Join in for the seventh annual Next Step Is the Cure 5K event on Saturday, October 5, at Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park in Plant City to help bring awareness and raise funds for research for ocular melanoma. Ocular melanoma is a rare disease which afects six out of 1 million people each year. Currently, with no known cure, ocular melanoma is referred to as an orphan disease. Of the people diagnosed, 50 percent of them will develop metastasis that usually travels to the liver and the lungs.

Their hopes for this year’s event are simple: to surpass their 2023 achievements. In 2023, there were over 200 people registered, 40-plus rafe items, 20-plus sponsors and $15,000 raised and donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation. Like every year, Bernadette and O’Brien hope to bring awareness to this orphan disease and remind everyone of the importance of an annual dilated eye exam.

Bernadette Boyle and Linda O’Brien, the race directors for this event, have a vested interest in this disease. Bernadette lost her husband, Joe Boyle, to this dreaded cancer in January 2016, and O’Brien is still fighting with yearly scans and eye exams; O’Brien remains NED (no evidence of disease). Their decision to organize a 5K started back in 2017 when they learned that the Melanoma Research Foundation’s ‘Miles for Melanoma’ was not going to be held in the Tampa area. Bernadette and O’Brien saw a need to continue with this mission and raise funds for research and awareness of ocular melanoma.

Bernadette and O’Brien are extremely excited about returning to Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park; they will continue to promote the local family-run businesses and surrounding businesses in the FishHawk area. Bernadette and O’Brien will again be reaching out to the area schools to see if students are interested in volunteer hours to assist on the day of the event.

Representatives from the Melanoma Research Foundation will be speaking about ocular melanoma and current research that is happening because of events like this. They have also invited a prominent doctor from Moftt Cancer Center who will be speaking about the research being done on ocular melanoma, as well as a doctor from the Retina Associates of Florida. Their passion is exemplified through every detail of this race because they know that every dollar raised goes directly to the Melanoma Research Foundation — Cure Ocular Melanoma.

Along with shirts, finisher medals and swag bags for all participants, there will be awards given to first, second and third place in both the men’s and women’s groups. With 13 age groups and a fun run for younger children, there is a place for everyone to participate.

To register, donate or sponsor the race/ walk, visit https://runsignup.com/race/fl/ lithia/yournextstepisthecure. To follow the event, visit www.facebook.com/cureocularmelanoma and the Instagram page @ yournextstepisthecure.

Grace Notes

How Do You Fly?

By Debora Coty

Now, I’m not really a birder. Isn’t that what they call die-hard bird-watchers?

The ones who swat mosquitos for hours on end in the woods, staring at a hole in a tree, hoping to spot a rare avian treasure?

No, I’m not patient enough. But I do enjoy a bit of serendipitous bird-glimpsing (not nearly on the same plane as watching). And I observed something interesting recently.

Not all birds fly alike. You may have known this all along, but it was a revelation to me. Birds have diferent styles in transporting themselves through the air.

Some flail about, flapping their wings in a frenzied fashion, especially if heading into a headwind. Maximum efort, minimal results.

Others glide on invisible wind currents, soaring through the blue skies seemingly effortlessly. Minimum efort, beautiful results.

And then there are the breaststrokers. That’s what I call them, anyway. Their style is somewhere betwixt the other two. I watched one for a while and really identified with him. He scooped a dollop of air backwards with both wings and then minisoared for about three seconds before re-

peating with another wingful of momentum. Scoop, mini soar. Scoop, mini soar. Scoop, mini soar. Just like he was doing the breaststroke in a pool of air. Medium efort, medium results.

That’s kind of my coping style much of the time too, I guess. I put forth a modicum of efort and reap mediocre results. But instead of raising myself to a higher level where I could soar through the skies on the wind beneath my wings, I stay in the blustery middle, hufng and pufng along.

And before I know it, I’m flailing and flapping about near the ground, trying to stay out of the range of windshields and large canine teeth.

But I think the Lord Almighty has something more majestic in mind for his followers: “Those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles,” (Isaiah 40:31, NLT). Yep, it appears I’m flapping when I should be gliding. Soaring. Riding on the wind currents of His will for me in the power of the strength He provides.

How about you, my friend? Are you a flapper, a breaststroker or a glider?

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.

WE ARE EVIDENCE THAT THE RIVER HAS NOT RUN DRY

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water,’” (John 4:13-15).

The town Rebekah and I recently moved to is built on a river, and every time I walk through the park there, I see something new. The view is always changing, and the water reflects the sky and the rain and the seasons, but the recent drought has left the river looking especially tired.

Not just tired but thirsty. Imagine a river looking thirsty. It’s unlikely to run dry, of course, because it drains a vast hinterland. But the river does get stressed sometimes.

So, I was leaning on the bridge this morning, looking upstream into the rising sun, when it occurred to me that when Jesus talked about “living water,” he had in mind not just his spirit bringing refreshment to us, but also us then being a refreshment to the world.

And I had this vision of streams of pure water running out from churches and baptizing this parched world in

a refreshing grace, constantly blessing those we come into contact with, sharing the kind of life offered by an iced drink or a cool shower on one of these sweltering hot summer days. Living water from Jesus creating a river of life for this world!

Think about how that might work. What if the simple fact of your presence somewhere, anywhere, was all the evidence the world needs that the river has not run dry?

Imagine a river looking tired and thirsty! Imagine a church looking tired and thirsty? When all we have to do is to show up and drink deeply, all we then must do is to baptize this world with the refreshing grace of Jesus.

In love and because of love.

— DEREK

Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, Te United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, Te Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com.

NEWLY FORMED GREATER BRANDON ACTION NETWORK PRESENTS JULY 4TH PARADE

The Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade returned this year under a new group’s leadership with traditions intact.

The newly formed Greater Brandon Action Network (GBAN) took charge of the parade after the Community Roundtable, founded as the Presidents Roundtable of Greater Brandon Charities, announced plans to dissolve.

The Roundtable traces its roots as far back as the parade itself, which by some accounts was founded 67 years ago.

For many parade attendees, it’s a chance to relive their childhood memories and to share the parade tradition with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Moreover, with ongoing growth, the parade always attracts newcomers.

“The last big parade was in 2019,” said Lisa Rodriguez, who at age 12 attended her first Brandon parade. Today she is president of GBAN and a former Community Roundtable trustee and treasurer.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 and 2021, the Roundtable presented “a caravan-like parade at area nursing homes,” Rodriguez said, which also made some stops in neighboring communities.

There was no parade in 2022. A scaleddown parade in 2023 returned to the

By Linda Chion

contemporary route, kicking of at the corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue.

That leaves this year’s parade, which Betty Jo Tompkins, GBAN vice president and a former Roundtable trustee, said was “a wonderful showcase, of both new and longstanding units, to continue this cherished Brandon tradition.”

In addition to dozens of youth and adult volunteers, the parade was coordinated by parade marshal Randall Munsters and co-Chair Lela Lilyquist, also former Roundtable trustees.

Rodriguez said unit involvement does not end with this year’s parade. “The groups that participated become GBAN members, and we’re glad to have them and to hear their input for next year’s parade and other programming,” Rodriguez said.

The GBAN goal is community engagement year-round, Tompkins said. “While the parade is our signature event, we anticipate ofering a number of additional activities throughout the year. One idea is to help nonprofits in their eforts to network, market and secure grants and other sources of funding.”

In a nutshell, Rodriguez said, “We’re a network of volunteers for the common good of our community.”

Lithia’s Waterford Stables teaches all those willing to learn the ins and outs of horsemanship. The stables ofer an array of training, lessons, boardings, camps and showings to adequately train horses and educate people in the community on horse care.

Waterford Stables opened in 2004 in Valrico but later switched to its current location in Lithia, where it has been for nine years. Waterford Stables prides itself on its caring, concerning and understanding techniques in providing horses with the training they need.

According to the Waterford Stables website, trainers are currently not accepting new training horses and are instead focusing on the horses at the stables. However, trainers normally ofer initial foal handling, yearling in-hand trails, yearling longe lines, breaking, tune-ups, show preparation and sale preparation.

Kate Waterford owns Waterford Stables and teaches all levels of horseback riding. Waterford is also the world champion trainer at Waterford Stables, and the horses are advertised to be sold through her.

Waterford Stables is known for its achievements in horse riding and its re-

By Sara Kitchin

cent competition wins.

“We had one team member who won a national championship,” said Waterford.

“We had one who earned reserve national champion in the YEDA Nationals show in McDonald, Tennessee.”

Waterford Stables ofers a horse day camp for all Hillsborough County school breaks. There campers learn horse care and riding skills through full sessions hosted by experienced trainers at Waterford Stables.

Waterford Stables hosts camps this summer, but the current listed camps are full. However, the camps start in full swing in August with its lesson program in preparation for the competition season in October.

Campers will learn how to feed and groom horses, take a formal riding lesson, ride bareback and learn facts about horses. The camp requires a $50 deposit and the submission of a release form.

In addition to horseback riding, Waterford Stables is the home of a doodle farm. Dogs are up for adoption and can be bought at the stables.

Waterford Stables is located at 1139 Pelote Cemetery Rd. in Lithia. For more information on camps, training or doodle adoption, visit https://h2oford.com/.

Cameron Ipock, 2023 Harvest Queen, waves from the Hillsborough County Fair foat at the 2024 Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade.

Kate Waterford holds numerous horseback riding achievements and hopes to educate the community on her passion.

GET THE DIRT: WHO DOESN’T LOVE BROMELIADS?

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

Bromeliads, members of the pineapple family, Bromeliaceae, are beautiful flowering plants.

Florida has 16 native bromeliad species and two natural hybrids. Ten of the 16 native bromeliad species are on the threatened or endangered list. Threatened means the species is at risk of becoming endangered. An endangered species is at risk of becoming extinct.

Bromeliads are great plants for those of us who are lazy gardeners. They can be used as houseplants, in containers in your yard or as part of your landscape. Bromeliads are known for their colorful, long-lasting flowers and amazingly colored foliage. You may not know that Spanish moss, ball moss and pineapples are all bromeliads.

Many bromeliads grow on trees but don’t live of the tree, using it for support. The moisture and nutrients they need come from the atmosphere and debris in their ‘cups,’ which store and absorb water. It’s best not to put fertilizer in the cups because that can burn the new leaves.

Bromeliads can grow indoors as houseplants. Mine are much happier on the lanai, front porch or in the landscape. If I needed to guess, my estimated number of bromeliads is probably over 100. Many prefer part or full shade, but one of my favorites is Aechmea blanchetiana, which is a showstopper. The leaf color is yellow/orange, and it has a serrated leaf blade length of up to 36

inches. The flower stalk is a red and yellow cluster of bracts. Some use these as cut flowers indoors or on their lanai. The plant will die slowly a year or two after flowering. These plants grow with or without soil. If you plant bromeliads in soil, it should be well drained. If the soil is too most, there could be an issue with root rot. You will notice ‘pups’ at the base of the mother plant, which you can remove and replant elsewhere.

During rain or irrigation, water can fill the bromeliad cups, and mosquitos will breed there. You could use a garden hose to flush out the larvae or purchase a biological mosquito control (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis). Follow the package directions for application rates and timing.

Find several bromeliads that you will enjoy in your landscape. They will reproduce and provide a beautiful display. To learn more about bromeliads, please go to UF Florida Native Bromeliads (https://edis.ifas. ufl.edu/publication/UW205), Bromeliads at a Glance (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP337), Mosquitoes and Bromeliads (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ IN1343) and Aechmea blanchetiana Bromeliad (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ FP014).

For assistance with horticultural questions in Hillsborough County, call 813-7445519.

Contact: labarber@ufl.edu.

Aechmea blanchetiana in the sin.

Edward Gilman.

HEART GALLERY OF TAMPA HELPS KIDS FIND THEIR FOREVER HOME

By Lily Belcher

The Heart Gallery of Tampa is a bubble of hope for kids in the foster care system, featuring professional portraits of children looking for a new home and forever family.

The Heart Gallery, founded over two decades ago, was the passion project of a photographer and a social worker looking to help kids get adopted.

Posting photos in a local gallery helped showcase the faces of kids up for adoption. After the first girl was adopted as a result of being featured in the gallery, the project took o f

“So, then it was like this ‘aha’ moment that these kids need to be seen,” Lindsay Hermida, Heart Gallery of Tampa executive director, said. “And the community needs to know that they’re here and that they’re waiting.”

Through the gallery, Hermida and her team have helped educate the community and raise awareness for the kids who need help finding a family.

The Heart Gallery of Tampa features those in the system who may have a more di f cult time getting adopted, such as large sibling groups, kids with medical needs and teenagers.

“There’s just a lot of preconceived

notions and myths and things like that about foster care and about the process,” Hermida said.

The Heart Gallery of Tampa began hosting informational sessions for families looking to start the adoption process on Zoom. The next event is on Saturday, August 24.

“What’s really special about the Heart Gallery is it’s very positive,” Hermida said.

Hermida said the gallery is a positive bubble that provides a glimmer of hope within a very sad foster care system filled with kids who have survived trauma and bad situations.

“And despite all of that, they still have this hope that they’re going to find a family and that they’re going to have a better life,” she said.

In addition to highlighting the kids looking for a new family, the Heart Gallery collects donations to support activities, such as proms, baseball games and birthday parties, for kids.

For more information on the Heart Gallery of Tampa, to donate or to register for one of its informational sessions, visit https://heartgallerytampa.org/. To learn more, call 813-930-5345.

1VOICE’S SUMMER CAMP BRINGS SMILES TO CHILDREN’S FACES

The 1Voice Academy holds a special place in the hearts of all those who live in the Brandon area. From being a volunteer to a child who attends the many activities it holds, the school strives to create a welcoming environment for kids who have or had pediatric cancer, as well as their siblings and family.

Board games and bracelet-making absorb most of the campers and counselors’ days as summer camp progresses at 1Voice Academy’s ‘Happy Campers’ camp.

Home to the first and only school in the United States for children with cancer, 1Voice lives up to its expectations with having year-round support and care for grieving families, those going through treatment and those in remission. Mary Ann Massolio, executive director of the 1Voice Foundation, makes it her priority to open her heart to those in need and provide a warm environment for families.

1Voice Academy campers enjoy a fun day of puppy yoga as stories are read and puppies run around them.

That is why she holds the 1Voice Academy’s ‘Happy Campers’ camp every June.

The camp is held at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon, where other camps for children and adults of all abilities take place. Campers and counselors alike look forward to the fun in the sun, as the weekly schedules are packed with daily crafts and activities ranging from video game trucks to face painting.

Massolio said, “The camp provides a sense of normalcy by allowing kids to be kids and be with others who share their

By Alisa Gershman

journey. Besties are formed and memories made. They cheer each other on, laugh, swim and play while enjoying a true camp experience and fun away from the hospital.”

The summer program has long partnered with Newsome High School students who are a part of the 1Voice Club to provide well-rounded volunteers who tend to each kid’s needs as they see fit. Being the vice president of the club myself, we strive to put the kids first always and help them in any way we can, whether it is simply homework or something personal.

Coming from my firsthand experience, volunteering among these kids puts a smile on my face every day. Waking up every morning and knowing I am making a difference toward a kid’s life is what matters most. Being a Newsome High School student with the opportunity to volunteer at such an amazing camp with a heartfelt cause is a blessing.

Massolio is always grateful for the help students and volunteers provide, stating, “Nurses, social workers and lifeguards who volunteer their time to ensure that all safety and medical needs are met.”

To learn more about the 1Voice Foundation and its cause, visit https://1voicefoundation.org/.

Te Heart Gallery of Tampa hosts informational sessions to help families starting the adoption process.