Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk February 2021 by Osprey Observer

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

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February 2021

Volume 20, Issue 2

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Father of Gibsonton Full Story Page 44

CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

COMMUNITY DONATIONS HELP KEEP FOOD BANKS STRONG By Michelle Caceres

Seeds of Hope is grateful for the support of the local community, including FishHawk Pinch A Penny, which made a $5,000 donation to the food bank.

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

By Hayley Fedor Due to the pandemic, many students wake up each morning to join classrooms virtually from the safety of their homes; however, many also lack a space in which to focus their attention on schoolwork. For one local FishHawk resident, Donnie Dewey, this need in the community became a call to action; an opportunity to give back by building desks for students. Having lived in Brandon since the age of 8 and now in FishHawk, his love for the community runs deep. This coupled with his passion for woodworking, taught to him by his stepfather, led to the idea of handcrafting desks for students in need out of his own home. “I wanted to do something good with woodworking. I wanted to do something that was more serving than just trying to build another thing,” said Dewey. After a serious accident that occurred last year with a table saw, severing a number of Dewey’s fingers, woodworking became a sort of therapy for him. As a result, Dewey felt led to use his hobby, which brought him hope during his recovery to bring hope to students in the community. Dewey and his family not only put love into each desk but also time and precision to make sure they are suitable and, more importantly, safe for the recipients. His wife plays a significant role in getting the desks prepared for student use as well by doing the finishing work on the wood. With the help of Hillsborough County School’s Media Relations department as well as Seeds of Hope in Lithia, Dewey has been able to connect with families that have students in need of a space to devote solely to school. “My goal is to give them whatever sense of normalcy I can as it relates to school,” said Dewey.

Currently around 30 desks have been made for local students, yet the production has not slowed one bit. The family is determined to meet their goal of building at least 100 desks to be given away free of charge to e-learning students. For those that would like to help support the efforts of the Dewey family, visit the GoFundMe page under the heading Community Desk Project - Tampa organized by Donald Dewey. The family also asks for individuals in the community to email Donnie.Dewey28@gmail.com if you know of anyone who may be in need of a desk for an e-learning student.

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As 2021 begins, the need for food assistance is greater than ever, but thanks to local businesses, individuals and families, Seeds of Hope is receiving support from the community. The Rutledge family, owners of FishHawk Pinch A Penny (located at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in the Winn-Dixie shopping center across from Newsome High School), the local neighborhood full-service pool store, recently made a $5,000 donation to the food bank. “We have been fortunate at FishHawk Pinch A Penny to have been able to continue to operate when others have not due to the pandemic,” said Jim Rutledge. “We have been blessed and wanted to give back to our community to

help those in need.” And there is plenty of need in the community. Demand at the food bank grew quickly in 2020, from volunteers distributing 120 boxes of food weekly in January to filling up to 680 boxes per week by December, a 466 percent increase in food distribution. “It hasn’t been an easy feat, adding in COVID distancing, masking and safety protocols,” said Seeds of Hope Founder Leda Eaton. “Through it all we never shut down and didn’t turn one person away without food.” Seeds of Hope has three main ways of distributing food: through a mobile food pantry for local residents, through a weekly food distribution every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at its food bank at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. that’s open to all and through the backpack of food program coordinated with local schools. The increased demand means that donations are more important than ever. Eaton is thankful for the support she receives from businesses like FishHawk Pinch A Penny and others. “Together we make a difference, one person at a time,” she said. For more information about FishHawk Pinch A Penny, which is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., visit https://pinchapenny.com/stores/lithia-fl-191 or call 6553700. For more information about Seeds of Hope and its current needs, to make a financial contribution or to volunteer your time at the food bank, visit www. sohopefl.org.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY: AREA RESIDENT DONNIE DEWEY MAKES SCHOOL DESKS FOR STUDENTS IN NEED

03/01/2021

Jenn Bethune, her husband Kyle, three children and four dogs all decided to move out of their Valrico brick-and-mortar home to a home on wheels. They remodeled a1983 Silver Eagle Bus from front to back and hit the road this past August. So far, they have been to 17 states and driven more than 5,500 miles. See full story on Page 21.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

KIDS UNPLUGGED GETS KIDS MOVING AT CAMPO FAMILY YMCA By Tatiana Ortiz

Youth playing outdoors.

First through fifth grade students enrolled in e-learning can take a break from their studies and join Kids Unplugged at Campo Family YMCA in Valrico. The new monthly fitness program is instructor-led as it offers an opportunity for those students to participate in a wide variety of activities, such as fitness classes, sports, team building, games and more, which begins in the first week of February and runs through the end of May. COVID-19 safety measures will also be implemented. Lauren Brun, senior aquatics director at Campo Family YMCA, explained how Kids Unplugged came into fruition. “We see and hear the need for our e-learning students to have some social interaction with kids their age and also to get them moving in a safe and clean environment,” Brun said. To allow proper social distancing, the program is limited to 12 participants. Every week, activities will change. Many of the activities will be conducted out-

side. Indoor rooms are available for activities strictly designated to indoors or if there is inclement weather. Campo Family YMCA abides by the local and state guidelines through requiring masks to be worn in all common areas of its facility and doing frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Hand sanitizer can also be found throughout the facility. Kids Unplugged is for members only. It meets on Wednesday and Thursday from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Those interested can register their kids for once or twice a week. It costs $40 a month for one day a week and $60 a month for twice a week. Kaliegh Hincman, senior program director at Campo Family YMCA, stated how the participants will benefit with Kids Unplugged. “One of the missions of the YMCA is to support and serve the community,” Hincman said. “To add, they will be able to unplug from e-learning , play sports, get involved in different activities and socialize in person, all while practicing social distancing.” For more information, visit https:// www.tampaymca.org. Register online at https://bit.ly/38hrL1x or at the Welcome Center. Campo Family YMCA is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. Call 684-1371.

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NEWSOME JROTC BUILDS STUDENT OBSTACLE COURSE

By Nick Prokopowicz

The Newsome High School JROTC Pro- obstacle course, the JROTC continues to gram has begun construction of the Wolf- conduct many of its traditional activities. pack Battalion Obstacle Course on-cam- The cadets are currently busy preparing pus. It has not let the many challenges it’s for their service learning projects, which had to overcome this school year prevent combine learning in the classroom with it from taking on this huge project. The service in the local community. They are program is currently building five obsta- leading two Battalion-wide projects this cle courses this year in support of Miryear, and it intends acles Outreach and to build six more Ministry of Hope, and once it raises the each company (class) in necessary funds. JROTC also finds a need After a lengthy in the local community approval process and plans and executes that lasted the a service learning projpast several years, ect to meet that need. Senior Cadet ComReilly Weicht, the Charmand Sergeant lie Company commandMajor Lauren Auser, feels that service tin is glad to see learning is a way for the course finally Cadet Matthew Sexton helps spread mulch on one all of them to give back of Newsome High School’s new obstacles. beginning to take to the community. She shape and said, “Considering how much stated, “Every time I take part in service we have all been through in 2020, the learning I feel like I am actively helping obstacle course is definitely one of the someone around me, whether it be dihighlights for the raider team and the rectly or indirectly.” The service projects program. It’s brought a lot of opportuni- provide help to everyone, ranging from ties for service hours and is a great way elementary school students to elderly to bring everyone together. Now, more veterans. Given the circumstances we are than ever, is a great time to be in JROTC facing this year, many of the JROTC classbecause it feels like a second family.” es are choosing to help organizations that Newsome JROTC’s goal is to create support families in need. a safe yet challenging course that will In addition to its outstanding adminpromote teamwork, build individual con- istration, Newsome JROTC would like to fidence and improve overall physical fit- thank the many families, friends and business. According to the Battalion Com- ness sponsors that are helping to make the mander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Max obstacle course become a reality. If you Blumenfeld, “This obstacle course exem- would like support the program and help plifies the foundational principles of NHS it reach its goal of completing the course, JROTC: leadership, courage, discipline and contributions of any amount would be the accomplishment of goals with energy greatly appreciated and can be made out and dedication.” to NHS JROTC at Newsome High School, In addition to the construction of the 16550 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

AGAPE MOMS GROUP ENCOURAGES LITHIA MAN WANTS PEOPLE LOCAL MOMS TO #BRINGYOURMESS By Kelly Wise Valdes TO GET OUTSIDE By Bob Zoellner

Kevin Kemp of Lithia recently started Kemp Outside.

In this age of connections everywhere, many people have become disconnected from one of the greatest gifts to mankind. The great outdoors. Kevin Kemp of Lithia hopes to change all that, one person at a time. More specifically, one kid at a time. The love of the outdoors took Kemp to Purdue University and a degree in wildlife management. That led him to a career as a wildlife biologist, most of that having been spent with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In 2019, Kemp left his career behind to work full-time in business with his wife, Barb, at Kemp Design Services, but his love for the outdoors never waned. So now he promotes nature and all of its benefits through Kemp Outside, a website dedicated to camping, fishing, hiking and learning about nature. His desire is to interest parents into getting their children outside, something Kemp and his wife are very active in doing with their two boys, 16-year-old Garrett and 12-year-old Delaney. “Garrett likes to camp and hike and Delaney claims he loves to fish, but I think his favorite thing is to ride his bike around the campground,” Kemp said. The website, KempOutside.com, features tips and ideas on camping, fishing, hiking, outdoor cooking, and reviews on

gear, as well as links to Kemp’s youtube channel and a blog. Kemp is also featured on Let’s Go Campin’, a new outdoor-themed TV show in Indiana produced by a recreational vehicle dealer. He was contacted after doing a campground and site review of Turkey Run State Park. Kemp Outside now provides tips once or twice an episode to encourage outdoor fun. “After we adopted our sons, we included them on our outdoor adventures,” Kemp said. “It seems people came out of the woodwork to comment on our trips, stating how they wish they could do that with their families but didn’t have the expertise. I want to show people they can do it too.” “I also worry about generations of people growing up without an appreciation for nature,” he added. “Without appreciation there is no conservation. Hopefully the parents that take their kids outdoors due in part to my videos will end up raising kids who fight to protect wild species and places.” Kemp still works full-time for the family business, but his passion for the outdoors is never far away. “My hope is that Kemp Outside will grow to be a significant portion of my income, but I do it because I love it.” To learn more about Kemp Design Services, visit www.kempdesignservices. com. For more information about Kemp Outside, visit https://kempoutside.com/.

The Agape Moms group encourages moms to #bringyourmess and meet weekly with other local moms for fun, faith and fellowship.

The Agape Moms group is a network of local moms who are seeking after faith and fellowship as they navigate motherhood together. It’s a safe place for moms to seek encouragement from other local moms for support and inspiration. Jessica Hundley is the Tampa Bay area director and leader of Agape Moms Valrico. Hundley has a special passion for connecting with other moms who may be struggling with their own motherhood journey. “Agape Moms means so much to me,” said Hundley. “We are a community of moms who support each other through the ups and downs of life, always pointing each other back to Jesus. Our name, ‘Agape,’ comes from Agape love, God’s unconditional love for us and the unconditional love we can have for each other in Jesus.” The group was launched nearly five years ago and has never stopped meeting. According to Hundley, it has been a balancing act trying to meet safely during COVID-19 while still providing the community and support system that so many moms need. “For a while, we switched to strictly virtual meetings,” said Hundley. “And then we did parking lot meetups, before gradually shifting back to our regular in person meetings.” Currently, there are more than 175

moms who are part of Agape Moms’ Facebook page, and more than 50 moms who attend one of the meetings on any given week. All meetings are free and all moms are welcome. The group uses the hashtag #bringyourmess. “It’s OK if you have spit up on your shirt and you haven’t slept or washed your hair, or if your toddler is screaming,” said Hundley. “Come as you are. We keep it real. We have all been there.” There is no signup to attend, but moms are encouraged to join the Agape Moms Tampa Bay Facebook page so they can see the events and keep updated on meeting times and locations. Regular meetings will be every Thursday at The Chapel at FishHawk located at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia at 9:30 a.m., with childcare provided. There is another meeting held on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. (child-free) at Panera, located at 3490 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. There is plenty of space and extra hand sanitizer and masks are available. Zoom meetings are held on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for those not ready to meet in person. For more information, visit www. AgapeMoms.online or follow the Facebook page. AgapeMomsTampaBay@ gmail.com.

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

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Hillsborough County has become the first county government in Florida and only the third county in the U.S. to achieve Platinum LEED for Cities and Communities certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The designation recognizes years of hard work and initiatives to safeguard the environment and enhance the quality of life for Hillsborough’s residents, businesses and visitors. The accomplishment is significant. The Platinum designation is the highest rating that can be obtained in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Cities and Communities program. While LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system, the comprehensive Cities and Communities certification looks far beyond one area. The extensive process judges how well applicants integrate sustainability into all aspects of the community, including environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility and overall community prosperity. The review considered a wide range of areas, such as energy and water conservation, land use, solid waste management, community heritage preservation, cultural and recreational opportunities, social services, partnerships, equitability, innovative projects and more. Hillsborough County’s application included five years of data and information provided with the support of a long list of county departments and community

groups. Hillsborough County has implemented a vast array of sustainability initiatives, among them: The county reduces its energy use and costs by operating a chiller plant that makes ice to help cool buildings, adding solar to county facilities and using LED lighting in buildings, parking lots, sports fields and all traffic signals. Neighborhood and corridor street lighting are transitioning to LED, in collaboration with TECO. The Resource Recovery Facility converts burnable waste into electricity, generating power for several nearby county facilities and approximately 35,000 homes. Reclaimed water is also used at the facility, and metals are salvaged. The county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) is the largest local land preservation program in Florida, so far setting aside more than 65,000 acres, resulting in natural stormwater management, increased biodiversity, climate regulation, air pollution removal and passive recreational opportunities. The county also will receive nearly $1.5 million in revenue over the next seven years from carbon offsets provided through ELAPP preservation efforts. Visit HCFLGov.net/Sustainability to learn more and to complete the sustainability survey. Click on the link for the ‘Community Sustainability Action Plan.’

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STAT ER

LAKE

INT

3 3R

14TH AVE SE

PIER DR

14TH AVE SE

COUNCI L DR

KINGS BLVD

21ST 21ST 21ST AVE SE AVE SE AVE SE

ST S W

CHA N DR DR EY

Little Manatee River

P IER D

LAVENDER RD

16TH AVE SE

NEAL RD

BOYETTE RD

COLDING LOOP

LEGHENY

AI OJ

UP CRE P ER EK DR

21ST AVE SW

7 TH

14TH 14TH AVE SE AVE SE

19TH AVE

TE LE

19T H AVE NE

19TH AVE NE

33RD ST NE

INC E

14TH AVE SE

16TH AVE SW

19TH AVE NE

AVE NE

EA S T VIEW DR

41 HIGHWAY

E S HELL POI NT RD

MISTY I SLE LN

ANDREWS RD

EL WD BLVD W EBB

UNIVERSAL DR US 41 AY

19TH AVE NE

11TH AVE NE

D ST SE

LOS RIVER

T T RL

19TH AVE NE

11TH AVE NE

TALAVERA WOODS TR L

BILL TUCKER RD

IT S UN C AM N R

AL ST

GULF CITY RD

COCKROACH BAY RD

19TH AVE NE

R LA R

KIR PO K WAL L R T DR

SUMNER RD

19TH

10TH 10TH AVE SE AVE SE

CAN

GULF GULF CITY R D CITY RD

7TH AVE NE

BE ND

FOX WAY TRL

PASEO AL MAR BLVD

AL PASEO D V CE MAR BL AS H

19TH AVE NE

BIG

AMBLES BLV I D

VALE S LA

DR PE

11TH AVE NW

DORMAN RD

BOYETTE RD

BIG BEND RD

IEW RV RIVE

MARY LOU DR

VORY IVORY DR DR SAG CR E EE K D

NG RLI T NC

19TH AVE NW

7TH AVE NW

EY OSPR R D R I DGE

MIRA LA

SEA

G O CIR

LOVER LN

DIXON DR

OLD B IG BEND RD

LAG

IRA O CIR

19TH AVE NW

OLD BIG BEND RD

BALM

HIG

19TH AVE NW

G RA

W SHELL POINT RD

FISHHAWK BLVD

BLVD

BOYETTE RD

TOCCI LN

WEST RA O CIR E

MAIRE RD

TTSWOOD DR

ELN O DR

SIMMONS LOOP

PASEO AL MAR BLVD

WINTERSID E DR

EG SIM PKW Y

WOODSIDE DR

LAKE E A YA D R LUCAYA D R

MNER RD

LAN

ERNE S S WILD NS TRL MO

RHODINE RD

DINE RH O D R

RHODINE RD

S AT D Y LI L

US AY

HIG

AY HW

HIG

RHODINE RD

BALM RD VIEW

FAL L S CEDAR BLV D FALLS DR

LEISEY RD

ER L

PSON

BOYETTE R

0T NE

NCIS FRA D R

MILLER MAC RD

BROWNING RD BROWNING RD

SE L RO

RIVER

FAWN DALE DR

RDON GO DR

RHODINE RD

SPRING EO POINT CI R N

CAMI CT

MA R BOR D

3 ST

LIB RD AY

EARLY RUN LN

LITHIA

LITHIA SPRING S

O SPREDR R I D GE

Lake Grady

B LVD

BAY R

NN S

RHODINE RHODINE RD RD

WAT ERS ET

GO AMIN

DIE Y BIR WA

DIE LF DR Y BIRWA E GO D AN GL ISL EA LN R BU KE VI N E W DR

TUCKER JONES RD

DIXON DR

ET RS VD

ELSBERRY RD

FI S HH AW

S RU HADOW N BLVD

GLENHILL DR

FR LL EEK

OLD BIG BEND RD

BIG BEND RD

SYMPHONY FL ISLES BLVD

FISHHAWK BLVD

RISIN OAKS T

POWELL RD

VD FISHHAW K BL

BOYETTE RD

BREEZY CREEK RD

LITHIA SPRINGS RD

MYRTLE RD

BOYETTE RD

TUC KER

LA K LUC

ADAMSVILLE RD

ALMEIDA RD

S RE NATUB LVD WAY

OLAVET CT

APA CHE T RL

E RE

DIANA TOLEDO

BOYETTE RD

JIM CT

BUTLE RD

E VELS RD

EN MCMU L L LOO P

SHADY LN

CASA CASA DR DR

EA RL RU N L N

KRACKER AVE

AND DR Y

BOYETTE RD

K HAVE

RW IN CO ST

BLISS RD

IN G DALE AVE

ULIANO DR

ARINA M D YR BA

BLOOM

EST CR INE

NUN D Y AV E

By Kathy L. Collins

DURANT RD

CARR R

ELBOW BEND RD

LOUISE ST

C O BB RD

HIGHWAY

MAGNOLIA ST

WINN RD

Alafia River

PARK PARK DR DR

EE CIR

S US

SS CE

ISABEL AVE

Tampa Bay

STEARNS RD

S 6TH ST

WATSON RD

W INN RD

41A 41 WAY WAY HIGH HIGH S US

STI IVE L L R DR

CLIFF AVE

GOLF COURSE AVE

CAGLE RD INDY HIDDEN LAKE DR CIR

TE MON

NUNDY AVE

S WA US Y 301

ETTE RD

OL D

YSHO BA BLVD

ANNA AVE

BA YS BLV HO D RE

SOUTHSHORE AVE

GOLF COURSE AVE

LE DA

KNOWLES RD

BRYAN O AK AVE

ICAN K

CRAFT RD

W HELEN AVE

GUILES RD

NELE DR RO

OAK DR

5 N-US H 1S R

CIR

WAY HIGH

W VARN AVE

S H

RES

HIG

BURTS RD

S US

PR OG

ENDIVE AVE

WY P AM

S 50TH ST

52ND AVE S

49TH AVE S

DURANT RD

BROOKER RD

RC DR

S-

MADISON AVE

JENS RD

NSEN RD

N ECH DR

PORT SUTTON RD

PENDOLA POINT RD

W LAWN AVE

W VILLA ROSA PARK

M CA DEN LD PKWY

CAMDEN FIELD PKWY

S RAM P US HW Y 301-I

Residents and busior after 4 p.m. nesses in a portion of The affected area Southeastern Hillsextends from the borough County are south bank of the under new temporary Alafia River, south to irrigation restrictions the north bank of the enacted by county Little Manatee Rivcommissioners in Deer west of I-75 and cember. to Saffold Rd. east The restrictions of I-75. The restrictare in effect from ed irrigation zone’s January 4, 2021 to western edge borDecember 31, 2022 ders Tampa Bay, with and are intended to the eastern boundaddress low water aries going as far as pressure during peak Part of Southeastern Hillsborough County is under Powerline Rd. in the new temporary irrigation restrictions. usage times in the north and with Balm SouthShore service area. Boyette Rd., Balm Wimauma Rd. and S. A news release from Hillsborough Coun- County Rd. 579 marking the eastern limits ty specifies that the temporary irrigation for most of the zone. A small area south of restrictions “apply to all within the South 14th Ave. SE. and east of I-75 to 36th St. County variance area—not just custom- SE. is excluded from the restrictions, acers of Public Utilities—and most water cording to a map provided by the county. sources, including private wells and ponds All other unincorporated Hillsborough or lakes that are used as alternate irriga- County properties remain on a schedule tion supplies.” of twice weekly watering days and estabIrrigating established landscapes and lished times. lawns within the designated area is limitKevin Moran, director of Hillsborough ed to one day weekly, which is determined County’s Environmental Management Diby address. Irrigation is restricted to bevision, attributed the unreliability of watween 8:30 a.m. and 12 Noon, or between ter pressure at peak times to “the growth 6 p.m. and 12 Midnight. Addresses ending in 0 or 1 can irrigate in the southern portion of the county, on Mondays, those that end in 2 or 3 on coupled with all of the houses having irTuesdays, 4 or 5 on Wednesdays, 6 or 7 on rigation systems.” Moran added that conThursdays and properties ending in 8 or ditions should improve when two water 9 on Fridays. Saturdays are for locations infrastructure projects are completed by with no address or mixed addresses, such as office complexes and shopping centers. December 2022. Visit hcflgov.net to view Reclaimed water customers may irri- a map or check your address for detailed gate any day of the week before 10 a.m. watering information. SANTA FE RD

S ANTA FE RD

PORT SUTTON RD

SPRING SEASON MEANS SHORTCAKE, MILKSHAKES AND EVEN STRAWBERRY PIZZAS ARE READY TO SERVE

S DOVER RD

A LD DR

BAMA RD

BLOUNT HINSON RD RD

PAULS DR PAULS DR

D R

MOTT RD

MCINTOSH RD

HI C O RK

LENNA AVE

LIME AVE

S TAYLOR RD

INTERSTATE 75 S

75 S

INTERSTATE

75 N

INTERSTATE

INTERSTATE 75 S

R RD

N DOVER RD

K POND

STARK RD

TAYLOR RD

PINE ST

AZU DR

GOINS DR

TRAIL DR

INTERSTATE 75 N

PEACH AVE

LVD

HOBBS ST

KRAUSS BLVD

S 90TH ST

S 82ND S 82ND ST ST

S 86TH ST

KE N BURG RD INTE RSTA 75 TE I75 N S-US 301 HWY N RAMP

KAY CT

BOGAERT RD

N US HIGHW AY

301

TAMPA EXECU AIRPORT

N US HIGHWAY

EUREKA SPRINGS RD

WILKINS RD

CLEWIS AVE

R DE

N 56TH ST

MCLANE DR

RIGA BLVD

N US HIGHWAY 301

KI PALM

N 62ND ST

N 57TH ST

WINHAM ST

S 70TH ST

S 58TH ST

S 66TH S 66TH S 67TH ST ST ST

WAIKIKI WAY

S 78TH ST

S 68TH ST

S 70TH ST

S 76TH ST

S 70TH ST

S 56TH ST

S 54TH ST

S 70TH ST

S 78TH ST

S 50TH ST

S 51ST S 51ST ST ST

SYLVIA PL

NEY RD

HAR

P OREX K DR

N 46TH ST

S 45TH ST

MCCL BL

SMITH AVE

S HARBOR BLVD

JULIE JULIE LN LN

CALM DR

ANCH RD

S 34TH N 34TH ST ST

ERIE AVE

AVE

G ARDEN DR VI STA

D B L AVIS VD

RIVIERA DR

TAYLOR RD

BOWLES RD

301

N 56TH ST

HAR NEY

N 56TH ST

ORIENT RD

NEY RD

HAR

N 56TH N 56TH N 56TH ST ST ST

N 59TH ST

TRA BL

NET PARK

N 53RD ST

N 50TH ST

N 47TH ST

N 50TH ST

N 53RD ST

N 49TH ST

JULIE ST

INTERSTATE 275 S

I275 S-I4 E RAMP

NU PKWCC IO Y

SELM ON EX PY E

T A PPAN B LV D

N 30TH ST

INTERSTAT E 275 N

INTERSTA TE 275 N

INTERSTATE 275 N

N HOWARD AVE

I4 W-J EF RA

EXP

MON

SEL

ADALIA AVE

EXP Y N MO SEL

EXP

AMBER RD

URA NT

EME

S F

EM RD SAL RCH

CHU

P INE P DR

LISA LN

FOXB

W LUMSDEN RD

ORO

MON

P EA

BRANDON PKWY DELA

NEY C

SEL

M RD

ELMON M RA

BUL

SEL EXP MON YW

I75 NW S

LANES

U NNAME

NEY SYD RD

CARUTHERS RD

NEY SYD RD

PROPERTY LN O

SLATEN RD

NEY SYD RD

CROSBY RD

VIOLA LN

E STATE ROAD 60

E BRANDON BLVD

EXPRESS

CROSBY RD

APRI RD

ONT FR T S

FRONT ST

C IR

MD VE

MAYO LN

HIGGINS AVE

WALDEN SHEFFIELD RD

Valrico Lake

SELMON

32ND AVE S

ES RD

B R AND O N TO R C ENTE R D

FLINT DR

MONT DR

ALMA DR

VICTORIA ST

BUSER LN

SYDNEY RD

EMERALD HILL WAY

KE R

WARD RD

LAKE AVE

BOW CT

LIMONA RD BATES ST

JAUDON RD

SYDNEY SYDNEY RD RD

SYDNEY RD

FAIRFIELD AVE

-I75

D ELANEY E L A KE DR PALM R I V

SE EX LM O PY N W

FATS LN

LENTZ RD ELROD DR

GAVIN RD

ACKER ACKER RD RD

LUTHER E MARTIN BLVD KING

NITA DR

LIAN J IL RD

DOVE FIELD PL

KEENE DR

NER RD

HAYNES RD

H AYNES RD

DOWNING ST

LUTHER MARTIN BLVD KING

MAGNOLI A AVE

BRAND O N P N RA M

ON M E SEL Y EXP

32ND AVE S 36TH AVE S

AD A D R MO

PALM RIVER RD

301

20TH AVE S

24TH AVE S

31ST AVE S

34TH AVE S

HARTFORD ST

PALM RIVER RD

S US

20TH 20TH AVE S AVE S

SAINT PAUL ST 36TH AVE S

TERRY LN

GLEN HARWELL RD

W US HIGHWAY 92

OR MO E LAK

OD R

LANES

RALEIGH ST

20TH AVE S 24TH 24TH AVE S AVE S

SEWAY BLVD

CKPOR RO T

BLV D

CA U

GATX DR K ST

ERN

BRYAN RD

CANNING PLANT RD

KYVIEW DR

E ADAM

SEL EXP MON Y W

DEST D

HIGHWAY

D N Y BLV GU ER

SEV

CLAY PIT RD

NS DR

S E LMON

SS N EXPRE MO SEL

VD V ER G

ON LUZAVE

16TH AVE S

KELSE Y LN

ADOG AV

16TH 16TH AVE S AVE S

LEHMAN RD

GLEN HARWELL RD

FLORIDA PACIFIC LN

GAVIN RD

KORY DR

FISHER AVE

301

SELMON SELM O N EXPY W EXPRESS LANES Palm River

16TH AVE S

ATE 4 INTERST

E US 92 Y HIGHWA

ROBERTS RD

LEE ST

E BROADWAY AVE CY WAT AN KI

N US

ADAMO DR EXPY E

ADAMO DR

12TH AVE S

REEVES RD

MAS

E 7TH AVE

MC BA Y

HIGHWAY

E ACLINE DR SELM ADAMO EXPY ON DR W SEL M ON EXP Y E

ECH B

E 6TH AVE

UCETA RD

O ADAM SE LMON DR EXPY E

Q UEEN PA LM DR

E COLUMBUS DR

PA D TAMT BLV ARO BLVD S

E 7TH AVE

AD AMO DR

CA US EW AY

ELLE AVE

PRINCES S PALM AV E

NG DR

AY E BROADW AVE

E 14TH AVE

HIGHWAY

E US 92 Y HIGHWA

M RD R T GALLA G

UEEN M

COR PA R

UCETA

O MON CO N NEC T EL S/ N 21S S T R AM T

Six Mile Creek

MO E SEL P Y EX

SELMON EXPY W

SELMON EXPY E

SUNSET DR

E US

E4W

GORE RD

E US 92 Y HIGHWA

AY RD

TE STA

TE STA ER 4 E

EUGENE ST

E 10TH AVE

N 19 ST

STATE

EAS

N MO S RAMP

ADAMO DR

ON SELMON SELM W EX PY E EXPY

TE STA ER 4 E

E 10TH AVE

E 4TH AVE

PEEK ST

INT

TE STA

INTERSTAT

INTERSTATE 4W

TE STA INTER4 E

TE 4 INTERSTA

TE INTERSTA 4W

DAY S LAZY BLVD

ATE 4 INTERST

W TE 4 ERSTA INT

H SLIG AVE

SL I GH AV E

SLIGH AVE

E SLIGH AVE

NNA DR

S TAT

WILLI A RD

INTER

East Lake

E SLIGH AVE

W-I75 M RA P

H AVE

INTER

MUCK POND RD

MUC

PRUETT RD

IAMS

R PA

E SLIG

US I4 W-E RAMP HW Y 92

INTERST AT E 4 E

E CHELSEA ST

INT

INTERSTATE INTERSTATE 4 E 4 W

WILL

E L A KE AV E

E 19TH AVE

W SPRUCES

INTERSTATE 2 75

E US HWY 92-I4 E RAMP

INT

E MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD

E 32ND AVE

E 26TH AVE

INTERSTATE 275 S

E PAR D EAST B L

VIS VD

N ET

LORIDA INTERS TATE INTERSTATE 4 W I4 E/ SEL F/F P 4W M CONNECTOR

INTERSTATE 275 S

CONE RD

TIV E RD

Tampa Bypass Canal

RIVER DR

CONE RD

E HANNA AVE

RSTATE INTE 75 N

W RIVER LN

E SLIGH AVE

PLE LN

E HENRY AVE

E SLIGH AVE

DAVIS POOL RD

ELM CT

W HANNA AVE

PERCH ST

PRUETT RD

TT ROWLEDR PARK

KENNY DR

TAT

E KIRBY ST

TUNA DR

Hillsborough River

ERS

E VEV LN

INT

N ROME AVE

TEMPORARY IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT E BIRD ST

D ST

Volume 20, Issue 2

U:\Area and EnviromentalProjects\Jeff Greenwell\Quarterly Map SouthCentral\South Central Quarter I 2019

Everyone who lives in or visits the area should take a trip to Balm and enjoy the freshly picked strawberries and other treats at Goodson Farms Strawberry Market.

Goodson Farms Strawberry Market, located at 12406 County Rd. 672 E. in Balm, opened on December 30 for the 2020 Strawberry Season. I recently visited the farm and market. The public can be assured that the market is strictly adhering to social distancing rules. Despite the times, the strawberries are here. They are superbly ripe, sweet and truly delicious. Strawberries, which are picked fresh daily, are offered in quarts and half flats. The strawberries are quite reasonably priced. The quarts are $3.50 while the half flats are $12. You can also get basic produce such as tomatoes, a variety of squash, potatoes, onions and peppers. A variety of jams, including strawberry rhubarb, strawberry butter and strawberry, can be picked up for $5. While the fresh strawberries are great treats to take home, as are the fresh produce, the thing that keeps bringing the crowds to Goodson Farms Strawberry Market is the cafe and its impressive offering of delectable treats. It offers sand-

wiches and desserts such as cake, strawberry milkshakes, strawberry pizza, sundae and strawberry shortcake. Ginny Cozy, a resident of Valrico, has visited Goodson Farms Strawberry Market. Cozy said, “I went with a group of my friends, and the desserts are delicious. It made for a very nice day out visiting the farm and mar-

ket.” Goodson Farms was established in 1979 by Don and Janet Goodson. Both Don and Janet have since passed away. Now, their sons, Mike and Ricky, own and operate the family farm and business. Goodson Farms consists of approximately 1,500 acres, which stretches over areas of Southern Hillsborough County and Northern Manatee County. The current market location was opened in 2006. Previously, the Goodsons operated a small roadside stand which was located at the intersection of Balm Riverview Rd. and County Rd. 672. Goodson Farms Strawberry Market is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market is open seasonally until strawberry season is over in mid-March. The abundance of fresh strawberries that this region produces is a great reason for everyone to experience as many as they can. For more information, call 634-7790, and like Goodson Farms Strawberry Market on Facebook.

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

SCOUTS HOST ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE FEB. 6

MEET FLORIDA HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW LEARNED, SERVING DISTRICT 59

By Kathy L. Collins

Staff Report Boy Scout troops in the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council are preparing for the 2021 Scouting for Food event, a nonperishable food drive set to begin in late January. Scouting for Food calls on thousands of youth to collect essentials for local food banks across the region, from Feeding Tampa Bay to smaller local pantries. Scouts will distribute door hangers to homes in their community to let them know about the drive between Saturday, January 23 and Friday, February 5. On Saturday, February 6, Scouts will revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice and other items, according to District Executive Kelsi Meliah. “Scouting for Food takes place in the first two months of every year, and its success depends on the support of our communities,” Meliah said. “Each year, we are overwhelmed by peoples’ willingness to help in this project.” Meliah said Scouting for Food took on special significance in 2020, as the Council held a record-breaking drive only weeks before COVID-19 was identified in the Tampa Bay Area. Scouts collected almost 37,000 pounds of food just in time to meet heightened demand caused by the pandemic and ensuing recession. Scouting professionals advised units that this year’s drive will be just as critical, but the safety of youth participants and their families remains a paramount concern. Masks are to be worn and social distancing practiced for both the hanger distribution and food collection.

Page 7

Scouts of Pack 61 with their haul from Scouting for Food 2020.

Eric Brown, a volunteer with Pack 61 in Brandon, said his unit is proud to participate every year. He explained they ensure this is a family event by meeting at a central location, dividing into dens and sweeping the surrounding neighborhoods to distribute the flyers. All food collected by Pack 61 benefits a food bank operated by their host organization, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. “I’ve had Scouts come up and thank us for opening their eyes to such a needy cause,” Brown said. “They feel good and proud that they are able to support the community with health meals.” To further incentivize participation, the council announced units participating in the food drive can qualify for year-round free camping on all Boy Scout properties in the area. According to Field Director Sharrod McCree, this project represents the kind of cheerful service Scouting wants to encourage and reward in young boys and girls. “After all, our Scouting for Food campaign is what Scouting is all about,” McCree said. “It is embedded in the Scout Oath, ‘I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, and to help other people at all times.’” Contact Kyle Molldene at 955-0860.

Andrew Learned, Democrat, is the new Learned. Florida House Representative for District Additionally, Learned’s office can help 59. This district covers a large area com- with getting an Eagle Scout a proclamaprised of Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and tion or help an HOA get a county road Gibsonton. project. The state representative is there Learned is a longtime area resident. He to be the voice of the people of the disgraduated from the Unitrict. versity of Tampa, served Learned holds for 11 years as an officer monthly town hall in the U. S. Navy and is a meetings. Beginning local business owner. His in February, they will strong military and busibe held on the first ness background make Thursday of every him a great representamonth at 6:30 p.m. tive for the diverse area Currently, they are he represents. being held virtually. Florida House RepreThey are livestreamed sentatives are elected to on Facebook and can two-year terms. Learned be joined via Zoom. said, “I am a military When it is safe to do veteran from the area. so, Learned plans to The politics of the elechold the town hall Andrew Learned is the new Florida House Representative serving District 59. tion are behind us. My meetings live. primary and sole focus is delivering conLearned has two aides. Morgan Rodgstituent services and being the best rep- ers is his legislative aide and will travel to resentative for everyone in District 59.” Tallahassee with him during the legislaConstituent services encompass a wide tive session, and Valerie McDonald is the array of nonlegislative services, such as district secretary. helping someone navigate their unemLearned became married to Amanda ployment claim and assisting local busi- over the holidays and is a dad to 8-yearnesses with PPP (Paycheck Protection old twins Flynn and Lola. Program) assistance and forgiveness. His Learned’s district office is located at office can also assist with problems in- 6152 Delancey Station St., #205B in Rivvolving regulations like business licensing. erview (within Winthrop Town Centre). “If you call our office and we do not His office is open Monday through Friday know the answer, we will help get you from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, you are to the correct person. We are your local asked to make an appointment. You can resource. We are here to help you in any reach him or his office by calling 657way that we can. Please do not hesitate 7781 or emailing Andrew.Learned@myto reach out if you have a problem,” said floridahouse.gov.

www.sagecleaners.com

Expiration 03/01/2021

Page 8

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

CLEVELAND BROWNS BACKERS BRING THEIR PASSION FOR TEAM & CHARITY TO TWO AREA CLUBS

BLUE LETTERS SEND LOVE TO NEWSOME SENIORS

By Bob Zoellner

By Michelle Caceres High school graduation is an exciting period in a student’s life. It’s the end of a journey, the attainment of a goal and a time of transition to adulthood. High graduating senior? Send him/her a For Newsome Class of 2020 Know a Newsome card or letter of congratulations. graduate Regen Adams, one of more than 10 years ago and is continuthe highlights of senior year’s traditions was receiving a blue envelope ing in 2021. Family members, teachers stuffed full of letters from family and and friends may send senior students a friends. They came from out-of-town special note of congratulations (or sage family members and her members of words of wisdom) on their upcoming graduation. Cards and letters will be her immediate family. “I felt really loved and it really added placed in each senior’s envelope, which to the graduation experience,” she said. will be distributed during their senior Adams said that even though grad- breakfast in May 2021. Cards and letters (packages are not uation looked different than how she’d imagined it (thanks to COVID-19), the permitted) should be no larger than 8” letters helped make it a special experi- x 10”. Refrain from placing cash, checks, gift cards or anything of value in the enence. Some were simple greeting cards, velope. Also, keep cards and letters flat others were pages-long letters contain- for ease of inserting into the blue enveing sage advice as she began the next lopes by PTA volunteers. The deadline for sending cards and chapter of her journey. “I got a lot of good advice in those let- letters is Friday, April 16. Send cards and letters to: STUDENT’S ters as I was leaving home and starting college,” she said. Adams is a freshman FULL NAME, Newsome High School PTat Brigham Young University in Provo, SA-Blue Letter Envelopes, 16550 FishUtah and will soon be serving a mission Hawk Blvd., Lithia, FL 33547. For questions about Newsome Blue for The Church of Jesus Christ of LatLetters, contact Blue Letter Chairperter-day Saints. The letter-writing tradition, known as sons Kelli West and Laurie Bumberg at blue letters because of the envelope col- BlueLetter@NewsomeHighSchoolPTor the letters are distributed in, began SA.org.

What do northern transplants do when their sports loyalties die hard? Gather with like-minded folks and continue to root on their hometown teams. Especially long-suffering Cleveland Browns fans. Just one of four teams never to have reached the Super Bowl—the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are the others—the Browns still have some of the most loyal fans anywhere. Including the Tampa Bay area. The Brandon Browns Backers, which meets for games at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl (609 Crater Ln. in Tampa), and the South Shore Browns Backers of Apollo Beach, which gathers at the Salty Shamrock (6186 N. U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach) are two of the area clubs for rabid Cleveland fans. “The Browns Backers Worldwide is considered to be one of the largest organized fan clubs in all of professional sports,” according to the official Browns Backers website, https://fans.clevelandbrowns.com. There are more than 370 chapters in 15 different countries. It’s all about the Browns and the friendships that are formed. “I just do it because I love the Browns,” said Greg Jones, who started the Brandon club 16 years ago and serves as its president. “I don’t like to sit at home by myself watching the Browns.” In that spirit of camaraderie, including the commonality of a shared, painful football history and proximity, both in Ohio and the Tampa Bay area, the two local clubs are planning a combined endof-the-season outing on the weekend of, January 9 and 10. The event will feature

Browns fans gather at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl to cheer on their team.

competitions between the two chapters, including billiards, bowling, darts and cornhole, Brandon club vice president Jeff Komito wrote in a Facebook post. There will also be lots of fellowship at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl. Any proceeds will be divided between charities. The Brandon club raises funds for Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services and it set up a trust fund for the kids of Marty Leahy, a longtime friend of Jones and former vice president of the club who suddenly passed away in June of 2019 at the age of 43. The South Shore club donates to the Southeastern Guide Dogs as its primary charity, club president Chris Conger said. “Last year, we raised $5,000 for them and are close to meeting the same number this year,” he added. For more information on the Brandon club, visit http://www.brandonbrownsbackers.com/, and for the South Shore club, visit https://www.facebook.com/South-Shore-Browns-Backers-282985712264347/.

Know Your CBD... Not All Are Created Equal Many products offer high-quality, low-quality and anything in between. Without trying every product on the market, how do you know good quality over bad? When it comes to CBD, be careful not to base your purchase on pretty labels or sale prices. Those tactics are an easy way to disguise low-quality products as high-quality. Even gas stations are cashing in on low-quality CBD products. As such, it is important for consumers to understand what to look for when shopping CBD. Here is a simple checklist for you: Certificate of Analysis The COA from a 3rd party lab is your window into the quality of the product. Companies are required to have their WHOLE end product lab tested. This test should be accessible by a QR code listed on the packaging. Ingredients Does the product use organic, natural ingredients or is it a long list of additives you can’t pronounce? Many companies cover up lower quality CBD by adding other ingredients. Who are you buying from? Many retail locations have added only a hemp CBD product due to its popularity.

However, if you ask those retailers questions like, “Where was that plant cultivated? Who grew it? How was it bred? Harvested?”, they will have a difficult time answering. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! There are less expensive products on the market, which are taking short cuts on the process, testing and distribution, to under-cut other retailers. Cheap products coupled with uneducated retailers makes for some BAD CBD on the market. Just be aware. If you are unsure of any product you have tried or currently use, come into CHILL CAWFEE and we will offer you a free consultation on what to look for in your CBD products.

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February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

BLOOMINGDALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL KEY CLUB TEACHES STUDENTS TO

LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE

By Tatiana Ortiz

The Bloomingdale Senior High School nity will become a better place as they, Key Club is back and ready to serve the too, continue to instill an impactful difcommunity in a positive manner. ference within the areas in which they As the Kiwanis Club of Greater Bran- serve,” White said. don sponsor, Donelle White’s involveWith the Bloomingdale Senior High ment with the Bloomingdale Senior School Key Club’s comeback, it seeks High School Key Club is to give guidance community partnerships. Whether it be on making sure through support that its service of its service projects adhere projects, mentoto the Kiwanis ring and more, mission of beWhite wants ing dedicated to people to know improving the that the memworld, one child, bers are here to one community serve the comat a time. munity. Kidanya The group Favaro, junior consists of 85 and president of active members the Bloomingfrom grades dale Senior High nine through 12. School Key Club, A total of sevcan attest to Bloomingdale Senior High School Key Club members. en service opthat. portunities are available every month. “We are excited for what the club has In order to remain an active member, in store and look forward to giving back students must commit to five service to the community,” Favaro said. hours a month. Service projects range Come to Chipotle Mexican Grill at from participating in a mobile pantry, 829 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon bell-ringing for the Salvation Army and on Wednesday, February 17 at 5 p.m. to much more. Proper COVID-19 guidelines support the Bloomingdale Senior High are also administered too. On a side note, School Key Club’s first fundraiser. Those the hours that these members put in can who attend are also encouraged to bring go towards Bright Futures scholarships. nonperishable food items, which will White mentioned why the Blooming- also be collected in a bin for Seeds of dale Senior High School Key Club is Hope. unique. For more information, visit https:// “By being active in a service organiza- bshskeyclub.com or email donelle. tion, it teaches them that their commu- white@brandonlegalgroup.com.

NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES GRADUATION RATE

By Kate Quesada

ing in 2018-19 to 88.8 percent in 201920. Over the last five years, the district’s graduation rate has risen nearly 10 percentage points. “As part of our district’s strategic plan, we have worked diligently over the last several years to give our schools the tools and resources needed for student academic success, resulting in increased graduation rates,” said Hillsborough County School Board member Melissa Snively. “We are very proud of Newsome High and appreciative of the school employees, families, Newsome High School in Lithia has the highest graduation volunteers and local businesses who rate in Hillsborough County with 98.8 percent of students graduating in the 2019-20 school year. have partnered together to help students reach such an incredible achieveA record percentage of high school sement. As a parent of school-aged chilniors graduated from Hillsborough Coundren, it’s an honor to live and work in a ty schools last year and once again Newcommunity that understands the imporsome High School in Lithia led the pack tance of investing in students. They truly with the highest percentage of graduates are our future.” in the district. Rocha, a FishHawk resident and parent According to the Florida Department who is in her first year as the school’s of Education’s numbers for the 2019-20 principal after two years as Newsome’s school year, Hillsborough County reached assistant principal of curriculum, emphaits highest graduation rate in district sizes the importance of preparing high history at 88.8 percent and Newsome school students for what comes next. earned the distinction of the highest rate “I want to do for every single student overall in the district at 98.8 percent. what I would do for my own kids,” she Newsome Principal Katie Rocha credsaid. “No matter what they do after high its the entire community for the school’s school, whether it be further education success. or starting a career, we want to put them “It takes a village to raise a child, on a path to a bright future and we are so and in this case, while it starts with the thankful to every member of the school students and their hard work, we have and community who helps us do that.” dedicated teachers and staff, involved To learn more about Hillsborough parents and a supportive community to County Public Schools’ graduation rates, congratulate,” she said. visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. The county overall demonstrated an Newsome High School, located at increase from the previous school year 16550 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, can be with a jump from 86.2 percent graduatreached at 740-4600.

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Page 10

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

RIVER HILLS RESIDENTS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS Staff Report

Each year, residents of the River Hills community look forward to a series of annual events they’ve come to know and love. Even during a pandemic, 2020 was no exception. The River Hills Social Team reminded everyone to mask up and maintain social distancing at each event and was pleasantly surprised with each event’s turnout. First up on the calendar was an afternoon of cookie decorating at River Hills Country Club. The children showed off their culinary skills while The Cat in the Hat made a special guest appearance and read the children the Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Later that same day was the annual tree lighting ceremony. Always held on the Sunday night of Thanksgiving weekend, the timing was perfect for travelers returning from their long holiday weekend. After welcome remarks from HOA Vice President Dan Ross and from River Hills Country Club General Manager Bob Swezey, the feature entertainment was introduced. Director Jeffry Bogue once again put together an amazing performance by the Newsome High School Chorus and encouraged residents to sing along. The very next morning, volunteer elves were busy retrieving four car-loads of decor from storage to bring holiday dazzles to the River Hills Country Club. The focal point was, of course, the 12-foot Christmas tree, adorned with a second layer of beautiful twinkling white lights, casting a lovely shimmer on the platinum, crystal, silver and pearl ornaments. The decorating elves were happy to add new fresh snow last year, along with some curious elves peeking out from behind their trees. Beautifully wrapped packages adorned the magical tree, which provided the per-

River Hills fect backdrop for picresidents found tures with Santa and many ways to personal family phocelebrate the tos as well—many of which are used for annual Christmas card photos. Speaking of Santa…yes, he did make an appearance last year. In fact, he came twice in the very same day. On Sunday morning of December 6, he made a grand entrance in a bright red golf cart to surprise the children attending his special breakfast at River Hills Country Club. In addition to a yummy menu and pictures with Saint Nick, the sold-out crowd was generous in their donations of unwrapped toys benefitting Metropolitan Ministries. Later that same night, Santa made another grand appearance on his bright red golf cart as the final entry in the annual River Hills Golf Cart Parade. The number of entries continues to grow each year, as does their creativity. Last year’s parade had a surprise appearance by the Newsome Drum Corps, which could be heard all through the neighborhood. And new for the event, parade spectators were allowed to vote for the first, second and

third place winners via a voting app. Bright lights and technology really can mix. On Thursday, December 10, which was the first night of Hanukkah, residents masked up and gathered (social distanced, of course) on the grassy lawn in front of the 14-foot lighted Menorah. Rabbi Ron Goldberg made a repeat appearance from the year before, and did an awesome job explaining the menorah, the symbolism of the oil/lights and oth-

er Hanukkah factoids with the audience. He gave blessings over families’ personal menorahs and blessings over all those in attendance. While the blessings are always much-appreciated, the powdered sugar jelly-filled donuts might have been the highlight of the evening. The following week, residents of the River Hills community along with other members of the River Hills Country Club were treated to a holiday mixer, complete with live entertainment, a champagne toast and an assortment of food stations (sushi, salads, fruit, raw bar, beef tenderloin, ham, pasta, grilled asparagus, desserts and Bananas Fosters cooked to order). Initially scheduled to be outside (but brought indoors due to inclement weather), the capacity was limited to allow for social distancing, and everyone seemed to appreciate the effort. The next day was a special day for River Hills Cares, the giving-back initiative of River Hills Country Club and its membership. Earlier in 2020, River Hills Cares’ generosity provided meals to our frontline health care workers. This time, Swezey represented the membership by providing the food for the Lithia Springs Elementary School Staff Holiday Breakfast. In addition, the residents and members’ generosity provided for a special gift presented to each employee at the school. Over the weekend of December 18-20, over 100 houses registered to compete in the River Hills House Decorating Contest. Using an app to score houses in all 18 villages, residents were able to drive around from 6-9 p.m. nightly to choose their favorites. Each village’s winning house received a River Hills Country Club gift certificate and, of course, the coveted bragging rights.

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

ALAFIA BREWING COMPANYBRINGING THE SHOW BACK TO SHOWTOWN

By Brian Bokor

When Mary and George Taylor teamed up with Dan Castanera and decided to open Alafia Brewing Co. at 11106 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Gibsonton, they knew having the support of the surrounding ‘Gibtown’ community would be crucial for their success. Designing a space where they could not only share their unique beer creations with the public but also providing a place where locals felt welcome to showcase their talents were two main objectives of the owners. “We wanted to put people to work,” the Taylors stated, with Castanera adding, “It’s a creative space for creative people serving creative beer,” stressing the importance of acceptance to all when it comes to patrons of Alafia Brewing. The Taylors—Mary taught English at East Bay High for 35 years, with George currently working for Tampa as a traffic engineer—have been homebrewing for 25 years and wanted to open their own operation. The couple acquired 70 medals and accomplishments over that span and were regulars at events such as MOSI’s Science After Dark and Tampa’s Movie in the Park, partnering with Jump for Kids charity. They wanted to share their passion with the rest of the community on a more permanent basis, but knew one key ingredient was missing: they needed someone with the experience and desire to take on the task of setting up and then running a large-scale brewery on a daily basis. Castanera, who runs his own software development company, has been involved in the Brandon beer scene for years, being associated with Water to Fire Brewers Collective, D.I.Y. Brew Supply, Bootleggers Brewing Co., and Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. From his time spent in the industry, he knew George and Mary as well as the ins and outs of

what it would take to set up and then operate a brewery, so when the Taylors asked Castanera if he was up for the task, he knew this challenge was one he was ready to conquer. The festively decorated 6,000 sq. ft. taproom/entertainment venue offers up to 26 small batch beers, meads, hard ciders and seltzers along with wine, mimosas and root beer. Catering is being pro-

vided by DiMisa Gourmet, well-known locally for its authentic Italian dishes, toffee and award-winning chili. Carnival-style entertainment (fire breathers, aerial acrobats, trapeze artists, among others) randomly perform daily, with weekly events taking place, including open mic, karaoke and trivia. Every weekend, live bands perform Friday and Saturday nights with ‘Family Fun Day’ Sundays offering brunch and shows throughout the afternoon. For more information, visit the Facebook page or alafiabrewing.com.

Page 11

12TH ANNUAL CHEVROLET CHARITY RAFFLE OFFERS CHANCE TO WIN 2021 CORVETTE STINGRAY

By Taylor Wells

City.” Stingray Chevrolet’s website details how much money its previous raffles have raised, such as 2019’s donations totaling $220,450, and which causes the funds have supported. Overall, the raffles have raised a total of $1,536,000. Raffle tickets are now available for $5 each online and in person at Stingray’s dealership in Plant City until Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m. To get tickets online—available until March 12 at 3 p.m.—fill out the entry form at www.stingraychevTickets to enter the raffle are $5 each and are available now online and at Stingray Chevrolet’s dealership, as well as at the rolet.com/chevrolet-charity-rafFlorida Strawberry Festival starting on Thursday, March 4. The fle-entry-form/. Tickets will also winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday, March 14 at 5 p.m. at be available at the Florida Strawthe Florida Strawberry Festival. berry Festival at Stingray’s vehicle display from Thursday, March 4 The new year has only just begun, and if you’re looking for a way to start it on a until Sunday, March 14 at 4:30 p.m. Online ticket receipts will be sent to the high note, a chance of winning a brandnew car for just $5 might be what you’re email address provided in the form withlooking for, and you can even help a local in 5 minutes after the order is processed. Note, however, that online tickets have a nonprofit raise funds at the same time. If that sounds good to you, then you’ll ‘one-time’ $2 processing fee, no matter want to enter Stingray Chevrolet’s 12th how many tickets are ordered—the limit annual Chevrolet Charity Raffle, where being 50 tickets per person. The winning ticket will be drawn on you’ll have the opportunity to win a 2021 Corvette Stingray, with 100 percent of March 14 at 5 p.m. at the Florida Strawthe ticket proceeds benefitting Unity in berry Festival, and you do not need to be present to win; you will be notified by the Community, Inc. Unity in the Community is a local phone if your name is drawn. Stingray Chevrolet’s dealership is at 501(c)(3) nonprofit staffed by volunteers that raises funds for a number of 2002 North Frontage Rd. in Plant City. good causes. In its mission statement, it To learn more about Stingray Chevrolet, states: “All actions taken by Unity in the the event or the 2021 Corvette Stingray, Community are done with the common visit www.stingraychevrolet.com/chevgoal of helping individuals, or other char- rolet-charity-raffle/. To learn more about itable service organizations, to improve Unity in the Community, visit www.unitythe lives of those in and around Plant inplantcity.org.

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Page 12

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

The Brenda Wade Team Loves SOLD Signs! Top Listing Agent in Hillsborough! 378 Homes Sold in 2020! D

SOL

97 Camelot Ridge Dr

D SOL

303 Karppe Rd

520 Winterside Dr

D SOL

759 Caliente Dr

803 Hunters Ct

D SOL

909 Pyrite Ct

OLD

915 Tuscanny St

OLD

1030 Jameson Rd

D SOL

1210 Tuxford Dr

D SOL

1621 Wakefield Dr

2302 Timbergrove Dr

D SOL

2827 Lantern Hill Ave

3024 Silva Wood Dr

D SOL

3723 Crystal Dew St

4203 Jade Ln

4412 Ortona Ln

D SOL

4703 Barn Owl Ct

D SOL

5028 Sylvan Oaks Dr

4430 Winding River Dr

D SOL

OLD

1123 NormandyTrace Rd #1123

1202 Savannah Landings Ave

1206 Emerald Dunes Dr

D SOL

1319 Lorea Ln

D SOL

1414 Emerald Hill Way

D SOL

OLD

2422 Stonehill Ave

SOL

2706 King Surrey Court

D SOL

2512 Arborwood Dr

SOL

2843 Timber Knoll Dr

OLD

3257 Stonebridge Trl

3305 Pleasant Willow Ct

3512 Hillgrove Rd

D SOL

3997 Medicci Ln

D SOL

4217 Fleewell Ct

OLD

4433 Tevalo Dr

D SOL

4719 Bloomingdale Ave

D SOL

5125 Fairway One Dr

D SOL

3520 Buckboard Ln

D SOL

3336 Stonebridge Trl

D SOL

3528 Shadowood Dr

2727 Pankaw Ln

D SOL

2910 N 11th St

OLD

3406 W El Prado Blvd

D SOL

3531 Autumn Glen Dr

D SOL

4002 W Bay to Bay Blvd

4006 Bangalow Palm Ct

4006 Woodland Retreat Blvd

D SOL

4227 Touchton Pl

D SOL

4501 Compass Oaks Dr

D SOL

4732 Pond Ridge Dr

D SOL

5130 Fairway One Dr

4301 Bloomingdale Ave

D SOL

4503 Preston Woods Dr

D SOL

4737 Barnstead Dr

D SOL

5202 Coto Pl

2008 Berry Lake Dr

OLD

2525 Siena Way

4302 Southpark Dr

D SOL

4524 Spring Rd

D SOL

4806 Fox Hunt Dr

SOL

2744 Abbey Grove Dr

D SOL

2912 Copper Height Ct

OLD

3406 W Granada St #3

D SOL

3603 Madison Cypress Dr

D SOL

4007 Bayside Dr

D SOL

4350 Ortona Ln

D SOL

4530 W Swann Ave

D SOL

4905 Pond Ridge Dr

D SOL

5208 Candler View Dr

5211 Pine Rocklands Ave

511 Clearfield Rd

D SOL

730 Kingsfield Reserve Ave

D SOL

821 Telfair Rd

D SOL

1025 Bal Harbour Dr

1018 S Mount Carmel Rd

OLD

1208 Letona Ln

D SOL

1443 Piney Branch Cir

D SOL

817 Starlifter Ln

D SOL

1206 Victoria St

D SOL

2523 Centennial Falcon Dr

2720 Valencia Grove Dr

OLD

1908 Dierker Dr

OLD

SOL

D SOL

1003 Edison Park Ct

1421 High Knoll Dr

D SOL

1813 Pine St

1809 Powder Ridge Dr

816 Viscount St

D SOL

1003 Cherwood Ln

OLD

716 Kingston Ct

D SOL

OLD

1210 Pelote Cemetery Rd

D SOL

1445 Monte Lake Dr

D SOL

1515 Brilliant Cut Way

D SOL

2203 Heritage Crest Dr

2230 Golf Manor Blvd

OLD

2552 Winding Way

SOL

2780 Buckhorn Oaks Dr

D SOL

2914 Copper Height Ct

SOL

3407 Sylvan Shadow St

D SOL

3603 Warmspring Way

D SOL

4108 Cromwell Dr

D SOL

4396 Turner Rd

D SOL

4612 John Moore Rd

D SOL

4930 Willow Ridge Ter

D SOL

5242 Villagebrook Dr

SOL

212 Mystic Falls Dr

508 Winterside Dr

D SOL

702 Eagle Ln

D SOL

815 42nd Ave N

D SOL

937 Meadow Glade Dr

2843 Mossy Timber Trl

D SOL

SOL

208 Elm View Ct

D SOL

508 Little Eagle Ct

D SOL

612 Spring Blossom Ct

808 Hunters Ct

D SOL

OLD

4717 Bloomingdale Ave

5110 Shady Stone Pl

D SOL

2836 Conch Hollow Dr

4208 Fleewell Ct

OLD

D SOL

3914 Buckingham Loop Dr

D SOL

OLD

2704 Park Meadow Dr

3502 Starling Estates Ct

D SOL

504 Julie Ln

D SOL

SOL

132 29th Ave N

D SOL

2323 Timbergrove Dr

SOL

3180 Jenna Mae Way

D SOL

3442 Ashling Dr

1804 Milford Cir

D SOL

2829 52nd Ave S

OLD

118 Holly Tree Ln

606 Winterside Dr

919 Centerbrook Dr

1308 Lorea Ln

D SOL

2645 Grandbury Grove Rd

D SOL

OLD

1118 43rd St S

D SOL

2311 Dovewood Estates Ct

SOL

2616 Bonterra Blvd

1705 Powder Ridge Dr

D SOL

SOL

OLD

1229 Rainbrook Cir

D SOL

916 Centerbrook Dr

1041 Tracey Ann Loop

D SOL

SOL

D SOL

501 39th St N

D SOL

805 Straw Lake Dr

805 Flamingo Dr

D SOL

111 3rd St S

530 Glenn Cross Dr

D SOL

SOL

D SOL

500 36th Ave NE

D SOL

524 Royal Ridge Street

D SOL

SOL

108 Locust Dr

D SOL

436 Sand Ridge Dr

D SOL

521 Cottage Ln

D SOL

408 Timber Creek Dr

D SOL

SOL

103 Steven St

102 Locust Dr

D SOL

SOL

2590 Lake Manor Dr

SOL

2821 Duncan Tree Cir

D SOL

3005 Drakes Landing Ct

SOL

3421 Pittwood Rd

D SOL

3705 Barnhouse Pl

D SOL

4111 Barletta Ct

D SOL

4405 Winding River Dr

D SOL

4630 Swindell Rd

D SOL

5005 Sandy Brook Cir

D SOL

5304 Fishhawk Ridge Dr

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302 Red Elm Pl

D SOL

512 Hickory Lake Dr

D SOL

754 Spicewood Dr

D SOL

903 Grand Cresta Ave

D SOL

1025 Seagrape Dr

SOL

1210 Tiger Wood Ct

D SOL

1531 Berry Farm Rd

SOL

2233 Golf Manor Blvd

SOL

2611 Bayshore Blvd #1101

SOL

2822 Bellwood Dr

D SOL

3011 Mojave Oak Dr

SOL

3429 Cypress Landing Dr

SOL

3705 Southview Dr

D SOL

4156 Yellowwood Dr

SOL

4410 Oak River Cir

D SOL

4650 S Lockwood Ridge Rd

SOL

5010 Muir Way

D SOL

5304 Sagecrest Dr

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

Page 13

We sell MORE houses, We sell for HIGHER prices, And we take GREAT care of YOU! Call Brenda to get your SOLD sign in 2021! D

SOL

5308 Alafia Falls Dr

D SOL

5724 Circa Fishhawk Blvd

5808 Heronview Crescent Dr

D SOL

OLD

5911 Jaegerglen Dr

5915 Circa Fishhawk Blvd

D SOL

6018 Hammock Hill Ave

6032 Audubon Manor Blvd

OLD

6230 Kingbird Manor Dr

D SOL

8332 Bluevine Sky Dr

D SOL

6037 Florida Cir S

6242 Camino Dr

8410 Canterbury Lake Blvd

8904 Red Beechwood Ct

D SOL

10228 Celtic Ash Dr

D SOL

5933 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd

5934 Churchside Dr

OLD

6327 Brevada Ln

D SOL

9155 Loblolly Pine Pl

D SOL

10447 Riverdale Rise Dr

10622 Lake Montauk Dr

10720 Carloway Hills Dr

10720 Chesham Hill Ct

D SOL

11006 Tortola Isle Way

11020 Holly Cone Dr

11162 Spring Point Cir

11204 Coventry Grove Cir

11205 Lark Landing Ct

OLD

11229 Hawks Fern Dr

D SOL

11711 Gilmerton Dr

OLD

11417 Estuary Preserve Dr

D SOL

11967 Brighton Knoll Loop

12020 Creek Preserve Dr

OLD

12706 Rose Campion Loop

12733 Flatwood Creek Dr

13930 Natures Reserve Dr

D SOL

14015 Swallow Hill Dr

D SOL

14908 Bassinger Ln

OLD

15512 Avocetview Ct

15607 Sunset Run Ln

15817 Starling Crossing Dr

16013 Courtside View Dr

16015 Mulberrypark Cir

SOL

16246 Bridgewalk Dr

D SOL

16309 Bayberry View Dr

D SOL

16917 Rolling Rock Dr

17115 Polo Trl

12208 Avondale Oak Pl

OLD

12920 E Wheeler Rd

14211 Quintessa Ln

OLD

15909 Ternglade Dr

16116 Ternglade Dr

16319 Palmettoglen Ct

D SOL

16328 Bridgelawn Ave

D SOL

17317 Boyette Rd

33217 Saint Joe Rd

16415 Dunlindale Dr

18105 Dorman Rd

D SOL

34058 Kearsney Abbey Cir

15209 Long Cypress Dr

D SOL

10799 Florence Ave

OLD

D SOL

16126 Bridgepark Dr

SOL

16607 Goose Ribbon Pl

16621 Goose Ribbon Pl

D SOL

Fossil Point Dr

18516 Roseate Dr

Lithia Pinecrest Rd Unit#0

D SOL

12309 Creek Edge Dr

OLD

13313 Orca Sound

D SOL

14738 Heronglen Dr

D SOL

15444 Santa Pola Dr

SOL

15946 Cape Coral Dr

D SOL

16130 Alderman Turner Rd

D SOL

11612 Blue Woods Dr

15931 Ternglade Dr

SOL

18335 Lithia Towne Rd

15430 Osprey Glen Dr

18531 Lithia Ranch Rd

10910 Pond Pine Dr

SOL

11218 Hawks Fern Dr

16430 Kingletridge Ave

D SOL

OLD

13204 Spindlewyck Cv

10203 Radcliffe Dr

D SOL

11211 Grand Park Ave

15929 Ternglade

10827 Charmwood Dr

12304 Ballentrae Forest Dr

8010 Linesider Dr

SOL

D SOL

17515 Bright Wheat Dr

D SOL

16125 Diamond Bay Dr

10155 Haverhill Ridge Dr

D SOL

SOL

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OLD

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OLD

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OLD

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OLD

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5546 Sunset Falls Dr

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OLD

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SOL

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10207 Geese Trail Cir

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5917 Tealwater Pl

OLD

5316 Alafia Falls Dr

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OLD

5811 Watercolor Dr

SOL

D SOL

OLD

SOL

5312 Alafia Falls Dr

5309 Osprey Ridge Dr

D SOL

OLD

SOL

16141 Bridgepark Dr

OLD

16801 Berwick Ter

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18732 Dorman Rd

11227 Hawks Fern Dr

SOL

11616 Tucker Rd

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12337 Silton Peace Dr

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13917 Smiling Daisy Pl

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14749 Caravan Ave

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15458 Osprey Glen Dr

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Page 14

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

COOPERATION PART OF CODE ENFORCEMENT IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HELPS BRANDON REGIONAL PATIENTS

By Kate Quesada

Stowers Elementary School students collected items for pediatric patients at Brandon Regional Hospital in December.

A group of local elementary school students made an impact on their peers in need last holiday season. The Stowers Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) organized a collection for toys and items for children at Brandon Regional Hospital, which was so successful that the hospital may be stocked for a year. According to Stowers PTA Service Project Liaison Rachel Sahoo, the school came up with the idea to do a community services project instead of the traditional holiday shop. “With the school year ending with e-learning last year, this never got to happen,” said Sahoo. “We decided to take it on this year, and it was challenging to come up with an idea that would be socially distant, without us permitted on campus and that would include both brick-andmortar students and e-learners.” After reaching out to several local hos-

pitals and organizations, the group decided that members wanted the service project to benefit the pediatric unit of the Brandon Regional Hospital. “Our reasoning for this is that it’s our local hospital, so our students are directly making an impact on their peers,” said Sahoo. At the time of the fundraiser, due to COVID-19 restrictions, pediatric patients can only have one visitor. “This is very taxing on the parents, patients and hospital employees,” said Sahoo. “The patients are bored and it’s very frustrating. They have a closet with activities, but the closet is very low on supplies.” The group also learned that every pediatric patient gets their own pillowcase to take home with them. “It helps them feel secure and comfortable,” said Sahoo. “Usually there are volunteers to sew pillowcases for them, but right now the volunteers are busy sewing masks. They are very low on pillowcases for the pediatric patients.” Donations to the hospital need to be new because of sanitation. “We decided to collect pillowcases, small toys, games, crafts, play dough, etc. to completely fill up their closets at the hospital,” said Sahoo. The collection took off fast and donations exceeded Sahoo’s expectations. “Every day the collection box has been filled and sometimes overfilled,” she said. “We never imagined that in these crazy times that this would be such a success, but we are so proud that our kids are directly helping other local kids.” Stowers Elementary School can be reached at 657-7431.

Volume 20, Issue 2

By Brad Stager

Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Department ensures that residential and commercial properties are in compliance with the laws and regulations governing them.

Maintaining basic overall aesthetics while promoting health and safety within structures and the landscape outside of them is how Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Department serves the community. Besides ensuring buildings are properly maintained to guarantee structural integrity and that landscaping is appropriate to the property and surrounding environment, enforcing compliance with water restrictions, commercial signage rules (no emitting of smoke, vapors or sounds from signs allowed), overgrown grass limits, inoperable vehicle disposal and operating a business where zoning does not permit it are also part of a code enforcement officer’s routine. When a property owner gets a visit about a possible violation, Code Enforcement Officer Larry Hoffman wants people to know that the goal is to achieve compliance through cooperation and support. “We really want to work with homeowners and property owners,” said Hoff-

man in a Hillsborough Television (HTV) interview on the county’s YouTube channel. “We really just want to get everything into compliance. We’re not looking to stick people with fines or things like that. Our mission is to just bring the property back, return it to the neighborhood. That’s our goal, that’s what we want to do.” Hoffman added that fines for violations can range from $50 a day to $5,000 a day. Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Board is responsible for reviewing cases and assessing fines. The board meets monthly and hears evidence in code enforcement cases before rendering a decision. Residents with expertise in real estate, engineering, architecture, general contracting and business can serve on the board as one of its seven members and two alternates who are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners for terms of three years. There are code enforcement volunteer opportunities available as well. Residents who are 16 and older can help keep their neighborhoods clean by removing illegal signs, often called ‘snipe’ signs, as a member of Volunteers in Public Service (VIPS). A background check and training are required to participate. Residents can report possible code violations, pay fines or find out more about the county’s code enforcement efforts by visiting hcflgov.net or calling 274-6600.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

NATIONAL WOMEN IN ROOFING GROUP HELPS LOCAL CHARITY FORGOTTEN ANGELS By Libby Hopkins The Tampa Chapter of National Women and eight of them have vehicles. All are in Roofing’s holiday service project last De- doing much better than when they arrived cember was to provide a roof replacement here. Money has been extremely tight, but for one of the buildings on local charity we are so grateful to all those who donatForgotten Angels’ property. ed, volunteered or supported our mission The building that received the new roof with their experience, trades or sweat eqis just one of the buildings that will be used uity.” to serve the many teens and young adults The New Year holds many new goals for Forgotten Angels helps in the community. Forgotten Angels. “2021 will be not only a Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit focused banner year for Forgotten Angels, we have on providing realready begun sources and supto grow in size,” port to the youth Tyler said. “April that are strug2021 will see the gling to achieve opening of the housing, eduAdderly Home cation and life for Girls at Forskills. “I started gotten Angels, this nonprof- The Tampa Chapter of National Women in Roofing’s holiday ser- and we have vice project this past December was to provide a roof replacement it for kids who for one of the buildings on local charity Forgotten Angels’ property. already broken have aged out ground on our of foster care,” Founder Cindy Tilley said. newest facility in Valrico. This new proper“Some of the kids come from rough homes, ty will continue to house only young men, or simply need a helping hand. I strive to of which it will be the country’s first solar give these special individuals a place to feel powered, self-sustaining tiny home comlike they belong, and to help them find their munity for aged-out youth. It will approway.” priately house both men and women. We Even though 2020 was a difficult year look to partner with either Teco Electric or for all of us, this past year saw many suc- Tesla.” cesses for Forgotten Angels. “When most On Friday and Saturday, March 19 and organizations are gauging success using 20, Forgotten Angels will host their first dollars and cents, we use lives saved and event of the year on their property in Vallives changed for the better as our bench- rico, which will be a motorcycle rally. “Conmark,” said Forgotten Angels’ executive sidering that COVID-19 is still very much director, David Tyler. “That said, we were a problem, we will take every precaution able to host well over 30 young men on the to make sure that everyone is socially property, all for varying periods of time, distanced, masked, have personal bottles many who are still residents. We success- of sanitizer for everyone and will be outfully provided over 15,000 meals to our doors,” Tyler said. youth and countless meals to the homeless For more information, visit www.forgotthrough our support of the Good Samari- tenangelsflorida.org or call Tilley at 728tan Inn. Many of our youth have graduated 0461. Forgotten Angels is located at 3604 high school. Many are working full-time Little Stearns Rd. in Valrico.

Page 15

EVENTS AT HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARIES HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY By Faith Miller This upcoming February, Tampa-Hills- Libraries. borough County Public Libraries have a Another part of this initiative is the long list of online events that are open to ‘Story Strong’ sessions. These are comall ages, including everything from book munity and family book clubs that clubs to a cooking lesson. take place once a month. Next month’s The month starts off with a virtu- meeting will take place on Wednesday, al cooking class February 3 for the taught by the community session “Roaming Gourand Wednesday, met,” Chef Ze’ShieFebruary 10 for the ca Carter. The event family session. It is will take place on described as being Monday, February “designed to help 1 and will be held empower individufrom 6:30-7:15 als and p.m. and is open to families all ages. It is titled as they ‘Tailgating Treats’ navigate and features “clas- Story Strong’ is a part of the Hillsborthe unsic tailgating rec- ough County Public Library Cooperacertainipes and nonalco- tive’s new ‘Libraries Build Communities’ ties preinitiative. holic drinks the sented entire family can enjoy,” according to by economic insecurity.” The events will the Hillsborough County library website. also allow parents/caregivers and their Registration is open online and the event children to take part and enjoy interacwill also feature a live question and an- tive online discussions with other memswer session. bers of the community. The libraries will also be hosting a Throughout the whole month of Febru‘Feeding Our Neighbors’ event, featuring ary, Hillsborough County Public Libraries local free and discount food. The event will be hosting multiple online events in is recommended for adults and regis- regards to Black History Month. One of tration is open online and will include a the events is a story time for children live question and answer session. It will featuring stories regarding Black Histodiscuss and help viewers learn “about ry Month and the “experiences and convarious nonprofit and government food tributions of African Americans.” The assistance programs available for those event is recommended for ages 3-6 and in need,” according to the website. The takes place February 11 at 9:30 a.m. and session is a part of the new ‘Libraries will last until 10:00 a.m. Multiple other Build Communities’ initiative. This is a events are also available online. collaboration that is between the UniFor more on these events along with versity of South Florida School of Infor- registration links, please visit the Hillsmation’s Responsive Librarianship Group borough County Public Library Cooperaand Tampa-Hillsborough County Public tive’s event page, hcplc.org/events.

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Page 16

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF THE J.C. NEWMAN THE TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE INSTITUTE OF CIGAR COMPANY IN YBOR CITY By Kathy L. Collins The J.C. Newman Cigar Company, located in Ybor City, is celebrating 125 years of making cigars. To commemorate this momentous event, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is offering guided tours of its family-owned and operated cigar company. The guided tours are 90 minutes and are offered on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations must be made online at www.jcnewman.com. Tours are limited and face masks and social distancing are enforced. The cost of the 90-minute guided tour is $15 per person. J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned cigar company in the United States. The company was founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman in Cleveland, Ohio. The company was moved to Tampa in 1954. The building that now houses the J.C. Newman Cigar Company was built in 1910 and was known as the Regensburg Factory, or ‘El Reloj.’ It was one of the last and largest cigar factories ever built in Tampa. The 3-story, 97,000 sq. ft. building has an iconic clock which rang for years. In 2002, the clock was restored by the Newman family. The new 90-minute guided tours are a birthday present to the City of Tampa and the residents of the area. On the tour, you get to see of a glimmer of the past and how cigars were made and are still made today. The tour takes you through the process of cigar-making both by hand and on antique cigar machines. Jeff Collins of Valrico visited the J.C. Newman Cigar Company and said, “Both the building and company are a part of the American history. It was fascinating

MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES

By Kathy L. Collins

To celebrate 125 years of cigar making in America, the J.C. Newman Cigar Company is offering 90-minute guided tours on select days. This is a fascinating adventure as you get to see how cigars are hand-rolled and made on antique machines.

to see how the cigars are made.” The tour is perfect for cigar aficionados, history buffs or anyone interested in manufacturing and technology. You can also pick up locally made items in the Factory Store such as shiny bangles from Bourbon and Boweties, culinary items from The Columbia and candles from Seventh Avenue Apothecary. The J.C. Newman Cigar Company is located at 2701 N. 16th St. in Ybor City. To schedule a tour and to get more information on private events, please visit www. jcnewman.com or call 248-2124.

The Tampa Museum of Art recently own masterpieces,” explained Kessandra received over $250,000 in the form of a Abel, community engagement manager grant from the Institute of Museum and for the Tampa Museum of Art. Library Services (IMLS). The funds from Abel added, “It is important to the Tamthis grant will be used to support, expand pa Museum of Art that everyone in our and enhance museum programming over community can find a home here to exthe next few years. plore, learn, connect with each other and “This IMLS grant will allow us to extend existing art therapy-informed interven- express themselves. This new Museums for All expansion tions online and removes the fiexpand virtual ennancial barrier for gagement opporsome families.” tunities to families The Tampa Muparticipating in seum of Art was the Museums for founded in 1920. All program,” said It hopes to inspire TMA Executive Diresidents of the rector Dr. Michael Tampa Bay area Tomor. and others around Through the the world by proMuseums for All viding engaging program, families and that receive food The Tampa Museum of Art in downtown Tampa recently exhibitions assistance (SNAP received a generous grant from the Institute of Museum innovative educaprograms benefits) can gain and Library Services to help expand the programs it offers tional to families who want to visit the museum. that emphasize anfree or reduced cient, modern and admission to participating museums, of contemporary art. which the Tampa Museum of Art is a parThe Institute of Museum and Library ticipant. Services is the primary source of federal “The IMLS grant will allow families to support for the nation’s libraries and muvisit the museum virtually in small groups to explore new ideas with museum educa- seums. For more information, please visit tors. It will allow families to have mind- www.imls.gov. The Tampa Museum of Art is located ful discussions in the galleries when they on Tampa Riverwalk at 120 W. Gasparilla visit, aided by guided questions that are Plz. in downtown Tampa. All guests are fine-tuned by a mental health profession- required to wear face masks and practice al. Additionally, and most excitingly, little social distancing. ones up to age 10 can sign up for the new The Tampa Museum of Art is pre-regisARTventure Crew to get kits of art sup- tering for the program. For more informaplies every few months to create their tion, please visit www.tampamuseum.org.

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

Page 17

FIRST TEE - TAMPA BAY AWARDED GRANT TO TROOP 61 HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL TASTE OF SCOUTING BBQ EVENT TO SUPPORT GROUP EFFORTS ADVANCE RACIAL EQUALITY IN COMMUNITY First Tee - Tampa Bay, a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA program, is pleased to accept a generous $100,000 grant from the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) to help advance racial equality in Tampa Bay. Thanks to USAA’s generosity, First Tee - Tampa Bay will be able to provide free golf lessons to 600 minority students in Title I schools throughout Hillsborough County. The grant will also enable First Tee - Tampa Bay to offer 80 golf tournament scholarships and five college scholarships to minority students. “The goal is to eliminate cost as an obstacle for any children from these specific schools and get them involved in our program,” says Ian Baxter, executive director of First Tee - Tampa Bay. “We are extremely appreciative to USAA for their generosity, which will introduce the game of golf to more children by removing any financial barriers.” Officially formed in 1999, First Tee Tampa Bay provides more than 80,000 children each year with hands-on, interactive golf experiences along with introducing them to First Tee’s Nine Core Values. Besides being a program of the Tampa YMCA, First Tee - Tampa Bay also partners with community members such as the Tampa Sports Authority, the City of Tampa and various golf facilities to offer year-round programming for kids and teens. “At First Tee - Tampa Bay, we do not

Staff Report

just teach golf, we teach life skills,” said Ian. “Our program uses the game of golf to provide young people with the chance to develop life-enhancing values like confidence, perseverance and judgment and a series of life skills such as goal-setting, meeting new people and staying healthy.” Whether through programs in 175+ Hillsborough County Public Schools, after-school programs at several local courses or week-long summer camp experiences, First Tee - Tampa Bay shows children that golf is more than a game— it’s an opportunity to become the very best they can be. For more information, visit www.firstteetampabay.org or call First Tee - Tampa Bay at 238-7320. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a cause-driven four-star charity, strengthening Hillsborough and East Pasco communities for 132 years through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the association, 18 facilities engage nearly 224,000 men, women and children—regardless of age, income or background— to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information, visit www.tampaymca.org.

A group of local scouts are hoping you are hungry for BBQ next month. The third annual Taste of Scouting BBQ Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, February 6 at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale (PCOB). BBQ plates include a choice of brisket, turkey or pulled pork with coleslaw, baked beans, a roll and a drink. The cost is $15 for brisket and $12 for turkey or pork. Orders can be purchased in advance or at the door with pre- meetings and a great support system, which in turn helps the troop run a sucpaid pickups between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BLOOMINGDALE According to John P. Zelatis, the moti- cessful program,” said Zelatis. AND TROOPThe61second goal is to increase awarevation for the fundraiser is two-fold. ness in the community about Scouting. “First, to help raise funds forPROUD our Scout- TO ARE PRESENT “The Scouting program instills in our ing program and the Presbyterian Church youth the core values and principles of of Bloomingdale,” said Zelatis. “The funds the Scout Oath and the Scout Law while will be utilized to help having fun exploring lower Scout dues and outdoors, learning new registration fees, purthings and preparing for chase new/upgrade the future,” said Zelatis. existing camping equipThe fundraiser will ment, offset the cost also feature fun Scoutof summer camp, send ing activities such as Scouts to National knot tying, orienteering, Youth Leadership Trainfire building, Dutch oven ing and provide Scout cooking, camping, backfamilies assistance packing, first aid and through scholarships in more. case of financial hardTo purchase tickets in ships.” Saturday, February 6, 2021 Time: 11am - 4pm advance, visit https:// A portion of the protroop61-107596.square.site/. Place: 710 E. Bloomingdale ceeds will also go to the PCOB to help pay The Presbyterian Church of Bloomingfor building and grounds maintenance and dale is located at 710 E. Bloomingdaincidentals. BBQ Plate Includes: Choicele ofAve. Pulled ($12), and www. Visit Pork www.pcob.us “The church is the troop’s charter orTurkey Breast ($12), or ($15) and Potato Salad, ganization, providing the location for Brisket its bstroop61.com.

Suffering From Sciatica? Sciatica is pain that originates in the low back or hip and can travel down one or both legs, buttock, knee and in some case, even the ankle.

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Page 18

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

BRING SOME FUN TO VIRTUAL MEETINGS, HCA HEALTHCARE OFFERS ANTIBODY PARTIES & EVENTS WITH ZOOMBALLYHOO TREATMENTS AT BRANDON REGIONAL By Libby Hopkins

By Libby Hopkins

The year 2020 will be remembered as How ZoomBallyhoo works is you pick the year of the Zoom meetings thanks to your Ballyhoo, which is a clown, magithe COVID-19 pandemic. I’m sure we’ve cian or ringmaster. You then pick a date, lost count on how many Zoom meetings time and length of your Zoom call. Once or calls we attended over the last year be- your payment is received, you can enjoy cause they all seemed to be the same, not your ZoomBallyhoo. “Our clowns and very lively or entertaining. magicians seem to tie for our clients’ faZoomBallyhoo is an Orlando-based vorite,” Gorton said. “Both have humor company that is on at the heart of their a mission to make performances. Some Zoom calls more fun people just want to and entertaining by laugh and hear stohaving circus perries of circus life from formers, clowns and our clowns and some magicians perform want to have magic during a Zoom call. happen before their “ZoomBallyhoo eyes. In each case, was a creation from our 30-minute packOdd-o-Ts’ Entertainage seems to fulfill ment born during a their quest for fun.” time when live perGorton hopes their formance wasn’t entertainers can safe to engage in,” one day go back to said ZoomBallyhoo’s performing live and Amy Gorton. “Our ZoomBallyhoo is an Orlando-based company that in-person, but until performers were all is on a mission to make Zoom calls more fun and then, this gives them by having circus performers, clowns former circus artists entertaining an outlet for their and magicians perform during a Zoom call. who had been entercraft. “We look fortaining in theme parks, theaters and tours ward to that day, but we feel that this since the Ringling Bros. Circus closed. experience can live beyond that day,” GorOnce the pandemic hit, the founders got ton said. “It will be a while for everyone together and decided to create a platform to feel safe to venture out again and we to keep those performers bringing the know that we can provide some joy and magic to audiences around the country light during these dark times. However, virtually into their own homes.” ultimately we also think that this is a fun Entertainment is one of the hardest hit way for distant friends and family memindustries by the pandemic along with bers to get together with a fun activity hospitality, travel and tourism. “Perform- that can extend beyond the stay-at-home ers are in the industry for more than just time and provide a different stage that a paycheck,” Gorton said. “Connecting we can continue to entertain.” with audiences is what feeds their creTo learn more about ZoomBallyhoo, visative souls and so it affects more than it www.zoomballyhoo.com or call Gorton just their income.” at 310-578-9943.

HCA Healthcare West Florida is now sickle cell disease, neurodevelopmental offering Bamlanivimab antibody infusions disorders and asthma are also among at Brandon Regional Hospital and three several additional considerations for eligiother local hospitals to nonhospitalized bility. “We’re committed to providing our patients who have patients, caregivers tested positive for and the communiCOVID-19 and have ties we serve with other high-risk facthe latest treattors. ments in the fight “This is an outagainst COVID-19 patient antibody and are excited to infusion that has bring this option to received emergenour four different cy use authorizageographic areas tion (EUA) from the along Florida’s west Food and Drug Adcoast,” said Dr. Larministration (FDA) ry Feinman, chief for nonhospitalized medical officer for patients, ages 12 HCA West Florida. and older, who have “The four locations tested positive for will support all of COVID-19, have our local hospitals mild to moderate in working closeCOVID-19 symply with physicians toms and are at high and other providers St. Petersburg General Hospital’s Kandice Williams, risk for developing RN (right) and Vinson Huynh, MD (left) successfully across the commusevere COVID-19,” performed HCA Healthcare West Florida’s first mono- nities we serve to said Debra McKell clonal antibody therapy on patient Harry for the early provide treatment treatment of COVID-19. of HCA West Florito patients who may da. benefit, per FDA guidelines.” The first patient received the treatment Patients with any of the following are on December 9, 2020 at St. Petersburg not to receive this treatment per the General Hospital. In addition to Brandon FDA EUA guidelines: hospitalized due to Regional Hospital, participating locations COVID-19, require oxygen therapy due to include Blake Medical Center in Manatee COVID-19 or require oxygen due to anCounty, St. Petersburg General Hospital other underlying medical condition. “We in Pinellas County, and Medical Center of encourage patients to discuss this treatTrinity in Pasco County. ment option with their physician,” McKell High-risk conditions that may be eli- said. “Also, Brandon Regional Hospital is gible for this treatment include obesity, providing the treatment for children ages chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, 12 and older.” immunosuppressive disease and heart Patients may contact Brandon Regional disease. For children over the age of 12, Hospital at 916-1581.

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February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

SECOND SEMESTER OF SCHOOL BEGINS FOR E-LEARNING AND BRICK-AND-MORTAR STUDENTS By Lily Belcher With the first semester of the 2020- from e-learning to brick-and-mortar 21 school year in Hillsborough County because they benefit from the more rigseeing the implementation of a number id structure of physical learning, such of Coronavirus protocols and proce- as Brandon High School junior Ethan dures that were new to both admin- Stretchberry. istrators and “ H o n e s t l y, students, Hills[e-learning] borough County was really hard. students began [It] seemed the second half easy at first, of the 2020-21 but as the seschool year on mester [continTuesday, Januued] I just fell ary 19. For many into my own lasemester one ziness and was brick-and-morso uninspired in tar students, my house alone. Addison Davis provided Hillsborough County families with a roadmap to inform families on the continuation of both they experiOverall, I got e-learning and brick-and-mortar schools during the second enced very few decent grades, semester. changes to daily but compared life at school. But those coming back to real school, very difficult,” said from four months of e-learning tran- Stretchberry. sitioned from doing math homework Students returning to schools will in their beds to being at a socially dis- also have the option of attending more tanced desk with a mask on. socially distanced extracurricular ac“This year, without a doubt, has been tivities, such as drama program perone to remember for both the challeng- formances, chorus concerts and other es it has brought and the opportunities student performances. Performers and it has provided,” Superintendent Addi- spectators will be required to wear son Davis said in a letter to parents and masks during both indoor and outdoor students of Hillsborough County. “I am performances and encouraged to use so proud of the hard work and flexibility hand sanitizer frequently. Athletic prodemonstrated by our students, families grams will continue to follow phase and district employees during the first three guidelines. The addition of these semester.” activities gives students an increasing The county schools will continue sense of normalcy and a chance to safeto follow updated CDC guidelines, in- ly spend time with their friends while cluding a new 10-day quarantine peri- supporting their classmates. od rather than 14 days, to ensure the For more information on second health of its students and staff. Many semester, please visit its website at students look forward to transferring https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/.

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IRON ROCK INSURANCE COMPANY HAS STRONG TIES TO THE RIVERVIEW COMMUNITY By Libby Hopkins

Lisa Hast grew up in the Apollo Beach and Ruskin area and has been a Southern Hillsborough county resident her whole life. She is the owner of Iron Rock Insurance Company in Apollo Beach.

Lisa Hast grew up in the Apollo Beach and Ruskin area and has been a Southern Hillsborough county resident her whole life. “I was here when there were only a few homes in Apollo Beach and Ruskin was mostly farmland,” Hast said. “I am married to my husband Jason, and we have three grown children. Branden McCorkle is a charter boat captain, my middle son Cameron Hast is a plumber and my baby girl Torie McCorkle works as an agent at Iron Rock. We have a two-yearold grandson named Carter. Jason and I live in the big town of Balm.” Hast is the owner of her family-owned and operated insurance company, Iron Rock Insurance in Apollo Beach. Iron Rock is a new company. “We opened shop in June of 2020,” Hast said. “I was with a family business for 37

years and the time had come for me to do something different. Jason and I were all over the board with it from selling our home and moving to Podunk GA, to going corporate America. The opportunity arose to open Iron Rock and we took it.” Iron Rock Insurance primarily focus on personal lines insurance. “Houses, cars, boats, flood, golf cart, recreational vehicles, we are blessed that we have some of the best players in insurance carriers,” Hast said. “We are able to make comparisons to current coverage, shop around a customer’s current coverage to see if we can find a better policy with equal or better coverage for a similar or better price.” If you ask Hast what makes her business different from other insurance companies in the area, she will tell you that her business is community-focused. “We are different in the fact that as a family business we have history in the area,” Hast said. “Our office décor is all old school Apollo Beach photos and memorabilia. I know the history of the area and have been here for 50 years. I have seen this area grow and thrive. We take what we do very personal. Our customers are like family to us. I love what I do because this is my hometown. I see folks that I have known my entire life, or people I went to high school with, or that my kids grew up and what is fun too is we have my Boston Terrier Rimy as a part of the office; she comes to the office every day. Folks bring her treats or just come to love on her.” If you would like to learn more about the services offered at Iron Rock Insurance, you can visit their website at www. ironrockins.com or call Hast at 213-9600. The office is located at 1312 Apollo Beach Blvd Suite O in Apollo Beach.

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Page 20

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Animal Charity, Boat Show, Tampa Bay Walk and more ... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Your Pie Wins Community Award And Makes Donation To Local Animal Charity

kittens on a regular basis and we pay for their spay/ neuter, wellness, deworming, etc., so the $500 helps us accomplish a lot of that.” Your Pie is located at 125 E. Bloomingdale Ave. Visit www.yourpie. com or call 502-6354 for more information. Information on A Kitten Place, including a wish list and adoptable kittens, can be found at www.akittenplace.org.

Set Sail At The Tampa Bay Boat Show

The Tampa Bay Boat Show is coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds from Tuesday through Thursday, March 5-7. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event, showcasing area boat dealers/ manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies as well as great accessories too. Enjoy walking around millions of dollars of inventory, a great way to see and comSpike and Scarlett, formerly Catniss and pare all available makes Peeta, are kittens adopted by Your Pie’s and models in one locaowners. tion. You won’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminar Series on Saturday and Sunday. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts for great tips, secrets and fun. Florida State Fairground is located at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa. For more information, visit wwwtampabayboatshows. com. Admission is free.

Local pizza restaurant Your Pie was recently presented with the Community Award for the franchise in recognition of all it does to support its community. Last year, it organized food donations and drove many miles to support the families that it adopted. Your Pie regularly hosts school spirit nights; Mintz Elementary, Buckhorn Elementary, Durant High and Winthrop Charter are a few schools that have benefited from these. Local charities are also supported, and it did so during a spirit night for local animal charity, A Kitten Place, when Your Pie Owner Teresa and Karen Sharkey found out about two kittens that were recovering from broken bones. Catniss and Peeta had been rescued separately but then became firm friends, and they soon began looking for a home, preferably together. Teresa and Karen couldn’t resist the cute pair and decided to adopt them. They have kept in touch with A Kitten Place Founder Michelle Bass, and when they were awarded $500 to donate to a local charity with the Community Award, it was decided that A Kitten Place would receive it. Michelle Bass stated, “We were elated and surprised to receive this donation from our friends at Your Pie Brandon. It was perfect timing as we were incurring excessive medical bills due to multiple kittens with critical medical issues. We have an average of up to 50 cats/

Cross Bay Ferry Changes Dock Location

The Cross Bay Ferry has temporarily changed its Tampa docking location from the Tampa Convention Center to Sparkman Wharf through Wednesday, February 17. The temporary new location is at 615 Channelside Dr. in Tampa and the nearest parking can be found in the Garrison Lot or Channelside Parking Garage. During this period, the ferry’s operations, including ticketing, will be at the Sparkman Wharf location, the ferry will continue to run Wednesday through Sunday, with four departure times at both locations on Friday and Saturday. The full schedule and additional information is available online at www.TheCrossBayFerry.com. The ferry staff strongly advises passengers to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Volume 20, Issue 2

Hillsborough Community College Awarded Ent re p re n e u r s h i p Education And Training Grant

Hillsborough Community College has been awarded a $100,000 Entrepreneurship Education and Training (EET) grant from the Florida Department of Education. This program seeks to fund innovative EET projects, cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities in career and technical education students. “Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is dedicated to developing a talent pipeline to help support Tampa Bay’s flourishing entrepreneurship community,” HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater said. “This grant combined with our robust program offerings will allow us to equip individuals with the training they need to succeed.” In partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the grant seeks to spearhead a comprehensive EET program, Innovators in Action, to serve career and technical education educators and students of the Tampa Bay area.

Sons Of The American Legion Car And Truck Show

The Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 138 is holding a car and truck show on Saturday, February 13 from 12 Noon until 4 p.m. The event will take place at the American Legion pavilion area at 5535 W. Prescott St. in Tampa and will include music from the 50s and 60s, food for sale, raffle prizes and great trophies for the winners as well as beautiful cars and trucks of all descriptions. Entry registration fees are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event and include a free meal, raffle ticket and a voting ballot. All proceeds benefit veterans’ and children’s charities. For additional information, call Larry Begy at 767-1197.

Socially Distanced Strawberry U-Pick

Keel Farms in Plant City is offering strawberry U-pick every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a fun outdoor family activity and it is easy to maintain a 6-foot distance from other groups. Keel Farms Winery has grown to include a restaurant, winery and brewery. There is love music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus trivia every Tuesday. Keel Farms is located at 5202 Thornotosassa Rd. in Plant City. For information or events, visit www.keelfarms.com.

Rotary Club Of Brandon Open House

The Rotary Club of Brandon invites the community to an open house to tour its beautiful building located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. The Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center is conveniently located just north of Bloomingdale Ave. and is perfect for various types of events with plenty of parking. The open houses will take place on Friday, February 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 14 from 12:15 to 4 p.m.; Friday, February 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, February 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Girl Scout cookies will also be available to purchase and mask wearing will be required along with social distancing. For more information, call Larry Fassett at 767-5803.

Tampa Bay Walk To End Colon Cancer The local Walk To End Colon Cancer will take place virtually on Saturday, February 27. Register online for free at ccalliance.org/tampawalk to help fundraise leading up to the walk and then walk locally with family or close friends.

A Better Way Of Doing Business For Building Permits, Inspections & Other Services

Hillsborough County Development Services recently launched HillsGovHub, a simplified, fully digital business services process. The online portal at HCFLGov. net/HillsGovHub will provide free, 24/7 access to such features as the ability to apply and pay for commercial and residential building permits online, schedule inspections, upload contractor licensing/ professional certification information, apply for tree removal permits and view a variety of records. Anyone can use the HillsGovHub portal, including homeowners who are undertaking projects themselves, commercial contractors, builders as well as repair and renovation professionals. In addition to streamlining processes for customers, the digital system will enable staff to perform multiple views concurrently and provide real-time access to permit and inspection information in the field, allowing a faster turnaround time.

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February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

LOCAL FAMILY TRAVELS CROSS COUNTRY

By Libby Hopkins

day is amazing.” Living on the bus and traveling around the country gives their children a wonderful opportunity to see the entire U.S. as well as Jenn Bethune, her husband Kyle, three children and four dogs all see different cultures. “Our kids decided to move out of their home brick-and-mortar home to a love it,” Bethune said. “They get home on wheels. They remodeled a1983 Silver Eagle Bus from to meet kids from all over the U.S. front to back and hit the road this past August. So far, they have been to 17 states and driven more than 5,500 miles. Also, being a part of a full-timMany people dream of when they can ing community is huge. There are retire, buy an RV and travel cross-coun- over one million full-timers on the road try. The thoughts of seeing the 50 states today. The kids love seeing new places, from the comfort of your home on wheels and wherever we are at, we try to do are daydream-worthy. a little bit of history lesson about the Jenn Bethune, her husband Kyle, area, or if something historic happened three children and four dogs all decided in the area, we learn about it.” to move out of their brick-and-mortar Her children prefer learning on the home to a home on wheels. “We remod- road. “My oldest son, Ben, was not eled our 1983 Silver Eagle Bus from front the biggest fan of traditional school,” to back,” Bethune said. “It took us about Bethune said. “He loves homeschool. We nine months to get completely done, and do about two to three hours of school a we moved on March 13, 2020. So far, we day and then we are able to go on adhave been to 17 states and driven over ventures. We truly learn about every5,500 miles. We are a little bit crazy thing around us.” and a whole lot of fun. We aren’t really Bethune feels the best part of living planners, so we never know where we’re on the bus and traveling is that their going to end up. We love showing you family relationships have become stronAmerica through our lens with our You- ger. “Our relationships are so much betTube channel, Red, White, & Bethune.” ter,” Bethune said. “Our marriage is the Bethune and her husband were born best it’s ever been. The relationship with and raised in Brandon. Once the couple our kids is phenomenal. The quality time remodeled their bus, they realized they that you don’t get otherwise is fantasnever again wanted to live in a brick- tic.” and-mortar home. “We love being on the To learn more about the Bethune famroad,” Bethune said. “Traveling and mak- ily and their cross-country adventures, ing our backyard different places every- visit www.redwhiteandbethune.com.

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ARTISAN AESTHETICS: EXPERIENCED PLASTIC SURGERY

By Michelle Caceres

There are many factors to consid- tion, Dr. Castor takes the time to truly er before choosing a plastic surgeon. understand his patients’ aesthetic goals, They should be professional, friendly, unique anatomies, medical histories and board-certified and have years of experi- lifestyles. ence putting their knowlThe surgical proceedge into practice. dures available include Dr. Stan Castor, ownfull-body mommy makeer of Artisan Aesthetics, overs, facelifts, breast checks all of those boxes. augmentations/lifts/reHe is board-certified ductions, Brazilian butin plastic surgery by the tocks augmentation and American Board of PlasVASER liposuction. Artitic Surgery and has more san Aesthetics is also one than 20 years of expeof just a few practices in rience helping patients the area offering the latachieve their aesthetic est plastic surgery techgoals. His office offers nology, Renuvion J-Plasthe added benefit of an ma, which can tighten in-office, state-accreditskin on virtually any area ed operating room suite of the body. staffed by certified anesNonsurgical options are thesia providers. also offered, including a “I strive for the best full range of fillers and possible results for my neurotoxins, such as Bopatients while keeping tox and Dysport for wrintheir safety, comfort and Dr. Stan Castor of Artisan Aesthetics has kle reduction and facial well-being in mind at all been helping patients achieve stunning rejuvenation. and natural-looking results for more time,” said Dr. Castor, Artisan Aesthetics is than 20 years. who considers himself a located at 5383 Primrose perfectionist, a good quality to have in his Lake Cir. in Tampa. Its office hours are line or work. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. FinancFormer patients sing him praises, say- ing options are available. ing “It was the best decision I could’ve Dr. Castor and his team’s years of trainmade,” “Thank you for giving me my con- ing and experience, passion for aesthetics fidence back” and “He’s a compassionate and commitment to understanding each doctor who gave me great results.” patient can help men and women achieve His cosmetic procedures are designed stunning and natural-looking results. to help patients reveal a more youthful To learn more about the team at Artiappearance, address a physical feature san Aesthetics or the services offered, they’d like changed or accomplish other visit www.drcastor.com. To schedule a personal cosmetic goals. complimentary consultation in Dr. CasAt the initial complimentary consulta- tor’s office, call 971-2000.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

NEW BOARD BRINGS CENTER PLACE OF BRANDON BACK TO LIFE

By Libby Hopkins

Center Place my heart.” Fine Arts & Civic Bernadette Association has Pello, founder been a part of of Livingstone the Brandon comAcademy, wantmunity for more ed to be a part than 44 years and of the board behas been known cause she feels as the “heart and it’s a pillar of the art” of the comBrandon community. munity. “Center The communiPlace is one of ty was shocked the pillars in the in March 2020 to learn that Brandon community and I Center Place was closing its am excited and honored to doors for good. The pandemserve an organization that ic, yet again, took a local landserves our community in mark. such a unique way,” Pello Many people came togethsaid. er to save the heart and art Board members JoAnn of the community. “This is Shea and Claudia Yake have my mother’s legacy, so why strong ties to Center Place. wouldn’t we keep it alive?” Shea was on the board presaid Tom Odiorne. viously and Yake was a forPatricia Odiorne was the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association’s new board members, Tom Odiorne, Ryan Odiorne, mer director of Center Place creator of Center Place. Her “I want help to create and Todd Allen, J.J. Massaro, Mike Owens, Betty Jo Tompkins, Bernadette Pello, JoAnn Shea and sons, Tom and Ryan Odiorne, experience the feeling of comClaudia Yake have joined forces to bring the heart of the Brandon Community back to life. are just two of the board memmunity and fellowship that is wanted to be a part of the new board mental in securing the facility that bers who came on board to breathe because he couldn’t imagine our com- became Center Place,” Tompkins said. so needed, especially in trying times,” life back into Center Place. “We’re munity without it. “Center Place has Local lawyer Mike Owens had fond Shea said. “I wanted to be a part of here to make sure Center Place sur- always held a special place in the memories of Center Place from his the Center Place board because I feel vives,” Board President Ryan said. heart of our community, so we needed childhood, so that is why he wanted it is important for Center Place to be“We need to have this building be here to step in and save it.” to be a part of the board. “While I can come an integral part of our commufor future generations.” Betty Jo Tompkins is well known clearly say God did not bless me with nity again,” Yake said. Local realtor Todd Allen is also one throughout the Brandon community artistic talent, I love the arts and what The board has been working with of the new board members. “Center and she is on the board because she Center Place stands for,” Owens said. Hillsborough County to secure an Place benefits our community and wanted to keep the history of Center “I grew up across the street at South opening date, which should be reright now the community needs Cen- Place alive. “I’m thrilled to have the Brandon Little League. We had our leased in the coming weeks. ter Place,” Allen said. To learn more about Center Place, opportunity to serve on the Center All-Star Banquets at Center Place and Local business owner J.J. Massaro Place board because [it was] instru- many other events that I hold dear to visit www.centerplacebrandon.org.

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February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Page 23

Page 24

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

Celebrating 40 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage? DO NOT REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT LETTING US TAKE A LOOK!

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk

February 2021 David Weekley Homes Celebrates Five Years In Encore At FishHawk Ranch

Encore at FishHawk Ranch, the 55plus lifestyle division from David Weekley Homes, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Located within the master-planned FishHawk Ranch, the community is closing out in all three sections, with a limited number of homes remaining. “We’ve been honored to create a unique, vibrant space for our 55-plus homeowners to call home over the last five years in Encore at FishHawk Ranch,” said Mike Foster, division president for David Weekley Homes in Tampa. “With the close-out of these final sections, we wrap up more than 22 years of building in FishHawk Ranch. I’m grateful to the nearly 1,000 David Weekley homeowners who have made this community such a special place.” Encore at FishHawk Ranch boasts a 5,000 sq. ft. amenity center, the Oasis Club, exclusively for Encore residents that features bocce and pickle ball courts, a high-end fitness room, resort style pool and entertainment

Volume 20, Issue 2

room with a bar and catering space. A full-time lifestyle director maintains a calendar of events. Residents in the community also enjoy convenience to outdoor recreation, including parks and miles of hike and bike trails. For more information about David Weekley Homes in Encore at FishHawk Ranch, call 7744155.

Daylight Concepts Can Brighten Your Home

Daylight Concepts is a specialized group of professionals that helps increase the comfort of your home. Have you ever walked into a room in the middle of the day and had to turn your lights on? That’s exactly the type of problem that they can solve in just a couple of hours. With tubular skylights, they bring natural daylight to kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, staircases, you name it. In over 14 years in business, it’s brightened thousands of homes. If you want a personalized experience, unique design and the best quality of products and services, it is the right contractor for you. Daylight Concepts is based in Tampa.

Ph: 657-2418 For more information, visit www.daylightconcepts.com or visit on Facebook at solatubeflorida@ daylightconcept.

Magruder Agency Celebrates 31 Years

The Magruder Agency was estabPatricia and Stephanie lished in 1989 by PaMagruder. tricia Magruder and has grown because it pays attention to the needs of each client. It is too easy to find yourself with a generic insurance policy that doesn’t truly fit your specific situation. The Magruder Agency takes the time to sit with each of its policyholders and new clients to learn about their coverage needs, budget limitations and policy types that they are interested in. Each client leaves with the best quality coverage to meet each of their needs and requirements. Over the years, the Magruder Agency has received many community awards, including Woman-Owned Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Excellence in Marketing from

the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, and Woman of the Year from the American Business Women’s Association. The Magruder Agency is located at 655 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon and is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Patricia Magruder can be reached on 6543100 or by email at patricia@magruderagency.com. For more information, visit www.magruderagency.com.

Preservation 1st Financial Group Celebrating 16 Years In Business

Father and son team Michael and Christian Beiter are celebrating 16 years of their insurance and financial planning business, Preservation 1st Financial Group. Preservation 1st Financial Group serves all your financial planning and insurance needs, including retirement planning, estate planning, life insurance, medicare coverage, college planning and more. Its mission is to partner with their clients and their families in their pursuit of their financial goals. Preservation 1st Financial Group is located at 912 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon and can be contacted at 627-0872; it is currently providing virtual appointments. For more information, visit www. preservation1st.com.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility Awarded Best Of Senior Living Award

The SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Senior Living 2021 Awards, in partnership with A Place for Mom, recognizes senior living and home care providers who receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors. This exclusive designation is awarded to less than 3 percent of providers nationwide. Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility in Riverview was just awarded this for the third consecutive year. Dorothy Cares offers assisted living 24/7, respite care and adult day care in smaller, home-like settings which many prefer for more of that one-to-one care. It offers assistance with activities of daily living, three meals along with two snacks per day, housekeeping, laundry, help setting up transportation to doctors appointments, medication supervision, exercise and social programs and more. It is the perfect facility for a loved one who is not ready for a nursing home or a large assisted living facility and still wants to feel independent in a place that they can call home. Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility has two homes in the Riverview area. For more information, visit www.dorothycaresalf.com, email dorothycaresalf@gmail.com or call 862-8871.

Interactive Children’s Science Center Now Open In Brandon

Galactic Playgrounds, an 8,500 sq. ft. interactive science center for children at 1041 W. Brandon Blvd. recently opened. Owner Greg Mondolia described it as “a science center for all ages. We offer hands-on excitement with exhibits powered by children, so they get exercise, S.T.E.A.M learning and fun all at once.” The large variety of interactive science exhibits demonstrate magnetism, hydro forces, electric power, kinetic energy, stactic generators and gas plasma effects. Other

exhibits include astronomy videos on a 14-foot-tall, planetarium-like screens and painting on Buddha Boards. The 8,500 sq. ft. space allows for easy social distancing and the center is equipped with a special new HVAC with five times more outside air. Galactic Playgrounds is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www. galacticplaygrounds.com or call 315-9478. Visit on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/Galactic-Playgrounds-185653645411415/.

Local Odor Removal Company Eyes Expansion

Local realtor and entrepreneur Sherri Southwell is a woman on a mission. She not only sells homes but rids them of odors as well. Using a proven removal process, which is both economical and nondestructive, customers’ homes and/or businesses are treated to eliminate odors resulting from pets, smoke, cooking, mold and mildew in addition to sanitizing AC ductwork and killing bacteria and viruses. While her business primarily caters to real estate agents, property managers and real estate investors, Southwell has noted that homeowners are also discovering the benefits of ozone. As a result of increased demand for odor removal and home sanitization services, Accurate Ozone Solutions of the Gulf Coast, based in Apollo Beach, is seeking to expand its service area into the surrounding counties. For more information on the services provided, visit www.stinkclean.com, email info@StinkClean.com or call 833-3578465.

Badcock Home Furniture Employee Sale Benefits Local Boys & Girls Club

W.S. Badcock Corporation, the company behind its namesake, Badcock Home Furniture & More, has a long-standing history with the Boys & Girls Club. Each year, Badcock holds two employee sales in which sample merchandise is sold to its corporate employees in an auction setting, with proceeds directly benefiting Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists

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the local club. These regular donations, combined with other initiatives, help fund new buildings and the implementation and ongoing expenses of the after-school and summer programs. The Boys & Girls Club of Mulberry area director, Mike Borders, brought a few of the program’s children to the Badcock Corporate Office to receive the donation of $25,424. Borders is incredibly happy witth the ongoing relationship between them and thanked the Badcock family and its employees for their generosity towards the Boys & Girls Club.

Fidelity National Title Opens In FishHawk

Fidelity National Title recently opened in the FishHawk area, offering title and escrow services. Although it’s a new office, the team has over 40 years of combined experience. Manager Tiffiney Daniels described their purpose as: “The mission of Fidelity National Title is to advance, expand and protect the experience of property ownership. Our role in the real estate transaction is as the neutral third party, handling the paperwork on the transaction from contract to close.” Fidelity National Title is also the underwriter, providing the title policy and protecting your investment. It works directly with real estate agents on purchase transactions, with lenders and mortgage brokers on refinance transactions and can handle a ‘For Sale By Owner’ directly with sellers. The new office is located at 13463 FishHawk Blvd. in Riverview and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit tampa.fntic. com/offices/fishhawk or call 688-9316.

Hess Annual Girl Scout Cookie Buy Event Returns

Hess Orthodontics is proud to support its local Girl Scouts and announce the annual Girl Scout Cookie Buy event is back this year. Stop by any of its five office locations between Monday, February 1 and Wednesday, March 31 and it will buy up to five boxes of Girl Scout cookies per scout. Girl Scouts must be present at the time of purchase.

Hillsborough County Earns Six Sigma Accreditation

Hillsborough County has earned Six Sigma Accreditation for its commitment to introduce and adopt insight-driven decision-making and process improvement throughout the county government. Six Sigma is a set of management techniques that uses data and metrics to improve the decision-making process. The goal is to make an organization more efficient and effective in identifying problems, identifying their cause and solving them. County staff trained in the Six Sigma curriculum will use that knowledge to make processes more effective and efficient within their departments and throughout the county. Hillsborough County earned the Six Sigma Accreditation after a rigorous process that took more than six months. To earn accreditation, each segment of the county’s Six Sigma training process, from curriculum to teachers, had to meet a strict set of standards. The county teaches Six Sigma techniques on an ongoing basis, training about 550 employees over the last three years.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Page 27

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

CUSTOM HAIR HELPS CUSTOMERS REGAIN CONFIDENCE DUE TO ALL CONDITIONS OF LOSS

By Michelle Caceres

Things often get ‘hairy’ at Custom holds the hair in place for four to six Hair Tampa Bay, but for this business weeks. that’s precisely the goal. “Wake up every morning with hair,” Owned by Dan and Lori Younkman, said Lori. “Wash it, swim with it and just Custom Hair Tampa Bay offers non- live your life.” surgical solutions for men and women Her favorite part of the process is with hair loss as a result of male and when the hair system comes in and cusfemale-pattern baldness, chemothera- tomers see the total transformation. py, transplants and burn scars, alopecia, For Apollo Beach resident Jim Klein, autoimmune diseashis new hair has gives and other hair loss en him increased conditions. self-confidence. “I Located at 117 N. have the hair I used Kings Ave. in Brandon, to have and look so solutions the Younkmuch younger,” he mans offer include 100 said. percent Remy human Brandon resident hair wigs, toppers and and longtime cuscustom hair solutions tomer Susan Saylors, for men and women. whose hair started Expert staff members thinning as a result are available to assist of lupus, echoed Klein clients in choosing about the increased from its selection of self-confidence from wigs or one of its hair her hair replacement systems. system. Owned by Dan and Lori Younkman, Custom “We’re here to ad- Hair Tampa Bay offers nonsurgical solutions “Stylists at Custom for men and women with hair loss. vise you every step of Hair have given me the way and walk you through the en- long hair, shorter hair, have changed the tire process,” said Lori, who is not just color,” said Saylors. “What’s great is it’s the owner but also a customer. She un- such a high quality that nobody knows derstands exactly how a thick head of it’s not my own hair unless I tell them.” hair can restore confidence. Custom Hair Tampa Bay has been Customers meet with technicians in helping customers enjoy long, thick and private consultation rooms, where their healthy hair worthy of a Pantene comheads are measured, hair color and tex- mercial for more than 50 years. ture are matched and hair systems are Custom Hair Tampa Bay is open Tuescreated to make each person look their day-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, best. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hair replacement systems are lightFor more information, visit www. weight, breathable and secure, thanks customhairtampabay.com or call 651to the surgical-grade adhesive that 9484.

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Volume 20, Issue 2

DURANT GIRLS SOCCER WINS TAMPA BAY UNITED INVITATIONAL By Nick Nahas The Durant girls soccer team had a memorable Christmas break, winning the highly competitive Tampa Bay United (TBU) Invitational. The Cougars went 3-0, defeating Mariner 1-0, Wiregrass Ranch 2-0 and Land O’ Lakes 1-0 in the tournament, Photo courtesy of Durant girls soccer held December 21-23 in Tampa. The comThe Cougars went 3-0 in the TBU Invitational. bined records of the five teams competing in the TBU before tournament play was an through me when the whistle blew and I astounding 34-3-3. knew that we had won the game. I think “I was really proud of the girls,” said this tournament helped prove not only Head Coach Sue Peet. “The opportunity to me, but to our team, that we can win had never really presented itself to being in one of these Christmas tournaments. these games, especially against these reThis year the door opened up for us, a ally elite teams.” The legendary Coach Peet may retire team dropped out and I jumped on the opafter this season. She has been coachportunity and said let’s go give it a shot. ing soccer since 1980, serving as the The kids grow by playing good competition, so that’s what we did.” head coach for several schools, including Three Durant players earned All-Tourna- Brandon, Chamberlain, Coconut Creek, ment Team honors, including sophomore Bloomingdale, Steinbrenner and Durant. midfielder/defender Katlyn Levasseur, se- Peet won the state championship in 2001 nior striker/midfielder Kendall Drummond with Bloomingdale. and freshman striker Rachel Horn. Senior Durant, 8-2-1, has high expectations for defender/midfielder Hannah Kittrell was the rest of the season. “I’m expecting our named MVP of the tournament. team to go far this year,” said Horn. “We’ve Horn led the team with two of the four finally proven to ourselves how good of a total goals scored, with both being 1-0 team we can really be, and I think based game-winners. off of that, we can beat teams that maybe “It was such an amazing feeling. Our we wouldn’t have been able to beat prior. team had been working so hard in this I want to continue improving on everytournament and I knew that we deserved thing I need to work on and be able to to win those games,” said Horn. “Both help my team even more.” Horn said her games were goals in the last second, and it overall motto for the year is “Don’t stop was just so much pure joy that overflowed the grind.”

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

JENNY’S ZOO OFFERS WEEKLY DOG SHOWS & MAKES INTERACTING WITH EXOTIC ANIMALS EASY

BRANDON HIGH SCHOOL REUNION GROUP SEEKS MEMBERS By Amy Schechter

By Hayley Fedor

If you are looking for a fun, stress free, safe activity to kick off your new year, look no further than Jenny’s Zoo. Located in Wimauma, Jenny’s Zoo offers a variety of ways for families to enjoy some time out of the house interacting with animals. Jenny Walker, the owner of Jenny’s Zoo, and her family come from generations of animal trainers. Prior to the pandemic, the Walker family traveled on tour with their animals, entertaining people across the country. When COVID-19 hit they decided to head home and in July the dream of Jenny’s Zoo became a reality. The mission of the zoo is to provide the best care possible for the animals and engage the community. “It’s great for my family and my animal family to give back to our community” said Walker. With that in mind, Walker wanted to make visiting the park easy and affordable for all. Parking and admission are free and activities within the zoo only cost a small fee to take part in. From camels to zebras to rabbits, Jenny’s Zoo offers visitors the chance to mingle with the exotic. Yet the star of the show over at Jenny’s is a real uni-

corn. Yes you read that right. The unicorn amongst other animals at the zoo are also available to snap pictures with. There are plenty of activities on property to keep individuals of all ages busy. “Just a family friendly, fun feel for everybody here” as Walker describes it. Animal rides are available for the kids, games to incite a bit of friendly competition, and concessions with fresh drinks and food. Even a dog show lead by Walker herself on Saturday and Sunday between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. In light of the pandemic, Jenny’s Zoo has put sanitary measures in place to make sure every guest feels comfortable and safe. There are hand washing stations as well as sanitizer provided throughout the zoo and plenty of room for social distancing. In 2021 the zoo is “only going to get bigger and better” and additions are on the way according to Walker. The family opens the zoo which is on their home property every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 12611 Andrews Rd., Wimauma, FL 33598. For more information, visit on Facebook at Jenny’s Zoo or call 362-0336.

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Page 29

Brandon High School (BHS) originally opened in 1914 on the site of what is now McClane Middle School when Brandon had only 500 residents. BHS moved to its current location in 1972, 30 years after Helen Mulrennan Young graduated. When she was young, there was a period of time where her family didn’t have electricity. Growing up on 160 homesteaded acres with less than 50 students in her entire school, life was much different then. Over the years, the graduating classes have expanded from fewer than 30 students to hundreds. When Young and a few friends from BHS had their 50th reunion in 1992, they decided it would be a great idea to meet up regularly. Having lived in the Miami area for 25 years, she was happy to reconnect with a few friends when she returned to Brandon. They began meeting at the Golden Corral on Providence Rd., and soon the group expanded to include alumni from the 40s through the 70s. In time, it felt like she had never moved away. “It was a great blessing,” Young said

fondly, and she is grateful more Brandon alumni want to carry on what the class of ’42 started. Now, John Miller, class of ’66, organizes the event. About 30 alumni still meet on the third Tuesday of every even month at Golden Corral at 11:30 a.m., but they are looking for other alumni who may not be aware of the meetups. “It’s a great core group,” Miller said. “Everybody getting together is wonderful. There are people I wasn’t that close to in high school, but we’ve all grown so much closer. When someone new comes, it’s so awesome to learn about their life and catch up.” The friendships have become so important to the members, especially after the difficulties of 2020. If you’re looking for a way to reconnect, this is perfect. BHS alumni from all years are welcome. If you are a graduate of Brandon High School and would like more information or would like to be added to an email reminder list, please email John Miller at millerjohn1@msn.com. Golden Corral is located at 815 Providence Rd. in Brandon.

Page 30

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

2020 COMMUNITY WATER-WISE AWARD WINNERS HAVE FRIENDLY LANDSCAPES By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent The Community Each landscape had Water-Wise Awards, gutter downspouts and sponsored by Tampa roof runoff directed Bay Water, a regional onto mulched/planted municipal water proareas, harvested rainvider, recognize indiwater and had minimal viduals and businesses to no turfgrass. Both committed to conservthrive mainly on raining our water resourcfall and were aesthetes and protecting the ically pleasing, beautienvironment by using ful and inviting. Florida-Friendly LandWe were excited scaping™ (FFL) prinabout Shirley and Anciples. There are nine nie’s commitment to FFL principles, which water and environinclude: right plant and mental conservation, right place, water effithe use of native and ciently, fertilize appronon-native adaptive priately, mulch, attract plants and their landwildlife, manage yard scape designs—which pests responsibly, rewere completely differcycle, reduce stormwaent and amazing. ter runoff and protect As you can see from the waterfront. Many the photos, these landof these principles are scapes are water-wise used as part of the and fascinating. With landscape evaluation 17 entries submitted process for this award this year, it was difprogram. ficult selecting the I’m pleased to an2020 Community Wanounce the winners for ter-Wise Award winthe 2020 Community Shirley McFarlane and Annie Ellis were recent- ners. We hope each of ly named the 2020 Community Water-Wise Water-Wise Award you reading this article Award winners. Contest. For unincorwill consider entering porated Hillsborough County, the winner the contest, which you can do any time is the landscape of Shirley McFarlane. The at http://tampabaywaterwise.org. The City of Tampa winner is Annie Ellis. deadline for entries is generally June 30 There are several elements of these each year, so you can complete an applilandscapes that are positive examples cation now, submit it and get a head start of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ wa- on the 2021 contest. ter-wise practices. These include the For assistance with horticultural quesplanting of drought-tolerant trees and tions, call us at 744-5519. Hillsborough plants, self-mulching areas under trees County gardening information is available and plants selected that were appropriate at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/. for their site conditions. Plants with sim- View our calendar of events for upcomilar water and maintenance needs were ing educational opportunities and see our grouped together, organic and alternative Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ mulch was used, as well as pervious mate- HCFFL/. Remember to reduce, reuse, rerials for paths, walkways and other areas. cycle and repeat.

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Wintertime is Sublime…

Wintertime is December 21st-Mar 20th, and the cold fronts have started arriving. The bay water temperature has fallen into the 60’s and it looks like the 70’s are done until spring. The wind has been a major factor in getting out on the water. Every day starts off dressing in layers with Gore-Tex (to keep us dry) and Thinsulate (to keep us warm), then perhaps shedding layers during the day, and then readjusting again in the late afternoon. The white bait has moved off the flats and into deeper water. Numerous towers along the channel are holding bait. The key to netting this bait is to ensure there is some water (tide) movement, so the bait is up in the water column. Chumming, using tropical fish food, will get them to come up off the bottom as well. This past week’s charters have resulted in trips to the Big Bend TECO power plant. The warm water discharge is a magnet for numerous species of targeted fish. It’s also been loaded with Manatees, Dolphin’s, and Stingray’s. The bite at the power plant has been excellent. We caught Cobia, Jack Crevalle, as well as Bonethead and Bull shark. Blacktips should also be moving in. Fishing the power plant is a lot of fun, if it’s not crowded with other boats. For Cobia, we are mostly sight fishing. Trolling the flats and looking for the silhouette of the brown bomber. We’ll be setup with several casting options in hopes of enticing the Cobia to bite. One rod will be setup with live bait (shrimp or whitebait),

Volume 20, Issue 2 one with a plastic eel and one with a top water plug. Accurate casting is critical. Landing the bait 6” to 12” in front of the Cobia, usually entices the bite. Sometimes the Cobia are on their own or travelling in pairs. Double hookups are not unusual. Keep the hooked Cobia in the water and allow the second Cobia to catch up and join in the action. Remember, Cobia have to be 33” at the fork of the tail to keep, so handle with care if your releasing. Cobia will also tag along with the Stingrays and the Manatees, so keep an eye out for that. The Cobia in the picture was caught by Brian Ritchie, Qualia Reels. This was the first Cobia he ever caught. A great fight on light tackle that lasted over 30 minutes. It weighed around 40 pounds. Pound for pound and inch for inch, the Jack Crevalle may be the hardest fighting fish in the bay. We caught this 32” inch Jack on a jig head with a large shrimp hooked thru its horn. On a 4000 size reel, we chased this Jack for 45 minutes before landing and releasing it. This is the biggest Jack I’ve seen caught in the bay. Several schools of big Jacks have been visiting the flats along Apollo Beach. Casting on the edge of the school with just about any artificial lure, will produce drag ripping action. Bonethead Sharks have arrived and are located in the flats area and out to 6’ of water. We like to use a shrimp, hooked thru the horn, attached to a jig head with a float about 3’-4’’ above the jig. If you’re looking for a great day on the water give me a call and I’d be happy to show you how much fun our fishery can be. Hope to see you on the water. Call Captain Brian Lemelin Optimus Fishing Charters 813-365-0230 www.optimusfishingcharters.com

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

WWII VETERAN STARTS EVERY DAY WITH VIP TABLE AT FRED’S MARKET RESTAURANT By Marie Gilmore be ‘pretty smart,’ and so, by 1950, he was assigned to a special IBM program to learn ‘machines.’ These machines led to him becoming a computer engineer, and after leaving the Air Force, Mellon and his young family moved to California to work for a major insurance company for 25 years. After moving to Florida with his wife and three kids in 1975, Mellon offered his services to the City of Tampa and helped with inWWII Army veteran Hollis ‘Hal’ Mellon (center) stands with frastructure plans until his formal longtime friend and Air Force veteran Michael Morgan at Fred’s retirement in 1988. Market Restaurant in Riverview. Since then, the spry and enerIf you find yourself having breakfast getic veteran lives alone in his at the Fred’s Market Restaurant in River- home, he mows his own 3-acre lawn and view on any given morning, you may be loves spending time chatting over the in the presence of a WWII hero. Long- breakfast table at Fred’s. When asked time Riverview resident and 96-year-old about the secret to his longevity, Mellon Army and Air Force veteran Hollis Mellon said, “I do believe that hard concentrahas his own reserved table and his pho- tion can help lead to a good life,” and to on the table cards promoting military added that he reads the Cadillac Modern discounts at the restaurant. Encyclopedia regularly. For six years, Mellon, and sometimes He works on his genealogy and recentfriends and family and even his wife of ly bought himself a new iWatch because 69 years, Doris, when she was still alive, he loves technology. He also has as an would eat breakfast at 8 a.m. daily and antique violin and even his own Pac-Man most dinners as well at about 4 p.m. arcade game. Mellon was born and raised the youngMellon has become such a fixture at est of a ‘handful’ of kids—about five— Fred’s that he was invited to matriarch on a cow farm in Indiana. He joined the Evelyn Johnson’s birthday party last Army in 1944 and landed at Normandy year, and in August, the restaurant hosts as part of the 5th Infantry in 1945. He his birthday party each year. still carries a souvenir from the war—a Of his 45 years in Riverview, Mellon piece of shrapnel in his hip, which also said the traffic sure has changed and for earned him a Bronze Star and Purple the future, he’d like to keep mowing his Heart. yard and playing eight ball on his billiards After returning home from the war, table with friends. work was hard to find, so Mellon enlisted Swing by Fred’s Market Riverview in the Air Force and served 3 more years some morning at 6501 U.S. Hwy 301 S. and was identified through skills tests to and thank Hollis for his service.

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Page 31

BRANDON HOMESCHOOL GROUP PROVIDES CLASSICAL EDUCATION WITH CHARIS COOPERATIVE

By Bob Zoellner

Homeschooling has seen a steady rise in dren: Silas, Simeon, Lieren and Blaise. proponents throughout the years, and the “I have been so blessed to be part of reasons for a nontraditional approach to the team that dreamed and prayed and education have grown as well. According has gotten to see the birth of this group,” to the Florida Department of Education’s Drury added. “A year ago it was just a lot statistics, over 106,000 students were of hopes and plans written on paper with homeschooled in the state for the 2019- two families committed. Since then, the 20 school year. That’s a 25 percent jump Lord has been faithful to bring togethin just five years. er an amazing Many school group of moms districts nationwho serve one wide went to another and our some form of children with distanced learnjoy and humiliing last year, ty. Every single with hybrid mom serves a models continuvital role in the ing this school life and year because of funcCOVID-19 pro- The Chapel in Mango, the site for the tion of Charis Homeschool Cooperative. tocols. That has Charis.” surely swelled Simthe ranks of students learning at home, ilar in joining those traditional homeschoolers structure to Classical Conversations, who have opted out of their local school Charis works on an all-volunteer basis as systems. moms serve in administration, teaching, For 12 families in the Brandon, Seffner the nursery and as room helpers. and Mango areas, this includes being a The group gathers for 14-week stretchpart of the Charis Homeschool Cooper- es on Tuesdays in the spring and fall, most ative, a ministry of Bay Life Church of recently starting up again after the holBrandon. The co-op focuses on a classi- idays. For the rest of the week, families cal model of education, which highlights concentrate on material shared at the learning in language, literature, history co-op and their own curriculum, including and memorization. Charis meets at The trips and outings. Chapel, a campus of Bay Life on Broad“We started homeschooling with a deway Ave. in Mango. Charis simply means sire to disciple our own children,” Drury grace, or loving kindness in Greek. said. “We love being together. We love “This is the first year for our co-op to getting to choose where we focus in exist,” said Brittany Drury, director of the terms of each child’s education.” co-op, who is in her seventh year of homeFor information on homeschooling and schooling her kids. She and her husband, Charis, Drury can be reached at chc@ Shane, a pastor at Bay Life, have four chil- baylife.org.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

MARILYN COMES TO DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY AS PART OF WALKABLE OUTDOOR ART DISPLAY

By Kathy L. Collins

The Arts Council of Plant helped to keep us alive this City has strewn some magic year. We are also very apprearound downtown Plant City. ciative of partnerships with the City of Plant City, MainThe Arts Council, in partnership with the City of Plant street, Unity in the CommuniCity, Unity in the Community ty, Plant City Photo Archives, and Plant City Photo Archives Lubrano Designs and all of & History Center, has brought our supporters that enable us back the beautiful, life-size J. to keep the arts alive in our Seward Johnson sculptures. beautiful Plant City commuThe sculptures are stratenity.” gically placed throughout This is a fantastic way to downtown and can be seen explore the charming histornow through March 15. ic district of Plant City. As Johnson creates trompe you take the tour, be sure to l’oeil painted bronze statues check out some of the great which are castings of living local businesses in the area people, depicting them enlike Roots Tap Room & Wine gaged in day-to-day activBar, Krazy Kup, Plant City ities. There are 10 statues Photo Archives and Tenneson display. No Hands can see Jane Boutique. be found at the Bruton MeIn addition to bringing the The Arts Council of Plant City is proud to present the J. Seward Johnson sculptures. All of the sculptures are within walking distance. Be on the morial Library. Allow Me is statues to downtown, the lookout for No Way at Village Green Park and Forever Marilyn at the Collins St. entrance to McCall Park. situated in front of the City Arts Council of Plant City Marsha Passmore, president of the “We feel that it is important to bring Hall south entrance. Nice To offers scholarships to graduSee You is at the Plant City Chamber Arts Council of Plant City, said, “The them to Plant City because of the en- ating seniors, sponsors the PTSA Rebuilding. Big Sister is located at the Arts Council has made it our mission joyment they bring our community. It flections Art Exhibit at Plant City High west end of McCall Park. Cat Nap can to provide programs that support the is almost impossible to drive or walk School, sends low-income children to be found outside of Plant City Photo visual, performing, and culinary arts. past even one of the sculptures and not a museum and supports arts organiArchives & History Center. The most The Seward Johnson sculptures is see someone taking pictures and self- zations such as Winthrop Arts for its photographed statue, Forever Marilyn, our largest public art exhibit. It is an ies with them. It brings our communi- Mobile Art Factory. is on Collins St. at McCall Park. Wine, outside, open-air exhibit that can be ty together in a way that nothing else The Arts Council of Plant City is Food and Thou is at the corner of Col- viewed at any time. We promise that could. These sculptures are so lifelike. funded by memberships ($25 per indilins St. and Reynolds St. Sidewalk the time you spend strolling the area We get constant positive feedback be- vidual or $35 per family) and fundraisConcert is on the corner of Palmer St. locating the 10 sculptures will be time cause our community enjoys them so ers, including its annual Chilifest set to and Reynolds St. The iconic World War well spent.” Passmore added, “The J. much. If they brighten just one per- take place on Saturday, January 30. II Embracing Peace is in front of the Seward Johnson sculptures are known son’s day, then it is worth our effort.” For more information about The Arts White added, “With all of our 2020 Council of Plant City, please visit www. Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. worldwide, and it is a privilege to disfundraisers being cancelled due to plantcityarts.com and follow it on No Way can be found at Village Green play them locally.” Dodie White, member chair, said, COVID-19, our faithful members have Facebook. Park.

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February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

LOCAL RESIDENT RECEIVES COVID-19 VACCINE

By Libby Hopkins

The long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine has lenges making the appointment, due to arrived and it has given all of us a light at the limited number of appointments bethe end of the dark pandemic tunnel. It’s ing available. “Given the problems early a welcome sign that our lives will eventu- on with the Hillsborough County website, ally go back to normal. I was extremely grateful, and consider This new hope has come with a few myself lucky, that I got through online challenges, such as getting the vaccine. and was able to secure registration for On January 4, Hillsborough County, in my 90-year-old mother-in-law for the partnership with vaccine on the first the Florida Departday it was available,” ment of Health in Colesanti said. “It’s Hillsborough Counthe first step in alty, began to expand lowing her to safely its vaccination efsee friends and famforts to residents ily.” ages 65 and older. On January 5, in Hillsborough an effort to make plans to provide the vaccination aca total of 9,000 cessible for elderly doses of the residents, Governor COVID-19 vaccine Ron DeSantis anto the vulnerable nounced that the elder residents. Florida Division of Valrico resident Helen Lepre was one of the first in the Appointments Emergency Manare mandatory for area to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the county. agement (FDEM) senior residents to and Florida Departget the first of two vaccine injections, but ment of Health (FDOH) have partnered some residents had difficulty making ap- with Publix Supermarkets to establish pointments because spots filled up quick- COVID-19 vaccination sites. Governor ly. DeSantis made this announcement at the Helen Lepre, 90, of Valrico was able to first Publix vaccination site in Ocala. get an appointment with the help of her “As part of our ongoing efforts to indaughter-in-law, Michelle Colesanti, also crease vaccinations and put Florida’s seof Valrico. “I had my first vaccine shot at niors first, I’m pleased to announce this the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds on innovative partnership with Publix,” said the first day they were given,” Lepre said. Governor DeSantis. “The staff was very well organized and Residents will need to make an appointpolite. I did not have to leave the car to ment to receive the vaccination at one of get the shot. I will return in three weeks the vaccination locations in the county. for the second shot. I’m thankful for the Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/resgreat service I received.” idents/public-safety/emergency-manageColesanti knew Lepre would have chal- ment/covid-19-vaccine or call 272-5900.

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TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY FOR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Jared Weems from Riverview is no for more than 20 years. During his lifestranger to adversity. But, as Albert Ein- time, Mann painted only two pictures of stein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies a Triumph bike, and Weems was holding opportunity.” No one knows this better one of those pictures. “I wanted to build than Weems. The 42-year-old is from a the Triumph bike that Mann had painted,” fourth-generation vintage motorcycle en- said Weems. “The painting was something thusiast family. He explained that the pas- of Mann’s creation—it wasn’t a bike that sion for all things involving vintage British ever really existed.” motorcycles runs in his blood. Weems was motivated by his new Weems was born in Tampa, but ulti- goal—a ground-up build of the 1952 mately he was raised Speed Twin Triumph from for the majority of his the Mann painting. Weems life in South Tennesused this new purpose and see. After high school, his shop as a place of refhe returned to the uge and healing. His intenTampa area and evention was to use hi tually joined the Army Subsequently, his return to in 2003. He proudly Riverview also gave Weems served his country in the opportunity to join the Special Ops and spent staff at The Chapel at Fisha majority of his milHawk, currently serving as itary time parachutthe director of ministry and ing from airplanes. It leading community-based life was during this time skills classes. It was through Photo By: that he married his this outreach that he met with wife, Breanne, and they Erick Runyon Photography Cindy Tilley, founder of Forhad two children—a son, Austin, 13, and a gotten Angels, a nonprofit organization daughter, Adelaide, 11. that focuses on helping children that have After the onset of some health issues, aged out of the foster care system. Tilley Weems was medically discharged from was looking for fundraising ideas to raise the Army in 2018 and moved to Riverview. money to help build more tiny houses on Unfortunately, his health issues proved to a property for the foster children. During be serious and he was diagnosed with a the meeting, Weems had an epiphany. brain tumor that caused seizures. It was “God’s voice said to me, ‘Give them the at this time that he hit a low point in his motorcycle.’” The motorcycle is now being life. “I sold my motorcycles and was unsure raffled off to support Forgotten Angels. where my life was headed,” said Weems. The raffle is underway until Friday, March A pivotal moment took place when 19. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased friend came to visit and brought a paint- at www.weemsmotorco.com/raffle. For ining from a famous artist, David Mann. formation about preservation, restoration, Mann’s work mostly featured Harley Da- repair or custom builds of vintage British vidson bikes and his paintings were pub- motorcycles, visit www.weemsmotorco. lished regularly in Easyriders magazine com.

EXPIRES: 2/28/2021

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

AFTER 10 MONTH CLOSURE, GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE REOPENS TO WISH FAMILIES Staff Report Give Kids The World March. Village in Kissimmee, “Experts consulthas announced that ing with Give Kids The it will be reopenWorld have given clear ing to Wish families guidance on the scale this month, nearly 10 and staging of reopenmonths from the day ing, masking, social disthat it closed due to tancing, handwashing, the COVID-19 pandemfood service, facilities ic. cleaning, crowd manThe 89-acre nonagement and transporprofit resort provides tation, and Give Kids transformative weekThe World has implelong Wish vacations mented all of these to critically ill children recommendations. Reand their families from viewing the reopening around the world at preparations at Give no cost – with more Kids The World, we are than 176,000 fami- Give Kids The World Village In Kissimee confident that medicalgrants wish trips. lies served since 1986. ly complex children and Since mid-March, the their families can safewishes of more than 6,000 critically ill ly visit the Village,” said Dr. Alexander. children have been postponed due to the Give Kids The World President and CEO closure. Pam Landwirth said, “We are thrilled to With safety as its number one priority, be getting back to our mission of spreadGive Kids The World Village will be taking ing joy and creating the happiness that a thoughtful, phased approach to reopen- inspires hope for critically ill children and ing, beginning with a limited number of their families through magical stays in our families and gradually growing its occu- storybook Village.” pancy over time. The decision to reopen During normal operations, Give Kids The has been made with the full support of World relies on the compassion and kindthe Village’s longtime theme park part- ness of more than 1,800 volunteers each ners, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal week to fulfill its charitable mission in Orlando Resort and SeaWorld, and after support of critically ill children and their careful consultation with the infectious families. Rated Four Stars by Charity Navdisease experts at Nemours Children’s igator – with 90 cents of every dollar doHospital. Nemours Children’s Hospital nated going directly to program services, experts led by pediatric infectious dis- Give Kids The World Village was created ease clinician and researcher Kenneth A. by Holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth Alexander, MD, PhD, also worked close- with the goal of never turning a wish child ly with Give Kids The World to develop away. The Village will celebrate its 35th the nonprofit’s comprehensive COVID-19 anniversary on March 7. safety plan, which has been in effect since Visit www.gktw.org.

Volume 20, Issue 2

LONGTIME BRANDON RESIDENT’S CROCHET MINISTRY TOUCHES MANY

By Amy Schechter

“Each of you ation there. “This should use whatis my way of letever gift you ting God know have received to I’m thankful for serve others.” all the things For Helen MulHe’s done for me. rennan Young, God gave me this 1 Peter 4:10 is gift, and I feel He truly how she would like me to lives her life. A do this,” Young native of Bransaid, smiling as don, Young’s she held a pink family originalblanket, the anly homesteadgel pattern beHelen Mulrennan Young, a Brandon resident, ed 160 acres and spends hours a day making items to donate to the coming visible. community. both Mulrennan Every day, Rd. and the school Young crochets now bears her family’s for nearly five hours, name. She turns 98 in the camera roll on February, yet she conher phone full of blantinues to serve God kets, hats and Afghans by focusing on what she’s made and giftshe can do rather than ed to the community. what she cannot. AlShe creates lovies for though she could not the fire department venture out into the to comfort children in community to read to need on their calls and elementary students hats for people sufferor work with the local ing from hair loss due Kiwanis Club as she had done in the to chemotherapy and alopecia. There past, she knew she could still make a are so many people who are inspired big difference. by Young’s zest for live and devotion Young learned to crochet as a young to service, but Young give the glory all girl, and although she put it aside to back to God: “If I can be an inspiration, work and raise her son, she came back it all comes from God. I don’t take credto her talent in her adult life. As a faith- it for anything. I feel so blessed.” ful member of Cornerstone Baptist The name ‘Helen’ comes from the Church in Brandon for over 20 years, Greek, meaning ‘torch,’ and Helen Mulher ministry grew out of blankets she rennan Young definitely lights up the had made for a baby shower here or an lives of everyone with whom she comes Afghan for a teen’s high school gradu- in contact.

02/28/2021

February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Page 35

NERDSTOGO, TECH SUPPORT & CLOUD STORAGE FOR COMPUTERS, PHONES, TABLETS & MORE

By Amy Schechter

It would be highly illogical to trust your home or small business with someone else. You just cannot beat their expertise and upfront pricing for homeowners and businesses owners. Each technician has a minimum of five years of experience. If something is slowing you down, they can troubleshoot your problems from Apple to the internet and from Microsoft to Windows. Whether it’s clearing out spyware or malware, setting up a mesh network or monitoring your small business’ system, NerdsToGo can make it so. USAF Veteran, Michael Varnadore, president and CEO of NerdsAdditionally, it services TOGo Tampa has more than 37 years of experience working with phones and tablets as computers. well as computers, and it In 2020, technology solidified itself as offers cloud storage seran integral part of life. Whether you or vice, so your data can stay confidential your kids shifted to online classes, work and backed up. went virtual or family gatherings took NerdsToGo offers a physical locato Zoom, technology took you there. tion where you can drop off equipment That’s why when your phone, computer for service, but it is available 24/7 for or internet stops working, your very day both residential and business “house” may come to a screeching halt. What calls. Plus, computer viruses aren’t the should you do? Just call a nerd. only thing it cares about. In this tough Michael Varnadore, president and year, NerdsToGo will make sure to wear CEO of NerdsToGo Tampa, has 37 years masks and take needed healthy precauof experience working with and around tions so you and your systems will live computers and networks. When your long and prosper. systems are down, he and his team of For more information, call 321-1700 professionals are ready to get you mov- or visit www.NerdsToGo.com. NerdsToing at warp speed. “We’re like the Geek Go is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Squad, only cooler,” he said with a smile. Blvd. in Tampa.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

AT THE RUSKIN WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE, UNDERSTANDING THE WEATHER IS A BREEZE! By Laura Tamayo

As temperatures drop, you may notice faster greens, tighter fairways and shorter roughs. Most golfers understand that rain causes a course to be wet and soggy, but many golfers don’t realize how much cold temperatures can affect the condition of the course. As temperatures drop during the winter months, you will notice not just your home’s lawn start to yellow but your course’s grass will go dormant. All though it may look dead, the grass is perfectly healthy if just does most of its growth underground in its root system and the growth above ground slows dramatically. This decreased aboveground growth during the winter gives you much faster greens, fairways where golf balls run farther and rough where you can actually find your ball. Some courses will overseed their tees, greens or fairways. This is a way Florida courses can stay green year-round by

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putting a cold grass seed on these areas during the fall. This grass seed is more cold-tolerant and thrives during our winter months. This may cause issues come the spring between the native Florida grass and the cold grass, so many courses object to this process. So next time you head to the course in a jacket, remember that the first putt may go way by the hole. Please email your golf questions to golfguyosprey@gmail.com and it may wind up in our next article. Fairways and Greens Jason Blanchard, PGA General Manager, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club

teorologists, who use scientific models and technology to predict weather conditions; three are electronic technicians, who keep the office and field equipment running; one is an administrative assistant; and one is a regional facilities employee. Together, this group paints the smaller details surrounding West The staff at the National Weather Service office in Ruskin. Florida’s weather and In March of 1980, a vital part of our communicates them to national-level mancommunity was established: the Ruskin Naagement teams in order to protect natural tional Weather Service (NWS) office. With life and property. humble foundations and a two-employee The NWS has been imperative to warnstaff, our local NWS began slow and quiet; ing the public about incoming storms and however, as technology advanced, its role disasters. As part of the Integrated Warnin the community amplified accordingly. ing Team, the office prepares for, responds The Ruskin NWS office consists of the to and does its best to aid the recovery main operations building, an upper air infrom natural phenomena. flation shelter, a WSR-88D radar (used to With global warming more prominent help predict weather) and a small maintenance building. This office is responsible than ever, the Ruskin NWS’ reports have for covering weather across 15 counties detected many changes within our local in West and Southwest Florida, as well climate. “We have seen slowly rising sea as coastal waters up to 60 miles from the temperatures and sea levels. The largest shore. driver of warming is the emission of green“We observe the weather with geosta- house gases, the main contributor being tionary and polar orbiting environmental the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and satellites, weather radar, automated sur- gasoline,” said Noah. face observing systems, buoys, lightning The NWS encourages citizens to take detection networks and radiosondes,” said any step towards alleviating climate Warning Coordinator Meteorologist Daniel Noah. Don’t know what radiosondes are? change, whether it be volunteering with (Neither did I!) Noah explained by discreet- Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful or making sure all the lights are off when not being used. ly clarifying them as “water balloons.” To learn more about the Ruskin National Open 24/7, the staff rotates shifts, separating each day into two to three parts. Weather Service office, visit www.weathAmong the 24 total employees, 19 are me- er.gov/tbw/tampabayofficetour.

February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

CANINE CABANA PAMPERS YOUR POOCH By Amy Schechter Since 2008, Canine Cabana has been the premier doggy daycare, lodging and training facility serving all of Brandon and Riverview. Now, Canine Cabana is proud to announce it is the one-stop shop for all your dog’s grooming needs. The owners, Angie Pickren and Kendall Duncan, have over 30 years of experience in animal care and behavior.

They met as zookeepers at Busch Gardens, and their love of animals is evident throughout their family-owned business. Pickren said, “We wanted to bring a service the community needed.” Dogs are family, and choosing with whom you entrust a son, daughter, brother or sister is vital. For that reason, the staff treats your pets like a part of the family whether they spend a day or a week at Canine Cabana. A big part of that promise is the effort Pickren and Duncan put into training their staff to be the most loving, professional team in the area. “We are committed to working with and training local young adults so they become amazing teammates ready for long-term goals,” Pickren explained. Now having grown up in the business, Pickren’s daughter, Olivia Frazier, joins the staff as a certified groom technician, along with longtime technician Gabby Veloso. Apart from running a luxurious doggy spa inside the facility, Frazier and

Veloso specialize in the medical aspect of dog grooming. They recognize and treat skin conditions, appropriately catering their techniques to specific breeds and individual differences. Canine Cabana is committed to using only the highest quality products for all grooming and bathing services, and it offers healthier skin and coat treatments as well as a shed control treatment. Did you buy a pandemic puppy? Does your dog lack manners? Canine Cabana also specializes in training dogs and their owners with positive, rewards-based techniques. It also provides group training, puppy socialization and individual training. When it comes

Canine Cabana Owners Angie Pickren and Kendall Duncan have over 30 years of experience in animal care and behavior.

to daycare and lodging, it has a large climate-controlled indoor play area and over a half-acre for outdoor play. In the next year, Canine Cabana will undergo some exciting expansion to offer even more resort-style amenities. If you stop by for a tour, you will be impressed, but unfortunately, it only keeps dogs, not children or spouses. Canine Cabana offers drop-ins and appointments for most services, whether you are a regular or a new family. For more information, visit caninecabana. biz or call 672-9663(WOOF). Canine Cabana is located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview.

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MEDI-WEIGHTLOSS MOVES TO TELEMEDICINE DURING THE PANDEMIC The recent COVID-19 pandemic with its time at home and stress eating may have caused some people to put on some extra pounds known as the COVID-15 and allowed others more time to focus on their health. “We had the best fall-winter season we’ve ever had,” said M e d i - We i g h t l o s s of Lutz Owner Gerri Willett. “Our best time for new clients is now through April. Last year at this time wasn’t that great.” Because of the pandemic, Medi-Weightloss now offers telemedicine sessions. “Even with offering telemedicine sessions, some of our clients still like to come in for their session,” Willett said. “I feel our clients have felt very comfortable with everything we’ve done to ensure their safety.” Medi-Weightloss was developed by physicians, registered dietitians and health professionals in the area of weight loss to help its clients control their calories and carbohydrate intake while eating the optimum amount of protein to preserve muscle mass. The Medi-Weightloss Program is evidence-based to result in a successful lifestyle change. When administering the treatment, Medi-Weightloss healthcare providers take each patient’s unique health profile into account, which is what makes them a program that works for their clients. “Our amazing success over the past 16 years is due in large part to our clients entrusting us with their care

Volume 20, Issue 2

FISHHAWK WRESTLING CLUB TRAINS LOCAL ELEMENTARY-HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

By Libby Hopkins

By Nick Nahas

and the care of their friends and family. We are extremely proud and thankful that more than half of new patients are based on referrals,” said Medi-Weightloss Founder Edward Kaloust. The program is based on weekly visits where patients get a body composition analysis and a complete medical exam, including blood panel and EKG. “We educate our patients about nutrition and fitness,” Willet said. “We are a physician-supervised weight loss program where we offer a balance of education, appetite management and exercise activity to lose weight. We teach our clients strategies to keep weight off using real food. This is not a quick fix, our program is a lifestyle change.” Both Medi-Weightloss locations in Brandon and in Lutz have been a part of the Tampa community for 16 years. “We are extremely proud to serve our community for 16 years,” Willet said. “We want to let the community know we are here for them even during the pandemic.” If you would like to learn more about the Medi-Weightloss Program, visit www. mediweightloss.com or call the Brandon office at 654-1110. The Brandon office is located at 203 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

that are from the area are welcome to join. The club currently has approximately 1215 elementary school students. During the season, The club has 20-25 high school students. high school wrestlers can come out and get In October of last year, FishHawk resa little extra training, and for the post and ident Mark Drake started the FishHawk pre-seasons, the focus will be on Greco, Wrestling Club (FWC) in hopes of teachfreestyle and folk styles. FWC will particing wrestling to students in the FishHawk ipate in local and travel events. Students area. will need to pay for event entry fees indiDrake has had a successful wrestling vidually. career. He was a state champion in LouThere is a one-time annual $40 club isiana in high school and wrestled in college at Louisiana State University. He also fee for middle school/high school, and wrestled when he was in the Army for students will also need an AAU card to the club team. Drake is now a coach for join (https://aauwrestling.net/). Practice the FWC middle school/high school club. times and locations include: elementary He started teaching wrestling to his twin classes at Gracie Fishhawk on Tuesday sons, Parker and Kohl, when they were from 4-5:20 p.m. and Thursday from 4in second grade. They both wrestled at 5:20 p.m., and high school/middle school Newsome High School, placing at states, classes at Gracie Fishhawk on Wednesday and they now wrestle for Southeastern from 4-5:20 p.m. and Sunday from 1-2:30 University in Lakeland. Last year, Parker p.m. finished third in the state and Kohl was “I’ve always told my kids and my stuNewsome’s first state champion. The dents that wrestling is a life experience,” twins, along with fellow state placer Joey Labarre, will help out from time-to-time said Drake. “The things that you learn in at the middle school/high school practic- wrestling, the mental hardships, the physical hardships, all those things can prees. The AAU wrestling club is not affiliat- pare you in life for anything that you’re ed with Newsome High School, but there going to come up against.” are about 20-25 students with FWC that The FWC plans to have the elementary attend the school. The club was partly and middle school clubs compete at the created to develop high school under- AAU State Tournament in March if it is classmen that need the extra repetitions not canceled like it was last year due to to gain strength, experience and to learn COVID-19. For more information, follow fundamentals so that they are prepared the official Newsome High School Facefor high school wrestling. Wrestlers from book page. elementary school through high school

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

February 2021

Page 39

FOREVER GREEN LAWN & PEST CONTROL HAS MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE By Amy Schechter shrub services. As the seasons change, so do the needs of your lawn. For instance, since you cannot put nitrogen down in the summer, they use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring that keeps your lawn lush and green until the fall. Their pest control plans cover fire ants, chinch bugs, grubs, and other lawn nuisances, but extend to care for the exteriors of homes and businesses to include clearing eaves, You may have found yourself wondering, what’s so difficult about caring for my grass? The sprinkler runs on a schedule. However, if you’ve maintained a Florida lawn for any length of time, you know there’s more to it than regular watering. If fungus from the Florida rains has you frazzled or insects have invaded, that’s where Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control has your back. Mike Compton founded Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control in 1986, and with over thirty years experience, he and his professional team will create a personalized lawn care plan that fits your needs. He makes sure to send the same lawn care expert out each visit, so your technician becomes familiar with your lawn’s problem areas and needs. They offer monthly and bi-monthly options that can include routine fertilization, pest control, weed and fungus controls, crabgrass control, and tree and

windows, and doors of wasp nests, spider webs and mud dauber nests. They also can provide baiting services for any insect plaguing your property. With Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control, you really can set the sprinkler and forget the rest. Compton is confident: “If you have another company now, and you’re not happy, call us. We make you proud of your lawn.” Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control is a family-owned business, and the pride they take in their work is evident in the quality their customers see. For more information, call 324-1004 or visit www.fglawn.com.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Page 41

COVID IN REVIEW: Local COVID Survivor Continues To Donate Convalescent Plasma By Libby Hopkins

By Nitish S. Rele

nitishrele@gmail.com

2021 REVAMPED CADDY ESCALADE GOES HIGH-TECH! The fifthr e s p e c t i v e l y, gen Cadillac than previous), Escalade has starting up gone high-tech. front with the In a big way, centered and fawe must point miliar crest emout. The iconic blem in the Galfull-size luxuvano chromed ry SUV now is grille flanked by equipped with new horizontal OLED (organic HID headlights. light-emitting The Caddy truESCALADE (4WD) diode) screen ly shines in the technology, which ba- Tires: P275/50R22 all season cabin department with sically is light produced such creature comforts Wheelbase: 120.9 inches in response to an elecas its tri-zone auto AC, Length: 211 inches tric current. It has flip-down 12.6-inch Width: 81 inches three screens: a 14.2DVD screens for rear Height: 76.6 inches inch instrument display passengers, panoramFuel capacity: 24 gallons behind the steering ic sunroof, hands-free City: 14 mpg wheel; to the left, a lift gate,16-way powHighway: 19 mpg 7.2-inch touch screen er heated/cooled front for driver information seats, suede headliner Base price: $102,995 center; and a 16.9-inch Website: www.cadillac.com and inviting dark auinfotainment screen in burn with black accent the dashboard; all use interior. The stainOLED and boast twice the clarity of a 4K less-steel speaker grilles throughout are TV. Audiophiles will love the 36-speaker eye-catching. Ingress and egress into the AKG sound miracle, which can be heard via high-sitting vehicle is convenient thanks to the ceiling, headrests and even the center power retractable running boards (optionconsole. Add the navigation system with al). The third row seat folds via a power augmented reality to the mix and you are button in the cargo hold while the second in business. row seat moves fore and aft 5.5 inches. For 2021, the Escalade continues with Dual front and side airbags, side curtain the previous 6.2-liter V8 Ecotec engine, airbag for rear rows, stability, hill descent which cranks out 420 horsepower at and traction controls, four-wheel anti-lock 5,600 rpm and 460 pounds-feet of torque brakes, rearview camera, rear-cross trafat 4,100 rpm. You can’t find a smoother fic, forward-collision and side blind zone transmission than the 10-speed that Cadil- alerts, lane keep assist with departure lac engineers have installed in the luxury warning, front/rear park sensors, tire presSUV. And the start-stop feature (an au- sure monitoring system and daytime runtomatic engine stop for when the vehicle ning lights are standard. Magnetic Ride halts) ensures substantial savings in fuel Control adjusts the four-wheel indepenand weight. A coil-over-shock front and a dent suspension as per road conditions, new independent rear suspension (replac- resulting in a smooth but firm ride. It also es the traditional solid axle) work well to keeps body roll to a minimum. absorb unpleasant road bumps or curves. Of course, the indulgence doesn’t come The steering response with the electric cheap. The Sport Platinum model with power rack-and-pinion is swift and accu- all the trimmings topped $112,095. Don’t rate. The Dynamic Fuel Management sys- be misled into believing that the nearly tem deactivates four of the eight cylinders 5,500-pound vehicle lacks power. In fact, for fuel savings. And if you need to haul a the gas pedal unleashes strong accelerasailboat or another car, the tow capacity is tion to make this a graceful, smooth and an astonishing 8,000 pounds. You can recognize an Escalade anywhere easy-riding companion. Now, all you need thanks to its mammoth presence (5-inch is an inflated bank balance to indulge yourand 8-inch extended wheelbase and length, self and the family.

A few months ago, I wrote a story about very much in love and the whole COVID Charles Oppermann and his battle with thing has made our family a lot closer and COVID-19. Oppermann was about to be have started a few new family traditions. put on a ventiShirley and I lator due to his and my ex-wife breathing issues Anthea, and my related to the son Grayson revirus. Before he cently all did a was hooked up to 5k together.” the ventilator, he Oppermann sent a text to his strongly believes girlfriend, Shirhis life was ley’s daughter to saved by the ask for her permission convalescent plasma to marry her mom. donation he received When she responded while he was in the “yes,” he then sent hospital battling Shirley a text asking COVID. “If it wasn’t her to marry him once for that transfusion, he was out of the hosI know I would not pital. be here today,” OpMy story came out permann said. “I got and so did the secret the convalescent of his proposal to plasma and I immeShirley. “We hadn’t diately started to told anyone and once get better.” the story came out, That transfusion Charles Oppermann is a COVID-19 survivor. everyone was calling is the reason OpHe feels the donation of convalescent plasma Shirely to congratu- he received in the hospital saved his life. He has permann recently late us,” Oppermann become a local superhero by making multiple began donating his said. “We hadn’t told convalescent plasma. donations of his convalescent plasma. any of our families “I was honored to that I asked her to marry me, so it was a receive someone’s donated convalescent huge surprise to everyone!” plasma, so I feel it is my obligation to doShirley and Charles are still together, nate so I can help someone like someone’s but they have decided that they will not donation helped me,” Oppermann said. “I make their engagement official until 2021. truly believe convalescent plasma saved “We didn’t want to have our engagement my life from COVID and I want to help associated with 2020, the pandemic and save other lives.” me being sick with COVID,” Oppermann To make a blood or convalescent plasma said. “So, we are waiting until early 2021 to donation, visit OneBlood at www.onebmake our engagement official. We are still lood.org.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER NEW ARTISTS ARE INVITED TO ENTER ARTWORK IN THE ANNUAL 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS FLORIDA’S FESTIVAL FINE ART SHOW FOSSIL FINDS By Kathy L. Collins By Kathy L. Collins

A new exhibit at The exhibit includes the Tampa Bay Histofossils on loan from the ry Center showcasing Florida Museum of Natcenturies-old fossils, ural History as well as Tusks to Tails: A Fossil Hisprivate collectors. tory of Florida, is open The Tampa Bay Hisnow through January tory Center includes 2022. The exhibit feathree floors of permatures dozens of fossils nent and temporary found throughout the exhibition space focusstate, some dating ing on 12,000 years of back more than 50 Florida’s history and million years. culture. The Tampa Visitors will get to Bay History Center is see mammoth jaws, a Smithsonian Affiliate The Tampa Bay History Center has opened walrus tusks, a sloth a new exhibit called Tusks to Tails: A Fossil museum and is accredhand and even a whale History of Florida. This marvelous exhibit will ited by the American skeleton. Many do be available for viewing now through January Alliance of Museums. not know that Flori- 2022. It is the first natural history exhibit disThe Tampa Bay Histoplayed at the Tampa Bay History Center. da’s waters were once ry Center includes the home to sharks to that Touchton Map Library and Florida Center could grow up to 60 feet, and its land was for Cartographic Education, the Witt Rehome to giant rhinos. This newest exhibit search Center and is home to the Columunearths Florida’s fossil finds. bia Cafe. “This is our first natural history exhibThe Tampa Bay History Center is locatit,” said Dr. Brad Massey, Tampa Bay Hised along Tampa Riverwalk at 801 Water tory Center’s curator of public history. “It St. in downtown Tampa. is a different look at Florida’s very early The Tampa Bay History Center continhistory, even before humans were here,” ues to follow the recommendations of the he added. Centers for Disease Control and PrevenThe History Center worked with the tion and local health experts. Face masks University of South Florida’s Digital Herare required for entry into the museum itage & Humanities Collections to create galleries. To minimize interaction with topographical 3D maps for the exhibit to staff, advance tickets should be purchased help illustrate the layers of time presentonline at www.tampabayhistorycenter. ed in the exhibit. org/tickets. Details on its COVID-19 pro“This exhibit chronicles how the Florida tocols can be found at www.tampabaycoastline, and the animals that lived here, historycenter.org/policiesandprocedures. changed over the last 55 million years,” For more information, please call 228explained Dr. Massey. 0097.

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A Call To Artists has been issued by Leaders Choice Award, which includes a the East Hillsborough Art Guild (EHAG) ribbon and $50. These awards are sponfor the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival sored by local businesses and are chosen Fine Art Show, which runs from Thurs- by a representative of the business. day, March 4 through Sunday, March The category of Special Awards is 14 at the Fessponsored by tival Grounds area residents in Plant City. who sponsor The show will the awards in be held in the honor of loved Milton E. Hull ones. The winBuilding. ning artist reAdults are ceives a ribbon divided into and $50. professional Chairperson groups (enKaren Crumtry fee is $15) ley said, “Over and Amateur 500,000 peoGroups (entry Artists, young and old, professional and amateur, are encouraged ple have tradifee is $12). to enter original artwork into the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival tionally come Fine Art Show. Your artwork may win a ribbon and cash prize. Adults can ento the festival. ter oils, acrylics, watercolors and graph- Many of them are eager to see artist enic/mixed media. The entry fee for minia- tries from local Florida residents.” Crumture art (2D media) and adult sculpture ley added, “This show is a great way for (3D media) is $15. young artists to get a chance to learn The youth divisions are by ages. Youth how to display their art and test their can enter oils, acrylics, watercolors, wings on entering art contests.” graphic/mixed media and sculptures. The Space is limited and entries are acentry fee is $5. cepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Adults can enter up to four entries, but Early entries are accepted until Friday, no more than two in the same division. February 11. Artists can mail their enYouth can enter up to two entries. try forms and fees to East Hillsborough Entries are eligible for substantial Art Guild, P.O. Box 3055, Plant City, FL monetary awards. These include $100 33564. Artworks must be brought to the for the Strawberry Theme Award and Festival Grounds on Friday, February 26 $300 for Best of Show. from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. There are prizes for first, second and Entry forms and rules can be found at third places in all adult and youth divi- www.FLstrawberryfestival.com. If you sions. Artists who do not win one of the have questions, please email Crumley at above prizes are eligible for a Business kscrumley@yahoo.com or call 924-3829.

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February 2021

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Page 43

HOPE FOR JUSTICE: TEAMS RUN IN GASPARILLA CLASSIC

By Kelly Wise Valdes

More people are being bought and sold in human trafficking now than at any point in human history—over 40 million people worldwide. Hope for Justice is a nonprofit organization that trains people on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and how to respond. With offices in over 30 locations around the world, it focuses on the prevention, rescue, restoration and reform in human trafficking. Florida is consistently one of the top three states in the U.S. for trafficking cases, and the Tampa Bay area is one of the hotspots. David Lord, partnership manager at Hope for Justice, recently spoke at FishHawk Fellowship Church and knows firsthand the impact the local community can have. “From law enforcement to a local mom’s club, we know the power of awareness,” said Lord. “Many of our tips actually come from people we have trained.” Hope for Justice has professional investigators who are able to respond to a tip and conduct investigations worldwide to rescue someone from an exploitative situation. “We’ve rescued children as young as 3 months old to people in their mid-70s,” said Lord. “We operate 11 lighthouses, what we call our residential centers, where children rescued from exploitative situation are provided an education, medical care, counseling, housing and assistance to see their traffickers brought to justice.” When it is safe to do so, children are reunited with their families. Hope for Justice reached 102,803 children over

12 months. “Our team travels across the country speaking at churches, businesses and other organizations that want to join the fight against human trafficking,” said Lord. “FishHawk Fellowship Church was kind enough to allow us to preach to their church and will be sending hundreds of runners to be on our Running for Freedom team.” More than a decade ago, a small group of local people came together to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking. This is when Running for Freedom was born. The group has grown and now has hundreds of participants. By creating a team as part of the Gasparilla Distance Classic, runners and walkers of all abilities—from a family pushing a stroller to someone running 40 miles—are able to take part. Each participant commits to raising $250, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly funding anti-trafficking work. According to Lord, volunteers are vital to the organization. “We are always looking for nurses, teachers and former law enforcement who can provide training to other frontline workers,” said Lord. “We need individuals who are willing to reach out to community leaders, businesses and churches to raise awareness and challenge more people to get informed and involved.” Lord invites more people, businesses, clinics, schools and police forces to join with Hope for Justice during Running for Freedom and as everyday advocates in the fight against human trafficking. For more information, visit www.hopeforjustice.org.

The gopher tortoise is one of five species of tortoise in North America. Federally listed under the Endangered Species Act and state designated as threatened, the gopher tortoise is both vulnerable and vital to the health of the Florida ecosystem. Gopher tortoises have an average lifespan in the wild of 60 years but can easily reach ages that exceed 80 years old. On average, they measure from 9-11 inches in length and are identifiable by their slightly domed shell, scale-covered forelimbs and stumpy hind legs. Adults are generally a muted tan, gray or brown in color. Gopher tortoises are terrestrial turtles and spend over 80 percent of their time at and around their sandy burrows. Gopher tortoise burrows, which average around 15 feet long and 6.5 feet deep, are also protected. This is because gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species and their burrows have many benefits to both the tortoises and other animals. Keystone species are species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed, the ecosystem would change dramatically. Burrows maintain stable conditions for the tortoises, which is important to these ectotherms who depend on their environment to maintain their temperature.

Additionally, burrows offer protection from predators but also provide shelter and refuge for up to 350 other species that can transiently inhabit them. The female gopher tortoise reaches maturity around the age of 10-20 years old and lay a clutch of eggs, containing five to nine eggs, typically once per year. Nesting season usually falls between May and July. Gopher tortoises do not rear their young, which is common among most species of turtle. Hatchlings are more brightly colored than adults, displaying orange and yellow markings which fade as they grow beyond a year old. The biggest threat to the gopher tortoise is habitat loss, pollution and habitat destruction. It is illegal to possess and handle these animals, but it is permitted to help them across a street should they be in immediate danger. It is advisable to simply move the tortoise to safety in the direction which they were heading as these creatures never stray far from their home. Never remove a gopher tortoise from its area of origin unnecessarily. Remember that animals like the gopher tortoise are an asset to our ecosystem and depend on us to keep their habitat clean, safe and wild for many years to come.

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Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

Volume 20, Issue 2

JAMES B. GIBSON, JR.: BUILDING A METROPOLIS ON THE ALAFIA RIVER

By Charles Nelson

Indeed, one of Gibsonton’s most fasci- a ‘metropolis’ on his family’s “old homenating historical characteristics is the large stead” property. So, in 1923, he platted number of carnival workers who called the Gibsonton-by-the-Bay and began offering town home. But the carnival folks didn’t lots for sale to potential builders and speccreate ‘Gibtown,’ as they called it. Gibson- ulators alike. ton got its start in 1923, when Tampa atGibson advertised heavily in area newstorney James B. Gibson Jr. sought to turn papers. He touted the area’s excellent his family’s “old homestead” into a thriving new community during Florida’s 1920s Great Land Boom. In 1884, James Barney Gibson Sr. moved his family to Hillsborough County from Alabama to start anew. He chose a homestead on the south bank of the sparsely settled Alafia River (west of today’s U.S. 41). Long ago, that location seemed the site of a small, native village dating to around 800 A.D. (A large shell mound and a House being built on Alice Ave. in Gibsonton; 1920s. Source: Tampa Tribune, Nov. 3, 2002. burial mound stood on Gibson Sr.’s homestead.) His family made a reasonable living in farming citrus farming potential. He appealed to and in selling shell to pave roads in Hills- sportsmen by offering easy access to the borough County. Yet, it was his son who finest hunting and fishing grounds anybecame the father of Gibsonton. where in Southwest Florida. Gibson sought James B. Gibson Jr. was born in 1893 to entice a builder to construct a 100on the family homestead. Homeschooled room hotel, equal to the Bellaire resort in at first, he later attended the Riverview Clearwater. school until the ninth grade and graduated Perhaps foreshadowing the town’s penfrom Mulberry High School in 1911. In that chant for the unusual, he displayed pictures same year, he enrolled at the University of of the world’s largest beet and the largest, Florida and graduated in 1913 with a law and only, olive tree in Florida to illustrate degree. After marriage, Gibson opened a the town’s exceptional fertility, sure to lure law office in Tampa and moved his family potential buyers to at least take a look. from the Alafia to Hyde Park. Early land sales in the new community Yet, young Gibson’s dream was to create were brisk. That’s not surprising, consid-

ering the land frenzy occurring all over The town grew slowly after the DeFlorida. Unlike some other ‘Boom’ proj- pression years, but it did grow. As sales ects where speculative sales were the increased, Gibson added several additional only game in town, a fair number of Gib- sections to the original plat along the river sonton buyers constructed homes. Gib- as far south as today’s Gibsonton Dr. The son himself moved town of Gibsonton surhis family from vived. In later decades, Hyde Park to Gibthe small village grew sonton after buildto include Gardenville, ing a reasonably Garden City, Remlap good-sized, modern and Adamsville, and wood-framed buildtoday is home to about ing along the main 14,000 people. highway. Gibson moved his By 1926, Gibson family back to Hyde boasted of making Park in the 1930s and over $100,000 in continued to practice commissions, equivlaw until he died in alent to almost $1.5 1965. He continued to million today. Yet, at be active in real esthe same time, his tate sales involving his dream began to fall eponymous town. apart as the ‘Boom’ He founded a church turned to ‘Bust’ (the Practical Interstarting in that national Church and same year. served as its minister). Gibson began to He was a chess masrealize that much ter, a writer and—at of his earnings were “James R. Gibson as a young man.” his death—was atSource: Tampa Tribune, Nov. 3, paper dollars. Sales tempting to create a contracts failed, and Boys Club in Florida. 2002. Tampa area banks James B. Gibson Jr., where Gibson stored his money began the “Father of Gibsonton,” was a remarkto collapse. Fortunately, Gibson had bro- able man. kered the sale of a large plot of land on the CHARLES NELSON BIO CHARLES NELSON HOLDS A MA DEGREE IN north side of the Alafia to U.S. Phosphoric, HISTORY FROM GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY which opened its first plant in 1924. That AND TAUGHT AS AN ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR AT HCC (DALE MABRY). HE IS ALSO AFFILIATED commission provided a sizeable monetary WITH TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER AS A cushion, allowing Gibson to weather the VOLUNTEER DOCENT, RESEARCHER AND COMMUNITY LECTURER, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON Bust and the Depression years. SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORY.

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PHOENIX HOUSE STILL HELPS THOSE IN NEED DURING THE PANDEMIC By Libby Hopkin Phoenix House Florida (PHFL) is a lo- able to shift to telehealth as appropriate cal nonprofit organization that has been and available in our adult and adolescent serving the Tampa Bay area for 30 years. outpatient program in Brandon,” vanderIt delivers the highest quality of care with Werff said. “We are offering in-person asprofessionalism and respect. It prides it- sessments at Brandon and are fully open self on providing outstanding and acces- for admissions at our residential program sible treatment to adults and teens. in Citra. We follow a quarantine protocol Like most healthcare companies, Phoe- upon admission to residential to ensure nix House Florida faced the utmost safety of challenges during the our patients and staff.” COVID-19 pandemic. PHFL wants the “We remained dedicommunity to know cated to our mission that it is here to help of healing individuals, during these challengfamilies and commuing times. “We have nities challenged by been up and down in substance use disorour need for services ders and related mental with the challenges of health conditions,” said the pandemic, but have PHFL’s Chief Operating remained consistent in Officer, Dayle vanderour dedication to servWerff. “We were faced ing all we are able to with halting admissions during these difficult for a short time so that Phoenix House Florida’s Chief Operating times,” vanderWerff we could shift our fosaid. “PHFL is excited Officer, Dayle vanderWerff. cus and take proactive for 2021 and beyond steps to ensure the safeto be able to move ty of our patients and staff past the pandemby following all established ic and be here in our CDC and Department of community for years Health guidelines. Then we to come to provide went above and beyond to the much-needed subtake measures necessary stance use treatment in both of our programs services that are still to follow all of the proper such a huge and growCDC and Department of ing concern across the Health policies in protectstate of Florida.” ing the health and safety of If you would like to patients, families and staff, including PPE, learn more about Phoenix House Florisocial distancing, COVID screening and da and the services it offers, visit www. regular professional cleaning of spaces.” phoenixfl.org or call 881-1000. PHFL is PHFL also moved to a telehealth plat- located at 510 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. 301 form to help its clients. “We have been in Brandon.

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VORTEX SECURITY PROVIDES A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO HOME AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES By Tatiana Ortiz FishHawk resident Michael Brand, who al-time alerts and remote control through is the senior vice president of sales at Vor- its mobile app. Even if the power goes out tex Security, brings to his Tampa team of and such, customers will always remain eight more than 20 years of experience connected and protected. To add, it also working in this industry. Since his start provides a full suite of interactive services at Vortex Segeared toward curity in 2016, supporting Brand has imsmall and meplemented the dium-sized principles that businesses. he learned Vortex Sethroughout his curity also career as the consists of emcompany conployees who tinues to grow are involved in the commuin the community. nity, such as B r a n d Principal Catherine Lennard (left) at Stowers Elementary Brand. He statshared what School shakes hands with Vortex Security Senior Vice Presi- ed that Vortex dent of Sales Michael Brand (right). the number Security sponone goal is at Vortex Security. sors PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations) “Our number one goal is to create life- at various schools such as Newsome High long happy customers that want to re- School, Stowers Elementary School and main customers,” Brand said. more. Vortex Security has also given back Vortex Security became established in to other local charities. 2014, with the headquarters located in Those interested in receiving a free Jupiter, Florida. Since then, the company quote can go onto the Vortex Security has grown to more than 5,000 customers. The Florida-based security company website and fill out the form, or you could serves more than 12 counties. Within the reach out to Brand directly. The overall future of Vortex Security Tampa Bay area, it covers Hillsborough looks bright. County, Citrus County and more. “As time permits, we are working on It offers an array of security services to both home and commercial proper- continuing our customer base and poties. Vortex Security specializes in video tential expansion into other places in monitoring systems, security systems and the state,” Brand said. home automation. For instance, the Smart For more information, visit https:// Home Security System is structured with vortexsecurityfl.com, call 523-8015 or 24/7 access at one’s fingertips with re- email mbrand@vortexsecurity.us.

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February 2021

Page 47

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEWSOME

NEWSOME GIRLS BASKETBALL WINS TAMPA BAY CHRISTMAS INVITATIONAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND BRACKET The Newsome High erything that School girls basketthey had out on ball team had a winthe court,” said ter break to rememPalmer. “If we ber, as they won the would have lost Tampa Bay Christthe ball game, mas Invitational I wouldn’t have Anna Maria Island hung my head a Bracket, sponsored bit, only because by Seffner Christian I know they gave Academy at the new everything on the Wiregrass complex. court.” The Lady Wolves defeated East Bay The senior-lad49-37, Tampa Prep en team sits at 32-17 and Durant 9-3 currently and 38-25, en route to has high expectathe tournament victions for the rest tory. Newsome is led of the season. by fourth year Head The team hopes Coach Scott Palmto have one of its er. Palmer said that key players back the wins were due from injury soon, to the team’s focus Newsome girls basketball team won the 2020 Tampa Bay Invitational Anna Maria Island Bracket. Jenna Funderburke played a key role in the that being senior on stepping up their Wolves’ tournament win. Maddy Vaira, who defensive intensity. ia Castro. Palmer said that sophomore the holiday break, “The cool thing about our team is that wing Theresa Hospodarek played a key but decided to compete in the Tampa went down with a we don’t have that kid that’s going to role on defense, starting the game by Bay Christmas Invitational this year, knee injury. score 25 points a game, but we will play “My individual goal is to return to guarding the opposing teams best of- and will continue to do so in the future great defense and we have the kids that playing after being injured,” said Vaira. fensive player. Sophomore forward Kay- because of the strong competition. The will get 10 points here and six points Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational is “My team goal is to continue winning there, so it’s hard for other defenses to la Ludwig was the bracket’s MVP. “It felt really good to win our bracket, one of the biggest and most competi- and to win our district.” go and focus on one kid,” said Palmer. Newsome won their first district we started to work really well as a team tive winter tournaments in the country, “We really are a complete team.” championship in school history in 2019 Key players for the Lady Wolves and got back into our winning rhythm,” with plans to expand to 128 total teams and returned to regionals in 2020. They during the tournament run include se- said Funderburke. divided up into different brackets. nior guard Jenna Funderburke, senior Palmer said that his team in the past “They came together and played as have a chance to make three straight guard Casey Deck and senior wing Lyd- hosted their own tournament during a team, and I think that they left ev- regional appearances.

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